This is page numbers 2243 - 2298 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was going.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Members' statements. Item 4, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 5, reports of committees on the review of bills. Member for Thebacha.

Bill 16: An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act
Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

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Frieda Martselos

Frieda Martselos Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee would like to report on its consideration of Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act. Bill 16 received second reading in the Legislative Assembly on November 2, 2020, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations for review. On February 25, 2021, the standing committee held a public meeting with the Minister of Finance and completed its clause-by-clause review of the bill. Mr. Speaker, the committee reports that Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole as amended and reprinted. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 16: An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act
Reports Of Committees On The Review Of Bills

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The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 6, reports of standing and special committees. Member for Kam Lake.

Caitlin Cleveland

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your Standing Committee on Social Development is pleased to provide its report on the review of Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act, and commends it to the House.

Introduction

Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act, received second reading in the Legislative Assembly and was referred to the Standing Committee on Social Development October 29, 2020. Bill 13 amends Interpretation Act to remove references to Mountain Standard Time and Daylight Savings Time and replaces them with a reference to one standard time. Bill 13 will allow the Commissioner in Executive Council to replace the current Daylight Savings Time regulations, with permanent year-round time standard regulations.

Public Review of Bill 13

Committee invited written and in-person submissions from municipal and Indigenous governments, organizations, education councils, and the business community. Committee received seven written submissions from:

  • Nahanni Construction Ltd. / Cold Weather Construction Experts
  • Dehcho Divisional Education Council
  • Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah Administration
  • Sahtu Divisional Education Council
  • Mayor and Council, Town of Hay River
  • Dave Nickerson
  • David Wasylciw

Submissions received by committee are attached in appendix A, and committee thanks those who took the time to share their views. The submissions received by committee are broadly supportive of allowing the Government to amend Daylight Savings Time to one fixed time. Committee notes that the submission from the mayor and council of the Town of Hay River provided support conditional on Alberta advancing changes to one standard time.

Committee Review

Committee also considered recommendations from the work done by the 18th Legislative Assembly's Standing Committee on Social Development. In the report, Review of Motion 32-18(2), Referral of Petition 6-18(2), Elimination of Time Change in the Northwest Territories, committee acknowledges an elevated level of attention from the public. Petition 6-18(2) had 533 signatures from residents of 18 different NWT communities, supporting the Government of the Northwest Territories to move to one standard time.

Prior to making any changes to the Daylight Savings Time Regulations, committee report recommendations advise the Government of Northwest Territories to consider conducting broad public and targeted stakeholder engagement and to consult with counterparts in Alberta.

Concerns

In their review of Bill 13, committee shared concerns about the lack of options for government public engagement and consultation prior to the Commissioner in Executive Council making changes to the Daylight Savings Time regulations. This concern was addressed by a committee motion to amend Bill 13. Committee's motion requires the Minister to conduct public engagement with residents of the Northwest Territories regarding the elimination of the time change and prior to the setting of standard time.

Clause-By-Clause Review

A clause-by-clause review of the bill and public hearing was held on February 9, 2021. Committee moved one motion to amend Bill 13, which is attached in appendix B. The motion was carried, and the Minister concurred with the motion. Committee thanks the honourable R.J. Simpson, Minister of Justice, and members of his staff for their appearance before committee.

Conclusion

Following the clause-by-clause review, a motion was carried to report Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act, as amended and reprinted, as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Committee thanks all those who took the time to make written submissions on this bill. This concludes the standing committee's review of Bill 13. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

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

Motion to Receive and Adopt Committee Report 11-19(2), Carried
Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

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Caitlin Cleveland

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, that the Standing Committee on Social Development report on Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act be received and adopted by the Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Motion to Receive and Adopt Committee Report 11-19(2), Carried
Reports Of Standing And Special Committees

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The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. The motion is in order and is non-debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? Any abstentions? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Reports of standing and special committees. Item 7, returns to oral questions. Item 8, acknowledgements. Item 9, oral questions. Member for Hay River South.

Question 619-19(2): Agriculture
Oral Questions

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Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The questions will be for the Minister responsible for ITI. Currently, the GNWT has an Agriculture Strategy which is nearing its good-until-2022 expiry date. Can the Minister clarify the reference dated time frame of 2017 to 2022 with respect to the Agriculture Strategy? Is the department considering an update or a revision based on progress or lack of it over the last four years? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 619-19(2): Agriculture
Oral Questions

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The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Question 619-19(2): Agriculture
Oral Questions

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Caroline Wawzonek

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am very happy to say that we certainly are planning to have a new strategy, and with respect to success or not, I can say that, when the strategy first began back in 2017, there were very few commercial producers. We are now numbering roughly eight to 10 with some significant growth in the area. We are gathering the information now, and I would expect that more formal engagements will happen beginning possibly as early as the end of this year and, if not, early in 2022 so that it is ready indeed to roll out in due course next year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 619-19(2): Agriculture
Oral Questions

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Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

The agriculture strategy states that, in order to develop the agriculture sector, regulations, legislation, and policies are required at all levels of government to enable the sector to grow and function. Under current legislation, the NWT's agricultural sector has limited room to grow. Production of meats and fish are two areas of concern. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister confirm what, if any, progress is being made with respect to addressing the issue of legislation and policy that is happening in our agricultural sector?

Question 619-19(2): Agriculture
Oral Questions

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Caroline Wawzonek

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

With respect to meat regulations, that work is right now actively taking place in my colleague's department, Health and Social Services, and that indeed is part of the mandate and, as such, is moving along and will be reported on in that regard. Beyond that, Mr. Speaker, there is also now, newly formed, the territorial agriculture agri-food association. That is an entity that is very active in this space and one that I would certainly commend producers to be involved with as an advocacy group to identify any other barriers that may exist. Last, Mr. Speaker, there is recently rolled out the red tape working group for small- and medium-sized businesses, which I suspect a number of the businesses in this sector would likely fall into that category. To the extent that they are facing continued barriers, I would urge them that, once that group starts rolling out, that they would please contact them so we can indeed address those barriers.

Question 619-19(2): Agriculture
Oral Questions

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Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Capacity building opportunities are important. As a First Nations person, I find the best way to learn is always hands-on training that meets regional and local needs. Mr. Speaker, I would ask the Minister to consider ensuring that all communities throughout the Northwest Territories have access to a greenhouse and the tools required to support training and capacity building around agriculture.

Question 619-19(2): Agriculture
Oral Questions

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Caroline Wawzonek

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

I certainly am keen to see what can be done with respect to ensuring that we continue to grow this industry, not only in terms of its commercial value but also as far as it may impact on food security more generally. For now, Mr. Speaker, what I can say: if there is a community that is looking to have a greenhouse, looking to have access to some agricultural opportunities, I would urge them to speak to their local economic development officer or other ITI officer. There are programs and projects that can help support them, whether in terms of the training that may be needed or in terms of some community funding opportunities. I certainly would say again is that, if those are areas of interest, they should please reach out. We certainly have resources available.

Question 619-19(2): Agriculture
Oral Questions

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The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Hay River South.

Question 619-19(2): Agriculture
Oral Questions

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Rocky Simpson

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I previously said, if we are expected to grow the industry, then we have to provide the support and tools required to make that happen. We can start with our institutions, such as corrections facilities. As both these facilities are under the responsibility of the same Minister, will the Minister of ITI commit to working with the Minister of ECE and Justice to establish small-scale greenhouses on institutional grounds to further the interests of the agricultural sector? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 619-19(2): Agriculture
Oral Questions

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Caroline Wawzonek

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

Those two departments, while under one Minister, have different areas, and they may not necessarily flow into the agriculture-commercial sector, for which ITI is responsible. Notwithstanding, Mr. Speaker, I was happy to discover very recently through my colleague that take a kid gardening is, in fact, a program that exists in schools across the Northwest Territories. Absolutely, I will commit to speaking to the Minister of ECE and the Minister of Justice to see what we can do to bring some synergy to this area and to agriculture more broadly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 619-19(2): Agriculture
Oral Questions

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The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Monfwi.

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] When I did the Member's statement, the one on behalf of the words of the elders, the words of the elderly ladies were talking about while they were standing, just like them standing here, asking the government. Because we are asking questions on behalf of the elders, the Minister of Infrastructure, I have a question for you. [Translation ends] The Minister of Infrastructure talked about engineering in her statement earlier. I would like to ask questions about this, the sorry inconsideration her and her department has for hundreds of people driving back and forth between Yellowknife and Behchoko on a daily basis. You would think, with their great feats of engineering, that they might give minor passing thought to the biological needs of people driving those roads. I am talking about simple places to relieve themselves. Mr. Speaker, the first question I have for the Minister is: why don't we have on Highway No. 3 and beyond to all our communities restrooms along the three side turnouts between Behchoko and Yellowknife? Mr. Speaker, Masi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister of Infrastructure.

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The outhouses between Yellowknife and Behchoko were brought up in the House either this week or last week. The Department of Infrastructure and Department of ITI are both working in partnership in ensuring that we have adequate facilities along the way, including pullouts, because we continue to improve, promote, and deliver safety through investments in infrastructure because highway safety is our utmost priority. I do want to let the Member know that the Department of ITI and Infrastructure will be looking at developing a management plan in order to have a look at some of the highways, not only on Highway No. 3, but all along all the other highways in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, we have 10 highways in the Northwest Territories, and we need to ensure that there is some safety out there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

I did not hear much of an answer there. Highway safety, as the Minister indicated, we need to put that into actions; less talk, less study. We have experienced a tragic accident on the highway numerous occasions, and here we are still deliberating in the House about restrooms along the highway. There is urgent need. Mr. Speaker, I don't know how else I can relay that message, the importance of having those restrooms along the highway. Just putting into action on the general standards for providing public toilets or restrooms on the well-used highways like Highway No. 3, has her department, the Minister of Infrastructure, thought of devolving a position on this particular question that I have in this House?

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

No, we have not looked at developing a specific position for this outhouse and that, but we did talk about looking at another, perhaps, highway safety and look at perhaps bringing it to appropriations for some extra funding for finance. I hope I have answered the Member's question in terms of looking at working with ITI and to be able to come up with a management plan. I think that is the key here, is we need to have a look at it, address the safety issues, and come up with a plan.

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

[Translation] Yes, there are questions I have. I am talking about the elderly ladies, the elderly ladies. I am talking on behalf of what I was told. The Minister, we have to respect. Though we always say, "Let's work with one another; let's work with one another," that is not what I am hearing. These words of the elders are very important. [Translation ends] This is not an outhouse we are talking about. We are talking about restrooms along the highway. Will the Minister commit to coming back to this House with plans and funding for the construction of at least a minimum of one or two public washrooms or restrooms along highways between Yellowknife and Behchoko? I don't mean a long line of promises, study. We are tired of studying. It's a very simple problem that -- to death. A promise to put a 20-year plan in place, this is part of the commitment that needs to be made in this House. I need to bring the message back to the elder who particularly asked me, and I'm not getting any answers today. Can there be a plan in place that can be brought back to this House?

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

This is not a simple answer. We have to work with a variety of departments within the GNWT to look at it. There is some work that is involved; pullouts between Yellowknife and Behchoko, there are a number of things we need to look at. We need to see if there is space and provide technical support to ITI's efforts to fund and build outhouses, should ITI decide to do so. I'm not saying that we would commit to it because I can't. I need to work with the Department of Infrastructure to be able to look at some of the technical requirements to putting an outhouse there and whether the department is going to be able to find some funding and work together with this.