This is page numbers 4635 - 4688 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 know.

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Member's Statement 1191-19(2): Eulogy for Therese Bertrand
Members' Statements

October 18th, 2022

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Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Therese Bertrand was born on March 1st, 1934, at Fisherman Lake. Her parents were Marie Angele and Laurent Deneron. She passed away on May 22nd, 2022, at the age of 88. Therese was raised at Fisherman Lake in the springtime, and during the fall, her parents and siblings spent time on the land in Yunaa, also called "across the river".

She met her husband Phillip Bertrand in 1949 when she was 15 years old. They moved to Maxhamish where they raised their nine children.

Therese was brought up in the traditional Dene lifestyle by lakes with lots of fish, birds, animals with her parents and siblings. Phillip and Therese raised their own children the same way, making sure that their children were taught these same skills.

She was known for being ready and willing to help her children with the task of providing and help looking after her children when needed. As it could be seen, she loved each and every one of them.

Therese Dene's name was Amah. Everyone called her that. The family tells a story that one day she heard a knock on her door. When she opened it, there was an RCMP member there, and he asked her, Amah, where is so and so. She replied in Slavey saying he was over there. The RCMP stood and replied, Mashi, Amah. As the member left her house, she turned to the visitor and said, I have a lot of people call me Amah, but I did not know I had a son who was an RCMP member. They both laughed. But that was how people thought of her. She will always be remembered for her bannock, dry fish, dry meat, and tea she would share when people come to visit her. On top of the great food, she would tell stories and share her laughter with them. As well, she had an amazing sense of humour which people still hold on in their hearts.

Therese was predeceased by her parents, husband, five brother, four sisters, one son, and two daughters. She leaves behind one brother, one daughter, six sons, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, and other nieces and nephews.

Mr. Speaker, she will be forever missed by her surviving family and friends. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community. Members' statements. Member for Range Lake.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour former deputy minister and public servant Tom Williams who lost his battle with cancer just this past August. Born and raised in the Northwest Territories, Tom dedicated his life to the North and was a well-respected member of every community he lived in. Tom started his career in the public service over 30 years ago as a personnel officer in Inuvik. As a proud Metis, Tom earned respect from Indigenous people and leadership across the North.

In 2001, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Gwich'in Tribal Council where he spent seven years advancing priorities of the Gwich'in people and supporting leadership.

In 2008, Tom accepted the position of associate deputy minister for the Department of Human Resources. In August 2009, Tom was promoted to deputy minister of Human Resources with the Government of the Northwest Territories, a long journey from the personnel officer position that first brought him to public service.

Tom was appointed as deputy minister of Municipal and Community Affairs in 2011 and in September 2016 became the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation where he would end his storied career serving residents of all 33 communities.

I remember working with Tom when I was the housing minister and the incredible work we got done during that time. I will miss him.

Mr. Speaker, Tom was not only a dedicated public servant but a family man who cared deeply about those closest to him, especially his grandchildren who he talked about often.

He also loved hockey and invested his free time over the years in the hockey rink coaching youth across the Northwest Territories the game of hockey. He was also a goaltender who played until his knees just wouldn't let him anymore, this after almost 48 years between the pipes.

Tom has left a lasting legacy on the Northwest Territories and is an example of just what one can do with hard work and dedication. Mr. Speaker, Tom Williams will be missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Range Lake. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Pam and the family, also his many friends that he had throughout the Northwest Territories. I remember when Tom was our CEO at the Gwich'in Tribal Council, and it's like we became a big family at the time, you know, over the years. He'll be greatly missed by many. Mahsi.

Members' statements. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

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

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Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, I'm pleased to recognize the oral health professionals from the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority and the Department of Health and Social Services. They're in Yellowknife for an oral health conference to increase their knowledge in health promotion and preventative services. We have with us today, Adama Stevens from Inuvik, Julia Erasmus from Fort Simpson, Valerie Herring from Fort Smith, Travy Bowser, Lana de Bastiani, and Zoe Ignacio-Pacunayen, and Meagan Smith working out of Yellowknife. Thank you for all the work you do, and thank you for joining us.

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

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The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife Centre. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nahendeh.

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

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Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to also recognize Julia Erasmus. Her parents live across, and I've had the pleasure of knowing Julia for a long time. She did a lot of dental work with my kids. Not saying they had dental problems, but.

As well, MaryJane Cazon, our translator who speaks Dene Zhatie here, as well Jamie Koe, deputy minister for Lands, as well Pam. Thank you very much for being here. Sorry about your loss. Tommy was an amazing individual and when we'd talk about being in his pipes, he'd always sit there and laugh at me and say, you're never ever gonna score a goal on me. And then he'd just sit there and laugh at me as the puck would go in his gloves. So thank you for being here.

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

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The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Honourable Premier.

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

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Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize a Range Lake constituent and the wife of Tom Williams, Ms. Pamela Williams and his daughter Aurora. My heart is with you. And call me if you need me.

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

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The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Honourable Premier. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave.

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

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Katrina Nokleby

Katrina Nokleby Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize my constituent and neighbour Lana de Bastiani, and I appreciate that the Minister said your name because I don't know that I would have been able to pronounce it properly. And I'd also like to recognize Natalie Preston with the CBC who has been here with us this week. Thank you.

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

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The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu.

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

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Paulie Chinna

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize Ms. Pam Williams and her daughter Aurora as well too. And my work with Tom as well and looking at what we created and what we're working towards within the portfolio is his legacy. People of the Northwest Territories was his priority, and we continue to work within that mandate. Mahsi for his work, and mahsi for being here today. Thank you.

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

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The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Welcome. If we have missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the Chamber. I hope you're enjoying our proceedings. It's always nice to have an audience with us. Mahsi.

Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Member for Nunakput.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Report on Bill 52, Elevators and Lifts Act. Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment is pleased to provide the Report on Bill 52, Elevators and Lifts Act, and commends it into the House.

Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment, Bill 52 Elevators and Lifts Act.

Introduction

Bill 52 Elevators and Lifts Act is the creation of a stand-alone Act aimed to align the NWT legislation with other jurisdictions. Bill 52 deals with regulation of the installation, use of, inspection of, elevating devices, including lifts and amusement rides.

Engagement Process

The bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment (committee) on May 31st, 2022. Public notices were provided to solicit comments on the bill. None were received. Committee held a public hearing and clause-by-clause review of the bill with the Minister and departmental officials on September 28th, 2022.

Committee Concerns

Section 68 of the bill describes a report to be provided to the Minister from the chief inspector. Committee is concerned that the details of this report are vague and there is no requirement that the report would be publicly available. During the public hearing held on the bill, the Minister agreed that the annual report should be made available to the public and that all the contents and details would be prescribed in the regulations.

Recommendation 1

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT make the report as described in section 68 of the Act publicly available including details not limited to number of permits issued and in good standing, number of approvals, orders issued, prosecutions and fines, and inspections, etc.

Section 13 of the Act describes the registry content. The bill outlines committee was concerned about the lack of clarity around the type of information collected in the registry, and how it may be made publicly available. During the review of the bill, it was stated that there is already a registry in place and plans are being developed to make it public. The Minister also committed to share draft regulations with committee to implement the new legislation.

Recommendation 2

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends that the GNWT proactively disclose the information contained in the registry described in section 13 of the Act by making it publicly available without any fees for access.

Recommendation 3

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT provide a response to this report within 120 days.

Conclusion

This concludes the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment Report on Bill 52, Elevators and Lifts Act. Committee would like to thank the Minister and departmental officials in committee's review of the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Reports of standing and special committees. Member for Nunakput.

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I move, second by the honourable Member from Deh Cho, that the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment Report, Bill 52, Elevators and Lifts Act, to be received by the Assembly and moved into Committee of the Whole for further consideration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Any abstentions? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Report on Bill 52 will be moved into Committee of the Whole.

Reports of standing and special committees. Member for Yellowknife North.

Rylund Johnson

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to provide its Report on the Review of the 2020-2021 Annual Report of the Ombud and commends it to the House.

Introduction

The Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed the 2020-2021 Annual Report of the Ombud.

The Ombud Act requires the Ombud to prepare an annual report. The report includes information on the number of inquiries and complaints received. It can also include recommendations. The Speaker tables the report in the Legislative Assembly. Once tabled, the committee reviews the report. As part of the review the Ombud, Ms. Colette Langlois, appeared before committee on February 11, 2022.

The committee commends her user-friendly approach in her annual report. The strong visuals, plain language, and ample statistics provided an excellent template to understand the Ombud's activities. The committee report follows up on previous recommendations from the Ombud and from committee to improve the Ombud Act - work that the Government of the Northwest Territories has declined to pursue in the life of the 19th Assembly.

The committee also makes two substantive recommendations in this report:

  • First, that the GNWT review and amend the Ombud Act by Fall 2025; and,
  • Second, that the Speaker amend the Rules of the Northwest Territories Assembly to allow annual reports of statutory officers to be made available to the public sooner. The committee is pleased to submit this report to the Legislative Assembly and looks forward to its earnest consideration.

I'll now pass it over to the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

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

Richard Edjericon

Richard Edjericon Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In October 2020, the Speaker tabled the Ombud's first-ever annual report for 2019-20. The Ombud's report made 14 for legislative changes to the Act. The recommendations were informed by:

  • The Ombud's review of legislation in other jurisdictions;
  • The advice she received from other Ombuds and legal professionals; and.
  • The issues that arose when responding to individual complaints in her first year in the role.

The Ombud made her recommendations "with the intent of ensuring that my office is fully enabled to fulfill the purpose and vision with which the Legislative Assembly created it."

Committee endorsed many of the Ombud's recommendations in our subsequent review report. That report was tabled in May 2021 and discussed in Committee of the Whole.

The Legislative Assembly ultimately adopted seven motions that recommended changes to the Act. At the time, Members hoped that the GNWT would put forward amending legislation in the remaining two years of the 19th Assembly. In this regard, the GNWT's November 2021 response was disappointing. The GNWT agreed to reconsider certain recommendations but only in the context of "full review".

On other recommendation, the GNWT expressed caution or reluctance for future consideration. The GNWT ultimately declined to pursue any legislative changes in the life of the 19th Assembly, determining that the timing would be "more appropriate" in the 20th Assembly. However, the GNWT has not committed to pursue changes to the 20th Assembly either. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Reports of standing and special committees. Member for Yellowknife North.

Rylund Johnson

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Previous recommendations still stand. Some are high priority

At her February 2021 appearance before committee, the Ombud confirmed that the outstanding recommendations in her first 2019-2020 Annual Report are still relevant. She reported that "the recommendations really haven't changed" and that she would "certainly repeat them before the end of her mandate to ensure they are still on the record." The committee believes it is important to reiterate the Ombud's recommendations, as long as they remain unimplemented, before the end of her mandate.

Her recommendations for changing the Ombud Act are:

  1. Broaden the definition of "authorities" to include territorial government offices that are excluded from the current schedules.
  2. Include the authorities created under the Human Rights Act in the schedule.
  3. Remove references to "judicial review" in section 17.
  4. Amend subsection 17(2) to remove the requirement that the Ombud consider whether a complainant's failure to exercise a right of appeal or objection was "unreasonable" before accepting a complaint.
  5. Replace subsection 17(3) with a provision that authorizes the Ombud to investigate matters that occurred before into force of the Act, without any limitation period.
  6. Remove the reference to the director of human rights from section 23.
  7. Amend subparagraph 22(1)(g)(i) so that it applies before an investigation as well as during the course of the investigation.
  8. Amend paragraph 22(2)(a) to remove the requirement for the Ombud to notify the authority any time the Ombud refuses to investigate a complaint.
  9. Replace section 29 with a provision similar to subsection 25(7) of the Ombudsman Act (Saskatchewan) to remove potential barriers to investigating some complaints where complainants cannot provide written consent to disclosure of their information, or where third party information is required.
  10. Amend the Act to include a new provision ensuring that authorities are permitted to provide information to the Ombud voluntarily.
  11. Amend the Act to include a new provision preventing the disclosure of information originating from the Office of the Ombud.
  12. Remove the requirement for the Ombud's policies and procedures to comply with administrative policies of the clerk.
  13. Replace the term "authority" with a term that would be more recognizable to members of the public.
  14. Revise subsection 15(1) for clarity.

In her remarks, the Ombud placed the highest priority on recommendations dealing with her jurisdiction to investigate complaints. This topic corresponds to recommendations number 1 through 6.

The Ombud's jurisdictional recommendations are important because they impact the public and whether they can make a complaint.

I'll now pass it over to MLA Semmler. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.