Debates of June 3rd, 2022
This is page numbers 4497 - 4544 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.
Topics
- Oral Questions
- Members Present
- Prayer
- Minister's Statement 258-19(2): Distinctions-Based Funding Announcement
- Minister's Statement 259-19(2): Update on Health System Human Resources
- Minister's Statement 260-19(2): Update on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- Minister's Statement 261-19(2): Acknowledging Education Hall of Fame Inductees and 2022 Grade 12 Graduates
- Member's Statement 1140-19(2): Congratulations to Graduates
- Member's Statement 1141-19(2): Hunters and Trappers Disaster Assistance
- Member's Statement 1142-19(2): Financial Transparency for Infrastructure Spending
- Member's Statement 1143-19(2): Warm Wishes for Summer 2022
- Member's Statement 1144-19(2): 2022 Skills Canada National Competition
- Member's Statement 1145-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
- Member's Statement 1146-19(2): National Indigenous History Month
- Member's Statement 1147-19(2): Housing Northwest Territories Community Residency Policy
- Member's Statement 1148-19(2): Congratulations and Well-Wishes to Constituents
- Member's Statement 1149-19(2): Reflections on Consensus Government
- Member's Statement 1150-19(2): Cyber-Bullying
- Member's Statement 1151-19(2): Recognizing 2022 Youth Parliament Participant Aubrey Sluggett
- Oral Question 1143-19(2): Infrastructure Issues at Ecole Boreale
- Oral Question 1144-19(2): Cost of the Whati Transmission Line
- Oral Question 1145-19(2): Hunters and Trappers Disaster Assistance Policy
- Oral Question 1146-19(2): Housing Northwest Territories Community Residency Policy
- Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
- Oral Question 1148-19(2): Functions of Local Housing Authorities
- Oral Question 1149-19(2): Reconciliation and Completion of Rights Agreements
- Oral Question 1150-19(2): Administration of Lands and Financial Securities
- Oral Question 1151-19(2): Fort Good Hope Seniors' Facility
- Oral Question 1152-19(2): Apology from Pope Francis to Indigenous People
- Oral Question 1153-19(2): Fort Good Hope Seniors' Facility
- Oral Question 1154-19(2): Lessons Learned and Mitigation of Future Flooding in Hay River
- Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)
- Written Question 44-19(2): Contracts for Work Related to the Slave Geological Corridor
- Written Question 46-19(2): Contracts for Work Related to the Taltson Hydro Expansion
- Written Question 46-19(2): Post-Devolution Mining Revenues to the Government of the Northwest Territories
- Written Question 47-19(2): Status of Housing Renovations in the Tlicho Region
- Tabled Document 673-19(2): NWT State of Environment Report 2022
- Tabled Document 674-19(2): 2022-23 Consolidated Budget Tabled Document 675-19(2): Inter-Activity Transfers Exceeding $250,000 (April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022) Tabled Document 676-19(2): Socio-Economic Analysis of Parsons' Procurement at the Giant Mine Site - Summary, May 11, 2022
- Tabled Document 677-19(2): The Cost of Addressing Core Housing Need in the Northwest Territories
- Tabled Document 678-19(2): Child and Family Services Quality Improvement Plan and the Strategic Approach to System Reform 2019-2021, April 2022 Tabled Document 679-19(2): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services System Human Resources Plan 2021-2024
- Tabled Document 680-19(2): Summary of Members' Absences for the Period February 21 to May 25, 2022
- Motion 58-19(2): A Strategy to Match Canada's Population Growth, Carried
- Recorded Vote
- Motion 59-19(2): Extended Adjournment of the House to October 13, 2022, Carried
- Recorded Vote
- Bill 54: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2022-2023
- Bill 55: Supplementary Appropriation Act, (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2022-2023
- Bill 54: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2022-2023, Carried
- Recorded Vote
- Bill 55: Supplementary Appropriation Act, (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2022-2023, Carried
- Recorded Vote
- Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
- Committee Report 31-19(2): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on Bill 40: An Act to Amend the Medical Profession Act
- Committee Motion 245-19(2): Committee Report 31-19(2): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on the Review of Bill 40: An Act to Amend the Medical Profession Act - Standards of Practice for Physicians Practicing in the Northwest Territories, Carried
- Committee Motion 246-19(2): Committee Report 31-19(2): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on the Review of Bill 40: An Act to Amend the Medical Profession Act - Consultation on Proposed Standards for Physicians in the Northwest Territories, Carried
- Committee Motion 247-19(2): Committee Report 31-19(2): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on the Review of Bill 40: An Act to Amend the Medical Profession Act - Consultation on with Territorial Physician Executive, Carried
- Committee Motion 248-19(2): Committee Report 31-19(2): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on the Review of Bill 40: An Act to Amend the Medical Profession Act - Government Response to Recommendations, Carried
- Committee Report 30-19(2): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on the Review of the 2020-2021 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
- Committee Motion 249-19(2): Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2020-2021 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner - Employee Training on Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
- Committee Motion 250-19(2): Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2020-2021 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner - Policies for Public Service Use of Handheld Mobile Devices, Carried
- Committee Motion 251-19(2): Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2020-2021 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner - Faxing in Health and Social Services System, Carried
- Committee Motion 252-19(2): Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2020-2021 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner - Compliance with Section 72(2) of the ATIPPA, Carried
- Committee Motion 253-19(2): Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2020-2021 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner - Government Response to Recommendations, Carried
- Report Of Committee Of The Whole
- Bill 40: An Act to Amend the Medical Profession Act, Carried
- Bill 54: Supplementary Appropriations Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2022-2023, Carried
- Bill 55: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2022-2023, Carried
- Assent To Bills
- Orders Of The Day
Oral Question 1146-19(2): Housing Northwest Territories Community Residency Policy
Oral Questions
Page 4512

Caitlin Cleveland Kam Lake
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister keeps speaking about fairness. But if a policy goes against the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the MMIWG, on the anniversary that it was tabled, if it goes against the TRC Calls to Action, then it's not fair; it's not a fair policy, and this is not a discussion about fairness. This is a discussion about Housing having a prioritization tool that doesn't work, and they won't change it. So at what point will Housing realize that this policy has unintended consequences and they need to step in and create policies that work? Thank you.
Oral Question 1146-19(2): Housing Northwest Territories Community Residency Policy
Oral Questions
Page 4512

Paulie Chinna Sahtu
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And like I have said, we are right now, in the current time, we are reviewing those policies. As we speak, the department is working on them, and I am confident that we're going to be looking at future changes. And I know that -- you know, I've had the portfolio for three years. We are seeing significant changes throughout the Northwest Territories. And I know the Member's very passionate about this policy. She would like to see the changes made. The policy right now is out there for recommendations, for comments, and bringing that back. But I really want to stress to the Member that I did not hear any concerns from the local housing authorities when looking at the residency policy. But my commitment is to bring this back to those meetings that are happening and looking at further changes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Oral Question 1146-19(2): Housing Northwest Territories Community Residency Policy
Oral Questions
Page 4512
Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
Oral Questions
June 3rd, 2022
Page 4512

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake
Merci, Monsieur le President. My questions are for the Minister of Finance about preparation of the 2023-2024 Operations Budget.
This Minister's carried out budget consultations each of the last three years, and I support that initiative. Can the Minister tell us whether there will be public budget consultations again this with year and whether there will be any serious discussion of the need for more revenues? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
Oral Questions
Page 4513
Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
Oral Questions
Page 4513

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would be interested to hear what one of the other colleagues might have to say about preparation of the operations budgets. But I'm happy to answer it.
And Mr. Speaker, before I do, let me just note that this process of doing the budget dialogues, or what's become budget dialogues, did come originally from other MLAs. So, you know, I do want to acknowledge that that idea came from them and it's been a helpful experience every year. We are doing it again. I had hoped to have it out a little earlier but with all the work that's happening with the impacts of the floods, it didn't get out yet.
I can say, and I'm happy to have the opportunity to say this here, is that we are looking at public engagement on July the 8th and the 19th. Again, as a virtual town hall. Likely to keep it virtual for now, Mr. Speaker, so that we can be accessible to all residents across the Northwest Territories. Then, as in keeping with prior years, we will be doing some targeted sessions in Indigenous governments, Indigenous government organizations, the Northwest Territories Association of Communities, the nonprofit sector, and business and chamber organizations. And those will be taking place over July 4th to 8th.
And Mr. Speaker, I take note of the comments around having information out early. The target for getting the materials out is June 20th. So definitely looking to be a few weeks ahead of the engagements.
There was a second question in there, Mr. Speaker, I think with respect to around discussion of the need for revenues.
Mr. Speaker, the budget dialogues presents and outlines how the budget is created, what's in the budget, tries to give a sense of where revenues come from, makes note of the fact that roughly 80 percent come from the federal government, but certainly with respect to that remaining portion, there's materials within the discussion papers that will allow some discussion around what other options there are. Thank you.
Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
Oral Questions
Page 4513

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake
Merci, Monsieur le President. I love when I get announcements in the House. It is good news, and I thank the Minister for that. But, however, I have been disappointed over the last six years at the lack of analysis and serious consideration of new revenues for the NWT.
Can the Minister tell us whether she will revise the revenue options paper with more recent numbers, especially in light of inflation and some of the factors that I had discussed in my Member's statement, and ensure it has a more balanced approach for these budget 2023-2024 consultations. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
Oral Questions
Page 4513

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the revenue options paper does get looked at and reviewed every year. I'm not sure that we'll ever get to a point perhaps about bringing all of us as to what should be in there or what it should say. But we do look back at it every year. And there's been changes made, thanks to the feedback that I've received specifically from the MLAs before it goes out.
With respect to this year in terms of revenue forecasts, again, certainly the point is to take into account what's happening in the world at any particular time, including this year where although we may be through the pandemic, there are quite a number of factors impacting on economics and economic circumstances not only for our government, for other governments, and for the business community.
So we'll be doing our best. Obviously that is to -- literally in the midst of happening in the moment, but we're doing our best to reflect that in the materials. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
Oral Questions
Page 4513

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake
Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for those comments to look at the revenue options paper. I hope to get a new one. And of course the Minister's no doubt well aware of the devastating impacts of the Hay River flooding. And I'm hearing that there could be as many as 350 or 400 applications under our Disaster Assistance Policy. Government infrastructures going to require serious remediation. And, you know, we may even need to relocate folks or West Point First Nation.
So can the Minister tell us whether there is a preliminary estimate for the Hay River flood recovery costs and what impact is expected on budget 2023-2024? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
Oral Questions
Page 4514

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Finance and Municipal and Community Affairs are working together along with other impacted departments to look at the numbers, to have numbers tabulated. Registrations are still coming in, and the impacts of each of those registrations are still coming in. Not everyone is seeking the maximum. There's still parties who are inquiring as to their insurance circumstances. The pathfinders are in the communities working through those questions.
So, you know, I don't want to say that we don't have preliminary numbers because we do have certainly numbers that are being collated and tabulated along the way. But until we're in a position where there's some certainty around those numbers at least to the point of being able to give an estimate that is somewhat meaningful, then, Mr. Speaker, we're not going to be putting those out at this point. They're not helpful. They are not helpful numbers for the purpose of communicating the circumstance. But I just don't want to give the impression that we aren't already running numbers and looking at what the impacts will be because we certainly are.
And, you know, I will say we have over the last year been communicating on a monthly basis with MLAs providing some updates on what was happening in response to last year's floods. Mr. Speaker, it's my expectation we certainly will continue to do the same for the next year with respect to the recovery from the current year's floods. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
Oral Questions
Page 4514
Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
Oral Questions
Page 4514

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake
Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that. I mentioned in my statement that inflation is expected to continue at record levels probably for the foreseeable future. I'm starting to get concerns from constituents about the impact of inflation on their quality of life, particularly those on fixed incomes.
Can the Minister tell us whether there will be increases to any NWT tax credits, increases to income support programs, or other measures to assist those NWT residents on fixed incomes as part of the budget 2023-2024? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
Oral Questions
Page 4514

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the concerns around inflation are not limited to only those on fixed incomes. I'm certainly also hearing from all residents, from the business sector, from the non-profits concerns around inflation, rising costs, cost of fuel. They are live considerations. I'm well aware. The department's well aware. The government is well aware that these are concerns and that people are worried, and that's quite fair.
At the moment and in light of that, Mr. Speaker, there's certainly not any expectation for tax increases. With respect to tax credits, that's not under consideration at this time. I would note for folks that may be on income support or other fixed measures, other subsidies, when there's increased demand on those programs, that does come to the Financial Management Board, and in general, that would be considered more forced growth.
So, you know, there certainly is still the ability there to continue to support the people who are already receiving support type programs or support type subsidies.
With respect to whether there needs to be an entirely new type of relief, I'll continue to say what I've said in the recent days which is that when we say we're monitoring a situation, it doesn't literally mean just reading the newspapers. It does mean, in fact, monitoring the situation actively to determine at what point some other sort of additional or new relief does get to be introduced. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Oral Question 1147-19(2): 2023-2024 Government of the Northwest Territories Budget Preparation
Oral Questions
Page 4514

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Minister. Colleagues, before we continue, I'd like to recognize our Languages Commissioner, Ms. Brenda Gauthier. Welcome to the Chamber.
Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.
Oral Question 1148-19(2): Functions of Local Housing Authorities
Oral Questions
Page 4514

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to continue the conversation the Member of Kam Lake was having about what housing authorities and LHOs do. I think, you know, a fair characterization of our LHOs is that they are property management companies; they are responsible for the maintenance of the units, and they are responsible for the intake. But they have no control over policies. That is directed to them by the Housing Corp. They are agents of the policies of the Housing Corp. They're not capable of doing anything that the Housing Corp does not want.
So it kind of seems to me that an odd thing to prioritize at the local level of control housing maintenance was what we really wanted.
I'm just wondering as part of the review whether we are conducting a review that would look at what the proper function or perhaps some alternative models of local control would be. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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