This is page numbers 5187 - 5214 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 work.

Topics

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my riding in Nunakput are resource rich and cash poor. Our land, we have enough oil and gas for the Inuvialuit to prosper for generations. But, Mr. Speaker, resources are all locked up by our federal government.

Mr. Speaker, people in my riding are overcrowded homes, they have the highest cost of living, and they're the most food insecure. The struggle with the drug and alcohol addictions is everywhere, and there is little opportunity to work.

Mr. Speaker, we lack hope. We lack opportunities. We need the economy back. We need the oil and gas development so that the people could go back to work, earn a good living, pay their bills, buy their own homes and put food on the table. And when the oil and gas was going, all nine communities were prospering in the Beaufort Delta. Everyone was working. But, Mr. Speaker, this government is preventing Nunakput riding from getting ahead. Why isn't our Premier standing up for us? This federal government has extended the moratorium on the offshore for another year. It can't develop offshore resources. Why? But last year the federal government approved the oil and gas project off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador so they can approve the projects in the East Coast but why they're taking so long to provide for the North?

Oil and gas has been in the Delta since the '70s, '80s, '90s, and early 2000s, Mr. Speaker. I'm born and raised in Tuk, and I've seen it all. I've seen oil companies come and go. But everybody had work, and everybody had food. Why is the GNWT allowing this moratorium to drag on when our people need work? Mr. Speaker, the federal government is delaying development also and resources for settlement on M18, a natural gas project right outside of my home community of Tuk on 718 Inuvialuit lands. It is a settled land claim. We settled that land claim in 1984, 39 years ago, Mr. Speaker. And they're holding up the project. It's unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, this project is delayed, and what is our GNWT doing about this? What is the GNWT saying to the federal government to get this project back on track and what is our Premier saying about the offshore? And I'll have questions for her later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Rylund Johnson

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It seems our health system's on a pretty clear trajectory, which is that its deficit keeps going up and the number of services we offer keeps going down. And, Mr. Speaker, I recognize that many of these are due to the inability and the struggle to find specialized services. And the latest victim in this is our rheumatology program, which has recently been discontinued and transferred down to Alberta. However, Mr. Speaker, after this program was cancelled, we all found out in the news that perhaps it wasn't so hard to find a rheumatologist. And in fact, there was one who had been working with the health system and had intentions to start a multidisciplinary arthritis program. But in order to do that, that rheumatologist would have needed an extra added health position to ensure the continuity of care. And what happened here is asking the health authority for an extra position takes time; I get that. But over a year went by with no response and eventually the rheumatologist gave up.

But he tried one more time with another plan that would not have just as much not continuity of care but at least it would ensure we are providing some rheumatology services in the North. Well, once again HHS didn't get it together, and we didn't get that plan. And so the plan became we'll ship this down to Alberta. And, Mr. Speaker, I think we have to stop relying on Alberta's healthcare system for increased specialized services. We see their wait times. We see the struggles they are going through. And, Mr. Speaker, we need to invest in these.

I'm also not convinced that the math is being done because now what you have is you have an increase in out-of-territory services and payments we're making to the Alberta health system, and you have an increase to our ever and growing medical travel budget, Mr. Speaker. If we just worked with the specialist, who was initially here, to provide those services, work to slowly grow the practice and provide that continuity of care, I believe our patients would be better off. And, Mr. Speaker, I'm not convinced that the department worked with those patients because I am now hearing from many people, who have rheumatoid arthritis, of the struggles they are going through to work in that Alberta system. They much would prefer to have access to a rheumatologist here and someone who has that continuity of care to fill the gaps when a rheumatologist is not in our system.

I will have questions for the Minister of health about what we can do to bring this service back to the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Jane Weyallon Armstrong Monfwi

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the following young Indigenous Tlicho citizens who participated in Arctic Winter Games 2023:

  • Jimmy Joe Drybones;
  • Tenisha Steinwand;
  • Joshua Wedzin;
  • Patsy Wetrade. Patsy is originally from Whati but she is living in Behchoko to attend Chief Jimmy Bruneau school;
  • Rusty Mantla is an admission coach; and,
  • Ryan Barbeau is a teacher and a coach.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of these young people's dedication and commitment to sports. They work hard and represented the NWT, especially the Tlicho Nations, but we do more participants from the outlying communities. We have less representation at the Arctic Winter Games.

Mr. Speaker, sports and recreation is critical to life in the NWT. We need to ensure that our children and youth always have outlets and opportunities to play and compete in sports. We know that sports give discipline, structure, and opportunities. Exercise and sports is good for mental health as it is widely reported, and it is a healthy outlet.

Mr. Speaker, one of the Tlicho community governments, specifically Behchoko, the recreation budget is about $2 million but they get very little support from MACA for recreation program, less than $100,000. The funding and recreation programs are using the funds by renting out the sportsplex to other people to generate funds. And even the rent is not enough to sustain the program and services delivered.

Our infrastructure funding, the community government funding, CPI and gas tax, is about $1.7 million, which is nowhere near our infrastructure need, for example, replacing aging pipe in Behchoko and Edzo. This project will take up - Mr. Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you. The infrastructure funding CPI and gas tax is about $1.7 million, which is nowhere near the infrastructure needs of the community to replace the aging pipe in Behchoko and Edzo. This project will take up to $30 million, and this is a big challenge. The community government operation and maintenance and water and sewer subsidy funding are not increasing. And as you are aware, the fuel prices, power costs, food - the increase in groceries are all increasing. The cost of living are increasing, and it is -fficult to make ends meet. Sports is so important to children and youth it is recognized to reduce the risk of suicide.

Mr. Speaker, due to lack of funds, community government are struggling to deliver program and services. Communities in my ridings are having to do cutbacks in workers. Mr. Speaker, we must ensure that we do not cut the recreation department. We need to ensure that above all else that children and youth always have access to playing and competing in sports. Thank you. I will have questions for the Minister of MACA.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Member's Statement 1337-19(2): Eulogy for Brian Kotchea
Members' Statements

February 10th, 2023

Page 5191

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, before I get into my Member's statement, I'd just like to wish my two daughters, Nancy and Deborah, a Happy Birthday today.

Mr. Speaker, Brian Kotchea was born on June 7th, 1970, in Fort Liard, to Frederick and Martine Kotchea. He was one of 11 children. They raised their children at the family's traditional camp at Francois, British Columbia. This is where Brian gained many traditional skills from his parents and spoke fluent Slavey. At the camp, Brian developed his traditional skills and knowledge to become a successful hunter and trapper. Over the years, Brian was always known to be good in the bush and a very skilled hunter. According to his brothers, "Brian was one-of-a-kind hunter who would skin a moose fast and would always be happy when he was on the land."

In 1987 Brian had met Alma in Trout Lake, and in 1988 they had their first child - Bianca, then followed by Neil, then four more children - Brianne, Blair, Brett, and Briant. His family was his everything, including Alma's oldest daughter Tanya who lived in Trout Lake.

Not only was Brian a skilled hunter and trapper but he was also a self-taught mechanic and carpenter. It did not matter if it was crafting a boat or a toboggan, fixing snowmobiles or outboard motors, or fixing log cabins or fireplaces, he was at home in the outdoors, As Brian had knowledge of making birch bark basket and canoes which he loved doing with his wife.

Brian was a good teacher and taught his children the importance of appreciating the land and using the resources that were presented. He always had his children or young nieces and nephews with him. Brian was the happiest when his children were helpful with tasks at the camp, boating or hunting.
Brian loved to go moose hunting along the Liard River. He was well known as a skilled moose hunter and enjoyed hunting with his family and friends but, most importantly, he was able to share his teachings with them, especially with his son Brett.

Brian enjoyed the traditional way of life and shared his skills of harvesting moose meat and sharing whatever he can. He was considerate of others. Brian was passionate about being on the land and often spent much of his time in the bush. Beside loving his family and being in the bush, he enjoyed listening to Elvis. Elvis was always being played at his house or in his vehicles and he would love singing to his children.

Brian was known for his sense of humour and always had a way to make you laugh. He was happy and did not spend much time on negative feelings. The family said that Brian lived a full life. He loved and cared for those close to him, especially his children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, Brian passed away on December 9th, 2022. Brian will be dearly missed by Alma, their children and grandchildren, and forever missed by others, and loved. 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. Returns to oral questions. Honourable Premier.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by the Member for Great Slave on October 18, 2022, regarding a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Red Cross.

The Emergency Management Act empowers local authorities to enter into agreements for emergency management supports, which could include agreements with the Canadian Red Cross. The issue of the Government of the Northwest Territories entering into a moratorium of understanding with the Canadian Red Cross was raised at the NWT Association of Communities' annual general meeting on September 17th, 2022.

The GNWT recognizes the valuable services offered by the Canadian Red Cross, or CRC. The Ministers of Municipal and Community Affairs, or MACA, and the Department of Health and Social Services, met with CRC representatives to discuss services that could be available to the Northwest Territories through their organization. MACA and the CRC have explored how the services offered by the CRC could be used within the structure of the NWT Emergency Management Organization, or EMO.

Given the Emergency Management Act empowers local EMOs to enter into agreements like this, MACA has decided to not contract support with the CRC. While this may change in the future, at this time each community government is encouraged to examine their community emergency plans and determine if there is a role for external agencies such as the CRC. If community governments decide there is a need, they can contract services directly from the CRC.

The health and social services system has engaged in short-term contracts with the Canadian Red Cross in the past and will continue to engage in the future when needed. While there are no current plans for additional contracts with the organization, this could change depending on circumstances and operational requirements.

I understand that the territorial planning committee, with membership from all government departments and agencies, will be reviewing the Northwest Territories' emergency plan in the near future. Through this committee, departments are supported to examine where an agreement with the Canadian Red Cross could be beneficial for them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Premier. Returns to oral questions. 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. Before I recognize my visitors in the gallery, I would like to say that I misspoke during my statement and didn't realize that Oliver Williams was in fact Cabin Radio's Ollie Williams, and I would like to just clarify that. I was sent a memo just to let me know that that was the case.

I would like to recognize CKLB's reporter Ian Down, who is in the gallery today, and his parents, Richard and Valerie Down who are visiting Yellowknife for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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 Inuvik Boot Lake.

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

Page 5192

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to welcome my constituency assistant Arlene Hansen who is joining me this week. Thank you very much, Arlene, for being here with me. And while I'm up here, Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to acknowledge our Inuvialuktun interpreters Lillian Elias and Valerie Stefansson from Inuvik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Page 5192

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Boot Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake.

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

Page 5192

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to start by recognizing two pages from the Range Lake North School that are in the House, Divyesh Chotalia and Ethan Bottomley. And I'm also going to try, for the hundredth time, to recognize a Range Lake constituent, Mr. David Wasylciw. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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 Range Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.

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

Page 5192

Rylund Johnson

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will recognize the Yellowknife North pages who are here today, because they can't go anywhere. And that's Emma Grace Wells and Seiya McEachern. 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 Yellowknife North. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River North.

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

Page 5192

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to acknowledge and recognize the new chair of the YK1 School Board, Mr. David Wasylciw. Thank you.

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

Page 5192

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Monfwi.

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

Page 5192

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Jane Weyallon Armstrong Monfwi

I would like to recognize our Tlicho interpreters Jonas Lafferty and Maro Sundberg and all other interpreters that are here today. Thank you.

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

Page 5192

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

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

Page 5192

Edjericon

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too want to recognize all the translators that are here today. Also, in particular, I'd like to recognize Tom Unka, Dennis Drygeese, Maro Sundberg, and Jonas Lafferty over there. Also the elders from -- translators from up North. Mahsi. Also I just want to recognize my wife at home, Aleda Edjericon. She's watching, so hi. Mahsi.

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 Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu.

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

Page 5192

Paulie Chinna

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the translators Theresa Etchinelle and Sarah Clearly, and thanking them for translating our session here in the North Slavey language and having the people of the Sahtu enjoy our proceedings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.