Debates of March 30th, 2023
This Hansard is the unedited transcript and will be replaced by the final copy soon (generally within 5 business days). In the meantime, direct quotes should not be used, when the final is published it will seamlessly replace this unedited copy and any existing links should still work.
This is from 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 347-19(2): Draft Homelessness Strategy
- Minister's Statement 348-19(2): Combined Mental Wellness and Addictions Fund
- Minister's Statement 349-19(2): Review of Land lease-Only Policy
- Minister's Statement 347-19(2): Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership
- Member's Statement 1500-19(2): Carbon Tax
- Member's Statement 1501-19(2): Lands
- Member's Statement 1502-19(2): Spring has Sprung
- Member's Statement 1503-19(2): Substance Abuse Rates in the Northwest Territories
- Member's Statement 1504-19(2): Announcement of Seeking Re-Election and Farewell Message to Clerk Mercer
- Member's Statement 1505-19(2): Bison Jamboree in Fort Providence
- Member's Statement 1506-19(2): Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #94
- Member's Statement 1507-19(2): Inuvik Muskrat jamboree and Farewell Message to Clerk Mercer
- Member's Statement 1508-19(2): Youth Voices of the Northwest Territories
- Member's Statement 1509-19(2): Order of the Northwest Territories Recipient Joanne Deneron
- Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
- Question 1494-19(2): Indigenous Harvesting Rights
- Question 1495-19(2): Carbon Tax
- Question 1496-19(2): Doctrine of Discovery
- Question 1497-19(2): Taltson Hydro Expansion
- Question 1498-19(2): Business Incentive Policy Process
- Question 1499-19(2): Carbon Tax Increase
- Question 1500-19(2): Dempster Highway Repair
- Question 1501-19(2): Request a New School for Behchoko
- Question 1502-19(2): Northwest Territories Infrastructure Support
- Question 1503-19(2): Hay River Harbour Remediation
- Question 1504-19(2): Request for New School for Dettah
- Question 1505-19(2): Hay River Area Flood Mitigation Measures
- Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery(reversion)
- Reply 3-19(2):
- Tabled Document 917-19(2): Plain Language Summary for Bill 81: An Act to Amend the Education Act, No. 2 Tabled Document 918-19(2): Plain Language Summary for Bill 82: Legal Profession Act Tabled Document 919-19(2): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 1402-19(2): Cooperation Between Income Support and Child and Family Services
- Tabled Document 920-19(2): Plain Language Summary for Bill 83: Liquor Act Tabled Document 921-19(2): Plain Language Summary for Bill 84: An Act to Amend the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation Act Tabled Document 922-19(2): 2022 Socio-Economic Agreement: Social Data Report Tabled Document 923-19(2): Let's Talk Agriculture: Have Your Say Online Survey Result
- Tabled Document 924-19(2): Plain Language Summary for Bill 85: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act Tabled Document 925-19(2): A Way Home: A Comprehensive Strategy to Address Homelessness in the Northwest Territories
- Tabled Document 926-19(2): Member's Attendance Report
- Motion 78-19(2): Extended Adjournment of the House to May 23, 2023, Carried
- Motion 79-19(2): Expression of Gratitude to Clerk, Tim Mercer, for Dedicated and Exemplary Service, Carried
- Recorded Vote
- Bill 80: Dental Hygienists Profession Statute Amendment Act, Carried
- Bill 81: An Act to Amend the Education Act, No. 2, Carried
- Bill 82: Legal Profession Act, Carried
- Bill 83: Liquor Act, Carried
- Bill 84: An Act to Amend the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation Act, Carried
- Bill 85: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act, Carried
- Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
- Report Of Committee Of The Whole
- Bill 68: An Act to Amend the Child Day Care Act, Carried As Amended
- Recorded Vote
- Assent To Bills
- Orders Of The Day
Members Present
Hon. Diane Archie, Hon. Frederick Blake Jr., Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Mr. Edjericon, Hon. Julie Green, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Martselos, Ms. Nokleby, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Rocky Simpson, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Ms. Weyallon Armstrong
The House met at 1:31 p.m.
---Prayer
Prayer
Prayer
Minister's Statement 347-19(2): Draft Homelessness Strategy
Ministers' Statements
March 30th, 2023

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake
Mr. Speaker, homelessness is a reality that far too many people experience. The factors that contribute to homelessness are complex and unique to each individual who experiences it. The challenges and solutions vary by community and differ in the Northwest Territories compared to urban centres in the South. That is why we need an all-of-government strategy to address homelessness in the Northwest Territories.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, or even a suite of approaches that work for every individual and family. Multifaceted, person-centered approaches, sustained effort, and collaboration among governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector are all required to address the needs of individuals and families living without a stable, safe, and appropriate place to call home.
Mr. Speaker, later today I will table a draft of A Way Home: A Comprehensive Strategy to Address Homelessness in the Northwest Territories. The Government of the Northwest Territories' homelessness strategy is being released as a draft so we can continue to incorporate meaningful input from stakeholders prior to finalization. The proposed actions focus on individuals and families who are chronically homeless however the actions lend themselves to prevention wherever possible therefore residents in precarious living situations will also benefit from this strategy.
The homelessness strategy identifies nine areas of action and puts forward the ambitious goal to achieve functional zero homelessness. A functional zero target recognizes that homelessness will never be eradicated completely but that action can be taken to prevent it wherever possible, and homelessness can be brief, rare, and non-recurring.
The strategy recognizes the crucial role frontline service providers, both within Government of the Northwest Territories and community partners, serve in supporting vulnerable community members and the need for ongoing, solutions-oriented conversations, and actions. We recognize the need to ensure shelter services have appropriate resources, reflect the needs of their users, and identify potential solutions such as multi-year and better coordinated funding, on-going training, and Government of the Northwest Territories support.
We know there is a need for wraparound services and this strategy aims to improve access and use of culturally safe mental health and addictions services for residents, especially those experiencing chronic homelessness. This strategy also identifies the need for transitional housing and supported living arrangements as well as other actions that are already underway in this area.
Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes that we need to do a better job at coordinating the delivery of our programs and services aimed at addressing homelessness. This strategy is intended to create an environment for positive change and a shift in organizational culture towards more person-centered services and improved collaboration between the Government of the Northwest Territories and service providers. We want to ensure that our actions to address homelessness align with the needs of communities and Indigenous governments. Individual communities and regions may have their own solutions and the Government of the Northwest Territories has a role in supporting those initiatives. As well, we must review our own programs and policies, and the renewal of Housing Northwest Territories, as well as the review of the Government of the Northwest Territories Income Assistance Program are examples that promise to contribute to the desired outcomes of this strategy.
Mr. Speaker, we also recognize the need for better data collection, respectful information-sharing, and evaluated results. This strategy incorporates regular meetings with community partners and will be subject to periodic review and updating starting three years after its implementation.
Mr. Speaker, over the coming weeks, we will further engage with Indigenous governments, community governments, non-profits, researchers and academics, those with lived experiences, and the broader public, to seek their input and suggestions. Before the end of this government, we are aiming to finalize a strategy that reflects the wisdom and sets out the direction for community members who are experiencing homelessness to find a way home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister's Statement 347-19(2): Draft Homelessness Strategy
Ministers' Statements

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Madam Premier. Colleagues, before we continue, I'd like to recognize Mr. Robert C. McLeod, former Member of the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th Assemblies, former Minister and deputy premier. Welcome back to the Chamber. Also his wife Judy, welcome. And also Mr. David Brock, the NWT's former chief electoral officer, welcome.
Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.
Minister's Statement 348-19(2): Combined Mental Wellness and Addictions Fund
Ministers' Statements

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At a recent Council of Leaders meeting on mental health and addictions, I heard from Indigenous governments about what is working well in their communities as well as some of the challenges. There are many successes, and it is truly inspiring to hear about the programs and initiatives going forward in communities across the NWT.
One of the challenges leaders identified was the administrative burden of applying for multiple funding pots for mental wellness and addictions recovery funding. In response to this feedback, I am pleased to advise that the department will be combining the On the Land Healing Fund, the Addictions Recovery and Aftercare Fund, and the Addictions Recovery Peer Support Fund, into one fund called Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery Fund.
This combined fund will continue to prioritize Indigenous governments and will help reduce the burden of compiling and completing multiple applications and reports. Bundling the funds will also provide Indigenous governments with greater autonomy over the kinds of mental wellness and addictions recovery projects they offer and how funding is allocated. This change will take effect on April 1st at the start of the new fiscal year.
In addition to the proposed combining of funds, the department will be revising the application process in 2024-2025. Applications will be accepted prior to the start of the next fiscal year so Indigenous governments can receive early confirmation of funding which will support program planning, provide stability, and enable funds to be spent earlier.
Mr. Speaker, this is a positive step forward in our ongoing partnership with Indigenous governments, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them to meet the mental wellness and addictions needs of NWT residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister's Statement 348-19(2): Combined Mental Wellness and Addictions Fund
Ministers' Statements

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Lands.
Minister's Statement 349-19(2): Review of Land lease-Only Policy
Ministers' Statements

Shane Thompson Nahendeh
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide an update on the ministerial mandate and commitments to review the Government of the Northwest Territories Land Lease-Only Policy.
Mr. Speaker, the Land Lease-Only Policy was initially established in 1987 to ensure ongoing Aboriginal rights agreement negotiations were not impacted through the sale of land. Since then, our territory has changed in many ways. Our population and economy have grown, our communities are more developed, and the GNWT is responsible for most of the land and resources. While this progress is welcome, this growth comes with an increased need for land for housing, businesses, and community development, including in areas with ongoing Aboriginal rights agreement negotiations.
Despite these changes in our territory, the Land Lease-Only Policy has not been updated since the mid-1990s. The recent review of the policy concluded that the policy prevented the GNWT from meeting the land needs for housing, business, and community growth.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure everyone in this House would agree that government policies should be dynamic and responsive to the needs of all our territory. I share this belief.
Following the initial review, the Department of Lands engaged with the Intergovernmental Council Secretariat, Indigenous governments, and standing committee to resolve issues found during the review. I thank everybody who participated for providing valuable feedback. I can confirm that the department has reviewed all the feedback and completed updated that necessary all views and needs.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that effective April 1st, the Land Lease-Only Policy will be replaced with the Limitation of Land Sales Policy. This new policy will continue to meet the intended goals of restricting the sale of the most vacant land within and outside communities in the areas with continuing Aboriginal rights agreement negotiations. It will also support other policy goals of the GNWT related to housing, business, and community growth by changing the outdated conditions for titled land. Going forward, I am confident the new Limitation of Land Sales Policy reflects feedback received through the engagement process. The revised policy will also meet the needs of many of our residents and communities now and into the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister's Statement 349-19(2): Review of Land lease-Only Policy
Ministers' Statements

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Minister's Statement 347-19(2): Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership
Ministers' Statements

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South
Mr. Speaker, the availability of healthy, affordable food is a fundamental requirement for a good quality of life and a strong, healthy territory. The Government of the Northwest Territories mandate reflects this and commits to addressing food security while also investing in Northwest Territories agriculture as a growing sector of our economy.
Since 2003, the GNWT has partnered with the federal government to provide financial resources and cross-jurisdictional supports to encourage the growth and sustainability of the agricultural and agri-food sector in the Northwest Territories. A succession of formal five-year agreements has resulted in renewed agriculture development in the Northwest Territories, evidenced by the growth and diversity of producers and processors, and a rise in local production and sales.
On April 1st, the fifth such bilateral agreement will come into effect, titled the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, or the Sustainable-CAP. The Sustainable-CAP will see an investment of $7.6 million in the Northwest Territories agriculture and agri-food sector over the next five years. Canada will provide 60 percent of this funding annually with the GNWT making up the rest. Overall, the new agreement represents a 25 percent increase in the government's investment in agriculture across Canada, with funding organized in five priority areas:
- Climate Change and Environment;
- Market Development and Trade;
- Building Sector Capacity, Growth and Competitiveness;
- Resiliency and Public Trust; and,
- Science, Research, and Innovation.
The Sustainable-CAP emphasizes a commitment to strengthening relationships and increasing Indigenous participation in the sector while improving access to funding. As with previous multilateral agriculture partnerships, the Sustainable-CAP confirms the exemption of the Northwest Territories from requirements of proportionate spending and from the accounting of federal attributed funding, where required.
Mr. Speaker, the summer flooding of 2022 was devastating for many residents in the South Slave and Deh Cho regions and, among them, members of our territory's agriculture sector. With that in mind, and in response to what we heard from engagements with the Northwest Territories agriculture community last year, the GNWT, with this new agreement, will leverage its participation in the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership to provide access for Northwest Territories producers to two key business risk management programs.
- AgriStability is a whole-farm margin-based income stabilization program that aims to protect producers against large declines in farming income due to production loss from unpredictable weather, crop or animal disease, poor yields, increased costs, or adverse market conditions.
- AgriInvest is a self-managed producer-government savings account designed to help manage small income declines and make investments to manage risk and improve market income.
Coming out of last year's tragedy, Mr. Speaker, we hope that the addition of the AgriStability and AgriInvest programs will serve to increase the confidence of Northwest Territories producers and agri-food businesses as they look to rebuild what was lost.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT's support for regional agriculture programs is doing more than encouraging local food production. It is promoting economic development and diversity and, in time, will help us to address food security especially in our small and remote communities. The sustainable agriculture partnership will help us realize this vision. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister's Statement 347-19(2): Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership
Ministers' Statements

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member for Hay River South.
Member's Statement 1500-19(2): Carbon Tax
Members' Statements

Rocky Simpson Hay River South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we voted to continue collection and administration of the carbon tax on behalf of the federal government. Although it divided this House, I believe we are all in agreement that the tax itself is bad for the NWT and should be eliminated or an exemption provided.
Mr. Speaker, we heard a passionate plea from the Member of Nunakput who's constituents, and who I believe are the most impacted by this tax - a tax that only increases the cost of living for residents and drives away development. The people who live in and make the northernmost communities home, have been forced to rely heavily on both this and the federal government just to survive. This tax pushes residents' reliance on government even further and as the cost of living increases, many are forced to go without.
Mr. Speaker, our reliance on fossil fuels continues and will continue well into the future while this tax continues to punish a limited population who have limited to no immediate choice for cheaper green energy. As the carbon tax increases, it only works to strand an important resource which is northern oil and gas. This tax, coupled with the moratorium placed on northern oil and gas development, is only strangling any opportunity northern residents have for employment or business opportunities.
Mr. Speaker, this government cannot sit by and watch the unfairness unfold without our own backstop to assist the most vulnerable who will feel the greatest impact. We may not be able to change the tax itself, however, we do need to change the mindset of those in Ottawa when it comes to the reality of living in the North. Southern and federal politicians need to realize that our presence in the North has value.
When one talks about Arctic Sovereignty, we are talking about residents who are on the frontline. When we talk about the untapped resources, we are talking about potential benefits for all Canadians. When we talk about Indigenous people, we are talking their homeland.
Mr. Speaker, stranded resources not used should be recognized as keeping our carbon footprint in check. Our forests and peat lands capture more carbon than we produce. So when the government discusses targets and carbon tax with the federal government, they must consider natural carbon capture and by not using stranded oil and gas in the Beaufort Sea, we are not adding to carbon increases. And this should be enough to eliminate or reduce the carbon tax for NWT residents - otherwise we may have to wait for the Conservatives to axe the tax.
Member's Statement 1500-19(2): Carbon Tax
Members' Statements

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Member's Statement 1501-19(2): Lands
Members' Statements

Rylund Johnson Yellowknife North
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When the Department of Lands set out on their unauthorized occupancy quest, we were told that anyone with an Indigenous right would be put in a separate category and dealt with later. And, Mr. Speaker, recently one of my constituents, who is an Indigenous fisherman, was kicked off of public land. And I'm trying to understand why this happened. I don't want to get into specifics of this one case, but I would like the Department of Lands to give us some guidance here. And, Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I think we all have to recognize how complicated Indigenous rights are. This case raises a lot of questions. It raises questions such as when does an Indigenous right end? Does it end when there's commercial activity? Does it end when there's a cabin built and it becomes a permanent structure? Do the Metis have rights on this side of the lake? Do the YKDFN have rights on that side of the lake? These are messy questions, Mr. Speaker, and they're questions best left to the courts and land claim processes. They are questions that the Department of Lands said they would not be answering and should not be answering, Mr. Speaker. I'm going to have questions for the Department of Lands on what exactly they are using as a test for Indigenous rights to harvest on Great Slave Lake. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member's Statement 1501-19(2): Lands
Members' Statements

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
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