Debates of Feb. 5th, 2025

This is page numbers of the Hansard for the 20th Assembly, 1st 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 health.

Topics

Oral Questions
Members Present
Prayer
Minister Absent from the House
Sessional Statement
Support for Northwest Territories Residents
State of the Northwest Territories
Request for Support for the Town of Norman WElls
Improving the Land Use Permitting Process
Respite Care and At-Home Care
Welcome Back Message
Tariffs
State of the Northwest Territories
Hay River Curling Team Success
Celebration of Life of Avery Julianna Burke
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Canada-USA Tariffs and Trade
Arctic Sovereignty and Investment
Public Lands Act Regulations Update
Out-of-Territory Care, Supportive Living and Respite Care
Out-of-Territory Care, Supportive Living and Respite Care
Returns To Written Questions
Return to Written Question 8-20(1): Improving Fertility and Family Planning Supports in the Northwest Territories
Return to Written Question 9-20(1): Staffing of Doctor and Specialist Positions within the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority
Return to Written Question 10-20(1): Complaints in the Health Care System
Return to Written Question 11-20(1): Ground Search and Rescue
Return to Written Question 12-20(1): Cost of Living
Tabled Document 238-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 303-20(1): Local Housing Organizations Support Tabled Document 239-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 306-20(1): Housing Repairs Tabled Document 240-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 378-20(1): Housing Waitlist Tabled Document 241-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 405-20(1): Winter Road Tabled Document 241-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 405-20(1): Winter Road Season Planning Season Planning
Tabled Document 242-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 305-20(1): Heating Oil Tabled Document 243-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 323-20(1): Dempster Highway and Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway Conditions Tabled Document 244-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 325-20(1): Project Cost Overruns Tabled Document 245-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 343-20(1): Impacts of Climate Change on Winter and Ice Roads Tabled Document 246-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 374-20(1): Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line Backup Tabled Document 247-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 421-20(1): Regulations for E-Scooters Tabled Document 248-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 333-20(1): Fiscal Policy Tabled Document 249-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 334-20(1): Housing Budget Allocations Tabled Document 250-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 418-20(1): Cell Service Tabled Document 251-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 423-20(1):...
Tabled Document 252-20(1): Additional Information for Written Question 11-20(1): Ground Search and Rescue Tabled Document 253-20(1): Additional Information for Written Question 12-20(1): Cost of Living Tabled Document 254-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 312-20(1): Transitional Housing Options and Supports Tabled Document 255-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 361-20(1): Health Care Sustainability Initiative Tabled Document 256-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories Tabled Document 257-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 397-20(1): Overdose-Related RCMP Calls
Tabled Document 258-20(1): Additional Information for Written Question 9-20(1): Physician Vacancy Rates Tabled Document 259-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 328-20(1): Speech Language Pathologist Positions Tabled Document 260-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 340-20(1): Supported Living Review and Recommendations Tabled Document 261-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 342-20(1): Primary Care Reform Tabled Document 262-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 347-20(1): Physician Workforce Plan Tabled Document 263-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 348-20(1): Healthcare Services Tabled Document 264-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 358-20(1): Primary Care Physicians Tabled Document 265-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 364-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project Tabled Document 266-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 369-20(1): Dene Nation Healthcare Concerns Tabled Document 267-20(1): Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 375-20...
Tabled Document 272-20(1): Documents Compiled by Town of Norman Wells regarding the Town's Declaration of a Local State of Emergency for Humanitarian Reasons
Tabled Document 273-20(1): Report of the Northwest Territories Integrity Commissioner on the Complaint by Mr. Daniel Richards (Deneze Nakehk'o) about Staffing Appeals from Hiring Decisions by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation Tabled Document 274-20(1): Report of the Northwest Territories Integrity Commissioner Dismissing the Complaint by Deneze Nakehk'o about Minister Wawzonek's Husband's Owing Shares in Canadian Utilities Limited
Bill 17: Municipal and Community Affairs Statutes Amendment Act
Bill 18: An Act to Amend the Partnership and Business Names Act
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer (Chapter Four)
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer - Rule 5.4(2)
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Acknowledgements - Rule 5.8(2)
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Consolidation of Rules
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Restrictions on When Replies to the Commissioner's Address Can be Given
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Motions Location on Daily Orders
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Returns to Oral Questions
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Oral Questions
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Follow-up Information to Oral Questions - Rule 7.2(6)
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Follow-up Information to Oral Questions - Rule 7.2(7)
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Sitting Hours - Rule 2.2(1)
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Sitting Hours - Rule 2.2(2)
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Ministers' Statements in Committee of the Whole
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Ministers' Statements in Committee of the Whole - Rule 9.1(16)
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Short Titles for Bills
Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer
Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Orders Of The Day

Committee Motion 67-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Ministers' Statements in Committee of the Whole - Rule 9.1(16), Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

Back to the Member of Great Slave.

Committee Motion 68-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Short Titles for Bills, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th, 2025

Kate Reid

Kate Reid Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories bring forward legislation that includes provisions for bills to have both a technical title and a short title. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 68-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Short Titles for Bills, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

Thank you, Member of Great Slave. The motion's in order. To the motion. The Member of Hay River North.

Committee Motion 68-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Short Titles for Bills, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And Cabinet does have a position on this one because this is a recommendation for government and so when there's a recommendation for government, we do abstain. We want to ensure that we can actually look into these issues before we put a vote to it. So we'll be abstaining. Thank you.

Committee Motion 68-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Short Titles for Bills, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

Thank yobu to the Member of Hay River North. To the Member of Yellowknife Centre.

Committee Motion 68-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Short Titles for Bills, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, respectfully to the Premier, I hear what he is saying clearly about a recommendation of the government, but I would also semi disagree in saying this is a rule of the Assembly that all bills come with a name, so it's more of an Assembly process. Even though, yes, you are the stewards of the normal bills and normal process, and if we pass -- well, at the rate this Assembly is going, what, half a dozen bills in four years? I don't know. Or less. The principle being it's true 99 percent will come from the government, but I don't view this is a government direction. I see this as an administrative direction to the Assembly that all bills come forward in that manner. So I'm only disagreeing in the sense that I think it's a broader view. You know, I don't hesitate to disagree if I feel necessary or don't feel necessary, one or the other. But the truth be told is I don't view it that way. I see it strictly as a procedure matter. I would encourage a free vote from Cabinet. Unshackle the bonds. That's all.

Committee Motion 68-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Short Titles for Bills, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

Thank you to the Member of Yellowknife Centre. To the motion.

Committee Motion 68-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Short Titles for Bills, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Committee Motion 68-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Short Titles for Bills, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

Question's been called. All in favour? All opposed? All abstained? Okay, motion's been carried.

---Carried

Committee Motion 68-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Short Titles for Bills, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

Member of Great Slave.

Committee Motion 69-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th

Kate Reid

Kate Reid Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, committee, for your patience. This is the last one. I move that this committee recommends that rule 4.3(1) be amended by replacing the words "Member or the clerk" with "person." Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 69-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

Thank you, Member of Great Slave. To the motion -- or the motion's in order. To the motion.

Committee Motion 69-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th

Some Hon. Members

Question.

Committee Motion 69-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

Question's been called. All in favour? All opposed? Any abstentions? The motion's carried.

---Carried

Committee Motion 69-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

Thank you, committee. Do you agree that you have concluded consideration of Committee Report 17-20(1), Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly?

Committee Motion 69-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Committee Motion 69-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

Thank you. Committee, we have concluded consideration of the Committee Report 17-20(1), Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. What is the will of committee?

Committee Motion 69-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th

Denny Rodgers

Denny Rodgers Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I move that the chair rise and report progress.

Committee Motion 69-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

There is a motion on the floor to report progress. The motion is in order and non-debatable. Mahsi. We're done. Opposed? Abstentions? Motion's carried, and committee is concluded.

---Carried

Committee Motion 69-20(1): Committee Report 17-20(1): Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Interim Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Prayer, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

February 5th

The Chair

The Chair Daniel McNeely

I will now rise and report progress. Mahsi.

---SHORT RECESS

Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Report Of Committee Of The Whole

February 5th

The Speaker

The Speaker Shane Thompson

Report of Committee of the Whole. Member for the Sahtu.

Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Report Of Committee Of The Whole

February 5th

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee has been considering Committee Report 17-20(1) and would like to report progress with 16 motions carried, that Committee Report 17-20(1) are concluded. Mahsi.

Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Report Of Committee Of The Whole

February 5th

The Speaker

The Speaker Shane Thompson

Thank you. To the motion. Do I have a seconder? Moved by Deh Cho, second by the Deh Cho. All those in favour? All those -- you said nay? Let's try this again, boys and girls.

All those in favour? Thank you. All those opposed? Any abstentions? The motion is carried. ---Carried

Third reading of bills. Orders of the day, Mr. Clerk.

Orders Of The Day
Orders Of The Day

February 5th

Clerk Of The House Mr. Glen Rutland

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Orders of the day for Thursday, February 6th, 2025, 1:30 p.m.

  1. Prayer
  2. Budget Address
  3. Ministers' Statements
  4. Members' Statements
  5. Motions
  6. Returns to Oral Questions
  7. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
  8. Replies to the Budget Address (Day 1 of 7)
  9. Acknowledgements
  10. Oral Questions
  11. Written Questions
  12. Returns to Written Questions
  13. Replies to the Commissioner's Address
  14. Petitions
  15. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills
  16. Reports of Standing and Special Committees
  17. Tabling of Documents
  18. Notices of Motion
  19. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills
  20. First Reading of Bills
  21. Second Reading of Bills
  22. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
  23. Report of Committee of the Whole
  24. Third Reading of Bills
  25. Orders of the Day

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Orders Of The Day
Orders Of The Day

February 5th

The Speaker

The Speaker Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until Thursday, February 6th, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

---ADJOURNMENT

The House adjourned at 4:59 p.m.