Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Historical Information James Rabesca is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly December 1999, as MLA for North Slave

Lost his last election, in 1999, with 7% of the vote.

Statements in the House

North Slave Self-government Negotiations February 20th, 1996

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to tell the House that this week is one of the most important weeks for my people in my constituency. They are presently negotiating with the federal government on self- government in Rae Lakes, and I am very sorry that I cannot be there with them while the session is on here.

I wish to tell this House that I strongly support my people for all the energy, time and effort that they have put into this very important initiative. I wish them all success and I want them to know that thoughts are with them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Question 65-13(2): Awarding Of Brush-clearing Contract At Frank's Channel February 19th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was some concern raised earlier on about the Frank's Channel brush-clearing contract in the House. I would like to ask the Minister of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation if the contract has been awarded yet.

Future Community Consultation On NTPC Contracts February 19th, 1996

The irony of this process is the brush clearing is within the area of Rae-Edzo, but the approach taken by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation sabotages any idea that employment may be possible for the local residents. A fundamental change is critical if the Northwest Territories Power Corporation is committed to creating employment at the local level.

I would suggest that for contracts of this nature, advance consultation with the communities in the area be undertaken and realistic security requirements be developed; and that the contract terms and conditions be negotiated officially if the work that is to be done is near the communities.

I will be asking the Minister of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation a question on these concerns later today, Mr. Speaker.

Future Community Consultation On NTPC Contracts February 19th, 1996

May I have the consent of my colleagues to conclude my statement?

Future Community Consultation On NTPC Contracts February 19th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituency of Rae-Edzo was most interested in undertaking the brush-clearing contract of Smiley Lake and Frank's Channel. The request for quotes on the contract date was February 7th, and the closing date of February 16th, leaving nine days for the Rae band to forward the original submission to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation in Hay River. The residents had nine days to review and assess almost 50 pages of tender document costing and development of appropriate quotes.

Given the GNWT's stated commitment to increasing employment and business opportunities at the local level, we presumed the Northwest Territories Power Corporation shared this strong commitment. Had there been consultation with the Rae band on this employment opportunity for their members, it would have been a clear example of what this government has been saying it will do. However, this was not the underlying intent judging by the unrealistic requirements in the tender document.

The process expectation and financial commitment that this tender requires is beyond the ability of local organizations and business to compete because of the limited financial resources. The expectation in the tender document requires a 10 per cent bid bond and a performance bond in the amount of 50 per cent of the contract price, and a labour and material bond is also in the amount of 50 per cent of the contract price. Given the significant size of the contract and the Rae Band Limited financial resources, it is almost impossible for my constituency to accommodate the security requirements.

The time frame for submissions allowed no room to negotiate financing or to make other arrangements precludes us from satisfying the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. The irony of this process is that the brush clearing is within the area of Rae-Edzo, but the approach taken by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation sabotages any idea that employment may be possible for the local residents. Fundamental change is critical here if the Northwest Territories Power Corporation is committed to creating employment at the local level.

I would suggest that for contracts of this nature, advance consultation with the communities in the area be undertaken and realistic security requirements be developed.

Question 53-13(2): Apprenticeship Training Allowances February 18th, 1996

With the changes to the apprenticeship programs, who will be monitoring the program to ensure that they are following standards so that a student will not have to wait two months to receive enough money to remain in the program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 53-13(2): Apprenticeship Training Allowances February 18th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. How will eliminating the apprenticeship allowances affect employment programs?

Question 53-13(2): Apprenticeship Training Allowances February 18th, 1996

Since most of the apprenticeship technical training is taken in the South, how will the apprentices receive. their training it there won't be any more allowances after January 1997?

Question 53-13(2): Apprenticeship Training Allowances February 18th, 1996

Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, on the Human Resources Development Canada notice to apprentices in their income support document. The changes to the apprenticeship program will be effective April 1, 1996. The program will be available to those apprentices who are eligible for UI. If their UI claim starts on or after training start date, the normal UI two-week waiting period will apply. The basic training allowances to offset the waiting period will no longer apply.

Mr. Speaker, if an apprentice submits a record of employment or an application which is incorrectly filed, the first unemployment insurance cheque will not arrive until seven or eight weeks after the training date starts. Apprentices are expected to save enough money to meet their financial commitments for at least four weeks or two months after the commencement of the course because there may be some delays in payment.

Mr. Speaker, I have also been informed that as of January 1997, there will not be any more allowances for the apprentices. Mr. Speaker, I ask the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment if this is in fact true.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery February 15th, 1996

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize some of the student/trainees from my constituency who are in the gallery. They are student/trainees in the retail supermarket training program by Aurora College of the new Tli Cho Co-operative Supermarket being built in Rae. The instructor is Wilfred Barranoik. Mary Adele Dryneck, Virginia Weyallon, Georgina Migwi, Ron Mackeinzo and Peter Huskey are in the gallery.

---Applause