Question 174-13(3):uncertainty Regarding GNWT Procurement Policies May 7th, 1996

Did and does this government encourage private sector development, specifically in the area of manufacturing?

Question 174-13(3):uncertainty Regarding GNWT Procurement Policies May 7th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement yesterday, I expressed that we cannot expect the private sector to confidently invest in expansion and job creation when the rules are not clear on the government's procurement policies. Due to the uncertainty created by the proposed changes to the business incentive

policy, community block funding and procurement articles in settlement agreements, there has been uncertainty created. The businesses in Hay River, in particular, have collectively invested millions of dollars in developing manufacturing ventures and job creation. This was partially in response to initiatives of this government to encourage import substitution. What steps is this government taking to protect the interests of this significant manufacturing base that has been established in my riding? Thank you.

Question 165-13(3): Effect Of Block Funding On Procurement Policies May 6th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think everyone agrees that economic growth and community development go hand in hand, and if the government is going to lessen the people's dependence on government through our social programs, our economy must grow. The incentives that this government has developed to create economic growth are administered by this government. Are the same procurement policies of the GNWT going to be adhered to by communities when they assume responsibility via block funding? I would imagine that question would go to Mr. Kakfwi. being responsible for Economic Development and Tourism.

Question 160-13(3): Status Of Training For Community Empowerment May 6th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would it be possible for the Minister to provide to the House prototypes of the training packages and the types of training that will be available to the communities? It will be interesting to see what is included.

Question 160-13(3): Status Of Training For Community Empowerment May 6th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to my Member's statement today, one of the key elements of community empowerment is training. I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for community empowerment; the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. There has been a lot of concern raised about the ability of the leaders at the community level to deal with the transfer initiatives. In our community particularly, it was raised with respect to seeing their budgets out of a deficit situation. If there is a program, we should all take that one. I wonder if she could update the House on the status and nature of any proposed or currently under way training to prepare community leaders and work this further transfer of responsibility. Thank you.

Community Empowerment May 6th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a statistical fact that 70 per cent of investment for expansion in the small business sector comes from within the established business community. I don't think we can expect this investment should confidently take place when northerners cannot see clearly how community empowerment affects them.

In the end, community empowerment is the only alternative. Not only is colonialism detrimental to the development of the people, it is no longer affordable. The expertise and knowledge is there at the community level; it needs to be developed. There will be growing pains and mistakes made. That will be the role of this central government: to keep the checks and balances in place that will create confidence as we proceed in this new direction. Thank you.

Community Empowerment May 6th, 1996

I seek unanimous consent to continue with my statement. Thank you.

Community Empowerment May 6th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My Member's statement today is about community empowerment. This is a phrase which is used repeatedly by this government and I know it raises questions in the minds of some people.

First of all, I will explain, according to my understanding, what community empowerment is not. It is not the colonial approach to government that has existed for so long in the North. Colonial, by definition, means control by one power over a dependent area of people. This conjures up an image of an out-of-touch, top-heavy bureaucracy which dictates the choices, priorities and agenda of communities; communities which may be vastly different in terms of size, demographics and culture.

Community empowerment is not a central government which sets global policies which apply across the board regardless of these vast differences. Community empowerment is and encompasses such things as multi-year block funding, community transfer of programs and services, training, ownership of infrastructure and assets, community justice and wellness. This major change in focus in the way the government does business raises many questions in the minds of the people who know how the government works now. Even with the shortfalls of the present system, some may find it more comfortable to maintain the status quo. Questions about community empowerment; big answers. I will only raise a couple of these questions today as they relate to things that are being asked in my riding.

For example, in communities where a local government may consist of a hamlet council and a band council, which is the recognized body for transfer purposes? In my particular riding, I have a First Nations Dene council, I have a town council and I also have a Metis Nation council. As another example, a well-established shed business community, primarily centralized in larger communities has been built on the premise of the policies now in place. These businesses service and supply surrounding communities. With capital and O and M dollars in the hands of communities, are the current policies of purchasing and tendering applicable anymore? Who pays when the money runs out before the project does?

Minister Todd, in his Budget Address, indicates that he wants the private sector to take up the challenge of creating jobs. It's a statistical fact that 70 per cent of investment for economic expansion in the small business sector comes from within...

Visit By Hon. Kelvin Ng To Hay River May 2nd, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is with respect to Mr. Ng's attendance in my community on April 20th and 21 st. It was my pleasure to host Mr. Ng. We had a very busy schedule we kept. I will outline a few of the things we did.

We started out with a luncheon with the Hay River hospital board, followed by a tour of the hospital facilities. After that, we had a meeting with the medical doctors in Hay River and discussed the challenges of medical doctor recruitment in the North. Many positive suggestions were made in that regard.

Then we went and had a tour of the medical surgical supply business in Hay River. I might also add that they have since been the recipient of the NWT Business of the Year Award. We then visited with the two chiropractors in Hay River who have valid concerns regarding the chiropractic services being uninsured health services in the Northwest Territories.

Following that, we attended a banquet for Dr. Earle Covert who is retiring from medical practice in Hay River after 32 years. I appreciate the fact that Kelvin didn't know Dr. Covert very well, but sat through a five-hour presentation at the head table and spoke most eloquently at the benefit; we really appreciated that.

On Sunday morning, we met with the mayor and the town manager with respect to the hospital transfer to the town of Hay River. Then he had a tour of Hay River, including the Women's Resource Centre, Woodland Manor Seniors' Home, South Mackenzie Correctional Institution, the young offenders' facility and following that, attended a brunch at my home with the Hay River Seniors' Society with approximately 30 people in attendance. So we had a busy time but, again, I was very pleased that a Minister would take the time to come to my community and in this case, particularly, honour Doctor Covert. Thank you.

--- Applause