Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Historical Information Roy Erasmus is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

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

Lost his last election, in 2015, with 21% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Committee Motion 3-13(3): Termination Of The Three Per Cent Supplementary Pension Plan, Carried March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. A couple of weeks ago there was an article in the newspaper about the fact that I was very chagrinned by the fact that we might be reducing our benefits. I would like to state, since the press is here today and they weren't last time I spoke, that I've always been in support of reducing the overall benefits of the Members of this Assembly.

We are moving today to save this Assembly over 18 per cent of the costs that have been put into our wages, benefits and salaries. I support this overall savings, although I am not totally in support of the way it is being done. I feel that we still have some work to do to make things simpler so people will know how much they're taking home every two weeks and how much they're going to be getting every month, so we can deal with our creditors, plan for our holidays and what not.

I guess I just wanted to indicate that I intend to continue moving in this aspect in the future to make things more simple and to be more transparent. Thank you.

--- Applause

Committee Motion 1-13(3): Review Credit Granting Procedures Carried March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends that the Financial Management Board conduct a review of all Government of the Northwest Territories operational procedures relating to credit granting and control;

And further, that the Financial Management Board prepare an analysis of the operational procedures of the Business Credit Corporation and the Northwest Territories Development Corporation relating to credit granting and control;

And further, that these reviews include proposals to improve the procedures for the write-off or forgiveness of loans made with public funds;

And further, that these reviews be provided to the Standing Committee on Government Operations on or before April 26, 1996.

Bill 3: Forgiveness Of Debts Act, 1995-96 March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed Bill 3, Forgiveness of Debts Act, 1995-96. Members discussed the bill and agreed that it should be moved into Committee of the Whole for further discussion and action. The total amount of the debts being forgiven by this bill is almost $500,000. The standing committee Members understand that many of these losses were the result of bankruptcy or negotiated settlements with debtors, and that the amounts are unrecoverable. However, Members did have a number of questions regarding some of the items in the bill, and will take this opportunity today to raise them with the Minister.

Members also had a number of concerns about the policies, procedures and processes used by the government in collecting from debtors. In reviewing the debts listed in the schedule to the bill, the committee noticed some of the businesses listed are either still in operation or their principals are involved in other operating ventures or employment. There were concerns raised about whether there should have been more effort into recovering the outstanding debt from these businesses and/or the principals, rather than coming to negotiated settlements or simply forgiving the debts. In other cases, the committee felt there were additional opportunities to collect the remaining debt and that these opportunities should have been pursued.

Finally, Members were concerned about the role of the committee in reviewing the bill. This included questions about the stage at which elected officials become part of the process when a debt is being forgiven or a settlement is being negotiated. The standing committee will be examining this issue more closely in the near future.

After Members have an opportunity to make general comments on the bill, I will be making a motion regarding the existing processes and policies for collection and forgiveness of debt owing to this government, its boards, agencies and commissions.

Mr. Chairman, this concludes the comments of the Standing Committee on Government Operations regarding Bill 2, Write-off of Debts Act, 1995-96. Thank you.

Bill 2: Write-off Of Debts Act, 1995-96 March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed Bill 2, Write-off of Debts Act, 1995-96. Committee Members discussed the bill. After considering the detailed information provided on the debts proposed for write-off, Members agreed that there were no major concerns and the bill should be moved into Committee of the Whole for further discussion and action. The total number and amount of debts to be written off is quite small compared to amounts written off in previous years.

This was the first time this committee has reviewed bills relating to forgiveness and write-off. The committee would like to thank the Minister of Finance for providing background information on the purpose of the two bills and the processes and policies which lead to write-off and forgiveness of debts.

Members may take this opportunity in Committee of the Whole to raise any specific questions they may have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Motor Vehicles Act March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act, be read for the second time. Mr. Speaker, this bill requires the headlights or daytime running lights of a motor vehicle being driven on a highway to be on at all times. Thank you.

Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Linda Henry, Mr. Henry's wife, and wish her a happy belated birthday.

--- Applause

Question 91-13(3): Implementation Of New Northern Allowance Package March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, in the meantime, until such a decision is made and negotiations are concluded, the people in the union will be receiving $208 less on their gross pay. Is that correct?

Question 91-13(3): Implementation Of New Northern Allowance Package March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is in reference to his answer to my oral question, which was in relation to the unionized workers. We are talking about unionized workers.

Question 91-13(3): Implementation Of New Northern Allowance Package March 27th, 1996

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance has indicated that they aren't going to implement the northern allowance for these employees until negotiations are over. Now he is telling me that he is going to implement it. He can't have it both ways. He is either going to implement it or he is going to wait until negotiations are over...

Question 91-13(3): Implementation Of New Northern Allowance Package March 27th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is $5,400 a year, divided by 26 payments is $208 every two weeks. If we are not going to be giving our employees the housing allowance -- that means that is $208 less on their pay cheques or their gross income -are we going to be deducting that without giving them a northern allowance come April 1st?