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Crucial Fact

  • Her favourite word was health.
Historical Information Sandy Lee is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Last in the Legislative Assembly March 2011, as MLA for Range Lake

Won her last election, in 2007, with 73% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Sole-source Contracts March 21st, 2000

The last issue was sole-source contracts. Due to time constraints, the committee did not have the opportunity to discuss sole-source contracts and may address this issue in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. That concludes the committee's finding of our review. Mr. Chairman.

Funding For Capital Projects March 21st, 2000

With respect to funding for capital projects. The committee, in its review of the proposed 2000-2001 interim appropriation and the 2000-2001 five-year capital plan noted that some capital projects were the subject of funding discrepancies. See page 1-11, capital, departmental submissions, Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, 2000-2001 interim appropriation.

The department, at the request of the committee, agreed to provide further detail concerning any funding discrepancies for its capital projects to the committee prior to the review of the proposed interim appropriation in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.

Dual Ministerial Responsibilities March 21st, 2000

On the issue of dual Ministerial responsibilities. The committee was concerned that the Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is also the Premier. Committee members pointed out that the rationale for the addition of a Ministerial position to the current Cabinet was to ensure that there is an equal workload amongst the Ministers.

The Premier replied that certain sub-portfolios are delegated out from his portfolio to other Ministers. However, committee members were concerned a divisively managed portfolio may result in accountability and clarity problems.

Funding For Economic Development March 21st, 2000

With respect to the issue of funding for economic development. Committee members noted that over $6 million in proposed funding during the interim period has been allocated for firefighting. The committee supports the department's efforts to ensure a minimal fire season. However, the committee noted that it is difficult to obtain funding for economic development initiatives.

The committee reiterates its support for increased economic development in the smaller communities. In many communities, public sector investment is essential to their well-being.

Economic Diversification March 21st, 2000

With respect to the issue of economic diversification. Committee members were concerned some activities, especially grants and contributions for economic development, may not represent value for money. However, the committee recognized that sectors such as fisheries, hunting and trapping represent more than a return on government investment.

The department explained that it uses an economic framework, which establishes parameters for investment. Prior to amalgamation of the department into the current Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, the latter entity operated as an independent department. The former department, Economic Development, had a grants and contributions program that the now amalgamated Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development continues.

Committee Motion 2-14(2): Deferral Of Consideration Of Department Of Health And Social Services (carried) March 21st, 2000

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the deputy chairperson of the committee, I would like to report on the results of our review.

The committee met with the Minister and his staff on March 18, 2000, to review the proposed 2000-2001 interim appropriation for the department. The committee made note of the following issues.

Inuvik Hospital March 21st, 2000

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a question about Telehealth. I had the opportunity to get a briefing on that at another forum and I found it very interesting. I think it is an idea with a lot of potential, but I have also had people come and tell me that in order for it to be successful and do the thing that it is meant to do, which is not to replace a lack of resources, but to deliver our health system with modern technology and so on. I just want to make sure that if we are going to go with that, that there are enough resources and that the people are properly trained and there is a technological infrastructure in place.

I believe Mr. St. Germaine mentioned that this was going to be expanded slowly on an as needed basis. I would like to know, what is the plan? How much are we allocating for that and how long are we going to take to implement it? I just want to know more about how this is being implemented and where it is at.

My second question concerns recruitment and retention of doctors. I know that the Minister made a statement on this earlier in the last session and I see that there has been an advertisement for a position of consultant or somebody who is to do the recruiting. I wonder if the Minister could just tell me a little bit more about where she is with this issue that was very important to our constituents.

My last point is, I have to agree with the committee report and committee finding that the Early Childhood Program is essential and I know that that is a priority for the department as well. Hopefully we will see something concrete on that soon. Thank you.

Inuvik Hospital March 21st, 2000

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. By virtue of the fact that I do not belong to the Social Programs Committee as all Members here cannot belong to both Social Programs and Governance, this is my first chance to address my mind to some of these issues. I do not have a long general comment, but I do want to make a few observations and to ask some questions.

I want to start off by congratulating the department on one thing I noticed the department is doing and I hope it is the Government of the Northwest Territories that is doing it. It has to do with the anti-smoking ads on CBC TV that I have been noticing. They seem to come on right before Northbeat. I think it is very effective as it scares me when I am sitting there looking at them. I find them very relevant. I think if children saw them they would think they are really cool ads because they address how it is not cool to smoke. I hope that it works for the children and young people out there because, as we talked about in the strategy session, we have so many people smoking. It is costing us a lot, not just in money, but in the general health of our people.

I want to start off with that, but then I have to move on to alcohol and drug treatment programs, which I think we all agree is a huge problem. We are probably not spending as much money on it as we could and we do not have an adequate facility in Yellowknife or around this area. The Member for North Slave has been asking the Minister for that sort of treatment and I am hoping that the department could somehow address that. Could the Minister address this need for a treatment centre?

With that issue, I wonder if the Minister could tell me, where do people go for alcohol and drug treatment, given the inadequate treatment services in Yellowknife and this area? I think I will ask that question and then I will talk about other issues which have to do with Telehealth and recruitment and retention of doctors. I am trying to learn more about the state of alcohol and drug treatment programs in our Territory. Thank you.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery March 20th, 2000

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Ed Jeske, who is a former teacher from Sir John Franklin High School, who also taught me how to drive about 20 years ago.

-- Laughter

Welcome, Mr. Jeske.

Recognition Of Elimination Of Racial Discrimination March 20th, 2000

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask all Members to pause for a moment today, March 21st, in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Mr. Speaker, discrimination refers to actions at the individual level which assert the natural superiority of race, gender, religion, ethnicity or culture over another. It also involves institutionalized discriminatory practices that protect and maintain the position of certain groups, and continue the inferior position of others.

The Northwest Territories is blessed with a diverse population made up of peoples of different history, culture, education, religions, languages, gender and lifestyles. And with these rich blessings also come immense challenges. As citizens of the Northwest Territories, we must ensure that our actions embrace, value and respect this diversity through our words, actions, customs and styles and attitudes.

As legislators of the Northwest Territories, it is our duty to remove structural and behavioural barriers which inhibit the full participation of all members of society in all aspects and at all levels through inclusive policies, programs and practices that are adaptive to the needs of our evolving society.

We must be diligent, Mr. Speaker, that the Government of the Northwest Territories policies such as affirmative action and the equality of men and women in the Northwest Territories are continuously monitored for proper application and effectiveness and, when necessary, amended to meet our common goals.

Discrimination takes many forms, Mr. Speaker, as do the steps needed to eradicate it. Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that together we can make a difference. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause