Roles

In the Legislative Assembly

Elsewhere

Historical Information Seamus Henry is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.

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

Won his last election, in 1995, with 42% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Question 25-13(3): One Year Suspension Of Bip March 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister also had officials convey to us that they do not know the benefits that the program offers. Would that not be a reasonable reason to put something on hold, not to spend $30 million where you do not know clearly what you're getting back for it?

Question 25-13(3): One Year Suspension Of Bip March 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In light of the fact that the Minister of Finance is proposing a $40 million deficit in the next fiscal year, would that not give some incentive to the Minister to potentially not have a sacred cow and potentially help this situation, rather than this government paying out interest charges? We're going to have to face this nightmare some time. Rather than paying out interest charges, it could go to programs for handicapped or programs in the schools. So would the Minister at least consider that for a year, in light of the deficit? Thank you.

Question 25-13(3): One Year Suspension Of Bip March 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Public Works and Services. I would like to thank the Minister and his officials for the presentation that he made yesterday on the business incentive policy and also for the information that was provided at that session. The Minister and his staff estimate that this policy costs the Government of the Northwest Territories $30 million a year. In light of the statements that have been made by the Premier and the Minister of Finance, from the opening of this House, that the budget would not be balanced on the people who could least afford it and that it would be fair across the board to all people and segments of the Northwest Territories; my question to the Minister is would he consider for a one-year period to eliminate the BIP. At least it would be some consolation to the 295 people who have lost their jobs that indeed the statements made by the Premier and the Minister of Finance that there were no sacred cows were sincere that we would put as much effort as possible into balancing these books. Would he consider putting this BIP on hold for at least a year? Thank you.

Question 16-13(3): Date Of Lay-off Notice To GNWT Employees March 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Finance. I was pleased to read in your document, wages and benefits, that you have noted this is the result of considerable speculation and concern among employees about where their jobs are at. I appreciate that. I suggest the wording is probably very light for individuals out there who have families, mortgages, and payments to make. I would suggest it is probably for them a lot more than just concern. When will these people -- we have identified that there are going to be 150 lay-offs -- be notified of their positions being terminated? Thank you.

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery March 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was going to recognize Mr. McCann, and he's the only one that I recognize up there. I was wondering if there would be some consideration given to a mirror just above your head so I could see who's up in the gallery the odd time. For anyone from Yellowknife South who's in the gallery, Mr. Speaker, I welcome them to the Assembly.

--- Applause

Regulatory Burden Experienced By Small Business March 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I find this an exceptionally bright day today. I would like to read a newspaper article which my fellow Members may wish to consider for our government.

Despite years of effort, business has had only modest success in convincing government to reduce the regulatory burden.

It is a burden that is especially onerous on small businesses that don't have large administrative resources to cope with government regulations.

But even for major employers, regulatory compliance adds significantly to costs.

There was hope of an important breakthrough in cutting federal government regulation with the introduction of the Regulatory Efficiency Act, but it remains stalled in the House of Commons.

One of the most encouraging examples of what can and should be done to unwind the red tape strangling businesses is the action of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

As noted in the Post's Special Report on Small Business, in February, in its 1992 budget, Newfoundland eliminated 171 fees for licences; from the $10 fee for a birth certification, to the $25 fee for renewing a waste management certification to a $15,000 fee for selling a high-volume of gasoline wholesale.

What should be carefully reported by all governments is that these changes cost Newfoundland $2 million in lost revenue, but it has saved $3 million in administrative and collection fees.

Newfoundland now plans to scrap up to 50 per cent of all existing regulations and paper burdens on small business.

So what we have here is the best of all possible worlds: The government saves money by reducing administrative costs, and will further benefit by collecting more tax revenue from businesses that are more profitable and new start-ups are encouraged."

I would like to suggest to the Premier that after he forms the Special Advisory Committee on the Economy, as he has talked about earlier in this House, this is exactly the type of recommendation that the committee will be making to him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

Motion 2-13(3): Appointment Of Languages Commissioner, Carried March 19th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS section 18(1) of the Official Languages Act permits the appointment of a Languages Commissioner by the Commissioner of the NWT, after the approval of the appointment by resolution of the Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly considers the appointment of a Languages Commissioner essential for ensuring recognition of the rights, status and privileges of each of the official languages and compliance with the spirit and intent of the Official Languages Act; AND WHEREAS the office of the Languages Commissioner is vacant;

AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly is of the opinion that the appointment of a Languages Commissioner should now be made;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Iqaluit, that, pursuant to section 18 of the Official Languages Act, Judi Mary Tutcho be appointed as Languages Commissioner.

AND FURTHER, that the appointment be effective May 1, 1996.

Thank you.

Motion 1-13(3): Referring Report Of The Commission On MLA Compensation To Committee Of The Whole, Carried March 19th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to proceed with my motion today which will appoint the Languages Commissioner. Thank you.

Motion 2-13(3): Appointment Of Languages Commissioner March 19th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, March 22, 1996, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Iqaluit, that, pursuant to section 18 of the Official Languages Act, Judi Mary Tutcho be appointed as Languages Commissioner; and further, that the appointment be effective May 1, 1996.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to proceed with the motion today. Thank you.

Question 4-13(3): Status Of Arbitration Awards March 19th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd. It is my understanding that the GNWT and the Union of Northern Workers have recently completed hearings in which our government was found guilty of wrongdoing over a 10-year span from 1985 to 1995. I would like to ask the Minister responsible if it is true that the GNWT has been found guilty of violating the terms of the collective agreement, and would the Minister please provide the arbitration rulings for review by the Members of the House.