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

Bowl-a-thon For Kids' Help Phone March 19th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate everyone who participated in the bowl-a-thon fund-raiser for the Kids' Help Phone which was held last Saturday at the Polar Bowl in Yellowknife, especially my fellow Members.

Approximately $65,000 was raised for the Kids' Help Phone. Of the $65,000, $25,000 was donated by the Yellowknife Elks Lodge; $7,000 from the Hay River bowl-a-thon; and, $33,000 from the Yellowknife bowl-a-thon. The Yellowknife MLAs' team of Roy Erasmus, Charles Dent and myself raised $900, with the Honourable Charles Dent being the leader in pledges.

You have already, Mr. Speaker, thanked the Sir John Franklin Band, but I would also like to take this opportunity to thank them for the entertainment which they have provided this afternoon at the opening of the House, and especially for the playing of 0 Canada. Thank you.

--- Applause

Committee Motion 3-13(2): To Amend Clause 6 Of Bill 2, Carried February 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that clause 6(2) of Bill 2 be deleted and clauses 6(3) and (4) be renumbered respectively as clauses 6(2) and (3).

Mr. Chairman, this motion deletes 6(2), which had provided that if the parties are unable to reach an agreement within the time specified in subsection 4I.02(2), the next stage of the bargaining process is invoked; namely the appointment of a mediator. The proposal is to delete the words which would allow the parties to engage in collective bargaining negotiations for longer than 60 days and also allow them to appoint the mediator earlier than 60 days if the negotiations break down prior to the 60 days.

Bill 2: An Act To Amend The Public Service Act February 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Many of my constituents have raised concerns to me over the proposed changes regarding the Public Service Act. I feel confident that this government has responded to many of the concerns raised by the elected leaders of the NWTTA and the Union of Northern Workers. I have the confidence that both parties can reach an agreement with the employer at the bargaining table as they have in the past.

As a government, we have to take the responsibility and be seen by all residents of the Northwest Territories to be fair and, more important, to be financial responsible as to our employees. That is why I'm optimistic that a negotiated settlement can be reached in all cases. This legislation represents a change and change is difficult but not impossible.

We have to conduct this government in a new way. We do not have the financial resources available today that we once had. If we are to continue in the present mode of spending, we would be bankrupt in short order. We have to get this government back to being run like a home by not spending more than we bring in. The past government has been like a child with a credit card; we have to take away that credit card, we have to live within our means.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to finish with a comment that I'm sure we're all familiar with and it goes like, "You're damned if you do and damned if you don't." I have been one of many on occasion, to criticize government for not taking action, for continually meeting and prolonging the process and yet, I hear criticism of the government when they do take action. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Bill 2: An Act To Amend The Public Service Act February 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Earlier on this afternoon I had asked a question of Mr. Todd, the honourable Minister of Finance, and it was ruled out of order. I feel that it's important that that question be asked again. I accept the fact that during Mr. Todd's presentation at the beginning, it was probably covered but I would specifically like to separate it because it has been brought to me by a number of my constituents and I believe it deserves clarification.

I will reread this again, if I may. This is with regard to Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Public Service Act. I understand that clause 3 revokes the articles in the three collective bargaining agreements which state that the agreements will stay in force, even after their expiry date, until new agreements are concluded. This has understandably lead to significant confusion and consternation among organized government employees. However, it is my understanding that even with the passage of this bill, the collective bargaining agreements will continue in force as long as negotiations are continuing. I would like the Minister to tell me whether this is so and clarify this issue for the benefit of all unionized government employees.

Bill 2: An Act To Amend The Public Service Act February 20th, 1996

(Microphone turned off)...and proceed with my statement.

Bill 2: An Act To Amend The Public Service Act February 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If it's your pleasure, Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask a question first and carry on with a statement.

Item 10: Petitions February 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to present a petition dealing with the matter of An Act to Amend the Public Service Act, signed by residents of Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, Petition No. 9-13(2) contains 122 signatures and the petitioners requests:

"We, the undersigned citizens of the Northwest Territories, do humbly petition the Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories as follows:

"That Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Public Service Act, be rejected outright by the Members of the Assembly as it implements an unfair regime of collective bargaining in the Northwest Territories; and further

"That should Bill 2 not be rejected outright, a minimum commitment to democratic action demands that the public be provided full opportunity to comment on the proposed bill; and further

"That Members of the Legislative Assembly who fail to act to prevent the travesty that the passage of Bill 2 would represent, especially if done without public consultation, be condemned for anti-worker and undemocratic conduct."

Mr. Speaker, I have a second petition. I request to petition Petition No. 10-13(2) dealing with the matter of An Act to Amend the Public Service Act, signed by employees from Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, the petition contains 58 signatures, and, Mr. Speaker, the petitioners requests:

"We, the undersigned citizens of the Northwest Territories, do humbly petition the Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories as follows:

"That Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Public Service Act, be rejected outright by the Members of the Assembly as it implements an unfair regime of collective bargaining in the Northwest Territories; and further "That should Bill 2 not be rejected outright, a minimum commitment to democratic action demands that the public be provided full opportunity to comment on the proposed bill; and further

"That Members of the Legislative Assembly who fail to act to prevent the travesty that the passage of Bill 2 would represent, especially if done without public consultation, be condemned for anti-worker and undemocratic conduct." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 95-13(2): Clarification Of Clause 3 Of Public Service Act February 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd. It is regarding Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Public Service Act, which will be dealt with later on today. I understand that clause 3 revokes the articles in three collective bargaining agreements which state that the agreements wiII stay in force, even after their expiry date, until new agreements are concluded. This has understandably lead to significant confusion and consternation among organized government employees. However, it is my understanding that even with the passage of this bill, the collective bargaining agreements will continue to be in force as long as negotiations are continuing. Can the Minister tell me whether this is so and clarity this issue for the benefit of all unionized government employees?

Question 92-13(2): Request For Premier To State That GNWT Represents All NWT Residents February 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like the Premier to state clearly in this House that this government that sits here today represents all citizens of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Question 88-13(2): Privatization Plan For Computer Services February 20th, 1996

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Public Works and Services. Has the privatization plan for computers systems and services, been developed, and, if so, what information or consultation with local businesses was used in the development of this plan?