Caroline Cochrane

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't remember what sitting it was, but the Member did ask me to bring it forward, the concerns to the Premier of Nunavut and to the federal government. I did make a commitment in the House that I would do that, and I'm pleased to report that I have had discussions with the Premier in Nunavut and I have brought the concern to the federal government as per my commitment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't want to say how old I am, but I know I was in school in 1969 here in the Northwest Territories. So if former students though, Mr. Speaker, feel that they've suffered the same abuses as those in federallyrun schools, then, Mr. Speaker, they need to seek legal advice to look at any recourse that they can get through the courts. I'm not saying that abuses didn't happen. I was a student there. I seen some things. I experienced some things. But I'm not aware of any specific allegations that have come across my desk as Premier so I can't state on that. I do understand...

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to move, seconded by the honourable Member of Inuvik Boot Lake, that Bill 85, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act, be read for the third time. And, Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, in reviewing the job descriptions, in theory the regional senior managers should have the exact same authority as managers at headquarters. So, again, it's something, like I said I'm hearing it's more than just training. We need to make sure that our deputy ministers are aware. We need to make sure that every department, every Minister, is aware that this is an issue and speak to your deputy ministers, speak to headquarters because we are deputy ministers are headquarters to make sure that the regions have the autonomy, the authority that is vested in them...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've said numerous times in public events, etcetera, that I believe in my heart, I truly believe, that part of the healing process is actually being able to share your story. I experienced that when I practised social work myself, and I always found that the more people can share their stories the load just comes off somehow. It is part of the healing journey. So I do know that we have various counselling supports in the NWT, some through the health and social services, but also some that aren't recognized. Supports that people don't see as traditional. I know when I...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This litigation was filed against the federal government. So my understanding is that membership in the class of former students covered by the federal day school class action lawsuit is determined by the particular requirements of that litigation. I don't have that on hand. That was against the federal government. But, again, I do recommend that any student that feels that they've been abused in any way at any time should seek legal advice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. After eight years, I am going to try this again. I want to recognize a constituent in my riding, hopefully I will have to remember his name, David Wasylciw.

As well, Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Mr. Shawn Dean, a vital Member of our communications team for many, many years. Like his MLA, we do wish he enjoys his retirement but we sure could have used you in the last few months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr . Speaker, I'd like to, first of all, say that myself and Cabinet, and many of the Council of Leaders, are extremely proud of this bill. I think this is the way of the future. It's exciting. It's scary. It's challenging. And it's about time that we took these steps.

I'd also like to clear for the record, Mr. Speaker, I was accused yesterday and today of not attending assemblies. Mr. Speaker, throughout my term as Premier, at any time that any Indigenous organization, government, has invited me to their assemblies, if I had been free I would have attended. As with other Members, if our...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will definitely have I think have a little bit more before the next Assembly is sworn in, and as do the Ministers.

I will make the commitment in this House that I will speak to the secretary of Cabinet, who is responsible for all the deputy ministers, to make sure it reinforces, but I'm also telling all Cabinet Ministers while I'm standing here, to make sure you speak to your deputy ministers to ensure that regional managers have the authority invested under their job descriptions to make decisions that they are qualified and mandated within their job descriptions to...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to pass it to Martin Goldney.