Robert Bouchard

I’m glad the Minister understands the problem here. My question is, though – the diamond mines have been here for a long time, for many years – what programs has his department worked with the diamond mines, for example, to get these people in the Northwest Territories to the job to be able to contribute to the economy of the Northwest Territories?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As my colleagues have indicated, addictions are a large concern for this government and for the country of Canada. As a strong advocate for economic development, increasing jobs, and the economy in the North, I believe that addictions are affecting us a great deal in this area as well.

This government will often ask where will we find the money, how can we afford to do this? How can we afford not to do this? What would the Northwest Territories gross domestic production be like if we didn’t have addictions? How many people have addictions that allow them not to stay at...

Thank you, Madam Chair. To my right is Tim Mercer, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. To my right is Kelly McLaughlin, acting director, legislation, Department of Justice.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to provide opening comments on Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act, No. 3.

Bill 15 amends the Human Rights Act to make the director of human rights an employee in the public service. The director will continue to be appointed by the Commissioner, on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly, for a term of four years.

Bill 15 also allows the Legislative Assembly to make appointments to the Human Rights Adjudication Panel for terms ranging from two to four years. The amendment is proposed to help ensure that there is staggered turnover on the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act, No. 3, be read for the second time.

Bill 15 amends the Human Rights Act to establish that the director of human rights is an employee in the public service. This act also amends the act to modify the terms of employment of the members of the adjudication panel established under the act and to authorize the Speaker, on the recommendation of the Board of Management, to designate the chairperson and deputy chairperson of the adjudication panel. The adjudication panel...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories, as well as Aboriginal governments with settled land claims, have authority in areas such as air quality and wildlife. The Government of the Northwest Territories is currently negotiating increased management authority for land and water. The committee recognizes the current Mackenzie Valley Resources Management Act as a strong federal law, designed by Northerners, that allows for control of the pace and scale of development. A policy on hydraulic fracturing is needed to supplement provisions in the Mackenzie Valley Resources...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated in my Member’s statement, I am concerned with addictions in the Northwest Territories and the lack of productivity it’s causing in our industries. My questions are going to be for the Minister of ITI.

Has the Department of ITI had any involvement with a drug and alcohol program for industry?

Madam Chair, the importance of the changes here is to make it a little more… It is updating it. We are not consistent with all of the jurisdictions, but it is modernizing it. It is only the second director that we have in the position, so we are looking to modernize ourselves. Are we consistent with every jurisdiction? Every jurisdiction is a little bit different and ours is special in its own way.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know, in the North we have a lot of respect for our seniors and elders, but in Hay River I often get the opportunity to visit with a lot of seniors and many of them live in their own homes. They are proud that they live in their own homes; however, the increasing cost of living in those homes is making it more and more difficult to stay there. Some are considering moving south, which I think is shameful. I think we need to keep all Northerners in the North. Some are looking to sell their homes and apply for seniors housing and to use seniors facilities.

I have...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act, No. 3, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.