Debates of January 20, 2004 (day 1)

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of DIAND was going to be in Yellowknife this week, but other priorities got in the way so he has postponed. I don’t have a date yet of when I’ll be able to meet with him. If it’s not soon, then I intend to talk with him by phone. Mr. Speaker, as well, there is a possibility of a First Ministers meeting in Ottawa next week, and if there is I certainly intend to be there and intend to raise this issue with the Prime Minister at that time. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 8-15(2): Update On Intergovernmental Forum And Devolution

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I’d like to thank the Premier for those answers. I’d also like to, again for the benefit of the people, of our constituents who follow our proceedings and listen to what’s going on, I’d like to ask the Premier if he could outline for us the significance of seeing progress on this front in light of some of the development that we are anticipating. I think sometimes people talk a lot about devolution and resource revenue sharing, but perhaps don’t fully comprehend the absolute importance and significance of it in terms of our wellbeing as a territory. Could the Premier please make reference to that? Thank you.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 8-15(2): Update On Intergovernmental Forum And Devolution

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a very complex process, but I’ll try to be brief. First of all, devolution means the transfer of responsibility for land and resources from the federal government to the territorial and aboriginal governments. It is a trilateral process now, meaning there’s a three-way negotiation between the Aboriginal Summit representing the aboriginal governments, our government and the federal government. So it’s a process that if successful would mean that between ourselves and aboriginal governments we would have the same authority and responsibility as does a province.

On the resource revenue sharing side, then that side is critical to devolution as well, because we do not want to take on responsibility for land and resources and programs and services that come with it without having the dollars to go along to be able to pay for it. So we don’t want a situation, Mr. Speaker, where we have the responsibility, but the revenues still flow to the federal government without us getting a fair share that results in a fiscal benefit. So that is being negotiated at the same time. Not only is it complicated as a trilateral process between three parties, it’s also complicated because devolution is handled by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and resource revenue sharing is handled by Finance. Given the size of the federal government, it’s like dealing with two different governments in many ways. I hope with the new federal government we’re able to bring some coordination between the federal Department of Finance and Department of Indian and Northern Affairs so that we can talk about devolution and resource revenue sharing in one process.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that gives an overview, but it’s complicated. I know a lot of the public don’t really understand what devolution means. The bottom line to me is that devolution of resources and lands and the resource revenue sharing means that we as northerners are able then to make decisions that affect our lives. We won’t have someone in Ottawa licensing a mine or heading up an environmental review process. That will be our responsibility. We’ll be the ones who decide our own future here. That’s what we want, the same as do the aboriginal governments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 8-15(2): Update On Intergovernmental Forum And Devolution

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, I think I can determine from the Premier’s response that any reference I heard in a media interview that would suggest that anything other than a trilateral negotiation is not anything that he would consider or would even be possible. Could he please confirm that for me? Thank you.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 8-15(2): Update On Intergovernmental Forum And Devolution

Mr. Speaker, our government and aboriginal governments have been talking about devolution for more than 17 years. We don’t want to be seeing that process just continuing on for another four years under our watch. We want to see some process made on that. So would I consider any other alternative? I like the trilateral model. That’s the way to do business: government to government to government. But if there is not an interest in pursuing devolution by the federal government or by any other partners, then we have to look at some other model. Right now I’m optimistic that the federal government is on side. Minister Mitchell has told me they are. We have a meeting this week with some of the aboriginal leadership. I hope to hear the same message from them and if we can go on with confidence that we’re negotiating devolution in a trilateral process with everybody’s intention to meet a timeframe that will say we’re going to finish off this exercise, not drag it on for many more years while our people do without. Thank you.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, I make reference to my statement this afternoon. My question is to the Minister of Health and Social Services in regard to supporting the people in the Sahtu region in terms of dealing with many of their losses in November and December and just recently, a couple days ago, an elderly lady passed away in Fort Good Hope that the Sahtu people need to be acknowledged and, I guess, to recognize that we’re carving out our own territory. In many aspects of what we’re discussing this afternoon and that we have the resources to reinvest in our people here, we want to develop a model with the department to deal with these sensitive issues, such as losses to our communities.

The question to the Minister is, would he consider meeting with some of the people in the Sahtu to develop a regional model to deal with the crisis and losses in our communities? Thank you.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 9-15(2): Dealing With Loss Of Residents In The Sahtu Region

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we’ve been engaged in a process now for some months in terms of setting up a separate, standalone Sahtu authority to deal with health and social services. We’re currently in a state of transition, separating from Inuvik. There have been, as my colleagues indicated, a number of unfortunate deaths in the Sahtu, and the staff in the communities have been under a lot of pressure to deal with them.

The Member, as well, has been very persistent in terms of requesting that I come into the region and meet with the community leaders and we, in fact, intend to do that the second week in February with the Member. I’m talking to officials from the Sahtu authority, as well as some staff from the department, and we will sit down and we will talk about what’s possible as we look at how we’re going to structure services in the Sahtu so that they best reflect what are identified as critical issues by the people of the Sahtu. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 9-15(2): Dealing With Loss Of Residents In The Sahtu Region

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess on the short-term notice here, would the Minister consider dealing with the losses in the Sahtu region with our communities? I understand the long-term goals and aspirations are the separate health board for the Sahtu, however, when we’re looking at losses such as what we’re having in the Sahtu and how it contributes to many other areas in someone’s life, we’re looking for some guidance on this issue from this government here to take the measures to deal with it as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 9-15(2): Dealing With Loss Of Residents In The Sahtu Region

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d be happy to hear the specific suggestions that the Member may have. I can tell the Member that the staff from Inuvik, from Norman Wells and the staff in the various communities have been working extensively with the communities right now to deal with the issues surrounding the many deaths currently happening in the Sahtu. As well, the RCMP have been involved. As the Member has indicated, the communities have been affected. So if he has suggestions over and above what is already being done and the longer-term stuff we’re looking at, I would be more than happy to talk to him so that we could have discussions with the people in the Sahtu and with the authorities in the Sahtu to make sure we’re doing everything possible. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is again to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment with regard to his Minister’s statement. It’s in the context of if he can explain to this Assembly if he’s aware of a union of pipeline politics in the NWT and how it impacts the employing economy in the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for that question. I’ll have to take it as notice.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled Aurora College 2002/2003 Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled Minister of Transportation’s Annual Report on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (1990) for 2003. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, January 22nd, 2004, I will move the following motion: NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that the rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended by rescinding Rule 85(2) and substituting the following:

(2)

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight shall;

Review issues which have government-wide implications, including the overview of the budget and fiscal framework;

Review multi-year business plans, budgets and those of the department of the Executive, including the Executive offices, the Financial Management Board Secretariat, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and the Department of Finance;

Consider the budgets and financial management of any other boards and agencies that are outside the responsibility of any standing committee;

Examine the reports on the annual financial statements and public accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the report of the Auditor General.

(i)

In the event that the Assembly is not in session the Speaker may provide the Auditor General’s report and the Minister of Finance may provide public accounts to the committee for review, which may include public hearings in advance of tabling;

Review government reports on financial and performance results on program and policy evaluations to ensure anticipated outcomes are being achieved and accountability is maximized;

Review, as necessary or appropriate, the annual and other reports of statutory offices of the Legislative Assembly, including the Commissioner of Official Languages, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Equal Pay Commissioner and the Human Rights Commissioner;

Coordinate House business, scheduling and planning in cooperation with appropriate Cabinet representatives; and,

Consider any other matters referred by the House.

AND FURTHER that Rule 85(3) be rescinded and the following substituted:

(3)

The Standing Committee on Governance and

Economic Development shall consider the

following matters with respect to the

departments of Public Works and Services,

Municipal and Community Affairs,

Resources, Wildlife and Economic

Development, and Transportation:

Review multi-year business plans and budgets, bills, and boards and agencies including the Workers’ Compensation Board, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the NWT Development Corporation, the Business Credit Corporation and the Public Utilities Board;

Review departmental performance, including that of boards and agencies; and,

Consider any other matter referred by the House.

AND FURTHERMORE that Rule 85(5) be rescinded and the following substituted:

The Standing Committee on Social Programs shall consider the following matters with respect to the departments of Health and Social Services, Education, Culture and Employment, Justice, and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation:

Review multi-year business plans and budgets, bills, boards and agencies, including the Status of Women Council, and programs for Seniors, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities;

Review departmental performance, including that of boards and agencies; and,

Consider any other matter referred by the House.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, January 22, 2004, I will move the following motion: NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development: Mr. Allen, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes; Mr. Delorey, Member for Hay River North; Mrs. Groenewegen, Member for Hay River South; Mr. Menicoche, Member for Nahendeh; Mr. Ramsay, Member for Kam Lake; Mr. Villeneuve, Member for Tu Nedhe.

AND FURTHER that the following Members be named alternates to the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development: Mr. Braden, Member for Great Slave; Mr. Pokiak, Member for Nunakput; Mr. Yakeleya, Member for Sahtu.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you.

Item 11, notices of motion. Mr. Ramsay.

Appointments To The Standing Committee On Social Programs

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, January 22, 2004, I will move the following motion: NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Social Programs: Mr. Braden, Member for Great Slave; Mr. Hawkins, Member for Yellowknife Centre; Ms. Lee, Member for Range Lake; Mr. Pokiak, Member for Nunakput; Mr. Yakeleya, Member for Sahtu.

AND FURTHER that the following Members be named alternates to the Standing Committee on Social Programs: Mrs. Groenewegen, Member for Hay River South; Mr. Menicoche, Member for Nahendeh; Mr. Villeneuve, Member for Tu Nedhe.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, January 22, 2004, I will move the following motion: NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput, that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures: The Honourable Mr. Bell, Member for Yellowknife South; Mr. Braden, Member for Great Slave; Mr. Delorey, Member for Hay River North; Mr. Hawkins, Member for Yellowknife Centre; Mr. Villeneuve, Member for Tu Nedhe.

AND FURTHER that the following Members be named alternates to the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures: Mr. Menicoche, Member for Nahendeh; Mr. Pokiak, Member for Nunakput; Mr. Ramsay, Member for Kam Lake.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Thursday, January 22, 2004, I will move that Bill 1, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2003-2004, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 12, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 13, motions. Mr. Villeneuve.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS Rule 85 of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly prescribe and describe the mandates of the standing committees of the Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS it is desirable to make changes to the mandates of the standing committees to better reflect their work and to equitably apportion responsibilities among committees;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Honourable Member for Kam Lake, that the rules of the Legislative Assembly…

Mr. Villeneuve, are you seeking unanimous consent to deal with your motion?

Sorry, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll try again.

---Laughter

WHEREAS Rule 85 of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly prescribe and describe the mandates of the Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS it is desirable to make changes to the mandates of the Standing Committees to better reflect their work and to equitably apportion responsibilities among committees;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that the rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended by rescinding Rule 85(2) and substituting the following:

(2)

The Standing Committee on Accountability and

Oversight shall;

a)

Review issues which have government-

wide implications including the overview of

the budget and fiscal framework;

b)

Review multi-year business plans, budgets and bills of the Department of the Executive, including the executive offices, the Financial Management Board Secretariat, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, and the Department of Finance;

c)

Consider the budgets and financial management of any other boards and agencies that are outside the responsibility of any standing committee;

d)

Examine the reports on the annual financial statements and public accounts of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the report of the Auditor General.

In the event that the Assembly is not in session, the Speaker may provide the Auditor General’s report and the Minister of Finance may provide the public accounts to the committee for review, which may include public hearings in advance of tabling;

Review government reports on financial and performance results and program and policy evaluations to ensure anticipated outcomes are being achieved and accountability is maximized;

Review, as necessary or appropriate, the annual and other reports of statutory officers of the Legislative Assembly, including the Commissioner of Official Languages, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Equal Pay Commissioner and the Human Rights Commissioner;

Coordinate House business scheduling and planning in cooperation with appropriate Cabinet representatives; and

Consider any other matter referred by the House.

AND FURTHER that Rule 85(3) be rescinded and the following substituted:

(3)

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development shall consider the following matters with respect to the departments of Public Works and Services, Municipal and Community Affairs, Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, and Transportation:

a)

Review multi-year business plans and budgets, bills, and boards and agencies including the Workers’ Compensation Board, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the NWT Development Corporation, the Business Credit Corporation and the Public Utilities Board;

b)

Review departmental performance, including that of boards and agencies; and,

c)

Consider any other matter referred by the House.

AND FURTHERMORE that Rule 85(5) be rescinded and the following substituted:

(5)

The Standing Committee on Social Programs

shall consider the

following matters with

respect to the departments of Health and

Social Services, Education, Culture and

Employment, Justice, and the Northwest

Territories Housing Corporation:

a)

Review multi-year business plans and budgets, bills, boards and agencies, including the Status of Women Council, and programs for Seniors, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities;

b)

Review departmental performance, including that of boards and agencies; and,

c)

Consider any other matter referred by the House.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question.

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried unanimously.

---Carried

Item 13, motions. Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.