Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to take the opportunity today as the lead Minister of the Building Our Future Strategic Initiative Committee to provide an update on the planned actions of this committee.
As you know, the Building Our Future initiative is one of five strategic initiatives that form the backbone of our government’s strategic approach. This initiative focuses on our future by making significant investments in prevention and long-term social well-being of the population of the Northwest Territories. These investments build on our significant base of programs and services that support the well-being of our residents.
The six actions planned under these initiatives are to expand programming for our children and youth, encourage healthy choices and address addictions, implement phase 2 of the Framework for Action on Family Violence, strengthen continuum of care for seniors, enhance support for the voluntary sector and increase safety and security. These actions will contribute to several goals identified by Members of the 16th Assembly but will focus on specific goals of healthy, educated people and sustainable, vibrant, safe communities.
Expanding programming for children and youth is a key part of this initiative. Under this action we will invest in early childhood development programs to ensure that children get a healthy start in culturally relevant programs and get ready for the transition to school years. The $1 million investment included in the 2008–09 budget builds on our investment in early childhood development to more than $6 million annually.
We will also build on the success of last year’s pilot project to establish a funding program to operate youth centres, and we’ll continue to support youth programs. We intend to re-profile funding to add $150,000 to youth contribution funding in 2008–09 and to fund two regional youth adviser positions to work with schools, community governments, the Sport and Recreation Council and other stakeholders.
Our plans also include enhancing the Teacher Education Program to allow for community-based delivery throughout all regions in the Northwest Territories. This builds on the recently piloted Teacher Education Access Program in the Tlicho region.
As part of our Building Our Future Strategic Initiative we`ll also support the expansion of respite services, which will provide an essential break to parents and caregivers of special-needs children. Currently these services are available in Yellowknife, N’dilo and Dettah through an open referral process. This activity identifies the investments that will support these services beyond Yellowknife.
To encourage healthy choices and address addictions, the government will carry out health promotion and prevention activities through the Healthy Choices Framework. This framework involves a five-year plan to develop and deliver coordinated programs, interventions and public messaging on physical activity, healthy eating, mental health, addictions, tobacco harm reduction and cessation, injury prevention and high-risk sexual behaviours.
We also plan to focus on after-care services for individuals being treated for alcohol and drug addiction. Continued development and delivery of culturally appropriate treatment options will be an important element of this work. Our investments in this area will build on the more than $20 million our government spends each year for promotion, awareness and treatment services related to mental health and addictions.
Developing the Framework for Action on Family Violence, phase 2, is an important collaboration between the non-government organizations and the government. The Building Our Future Strategic Initiative includes implementing actions from this framework which will enhance community services and stabilize the existing system of shelters. The demand for home and community care is growing due to aging populations, continued movement from facility-based to home- and community-based care, and continued changes in the approach to hospital care, such as the increased outpatient procedures and earlier discharges.
The Strengthen the Continuum of Care for Seniors action includes expanding community and home care services throughout the Territories and developing the training capacity to meet the increased demand for these services. The income threshold for the seniors home heating subsidy will be increased for 2008–2009, which will further support seniors living independently. Other investments planned for this area will support operations of the new territorial dementia facility and the territorial supported-living campus.
The government is committed to supporting the volunteer sector. There are many parts to this sector, including people who volunteer, for example, as coaches, fundraisers and firefighters; those who serve on boards as volunteers and oversee the operation of a society; and those who work with NGOs that provide services in our communities on behalf of the government. Given this range, it makes sense that there need to be many points within the government that work to support this sector. The existing Volunteer Support Initiative sets the stage for further collaboration amongst the departments. In addition to working closely with many support and volunteer organizations, MACA programs support training for all volunteer organizations, and recognize the efforts of volunteers in all sectors of society.
The Financial Management Board Secretariat leads work on a funding framework; and Health and Social Services; Education, Culture and Employment; and Justice fund and support a wide range of NGOs that provide direct services or advocacy. The 2008–2009 budget started a process to strengthen our communities to this sector, and we are working on a new NGO funding policy. Actions under phase 2 of the Framework for Action on Family Violence, started in 2008–2009, provide targeted support for this important sector. We are working on approaches to better promote and support our volunteers.
While these provide a good start, the Building Our Future Strategic Initiative Committee will be working on further actions in this area, and we have identified funding to hold a forum with volunteer organizations in 2008–2009 to discuss further actions.
Finally, we will take steps as part of the strategic initiative to increase safety and security in our communities. Investments planned under this action include enhancing police services and taking steps to reduce alcohol- and drug-related crime. We’ll be making funding available to address the pressures felt by communities which are providing ambulance and highway rescue programs while we continue to develop a legislative and service delivery model. We recognize that more work is needed as part of this action to address the chronic offenders and enhance emergency services in our communities. These areas will need our attention as we develop further investments as part of the strategic initiative.
The Building Our Future Strategic Initiative Committee faces the challenge of developing actions in an area that has many demands and priorities, all of which are critically important. We need to ensure our actions are guided by an overarching framework for change that helps us achieve our vision of “strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories.”
I look forward to continuing to work together with Members and my fellow Cabinet colleagues as we continue to work to build our future.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources.
Mr. Speaker, protecting species at risk is a major priority for the people of the Northwest Territories. In September 2006 the Department of Environment and Natural Resources released a public consultation document outlining the major elements proposed for NWT species-at-risk legislation. The proposed Species at Risk Act is a result of collaboration with land claim organizations during the drafting process. It was created to promote the effective management of species and prevent them from becoming at-risk in the NWT. The draft also ensures residents are involved in decisions regarding the management, protection and conservation of species at risk.
The success of this draft sets the stage for the development of the Northwest Territories Wildlife Act and speaks to the issue of northern control over northern resources. Northerners need to be involved in the decision-making processes. Decisions concerning the North should be made by Northerners with the North in mind.
The proposed act is guided by the knowledge that wild species are important to residents and should be managed wisely. It also recognizes that all residents in the Northwest Territories have a responsibility to prevent species from becoming atrisk.
The draft legislation builds on our unique wildlife comanagement processes, and recognizes the roles and responsibilities established under land claim agreements. It also recognizes the importance of traditional and local knowledge in managing species at risk and that responsibility for conservation and recovery of species at risk in the NWT is shared between wildlife co-management boards, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Tlicho Government and the Government of Canada.
Under the act, conservation measures to protect, manage and recover species at risk will be considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure they are appropriate to the species. Regulations under the proposed act could require actions be taken to conserve a species or prohibit activities that may adversely affect the species.
Regulations could also regulate, restrict or prohibit killing, harming, harassing, taking, buying, selling, trading or possessing species at risk. In some cases there may be habitats that are essential to the survival and recovery of a species at risk. In most cases habitats will be designated under the Species at Risk Act, and no person would be allowed to destroy any part of the designated habitat.
The draft act also fulfills a number of GNWT commitments under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk, a national program to protect all species in Canada from becoming extinct as a result of human activity. It is our intention to introduce legislation in the fall session.
Mr. Speaker, protection is a joint responsibility. As stewards of our environment I encourage all residents to review this document and discuss it in their communities. At the appropriate time today I will be tabling the proposed legislation.
Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. April 15 marked the official opening of the Mobile Trades Lab in Inuvik. Many of us here today were present at the opening and had the opportunity to tour the facility. It is an impressive unit — a great example of how innovation and open-minded thinking can allow us to maximize opportunities for Northerners. The opening of this lab was cause for celebration in the Beaufort-Delta region and for all the partners involved in the project.
Earlier in this session I spoke about a partnership approach to building the Aurora College residence in Inuvik. The Mobile Trades Lab is yet another example of how a partnership is leading to great things in this region. The lab became a reality due to community commitment and action.
Mr. Speaker, funding was provided by a broad group of partners, including the Government of Canada, Department of Indian and Northern Affairs; Gwich’in Tribal Council; Inuvialuit Regional Corporation; the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; Aurora College; and GNWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment.
The demand for educated tradespeople in the Northwest Territories continues to grow. We also hear from our industry partners that they need Northerners with basic skills and who are ready for work. One of the great selling points of trades is the opportunity for exciting, hands-on work, and direct exposure to this type of work through projects like this mobile training unit is one of the best ways to get Northerners interested.
Aurora College will be offering pre-trades training at the new Mobile Trades Lab in the 2008–2009 academic year. Aurora College is working on a plan that would see the mobile lab travel to other communities in the Beaufort-Delta, allowing more Northerners to get a taste of the trades. In this way, the Mobile Trades Lab has the potential to be a model for the delivery of trades training right across the North.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Ministers’ statements. The Hon. Premier, Mr. Roland.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would first like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Mr. Richard Nerysoo, and the returning vice-president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Ms. Mary Ann Ross, on their elections yesterday. The Government of the Northwest Territories looks forward to working with them on issues of common concern.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the accomplishments of a great leader who has inspired Northerners with his passion for over 50 years. Although his term as president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council has ended, anyone who knows Fred Carmichael will agree that using the word “retirement” would be inaccurate.
I have known Fred for a number of years. His career spans a broad range of pursuits, from business to politics. His achievements in each of these areas are equally impressive.
In 2006 Fred received the National Aboriginal Business Award, and in 2007 he won a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for politics. He has been and will continue to be a passionate and tireless worker in the service of his people, a dedicated activist, a man of quiet vision and honesty and immense integrity.
As a concerned community member and pilot, Fred has been on countless searches where his knowledge of the land and people has helped in many successful rescues. There are many residents of the Beaufort-Delta who are with us today because of heroic efforts in many medevacs and searches.
For over 40 years Fred flew trappers, hunters, tourists, students and community members, and I would bet there are few lakes, rivers and stretches of flat ground in the Beaufort-Delta that have not seen the landing gear of Fred’s planes.
As the first aboriginal commercial pilot in the Northwest Territories, Fred’s contribution to modern aviation history in the North is well known. He is one of the great northern bush pilots. Through his various air service companies Fred has been instrumental in training young pilots, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal. As a successful businessman Fred has contributed immensely to his community and territorial economic development.
As the president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council for nine years, and more recently as chair of the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, Fred continues to make important contributions to the political, social and economic progress of his people and all residents of the Northwest Territories. Fred’s efforts in ensuring aboriginal leadership and participation in all aspects of the Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline project have been unwavering and have inspired confidence and a new sense of optimism among aboriginal people in the North. Simply put, Fred has had a career that mirrors the pride, dignity and heritage of his family and his people.
Fred is also committed to the well-being of his people and all Northerners. This April, under Fred’s leadership and vision, the Gwich’in opened the Sunrise Wellness Centre, which will serve Northerners on their healing journey.
Mr. Speaker, colleagues, please join me in thanking Fred Carmichael for his outstanding contributions to the political, social and economic development of the Northwest Territories, and wishing him the best of luck in his new endeavours. Thank you.
Applause.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a youngster growing up, I played all kinds of sports: hockey, soccer. Now I coach. Sport is a big part of my life. Now I’m a stick boy for my two sons, Matthew and Mitchell, which I enjoy.
Today I would like to recognize what I call the new Aboriginal Sport Circle of the Western Arctic. Since the sport circle started, it struggled as a new sport organization, never really receiving the same level of support and recognition of the other non-government sport and recreation associations. However, with new staff members Jan Larsson and Greg Hopf, the sport circle is becoming more prominent in the communities, and once again is sending a team to the North American Indigenous Games later this year.
Unfortunately, support of Team NWT for the 2006 NAIG games was reallocated to another event, and many youth were very disappointed. This is one example I spoke about in regard to the level of support. You would never see funding for the Arctic Winter Games or the Canada Summer Games team taken away and reallocated to other, smaller regional games.
However, the sport circle has regrouped, refocused, and is now gearing up for the biggest NWT NAIG team ever. Congratulations to Jan and Greg, who have been visiting our communities and doing all they can to raise the profile of the sport circle to the level it should be. In spite of limited support they continue to deliver many positive programs for youth, instilling hope and dreams along the way. The sport circle is lucky to have these dedicated, passionate and caring individuals.
In my riding, 27 athletes and participants from all four communities that I represent are on the Team NWT going to B.C. in August. This last winter, Mr. Speaker, there were over 60 participants.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues.
Team NWT is going to B.C. in August. During the last winter, Mr. Speaker, 60 participants from the four Nunakput communities that I represent participated in the Aboriginal Sport Circle events and programs. These are very good numbers, especially with Nunakput being the furthest riding from downtown Yellowknife. This shows the efforts of the new Aboriginal Sport Circle of the Western Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, the sport circle is delivering many positive programs and events to many aboriginal youth who need positive alternatives. This government needs to recognize this and to start providing Aboriginal Sport Circle with the same level of support that it gives any other territorial sporting organization. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to congratulate the residents of Hay River and the organizers of what I believe has been the largest fundraiser ever to take place in Hay River. I’m referring to the Relay for Life, which was held in many communities across Canada June 13.
The 12-hour walk for cancer was a celebration of survival and a tribute to the lives of loved ones who have been touched by cancer. There were 38 teams involved, with four out-of-town teams from Fort Smith, Kakisa, Yellowknife and Fort Providence.
Over the past few weeks people raised money by having garage sales, bake sales, dances, silent auctions, bottle drives, penny drives and by selling cancer bracelets and getting pledges, and the list goes on.
Hundreds of people gathered on the track of the Diamond Jenness School last Friday night. They brought their lawn chairs and sleeping bags and pitched their tents for the night. People had their heads shaved for donations; teams sold items such as food, balloons, plants; and you could even buy a ticket to win a pair of diamond earrings.
The walk started with a victory walk of 29 Hay River cancer survivors plus one cancer survivor from each of central Alberta and Yellowknife. Each team had a walker constantly on the track from 7 in the evening until 7 in the morning. At midnight 755 candles were lit in memory of the friends and family who had lost their fight with cancer, and in honour of those who are still fighting this disease. This ceremony was very moving, and more than a few tears were shed.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise that although unofficial, the donation to the Canadian Cancer Society from Hay River, at last count, was at $195,000 yesterday, and money is still coming in.
They should reach the $200,000 mark. It was predicted that for a community the size of Hay River, they might have raised $66,000. In terms of community size this donation is unparalleled across Alberta. Hay River raised more in the Relay for Life than did Edmonton, Calgary or Fort McMurray. As you can see, they went above and beyond their wildest expectations.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Hay River Lions Club and the numerous volunteers who rose to the challenge of organizing this event. I would like to mention a few people who really made this possible through their efforts: Shari Burnstad, Shirley Sloat, Diana Field, Melvin Larocque, Ronnie Shaw, Diana Ehman and Pat Burnstad.
Many thanks to the 38 teams that participated in the relay, and a heartfelt “thank you” to the people of Hay River who contributed in so many ways to reaching this incredible goal and this outstanding success in the fight against cancer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Applause.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Health care in small communities is somewhere between none and non-existent. Basically, in most cases you don’t have elder care; you don’t have home care; you don’t have mental health workers or alcohol/drug workers. You’re lucky to see a doctor once a month or to visit a family physician — a doctor or a nurse — or in most cases, to have a family dentist.
Mr. Speaker, it comes down to a question of the disparity between the larger centres in regard to care facilities and walk-in clinics; being able to have dental care in clinics; but more importantly, having elder care at 24hour care facilities.
There’s talk of a new dementia centre and more clinics in Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, in most communities you’re lucky to see a doctor once a month, if the weather is clear and the doctors are available. The same thing applies in regard to physicians and being able to see a nurse in the community, which is scheduled for once a month. Again, if you’re lucky, they can find a nurse to provide that service.
Mr. Speaker, health care is an essential service that we cannot take for granted. To be able to see a doctor or nurse once a month is unacceptable in this day and age in regard to health care services for all residents of the Northwest Territories. We cannot have a two-part system determined by where you live, with services that people take for granted when in other communities there is no such service.
Mr. Speaker, I believe it’s time that this government did everything it can to ensure that everybody is treated fairly, and more importantly, that we receive the basic health care services that all Canadians expect.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be asking the Minister of Health and Social Services questions on this matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Robert McLeod.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have spoken a few times in this Assembly on aboriginal employment within the GNWT. It came to mind again the other day when I heard from a constituent, a young man who’s going to college this fall. He was looking for a summer job and was told that the department wasn’t hiring. He finds out a little while later that somebody from the south was hired.
Mr. Speaker, this is just another example of young aboriginal people being put on the back burner again.
Shame!
Mr. Speaker, I’m frustrated, just totally frustrated, with some of the treatment of aboriginal employees within the GNWT.
Another example, in my mind, is this whole “potentially affected employee” exercise that we just went through. The task of identifying employees, in my opinion, was made at some of the regional levels. Who are they going to identify? I believe they identified a lot of the aboriginal employees, and I think statistics show it and prove it.
Mr. Speaker, I’ve seen qualifications tailored to hire certain individuals from down south. This is a small percentage of people; not everyone is like that, Mr. Speaker. We have a lot of people who have moved north, made the North their home and are still here today. But there is a percentage out there that still continues to do this.
Mr. Speaker, I’m not radical by any means, but I am extremely concerned with the battles that we still have to fight.
In an Assembly where 11 of the 19 Members are aboriginal and the other eight Members are lifelong Northerners who have adopted the North, made it their home and are contributing to the well-being and growth of the Northwest Territories, this is something that we should not condone and allow to happen on our watch. As aboriginals we have to protect the people who put us here.
Mr. Speaker, Fred Carmichael spent many years trying to do what was best for the aboriginal people across the Northwest Territories. As younger leaders we have to carry on the cause of ensuring aboriginals and lifelong Northerners are the major beneficiaries of anything, any resources, any employment that goes on in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, that’s our cause, and I think we should carry that on. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to speak today about an issue that I have raised in this House before and one that over the past three years just has not seen any advancement. That issue, Mr. Speaker, is the exemption from paying the GST for the Northwest Territories and our two sister territories of Nunavut and the Yukon.
Mr. Speaker, we need to be lobbying the federal government with a collective voice. The population of all three territories combined is only 85,000, about the same size as a city such as Red Deer. It would certainly not impact the federal government’s bottom line much if they took a serious look at exempting the three northern territories from paying the GST.
Mr. Speaker, if the federal government is serious about Arctic sovereignty, social development, capacity building and the health and well-being of people in the three territories, then they must find ways to ensure that we can attract doctors, teachers, nurses and others to the North to live here and raise families in our communities, and that those who are here today will have some incentive to stay.
Mr. Speaker, last winter I heard from constituents about high fuel costs and that people were struggling to pay for home heating fuel. This is in families, Mr. Speaker, where both the husband and wife are working full time. The price of oil continues to rise almost on a daily basis. This, Mr. Speaker, is a very, very scary proposition for many families and homeowners across northern Canada, where it is winter seven to nine months of the year.
As a starting point our government should be looking at supporting the Yukon government’s move to lobby the federal government to remove the GST on home heating fuel, power generation and the transportation of essential goods north of 60.
In a press release last month the Yukon government said it would approach Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to join them in lobbying Ottawa for tax relief in these important areas. Mr. Speaker, we are set to leave here in two days, and I’m wondering why our government hasn’t put forward a motion similar to the one put forward by the Yukon government.
Costs are rising daily in our communities. Our constituents need to have faith that we, as legislators, will do everything in our power to mitigate costs for our residents. A GST exemption on home heating fuel, power and transportation of essential goods would certainly be a great place to start, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We certainly live in interesting times. These are the days of two incomes and increasing rates of divorce. These are the days of large, beautiful houses yet increasing numbers of broken homes. These are the days when many families are crumbling, and children are being raised by one parent.
According to this Assembly’s strategic plan, our vision is to have strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous NWT. Within that vision we share a goal of working with families, communities and schools to improve the physical and mental well-being of our youth.
With the increasing rates of divorce resulting in a larger number of singleparent homes, children are the real victims. Within our legal and social services systems we should be promoting equal and shared parenting, unless one or both parents are clearly shown to be unfit. We should be promoting the involvement of both mothers and fathers in all programs we provide to divorced parents, as it is good for the children.
Studies show that children benefit from a positive connection with both parents. They are less likely to live in poverty and more likely to do better in school. They are more likely to have supportive relationships with both parents and with extended family members, and they are less likely to have stressedout single parents — often the mother, who, in our current system, is usually the primary caregiver.
In cases of divorce we should be promoting positive involvement of fathers with their children, because it’s good for mothers. In our changing society more mothers with young children work outside the home, more families live far away from close relatives, and many people now live among strangers in communities away from home and the support that once existed.
Children who have loving relationships with both parents — fathers and mothers — in situations of divorce have more confidence and are happier than children without equal contact with both parents. When parents can learn to put their personal conflicts aside and have a more businesslike approach, the children learn about conflict resolution, problem solving and respect.
When it comes to children we must always remember that a dad is a boy’s first hero and the first man that a girl loves, and a mother is a girl’s first role model and the first woman that a boy loves and respects.
In order to meet our mandate and improve the physical and mental well-being of our youth, this government must ensure that all of our programs and services — primarily the areas of justice and social services — are focused on uniting families, whether parents are happily married or divorced.
For the sake of the children, this government must stop paying lip service and must demonstrate that we are committed to equal and shared parenting unless one or both parents are clearly shown to be unfit.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I’ll be asking the Premier some questions on this topic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A basic theme in the history of Ireland through the centuries of English dominance was the desire for control over its domestic affairs. Home rule constantly refers to the demands for greater self-government within a central government.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT has been struggling with the federal government to complete the full transfer of decisionmaking powers since the ’70s. We keep insisting on the need for greater local control and accountability by Northerners for decisions that will affect our future.
Early on we made some progress with devolution of education and health and social services, for example. Unfortunately, devolution stalled when we started talking about legislative powers and responsibilities for land and resources. Interestingly enough, these are the areas that would allow the GNWT to make money, to generate revenues from the many riches that our territory has to offer. This leaves a bitter taste. We are allowed to be responsible for what costs money, but we are not allowed control over our revenues.
Mr. Speaker, does this sound like a history chapter from a hundred years ago? It is upsetting that this is not history from the past. We are in the 21st century and still negotiating our rights to take care of our own affairs.
Mr. Speaker, it was this look at history that inspired my idea of the NWT home rule movement. Enough of the tyranny that belongs in the past. We have proven that we need to end this begging. We have provided plenty of proof that we are able to take care of our own affairs.
The example of Newfoundland and Labrador, under the committed leadership of their Premier, Danny Williams, has demonstrated that it can be done. The pressure of a home rule movement may convince the federal government to devolve complete legislative jurisdiction and powers to the GNWT.
It is time that this House takes care of its own affairs. If this House had any courage, we would pass our own legislation that recognizes our rights as full partners in the Confederation of Canada. The NWT is not a second-class province, Mr. Speaker. I am committed to getting this done and working to a full devolution agreement. I hope our Premier is too.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Homelessness permeates all of our communities. It comes in two forms: the problem of those who have no home at all and the problem of overcrowding in many homes. Not surprisingly, the largest number of homeless people is in Yellowknife, our largest community. Many of these people have come to Yellowknife from our smaller communities in search of services or jobs only to discover that they can’t afford the housing once they get here.
The Finance Minister’s Budget Address spoke often about economic development but did not once reference the negative aspects of that development, particularly housing. An economic boom brings new workers and their families to communities. These new workers need a place to live. If the supply of housing is limited, housing costs go up, often beyond the ability of people to pay the increased rent or purchase price for a home. As prices go up, the vacancy rates fall. Yellowknife’s vacancy rate right now is less than 1 per cent.
Limited housing options mean displaced individuals and families who have nowhere to turn when they’re down and out. Where can the following people go: women and children needing a shelter; a resident whose home has been destroyed by fire; a youth escaping an abusive home; a teenager on her own with an unplanned pregnancy.
In October of 2005 the report Homelessness in the NWT: Recommendations to Improve the GNWT Response was issued. In January 2007 the GNWT replied with the report Framework for the GNWT Response to Homelessness. In summarizing the 2005 report, the 2007 response outlines the concept of continuum of housing; identifies goals, principles, commitments, the needs of NGOs; and lists the four next steps. Has any progress been made on these four actions? Does the Minister responsible for the homeless have a plan and a budget to expand the housing continuum? Did Health and Social Services and the NWT Housing Corporation produce a Housing Needs Survey in 2007? Did Health and Social Services establish a Territorial Homelessness Emergency Funding Advisory Panel? Did the GNWT Social Program departments collaborate to improve coordination and reduce program conflicts in relation to homelessness? The 2008–2009 budget has minimal funding for the issue of homelessness. Is it a priority for this government?
Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister responsible for the homeless at the appropriate time. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Lakes across Canada, including the Northwest Territories, face being turned into mine dump sites under federal legislation. CBC reports that 16 Canadian lakes are slated to be officially but quietly reclassified as toxic dump sites for mines. This process amounts to a hidden subsidy to mining companies, allowing them to get around laws against the destruction of fish habitats.
Under the Fisheries Act it’s illegal to put harmful substances into fish-bearing waters. But under a little known subsection known as Schedule 2 of the Mining Effluent Regulations, federal bureaucrats can redefine lakes as tailings impoundment areas. This means mining companies don’t need to build containment ponds for toxic mine tailings.
Elizabeth Gardner, vice-president for technical affairs for the Mining Association of Canada, said that lakes are often the best way for mine tailings to be contained. But Catherine Coumans, spokeswoman for the environmental group MiningWatch, said the federal government is making it too easy. Using the obscure Schedule 2 regulations, they quietly reclassify lakes and other waters as tailings dumps. By being put under Schedule 2 of this regulation, something that used to be a lake or even a river is no longer a lake or a river. It’s a tailings impoundment area. It’s a waste disposal site. It’s an industrial waste dump. Coumans said the procedure amounts to a subsidy to the industry that enables mines to get around the Fisheries Act. What Canadians need to know is that from March 2008 to March 2009, eight lakes are subject to being put on Schedule 2, which is just about every mine that is going ahead this year. Winter Lake in the Northwest Territories, as many of us know, is being considered. This is not just one lake at a time. This is a trend. It’s open season on Canadian waters. This is a precedent-setting decision by the federal government to start using fish-bearing habitat as a waste management area.
With climate change and rapidly increasing fuel costs, food supplies are becoming scarcer and costlier. We in the North rely on our caribou, our moose, our sea mammals and especially our fish. All are under siege.
I ask this government to engage in the active protection and true valuing of our land and water. Let’s guide our federal government to a position of sustainability.
Thank you. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.
Mr. Speaker, I spoke a number of times about the various issues regarding housing in Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e. Today I’d like to summarize issues surrounding this important topic.
During my short tenure as MLA issues surrounding housing have been raised time and time again. Also, I have heard many of my colleagues raise the housing issue.
Mr. Speaker, I think it’s pretty safe to say there is room for improvement on many fronts within the whole housing area. Coincidentally, the findings in the Auditor General’s report confirm that, yes, there are a number of problems with the NWT Housing Corporation and the way the housing programs are being delivered. However, I think that with this government we have a real opportunity to effectively address many of these issues or at least to establish a concrete work plan to address these problems. I believe this has already started, with the release of the Housing Corporation’s Framework for Action 2008–2011 and, more recently, the approval of a committee motion to reallocate funds to new construction to much-needed repair programs.
The amalgamation of the previous 14 housing programs into the current four programs, and the transfer of public housing programs from the Housing Corporation to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, certainly caused a number of new issues, mainly because of learning curves that go along with substantial changes seen with these programs.
However, Mr. Speaker, I have hope that this government and the Ordinary MLAs working together should and will resolve many of these housing issues, and that we will soon begin to see positive changes for the people of the NWT.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
Mr. Speaker, our Health and Social Services authorities have been getting heightened profile and press coverage because of cost overruns, and I, too, am concerned. Firstly though, I want to commend all our hard-working staff — the doctors, the nurses and the many health professionals who serve us in our communities throughout the North. I also wish to extend my appreciation to the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Authority in my riding for their due diligence and hard work.
I do also recognize that differences exist and that each authority may have other unique challenges. I’m not intending to pit one authority against another but to point out that we do have successes and I do not wish to paint all our authorities with the same brush.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that government has guidelines and procedures and many checklists that should have alarmed us that an organization of ours was facing financial difficulty, yet we’ve done nothing. I have not heard any good answers about how we’re going to help and assist beyond the $17 million bailout option. What message are we giving to our other organizations that are well run? We have to break our cycle of hand-out mentality, and demand accountability.
So, Government, I lend my voice to the need to fully assess what is happening with our authorities and to provide this side of the House with your plan to follow your guidelines and to get our health authorities back on track.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
