Debates of June 2, 2006 (day 4)

June
2
2006
Day
4
Speaker
Paul Delorey
Word
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Topics
Bill 3: An Act To Amend The Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act
Bill 4: An Act To Amend The Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act
Bill 5: An Act To Amend The Territorial Parks Act
Committee Motion 1-15(5): Recommendation To Review Implications Of Including Systemic Remedies In Human Rights Act, Carried
Committee Motion 10-15(5): Recommendation To Consult With Information And Privacy Commissioner Before Moving Public Registries Online, Carried
Committee Motion 11-15(5): Recommendation To Set Standards For Submissions To Information And Privacy Commissioner And Provide Leadership To Public Bodies, Carried
Committee Motion 12-15(5): Recommendation To Update Schedule 'A' To ATIPP Regulations Annually, Carried
Committee Motion 13-15(5): Recommendation To Keep Online Director Of ATIPP Coordinators Current And Provide Link To Directory On Legislative Assembly Website, Carried
Committee Motion 14-15(5): Recommendation That GNWT Public Bodies Consult With Commissioner To Identify Potential Privacy Issues In Early Stages Of Projects, Carried
Committee Motion 15-15(5): Recommendation To Evaluate Capacity To Respond To Access To Information Requests, Carried
Committee Motion 16-15(5): Recommendation To Table Comprehensive Response To Report Within 120 Days, Carried
Committee Motion 2-15(5): Recommendation To Review Implications Of Amending Human Rights Act To Prohibit Discrimination, Carried
Committee Motion 3-15(5): Recommendation To Table Comprehensive Response To Report Within 120 Days, Carried
Committee Motion 4-15(5): Recommendation To Make Public Statements Supporting Principles Of ATIPP Legislation, Carried
Committee Motion 5-15(5): Recommendation To Make Basic Records Management And ATIPP Training Mandatory For Chairs And Executive Directors Of GNWT Boards And Agencies, Carried
Committee Motion 6-15(5): Recommendation To Bring Forward Plan For Developing And Implementing Municipal Information And Privacy Legislation For Consideration By 16th Assembly, Carried
Committee Motion 7-15(5): Recommendation To Review Effectiveness Of PIPEDA And Need For Legislation On Private Sector Use Of Personal Information, Carried
Committee Motion 8-15(5): Recommendation To Ensure Access And Privacy Issues Are Considered In Devolution And Self-Government Negotiations, Carried
Committee Motion 9-15(5): Recommendation To Ensure Adequate Measures Are In Place To Monitor And Enforce Contractors' Compliance Against Disclosure Of Personal Information, Carried
Member’s Statement On Concerns With GNWT Human Resource Service Levels
Member’s Statement On Condolences To The Families Of Richard Apples And Joe Migwi
Member’s Statement On Congratulations To Fort Providence Graduates
Member’s Statement On Congratulations To Nahendeh Graduates
Member’s Statement On Congratulations To Nunakput Graduates
Member’s Statement On Consideration For “Safer Communities” Legislation
Member’s Statement On Due Diligence For New Housing Proposals
Member’s Statement On Need For More Funding For Non-Government Organizations
Member’s Statement On Over-Expenditures And Delays To Capital Projects
Member’s Statement On Proactive Actions Required By Government To Regain Public Trust
Member’s Statement On Process Issues With GNWT Health Insurance Provider
Minister’s Statement 10-15(5): 2006 Get Active NWT Community Challenge
Minister’s Statement 9-15(5): Celebrating The Success Of Graduates
Question 32-15(5): Funding For Non-Government Organizations
Question 33-15(5): Consideration For Safe Communities Legislation
Question 34-15(5): Exploring Options To Meet Housing Needs Other Than Convertible Workforce Housing
Question 35-15(5): Concerns With GNWT Human Resources Service Levels
Question 36-15(5): Ekati Mine Labour Dispute
Question 37-15(5): Consideration For “On-The-Land” Alcohol And Drug Treatment Programs
Question 38-15(5): Status Of Student Residence Facility Planned For Inuvik
Question 39-15(5): GNWT Health Insurance Providers Process Concerns
Question 40-15(5): Value Of Convertible Workforce Housing Project
Question 41-15(5): Affordable Housing Strategy
Question 42-15(5): Change In Scope To Dene K'onia Facility Renovation Project
Question 43-15(5): Residential School Lump Sum Payments
Question 44-15(5): GNWT Employees Seeking Outside Employment
Question 45-15(5): Change In Scope To Dene K'onia Facility Renovation Project
Question 46-15(5): Delivery Of Dust Control Programs For Small Communities
Question 47-15(5): Maintenance Needed For Highways No. 1 And No. 7
Question 48-15(5): Review Process Of The Public Utilities Board
Question 49-15(5): Status Of Canol Heritage Park Project
Tabled Document 10-15(5): NWT Biodiversity Action Plan Report Two: Gap And Overlap Analysis And Recommendations For Future Actions
Tabled Document 14-15(5): The Safer Communities And Neighbourhoods Act - Yukon Presentation
Tabled Document 15-15(5): Toward New Voluntary Sector - Government Of The NWT Relationships And Funding Arrangements - Final Report
Written Question 3-15(5): Dene K'onia Facility Project
Written Question 4-15(5): Statistical Information
Statements

Member’s Statement On Proactive Actions Required By Government To Regain Public Trust

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first I would just like to send out my condolences to the residents of Behchoko for their recent passing of a couple of their community members. In particular, my great uncle, Joe Migwi on my mother’s side. He will be sadly missed, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had an opportunity to meet many northerners from different communities across the NWT while I attended the AFN residential school update meeting here in Yellowknife. Although the topic of conversation mainly dealt with the residential school compensation issues, many people expressed dismay about this government’s fluctuating level of support and action when confronted with issues and concerns on housing, health and justice.

Mr. Speaker, the reason I selected the Health, Housing and Justice departments as targets of some constructive criticism today, it is simply because it is these departments of the government which seem to fluctuate the most when it comes to questions of accountability, transparency and responsiveness. What I mean by fluctuating, Mr. Speaker, is that when there is a public outcry for better or more housing in a particular community, the Housing department reacts by cutting through all the red tape and swiftly gets houses on the ground. When there are dire health concerns, our communities yell loud enough. The Minister immediately holds a community meeting to address these concerns. When there is general consensus that there has been an injustice committed, there is already an internal review underway. The point I am trying to make, Mr. Speaker, is that why do we need a public outcry, a crisis situation or wait for the pot to boil over before this government takes immediate action, action which is usually efficient and effective? By this I mean we have to be more proactive and continue communicating with the public what this government’s plans are and processing public’s feedback on issues. I believe many of these public concerns and requests can be avoided. Then we can regain the public’s trust and confidence in this government which I feel, along with many of these northerners that I spoke to, has seriously deteriorated over the past few years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause