Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. I will allow a little bit of discussion on the point of order. Mr. Hawkins.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in defence along the lines of Mr. Dolynny’s request. As we all know, two truths or two perspectives can lie before the House and both can be equally correct. They may not necessarily share the same view.
In order for Mr. Dolynny to discharge the duties and functions of his job, as highlighted under privilege under Beauchesne’s on page 11, this is part of the essence of getting to the facts and the details necessary for dialogue and discussion.
No documentation of this nature should be hidden from Members without confidential reasons. That alone should stand on its own merit and use at the most finest opportunity ever to defend why we don’t release things because of that.
So, Mr. Speaker, in short, I think there is no point of order on this one. Mr. Dolynny is executing his job, as I certainly understand he is. He’s reaching out under privilege in his ability to do his job. I think Beauchesne’s stands clearly on the record and says he has to execute that duty, and by asking for information denied by the Department of Public Works, even fettered by Public Works or delayed by Public Works, whatever the circumstances are, it’s stopping him from fulfilling that.
So I say Mr. Abernethy doesn’t have a point of order. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Menicoche, to the point of order.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In speaking with Mr. Dolynny this morning and yesterday, he did show me documentation that actually was a response to his request, in fact asking him for money to get that information that we as MLAs are privileged to get. I don’t know what’s going on with our Legislature, but we should not be paying to get information from the Cabinet side. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Miltenberger, to the point of order. Mr. Miltenberger has the floor.
Mr. Speaker, the issue is the Minister has risen on a point of order where he’s said the Member opposite was imputing motive contrary to our rules of order. We’re engaging in a debate over material not before the House, so the Speaker is going to be required to use all his skill to sort through what has transpired. The information we’ve seen was that the documents filed were by private individuals that didn’t identify themselves.
It’s a busy day today. Today is important for other things. I would suggest, Mr. Speaker, that we do our normal good work and carry on with the business of the House. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. At this time, I will close on this point of order and take it under advisement and report back to the House tomorrow. Mr. Hawkins.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since 2008, that was the last time we saw any significant amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act. Five years later, so many more problems come forward, and we need, once again, to take a look at this serious issue.
I’ve stood on a few occasions to talk about my concerns about affordable rent protection and even enforcement from the rentals office and implement an order that they provide. As we all know, there are no rent controls in the Northwest Territories. To be clear, I’m not in favour of supporting the idea of rent controls per se, but I have spoken at length and continue to support reasonable rent accommodations, and I’d also say tenants need protection.
There’s a necessity to go back and look at this particular problem as well as several other issues under the Residential Tenancies Act. Living somewhere is not a luxury; it is a necessity. If the everyday working family is priced out of the market, something is wrong.
I think there’s an occasion here before us to open up and have some good discussion both with landlords and tenants to find out what’s working. I’ve spoken previously about setting up a framework where we set limits of what they can continue to raise, and if they need more money – the landlord that is – then they come back and have a dialogue. It could work something like the PUB right now.
Other issues I’ve raised, and I continue to see problems here, is some landlords have bad tenants and they cannot evict them, and the process seems to stall while these tenants don’t pay rent and cause further problems. Again, that’s only one side. That’s not the whole picture, but I think reviewing the Residential Tenancies Act is a chance to get both sides into the issue, create fairness and ensure that we are listening.
The last issue I want to raise about problems under the Residential Tenancies Act that need to be looked at is the fact that, look, we had problems with the rental office. They can issue an order but it has no teeth. We saw that last year, and we have a situation, is the big guy, or the landlord, may be fully funded to be able to go fight these with lawyers, but the little guy who’s trying to defend what they perceive as an injustice, it’s almost like mounting a hopeless cause some day. Then when you do get an order issued by the rentals and tenancies office, nothing happens because the big guy can ignore it.
In short, I think the Residential Tenancies Act needs to be reviewed, and I will be asking the Minister of Justice to look at this very matter in detail later today.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. McLeod.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Along with my colleague from Inuvik Boot Lake, I want to stand today to recognize the 29th anniversary of the Inuvialuit land claim. The signing of the land claim was a historic moment back in 1984, and I think we owe our gratitude to the people that negotiated, the Committee of Original Peoples Entitlement, or COPE as it was called back in the day. They did a lot of good work in leading up to this.
Since the signing of the agreement, the Inuvialuit have worked hard to play a very important role in the economy, and I think there’s no better example than when you go through the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation office in Inuvik and you see all the folks that are employed along with many of the subsidiary companies that many, many of the people there are employed. It was a good first step to self-sufficiency and it gave us a better ability to control what goes on in the Inuvialuit land.
The Inuvialuit land claim covers thousands of square kilometres. I don’t know what people realize, but what I just learned lately is that much of this, a good portion of this is put aside for conservation, and if there’s any industry or any work to be done on the land, then the Inuvialuit have the deciding factor in whether work is going to happen on there or not, which I think is huge. It’s not going to be decided for us.
They’re also in the process of negotiating a self-government agreement. I was just texted some pictures from up in Inuvik, and it’s wet and it’s snowing up there, but they’re still having a great celebration out on the main road. Nothing dampens the spirits of the people of Inuvik and the Inuvialuit. They’ll dance through any kind of weather.
I would like to pass on my personal congratulations to the Inuvialuit. Like many of the people up in the Beau-Del that are both Inuvialuit and Gwich’in, I think we’re all very proud of our heritage, and we look forward to the good work that these folks are going to be doing in the future, and we look forward to being the beneficiaries of that good work. I think we owe a great deal of gratitude to all the people that came before us, paved the way for much of the Inuvialuit-Gwich’in leadership today.
With that, I want to pass along my personal congratulations. [English translation not provided.]
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.
Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to congratulate a few people on the Premier’s Awards that were given out this morning in the Great Hall, people that originate from Tu Nedhe: Danny Beaulieu – my brother, actually – and Heather Beck for their work in the anthrax breakout; Felix Lockhart for his work in the residential school impacts; and also Justin Bailey and Everett McQueen for their work with young people.
I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Jonas and Violet Beaulieu of Fort Resolution who celebrated their 60th anniversary on May 19th in Fort Resolution.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of very important visitors that I want to recognize. From the Tlicho: Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus and his wife, Frances Erasmus; Chief Clifford Daniels; Bertha Rabesca-Zoe, legal counsel with the Tlicho; former chief, Leon Lafferty. From the Gwich’in: vice-president Norman Snowshoe and Jozef Carnogursky. From the Akaitcho: Chief Edward Sangris, Roy Erasmus, former chief Peter Liske. Also, I want to recognize former Lapointe Hall student Sam Gargan. From the Northwest Territories Chamber of Commerce: president Kathy Gray and executive director Mike Bradshaw. I also want to recognize the Government of the Northwest Territories devolution team that were the recipients of the Premier’s Award this morning: Martin Goldney, chief negotiator; Mark Salvor, Tara Naugler, James Fulford, Ian Blackstock, Dr. Hal Gereine, Hugh Richardson, Peter Bannon and Penny Ballantyne. As well, I want to recognize Rick Edjericon, the chair of the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, and Willard Hagen, the chair of the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board. Of course, I have to recognize two very important ladies in my life, my wife, Melody McLeod, and partner for over 40 years, and Darlene Mandeville, my constituency assistant for Yellowknife South. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Lafferty.
Mr. Speaker, it gives me also great pleasure to recognize my constituents from the Monfwi region. First and foremost is Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus and also Chief Clifford Daniels that are here with us, leaders of the region. Clifford Rabesca-Zoe, Frances Erasmus, aka Goolie, and former chief Leon Lafferty is here with us as well and also Mike Wetrade. I would like to welcome them to the Assembly. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Robert McLeod.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize some residents of Inuvik. Norm Snowshoe has been recognized as vice-president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council; Mr. Jozef Carnogursky from Inuvik. Welcome to the Assembly. Mavis Jacobson still from Inuvik and is here in Yellowknife temporarily, and Mr. Willard Hagen, a constituent of Inuvik Twin Lakes and just in Yellowknife temporarily, I hope. I would also like to recognize Mrs. McLeod. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Abernethy.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a constituent of the Great Slave riding, Mr. Parker Kennedy. Parker is a valued member of the Department of Justice team including the community of justice and policing division and currently a special advisor to the assistant deputy minister/solicitor general. He is retiring at the end of the month. He is a commissioned officer at the RCMP with more than 30 years of service including inspector of the northern region. He has devoted his life to the service for his country and was recently recognized with a Diamond Jubilee medal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Mrs. Groenewegen.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize, in the visitors gallery today, a resident of Hay River South, Mr. Jack Rowe, a businessman in Hay River and the president of the Rowe’s Group of Companies, who employs not only in Hay River where they are based but also a large number of people in the South Slave. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Dolynny.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today and I would like to welcome all the distinguished guests here in the gallery and also to our signatories of the Devolution Agreement. I would also like to welcome two residents from the riding of Range Lake. I have Mr. David Wasylcin here and I have Mr. Kim Poulter. Thank you for joining us.
Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. Mr. Bouchard.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ralph Sanquez, one of my constituents. I would also like to recognize Jack Rowe, resident of Hay River, and also Nicole Latour, former resident of Hay River and her mom is a constituent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I am still spotting residents of Weledeh here, but one that really caught my eye was, in fact, my wife, Marianne.
---Laughter
It is great to see you in the House. I would also like to recognize Chief Eddie Sangris and past chief Peter Liske, who are in the House today from Weledeh. Also Rick Edjericon has been mentioned. Welcome, Rick. Mike Byrne is here today. I think I saw Greg Loftus up there, Baptiste Foisey, Andrew Robinson and I would like to especially recognize Suzette Montreuil, not from Weledeh, but I know she’s a super worker on behalf of the public interest and welcome to all. It’s great to see folks in the House today. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Ms. Bisaro.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have to recognize a couple of Frame Lake constituents, one of whom Mr. Bromley is trying to steal. Welcome to Ms. Suzette Montreuil; welcome to Mr. George Lessard. I’d like to welcome all the dignitaries who are here today in the House and if there are my constituents behind me who I can’t see, I’d like to officially welcome them as well. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Mr. Nadli.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to welcome all the guests that are here. In particular I’d like to recognize former Speaker, MLA, chief and grand chief, Mr. Sam Gargan from Fort Providence; also, Arthur Elleze and Russell Elleze as well.
I’d like to also highlight the two Pages who have been here throughout this week. Ms. Christina Bonnetrouge is 15 years old and in Grade 9. This fall she will be in high school, Grade 10, and her favour subjects are math, language arts and gym. During her spare time she can be found reading, writing or playing on her guitar. Her favourite sport is badminton. This summer she may take part in a badminton tournament that will be held in Saskatoon, the Canada Aboriginal Badminton Tournament. There they will have Olympic athletes that will be training them before the tournament. She’s very outgoing with sports, committed to her school, working as a career goal set for herself that she wants to be a nurse or a physiologist. Also, at the same time, I’d like to recognize Mr. Anthony James Betsaka, who is also a Page from Fort Providence. Anthony is 14 years old. He is in Grade 8 at Deh Gah Elementary and Secondary School in Fort Providence. He likes math. He’s very quiet and shy, and he likes to spend a lot of his time with his family. He’s into games and challenges himself with all kinds of Lego.
I’d also like to recognize, this morning, the Premier’s Award for Excellence, the team category. Congratulations to all recipients of the Premier’s Awards that occurred this morning, particularly the Anthrax Emergency Response Team from the Deh Cho, Fort Providence: Danny Beaulieu, renewable resource officer III, Edward Landry, renewable resource officer II and also Tommy Matto, regional fire technician with ENR. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Mr. Moses.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to welcome and recognize Norman Snowshoe, who is the vice-president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council; Jozef Carnogursky, the president of the Nihtat Gwich’in Council; Willard Hagen, who has worn many hats over the years and has been very influential in how our government’s informed, and with the Gwich’in Tribal Council as well; constituent Mavis Jacobson. I’d also like to welcome the devolution team who’s done a lot of excellent work, and especially during consultations up in Inuvik, and any of the other leaders that are joining us today. Welcome, and I hope you enjoy the proceedings.
Thank you, Mr. Moses. Mr. Blake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize vice-president Norm Snowshoe, also Jozef Carnogursky, president of the Nihtat Gwich’in Council. Also, former president Willard Hagen and all the other Aboriginal governments here today. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. Mr. Yakeleya.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to also recognize Rick Edjericon and Willard Hagen. I’d also like to recognize Nicole Latour, Chief Electoral Officer. I’d like to recognize the other governments who are here. Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus and Grand Chief Gargan, all the other chiefs, Chief Sangris, Chief Clifford Daniels, and I’d also like to recognize Mrs. Bertha Rabesca, former MLA Leon Lafferty, and I’d like to recognize vice-president Norman Snowshoe and Jozef Carnogursky, Mavis Jacobson, and also a good friend of the people in the Sahtu, Parker Kennedy. I’d also like to recognize an old hockey player, Peter Liske. He was a pretty good hockey player in those days. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Ramsay.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize all the distinguished guests, the chiefs and others that we have in the gallery today. I wanted to specifically recognize Ms. Kathy Gray, president of the Northwest Territories Chamber of Commerce, and executive director Mr. Mike Bradshaw for all the work that they helped in contributing to the Economic Opportunities Strategy
As well, I wanted to thank the devolution team, Martin Goldney, Penny Ballantyne and the rest of the staff that have put in such a great effort in getting us the deal that we’ve got. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. I also would like to welcome here today my son Mitchell, my daughter Kirstin, and my oldest daughter, Chelsey, who’s back from Texas.
I would also like to welcome my sister Mavis Jacobson, Ms. Melody McLeod, the Premier’s wife, and Mrs. Bromley. It’s always good to see our other halves, our Members’ wives here in the House supporting their husbands. Their better halves.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to acknowledge Ralph Sanguez, who received the 2013 Premier’s Individual Award. He’s a hardworking employee for MACA, a strong representative of our local fire department, and soon to be a proud father. I’d like to wish him and Shannon good luck with the birth of their child.
Thank you, Mr. Bouchard. The Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate the Colville Lake Tommy Kochon Airport Team for the 2013 Premier’s Award of Excellence today. The Tommy Kochon Airport was officially opened on October 9, 2012, and was a significant gain for the people in Colville Lake. I applaud the people of Colville Lake and their leaders in their hard work and dedication towards their community. This award is well deserved.
