Debates of June 7, 2006 (day 7)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask a question regarding elders. We won’t be here if it wasn’t for our elders. They are the ones who support what we are doing as a government. They really supported us when we were creating our government. These are some of the words of support that they gave us. When the elders give us advice, this is what’s in the Tlicho Agreement. (Translation ends)

This is the importance of the agreement signed by the GNWT in this day and age with various parties in the North. One particular such as Tlicho Intergovernmental Services Agreement that we have with the Tlicho Community Services Agency. The GNWT must uphold any employment and also respect what’s in the agreement before us, Mr. Speaker. Key issues and important issues need attention. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister responsible for FMBS, Mr. Roland, what is the GNWT’s position on the special status of the Tlicho Community Services Agency, specifically the clause I identified earlier, article 3.2(a) and 4.5 of the Tlicho Intergovernmental Services Agreement? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The Minister responsible for FMBS, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 77-15(5): Tlicho Intergovernmental Services Agreement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the agreements that we have signed as a government to honour our commitments is something we take seriously. We will continue to work with the Tlicho Government and the agency to provide the services that are necessary through that agreement. There are a number of issues, of course, in our operating environment that have to be taken into consideration by all parties. I understand where the Member is coming from with the work with the elders, respecting the arrangements that were made in the past with them, and I have committed that we will try to work with the agency and Tlicho Government as to how we can try to resolve the issue of elders and payments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 77-15(5): Tlicho Intergovernmental Services Agreement

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister stated that the Tlicho Community Services Agency gave advance notice of hiring elders when it’s required will make it easier within the system. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, on a daily basis we are faced with huge challenges of last minute changes, not only in my communities but in other small, isolated communities. We must respect what the elders' decisions are. Mr. Speaker, due to these unforeseen circumstances, can the Minister commit to amending the policy in the FMBS system that will respect and reflect the Tlicho Community Services Agency Intergovernmental Services Agreement and pay the elders upon their completion of valuable services? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 77-15(5): Tlicho Intergovernmental Services Agreement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member has raised a significant point. In operations, the Tlicho Government, as he stated, has difficulty from time to time dealing with the daily changing plans of individuals and our elders in trying to accommodate those.

On a larger scale, the Government of the Northwest Territories and our system has even greater difficulty making those small changes. That is why we need to try to arrange a plan that would work for both parties and is a little more difficult than initially stated. One of the other areas we could look at is possibly our contract arrangement with the Tlicho Government and set up a billing system and accountabilities around an agreement of that nature. So there is another option that we can look at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 77-15(5): Tlicho Intergovernmental Services Agreement

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister for outlining the possible alternatives, the contract basis for the hiring of elders, so the elders can be paid upon completion of their services. I am just wondering, Mr. Speaker, when can the Minister meet with his department and our Tlicho Community Services Agency to expedite this process? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 77-15(5): Tlicho Intergovernmental Services Agreement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a result of the Member’s work and questions earlier in this House, I have already contacted the Department of Human Resources that deals with pay and benefits section. They are trying to make contact with the Tlicho Community Services Agency and their CEO and we will begin that process as soon as we can set up an appropriate time to get together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.