Debates of March 16, 2004 (day 1)

Reverend Williams, could you lead us in prayer?

---Prayer

Thank you, Reverend Williams. Please be seated. Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if her Honour the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories is prepared to address this Assembly.

Please be seated. Mr. Speaker, Premier Handley, Members of the 15th Legislative Assembly, it is a privilege once again to address you in this House as you prepare to begin the deliberations of this government.

It was my pleasure to see many of you two weeks ago at the Arctic Winter Games in Fort McMurray, Alberta. What an honour it was to represent the people of the Northwest Territories and to cheer on the over 350 members of this year's Team NWT.

To all of the athletes, coaches, volunteers, staff and cultural performers who represented our territory so well, I extend my most sincere congratulations.

I would like to thank the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Henry Zoe, for providing the invitation and opportunity for me to attend these games, and also Sharon Firth -- a former four-time Olympic competitor in her own right -- who accompanied me at this most memorable event.

Unfortunately, it was during my time in Fort McMurray that I, like many of you, was shocked and saddened by the passing of Chief Eddie Paul Rabesca. Chief Eddie Paul's leadership will most certainly be missed, both by the people and by this territory. His legacy will, however, live on in the many initiatives and institutions that he worked so hard to establish.

I would also like to pay tribute to the late John Bayly who passed away February 17th in Yellowknife. John's dedication and genuine love for the North and its people was evident to all who had the opportunity to meet or work with him and to share in his gentle but firm and humour-filled approach to life.

My thoughts and prayers extend to the families and friends of these two respected northerners, and to all who have recently suffered the loss of loved ones.

In January, it was my honour, as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, to award recognitions of long service and bravery to members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police "G" Division. These men and women are present-day models of the long-standing tradition of service and dedication by the RCMP to our territory and I would like to thank each and every one of them.

In the past few months, it has also been my pleasure to visit and meet with many residents of the Northwest Territories. I can honestly say that I am always inspired and enlightened to meet and shake hands with these people who build and define our communities.

It is in this spirit that I would like to take the time to recognize five women chosen by the NWT Status of Women as this year's recipients of the annual Wise Women Awards. This honour is awarded in recognition of the dedication and service that each of these outstanding women have given to the communities in which they live.

Mary Teya for the Beaufort-Delta, Albertine Rodh for the Deh Cho, Beverly Masuzumi for the Sahtu, Besha Blondin for the North Slave, and Marilyn Sanderson for the South Slave.

Mr. Speaker, during this session, the Government of the Northwest Territories will be introducing a bill entitled, Appropriation Act, 2004-2005 and a bill entitled, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2003-2004. Mr. Speaker, your government considers these bills essential to the good conduct of government and I recommend their passage.

As Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I now declare open the Third Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will deliver the Budget Address on Wednesday, March 17, 2004. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Justice has completed negotiations for a two-year agreement that will see the GNWT receiving $1.24 million to increase the number of aboriginal RCMP officers in the Northwest Territories.

This funding, from the Government of Canada’s First Nations policing program, announced last October, will support a number of projects, including: a recruitment strategy to encourage aboriginal individuals to consider joining the RCMP; an access program to help applicants meet RCMP entrance requirements; a community consultation on policing in the Northwest Territories; and, changes to the formula for funding existing aboriginal RCMP officer positions.

Mr. Speaker, the recruitment strategy and access program will ensure that aboriginal candidates have the encouragement and support they need to succeed in becoming RCMP officers. In return, the Northwest Territories will have a police force that reflects and responds to the cultural diversity of our communities. The community consultation project will help both the Department of Justice and the RCMP understand and meet the policing needs of our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank officials from the aboriginal policing directorate for working with Department of Justice officials to bring this funding to the Northwest Territories. For many years, the Department of Justice has worked to help the federal government understand the unique challenges facing policing in the North. The successful negotiation of this funding shows that with hard work, the GNWT and the federal government can successfully address the unique needs of the Northwest Territories.

These projects will change policing in the Northwest Territories. By increasing the number of aboriginal officers, our police force, the RCMP, will be one that reflects and responds to the needs of our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with our partners, RCMP “G” Division and federal officials, over the next two years and beyond to meet the unique policing needs of our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, each Member elected to this Assembly first and foremost has the particular interests of their communities and region at heart. The North is very diverse and often so are the issues of priority to our constituencies. It is important for all of us to listen, learn and understand the pan-territorial big picture and the commonality of needs related to the delivery of government programs and services. This can be accomplished, to some extent, as we listen to each other in the Assembly and in committee meetings. But it's also valuable, whenever possible, for Members and Ministers to travel in the North and see first-hand the challenges and opportunities in other regions. It may be particularly important for Ministers to familiarize themselves with our people and their issues.

To that point, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Premier for his initial visit to Hay River, accompanied by Minister Zoe, as my colleague for Hay River North and I met with the mayor and council and were briefed on issues of significance to the social and economic development of Hay River. The Premier also subsequently spoke at the annual Hay River Chamber of Commerce banquet on the topic of fueling our future.

I would also like to thank Minister McLeod for his attendance in Hay River to meet with the Hay River Seniors' Society and their support board, to hear first-hand their thoughts on how the needs of seniors, regarding housing, could be best met.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank Minister Bell for his visit to Hay River, which included discussions with Patterson Enterprises regarding the sustainable harvest of timber; with representatives of the Great Slave Lake fishermen to hear the challenges that their industry is facing; and with the Territorial Farmer’s Association executive to better understand their ambitions relating to the potential of agriculture in the North. He also met with two local companies, Northern Transportation and Kings Manufacturing, that are interested in pursuing opportunities to expand their capacity in the manufacturing sector.

I hope that these types of visits will continue. They are very valuable to all of us as we strive to collectively represent the interests and aspirations of all of our constituents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. March is Aboriginal Languages Month. In celebration of that fact, I would like to speak today on the importance of language and culture in providing a definition of who you are as a person. Mr. Speaker, I ask also just to have initiatives towards language and culture in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, as an aboriginal person, I can say that I’ve applied and understand the heart of the language and have close ties to the land and the laws of the Sahtu; they clearly define who I am as a person. These laws were taught to me by my elders and when you know who you are and where you’re from and the history of your people, you have received a great gift. Mr. Speaker, when you have pride in your language and pride in your culture, you can have pride in everything that you do.

You can succeed on all levels when you know who you are, where you come from and where you’re going.

The Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker, is a vast land with many languages and cultures. Some have been here for thousands of years and some languages and cultures are newly arrived. Whatever your language, whatever your culture, celebrate it, cherish it and seek to understand it. It will keep you strong in times of trouble and free your spirit in times of joy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement is with regard to recognition of Nunakput athletes at the Arctic Winter Games in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Today, I rise to recognize a number of young athletes from my riding of Nunakput who were representing the NWT in arctic sports and basketball at the recent Arctic Winter Games held in Fort McMurray, Alberta. These young athletes came from the small communities of Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk, Holman and Tuktoyaktuk. I am confident that each athlete represented the NWT professionally, competitively and with sportsmanship.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to name the following young athletes who participated in this event.

In arctic sports, from Holman, Victoria Akhiatak, Dale Kigiyok, Bryon Okheena, Heather Okheena and Gary Okheena; from Paulatuk, Jonathan Dillon; from Sachs Harbour, Chelsey Elanik and Christine Esau; from Tuktoyaktuk, Kristy Anderson, Matthew Anikina, Craig Gruben and Steven Kotokak.

In basketball, Randal Emaghok from Tuktoyaktuk. Honourable mention should go to Logan Gruben from Tuktoyaktuk as an alternate in basketball. Thank you to Corrine Carpenter for chaperoning and Edgar Kotokak for coaching these fine athletes.

Mr. Speaker, many of these young athletes had never before competed in such a highly-recognized sports venue. Without the support of MACA, Sports and Recreation and Sport North, these young athletes would not have been able to compete. I would like to encourage Sports and Recreation, the Department of MACA and Sport North to continue to support all young athletes for future competition in events such as the Arctic Winter Games. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to speak about the alarming rates of crime being committed in the capital city of Yellowknife. Just today, the local media is reporting the latest statistics from the Yellowknife RCMP which shows that in comparison to the first quarter of last year, the number of personal offences, including assaults, were up from 158 cases to 213. This is an increase of 35 percent. The combined offences, including property theft and others, jumped from 1.251 cases to 1,737; a whopping 28 percent increase from 2002.

Mr. Speaker, this comes on the heels of a very disturbing story in the local newspaper just yesterday, where it was reported that a very dangerous predatory youth sex offender was released on parole without sufficient safeguards, with tragic consequences. Not long after being released on parole, this youth offender found and attacked two young victims. They were sexually assaulted at knifepoint while doing the most ordinary thing during broad daylight: walking home from school, and one so very near her home.

Mr. Speaker, I have no idea what actions the Minister is considering or what mechanisms he could put in to improve the situation. I’d like to know and I will be pursuing what steps he’s prepared to take to reduce the crime rates in the city and what added protection the government is proposing to make our community much safer.

Mr. Speaker, I do believe, as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, that this should be on top of his mind and we, as the legislature, also have an obligation to take decisive and aggressive action to address the issue. I would like to reiterate that I will be pursuing this issue in the coming days and weeks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Throughout the course of the 14th and 15th Legislative Assemblies, the Legislative Assembly and Cabinet have been working diligently on devolution, resource revenue sharing and new fiscal arrangements with the federal government. This has been an exhaustive exercise and could be classified as futile in effort.

On many occasions, we have heard the Premier make public statements to this effect. In a quote from the National Post on February 2nd he states, “This thing has been going on far too long. From a territorial and constituency perspective, I don’t believe anyone in the NWT would disagree with that fact…”

Mr. Speaker, I’m not going to criticize the efforts of this government, rather, I would like to offer encouragement to take a more ambitious approach to achieving province-like powers, with the ultimate goal of achieving provincehood. Mr. Speaker, in speaking clearly on defining a process for dealing with issues related to the idea of achieving provincehood, we have to take a look at history. A history lesson happened only 100 short years ago south of our border, to Saskatchewan and Alberta who became provinces in 1905.

Excerpts taken from their entry into provincehood are very similar to ours in this modern day. If I can quote these similarities, Mr. Speaker, they are as follows:

“For a government which possesses almost all the powers and responsibilities of a province in its own right, but which did not have the financial resources to act, the situation began to become difficult. The territories could not borrow money, could not obtain revenues from public lands, as an example.”

Final quote, Mr. Speaker:

“It seems that only granting of provincial status would fulfill the politicians’ request.”

Mr. Speaker, I did not include the full text, but the essence of my message to the 15th Assembly today is to move towards provincehood since we are a responsible government. Mr. Speaker, what we need to do is request the Premier develop a bill of intent which would outline the steps that would be taken to secure support for province formation and include a draft of a bill for federal legislation so that it would not be found ultra vires outside of territorial jurisdiction.

Mr. Speaker, we, as a territory, have experienced the very same constitutional problems that Alberta and Saskatchewan experienced out of the Northwest Territories Act, 1875. My constituents in Inuvik Twin Lakes now seek a full commitment from this Assembly to begin the process of achieving provincehood and we see this as a good way to start. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know from personal experience that running a small business can be a very rewarding and a very satisfying occupation. It can also be very challenging and very risky. In the Northwest Territories, if you’re running a small business -- especially in the service sector -- I don’t think you can be blamed if you’re feeling just a little under siege these days.

Mr. Speaker, at the end of last year, this Assembly increased the minimum wage in the Northwest Territories from $6.50 to $8.25; almost a 30 percent increase. Housing shortages, especially in the Yellowknife area, Mr. Speaker, have made finding employees, especially in the service sector, a real challenge.

Now, Mr. Speaker, we’re advised that the Workers' Compensation Board is set to impose another round of increases on the coverage for workers. Four years ago, as I’m to understand, we had the lowest assessment rate in Canada at $1 per $100 of insurable earnings. Then by 2003 that skyrocketed -- those are the words of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Mr. Speaker -- to $1.65. Now we’re looking at an average assessment rate for 2004 that’s going to be $2.39, an increase of 2.5 times in four years. The impact of this on one fast food restaurant in Yellowknife looks like this: Last year, they paid $4,000; this year it’s going to be $6,747. The assessment rate in his sector is going from $1.30 per $100 to $1.90; a 46 percent increase.

Mr. Speaker, the impact of wages and housing and Workers' Compensation Board premiums all have their own merits, but the cumulative effect, the combined effect, even in a booming economy such as we have in Yellowknife, is one that’s putting the small business sector under pressure. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business said in a survey last year that 58 percent of NWT businesses who responded said that this government’s understanding of entrepreneurship was poor. I think we may have another demonstration of that coming up with these Workers' Compensation Board increases. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to be back in this wonderful Chamber with yourself and the rest of my colleagues as we embark on what promises to be a very busy and interesting session. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the accomplishments of the 25 athletes and one coach from Hay River who represented us extremely well at the Arctic Winter Games held from February 28th to March 6th in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Mr. Speaker, I would especially like to recognize those athletes from my riding of Hay River North. They are: Trista Nault in basketball; AJ Norberg in snowshoe biathlon; Marc Leblanc and Matthew Davies in cross-country skiing; Jared Monkman in curling; Meagan Cook in female hockey; Corey Coady in midget hockey; and, Michelle Cook in women’s volleyball.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT contingent of athletes fared very well at the Arctic Winter Games, garnering a total of 104 medals. I would also like to bestow special recognition on Pat Bobinski, the coach of the snowshoe biathlon team, who has been an extremely dedicated coach to numerous Hay River athletes over the years. Pat has coached all ranks of athletes from beginners to nationally-ranked athletes. In addition, he donates literally hundreds of hours each year to sports and is a prime example of what volunteering can do for sports and the community.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all the Team NWT athletes. I would also like to encourage all of our youth to set their sights on the Arctic Winter Games so they may recognize the benefits of an active lifestyle. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to acknowledge the Arctic Winter Games participants from my riding of Yellowknife Centre. Marie Christien Auger, a speed skater, gave an outstanding performance, bringing home two gold and three silver medals. Michelle Bourgois, a speed skater, also the proud winner of one gold, two silver and one bronze. Stephanie Bourgois, also in speed skating, took home three gold and one silver.

Brendan Callas participated in basketball with his brother, Michael Callas. Margo Cooper participated in snowboarding. Derek Graff brought home a bronze in badminton. Kelsey MacDougall landed herself a gold in speed skating. Ian MacDougall, also in speed skating, had a performance with one gold and one bronze. Chi Nguyen participated in soccer. Cleo Stinson participated in cross-country skiing and Evie Varelas in soccer.

Not only did these athletes, Mr. Speaker, have fun -- I was there to watch them -- they all played very well. They cultivated the spirit of the games through sportsmanship, hard work and determination. Also, a big hand goes out to the parents, the coaches and the volunteers at these games.

Mr. Speaker, this is truly a worthwhile northern tradition that could only be made possible with help from all those involved. Congratulations, again, to all the participants. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Today I’d like to send a message to the elders and youth of my riding. I’d also like to mention… (Translation ends)

Today, I would like to take time to reflect on time and change. Sometimes you wonder where time has gone, it can pass by so quickly. With time comes change. When people come and go, things change along the way and these changes can either be joyful or sad.

Since the Second Session of the Legislative Assembly, there have been a few changes within my riding of Nahendeh. Not only were there a few new constituents born, but also a few who passed away. Some did something special to receive recognition and I would like to take this time to acknowledge the ones that I am aware of. I would like to congratulate Lisa Lafferty, Tina Cournellie, Crystal Gaule and Barbara Bertrand on the birth of their new babies. I would also like to remember those that passed on. The elders are: Flora Sibbeston; Moise Antoine; my good friend, Albert Tonka; and, Lucas Saya of Fort Liard.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say a special congratulations to elder Albertine Rodh of Fort Simpson for receiving the 2004 Wise Woman Award.

---Ringing of fire alarm

We’ll take a short break at this point for a fire drill. Can I ask the people in the gallery…

Could the members in the gallery please make their way to the side of the building, please, in an orderly fashion.

---SHORT RECESS

Thank you. I’ll call the House back to order. At this time I would like to allow Mr. Menicoche to conclude his Member’s statement. Mr. Menicoche.

Mahsi Cho, Mr. Speaker. Dene ke ku'e deh koe gehdi. It means set the house on fire.

---Laughter

Just a special recognition to Albertine Rodh for receiving the Wise Woman Award from the Deh Cho and also a constituent from the Nahendeh riding. As well as to Taylor Speed and David Shaw of Fort Simpson who are recipients of the Apprenticeship and Occupation Awards. As well as the participants from Nahendeh who attended the Arctic Winter Games: Jeff Cressman, Alexa Tsetso, Paul Stepdonk, Val Gendron, Leon Hardisty, Morgan LeBlanc, Kerry Ann Loutit, Jessie Loutit, Sarah Simons, Krista Tong, Jennifer Thistle, Jody Thompson, my daughter Deirdra Villeneuve, and Andrew Wright. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to take this time to remember and acknowledge my constituents of Nahendeh. Mahsi.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful once again to be here with my fellow MLAs and look forward to the work that we will be carrying out in this Third Session. I would also like to recognize four Grade 8 students from Tu Nedhe who will be working as Pages in the session for the remainder of the week. They are Nakita Enzoe and Jared Marlowe of Lutselk’e, and Robyn Balsille and Tyler Delorme of Deninu K’ue.

I would also like to recognize the following Tu Nedhe students who also attended the 2004 Arctic Winter Games in Fort McMurray. They are Vanessa Sanderson, Glen Collins and Jody Miersch of Deninu K’ue; and, Rocky Catholique and Damien Kailek of Lutselk’e.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to extend my congratulations to Ms. Marilyn Sanderson of Deninu K’ue who received the 2004 Wise Woman Award for the South Slave region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with your indulgence I would like to recognize in the gallery students from Central Arctic Baptist Academy, all from Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, we have up there Pastor Frank Siemens, the principal; his wife, Mrs. Jessie Siemens; Melinda Myers, supervisor; Alicia Adair, Grade 7 student; James Adair, Grade 9 student; Alexandra Budgell, Grade 11 student; Albert Castro, Grade 6; Melissa Castro, Grade 7; Kristin Hansen, Grade 11, I believe the daughter of our Commissioner; Felicia Skiffington, Grade 10; and, Justin Skiffington, Grade 9. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has been a while since I had this opportunity to recognize my family who is down visiting myself here in the city. My wife Shawna; my youngest son beside her, Mitchell; my daughter Courtney; my son Justin; my other son Quincey; and my next son, hockey player Samuel. Thank you.

---Applause

Welcome to the House. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to recognize my CA that came down from Fort Simpson, Eliza Jane Lafferty. Thank you very much.

---Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two people I would like to recognize in the gallery. Mr. Ed Jeske is a very respected yet feisty senior here in Yellowknife.

---Applause

The second, I am not sure if she is still up there but Ms. Julie Sorel. She is my constituency assistant, which I want to point out if I look good, the credit is solely due to her, and if I don’t look good, obviously I didn’t pay attention to her. Thank you.

---Laughter

---Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Premier.

Mr. Speaker, once again it is my pleasure to introduce my good constituent, Major Karen Hoeft, a tireless worker on social issues and especially the issue of homelessness. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Pokiak.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my wife, Lucille Pokiak, my oldest son Bertram, and my youngest son Darren. Also my CA, Marilyn Cockney and her husband Archie Chicksi. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. At this time I would like to recognize the people that haven’t gotten recognized and thank you for being here at the opening of the House. Welcome.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement I encouraged the Premier to draft a bill of intent that would give rise to the creation of the Northwest Territories to a province. I am now going to ask the Premier if he will produce such a bill of intent within this 15th Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley

Return To Question 1-15(3): Bill Of Intent To Seek Provincial Status

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on January 20th, the Aboriginal Summit and the GNWT signed a framework agreement on the process for negotiating devolution of resource revenue sharing. I hope the federal government will sign it this week and, if that is the case, then that document will outline the process and mandate and may some day result in legislation. But we want to move this ahead step by step. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.