Debates of March 2, 2005 (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’m going to rise with a question in regard to what I talked about earlier in my Member’s statement, Mr. Speaker, which is the Quebec deal on parental leave and their ability and control over that program. Mr. Speaker, the federal government has basically kicked the discussion door wide open and said come talk to us, and I believe Quebec has their priorities in line with their people. I think we need to ensure that, as well, in a meaningful way. I think this government needs to make tracks to ensure we do have those priorities in line with the people. So, Mr. Speaker, my question for the Premier of this government is, is he supportive enough that we will engage in a discussion with our federal counterparts to take upon this opportunity to see if we can implement parental leave in a fair way in the Northwest Territories, such as Quebec has been fighting for since the '80s? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Mr. Speaker, the Member has raised a very interesting development in Quebec. Certainly they have the richest plan now on parental leave in Canada. We are talking with the federal government on devolution, and, along with that, resource revenue sharing and we feel that we need to have a fair revenue arrangement with the federal government that allows us to be able to afford what every other Canadian can afford, and that is clearly spelled out in the Constitution that all Canadians, no matter where they live, should have benefits that are roughly equal. I note that the federal government has provided $750 million to Quebec to manage this program. So if they would give us $750 million, I tell you we would have the same programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Hear! Hear!

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Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know all of us are listening on this side. That certainly sounded like a commitment to look into that, but maybe if I could get the Premier to reaffirm that in a commitment he’d open up the door to discussions. I don’t think its part of a devolution deal. This sounds like a sidebar deal on the parental leave issue only. So if the Premier could address that by saying today he’ll look into that and commit to just following up to find out if the Northwest Territories can implement this policy, heck, I don’t need my next two questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 522-15(3): Quebec Parental Leave Program

Mr. Speaker, I will look into this one. I know it will be on the agenda for the next Council of the Federation meeting of all the Premiers, because we’ll all be looking at it, because often Quebec has its own arrangement with the federal government and the rest of us have a cooperative arrangement. I will certainly look into this one. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause