Debates of March 29, 2004 (day 10)

Mr. Speaker, I will certainly take the Member’s message to the Power Corporation and ask that they look at it immediately. The people of Colville Lake have brought this issue to me as well. If there is some alternative to what we have now that would be less costly, we would certainly like to look at that. I think this is something the Power Corporation would take on quite quickly, as well as other partners who help with energy conservation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Premier this afternoon some questions in his capacity as the leader of the Executive. It’s about the general area of consultation and communication across the NWT. Mr. Speaker, in the last few days, I have asked various Ministers questions on topics including the national child benefit supplement and workers’ compensation. We are hearing this afternoon about consultation on Housing Corporation business. What I have heard is Ministers are reluctant to take issues out and get a sense of what kind of program policy should be developed. They said they would rather see money going into government programs than into studies. On the whole, I agree. But it raises the issue of the government’s communication strategy. Would the Premier outline how this government intends to continue consulting on specific policy issues? Thank you.

Mr. Premier.

Return To Question 107-15(3): Formal Consultation Standards For GNWT

Mr. Speaker, a lot of the communication on issues would be done on a case-by-case basis. As we have a new program or a new initiative brought to Cabinet, then part of the expectation is that a communications strategy is outlined at the same time. Mr. Speaker, we know that we have 16 positions whose jobs are dedicated primarily to communications. There may be ways we can look at improving the coordination and efficiency of our communications people in the department, but that’s something we will develop as we move along over the next few months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 107-15(3): Formal Consultation Standards For GNWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So a case-by-case basis. You know, overall, there’s a lot of case-by-case, one-at-a-time, we’ll think about it kind of approach. I would like to know in the area of consultation and communication, which is such a big part of the environment we work in, is the government looking at adopting a formal consultation policy so that everyone knows what the parameters and the thresholds and the ground rules could be? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 107-15(3): Formal Consultation Standards For GNWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I could take a look at the challenges of developing a comprehensive communications policy that would include an opportunity for consultation. I am not sure exactly what that would look like, but I certainly take it as advice.

Mr. Speaker, I should also mention that, in addition to the opportunities like this where a lot of the public are listening in to our discussions and debates, we also have a Web site that we certainly encourage people to have a look at, as well as personal contacts. There are opportunities for a lot of consultation and we do get a fair number of situations where people are giving us advice. Can we put that into a more formal policy that would improve on the efficiency and effectiveness of communication? That’s something I would like to look at more carefully, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 107-15(3): Formal Consultation Standards For GNWT

One of the things we all cope with in this age of technology is information overload. One of the prime duties of a good consultation and communication program is editing and narrowing the message, clarifying the questions. In this light, we also have all sorts of existing programs going on that are constantly being asked about or looked at in terms of evaluating. I would like to ask in this context, what kind of process or formula does the government use to monitor and check on existing programs and policies to make sure we are on the right track?

Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 107-15(3): Formal Consultation Standards For GNWT

Mr. Speaker, certainly comments, questions, advice from the regular Members is probably the most effective way we have. All of us, 19 Members, are receiving advice on a daily basis from our constituents and I am sure they are going to be very quick to tell us if we are getting off base. That is the main source. We met with committees on any legislation or business plans and we expect that we are all hearing from the people we represent in those situations. We go through tremendous consultation on some legislation. For example, the Wildlife Act; that one has had a huge amount of consultation over the last few years. As I say, Mr. Speaker, it often depends on the issue and the amount of consultation that may be required.

We do generally have avenues for people to have their views known, mainly through MLAs or through our Web site. If there is a way of formalizing this more, as the Member is suggesting, but I think we as 19 Members are the most effective communications tool we have with the people that we represent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am looking at the BIP, it says under section 1, statement of policy, I go to subsection 2, “provide financial support through the reinvestment of corporate earnings to the northern economy. My question is what indication does he have by waiving the BIP will that meet that statement I read earlier, that we will have investment in our northern economies by waiving the BIP? Thank you.

----Applause

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, I’m told that a lot of northern companies have picked up the tender documents for this project. If they are successful then that certainly means increased business throughout the North. Second, Mr. Speaker, if we can find a way of getting more houses into the communities, we would not only deal with the issue of housing shortages and affordable housing, but more houses mean more business for the people of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I’ll look for any way I can to ensure that we deal with those two issues of adequate, affordable housing and ensuring that we’re giving business opportunities to northerners. If we can build 40 or 100 or 500 houses through another way, that means more business for everyone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Premier, for that answer. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to now proceed not far down that page and read under number two called principles. Item number one under principles says to provide existing northern businesses with a level of incentive that compensates for the higher costs of operating businesses in the Northwest Territories, this business incentive will allow for northern businesses to compete successfully with southern businesses. I think that’s been the crux of all our concern here. Can the Premier answer how this statement is being realized? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Hawkins, your line of questioning doesn’t fall within your original statement. If you can keep your questions to the original statement and not try to reintroduce new statements. So your question to the statement.

Supplementary To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate you pointing that out. I’m asking how is this statement being realized by waiving the BIP? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, we know one thing for sure and that is that the BIP does not save us money. We don’t know if it costs, how much it costs, and so on, but we certainly know it does not save us money. In terms of increasing opportunities for northerners, trying this out, seeing if it works, if we can get affordable housing out there and we get more housing out there, then that all means more business for somebody. Whether it’s business people in Yellowknife or others who may do the work that’s necessary in setting up these units, we don’t know. Our objective here is to get more affordable housing into the communities where there are shortages. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognizing the clock, the time for oral questions has lapsed. I will allow Mr. Hawkins to conclude his supplementaries. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the recognition of the clock and allowing me to finish my questions. Mr. Speaker, under section five -- and I’m still concerned with the waiving of the BIP and understanding how it’s meeting our goals -- number one under general points out that the authority to make exemptions and approval revisions to the policy rests with the Executive Council. Now, I won’t argue with that, but how are we to translate when we waive and don’t waive and how is the Premier supposed to get that communicated out to the general public as we’re trying to meet our policy goals? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Premier. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, I believe every policy or practically every policy of this government has had a similar provision in it that allows the Executive Council to make exceptions where those are warranted. Mr. Speaker, in situations like this one we run into two objectives. One is to have adequate, affordable housing and the other one is to have maximized northern economic opportunities. We often have to deal with both of these and we don’t want to compromise one more than the other if we can help it. In some situations we have to decide which one is the highest priority. In this case, Mr. Speaker, it is our decision that on a pilot basis we’ll try this out, make an exception and see whether or not getting these extra units into the communities is achievable.

Mr. Speaker, I have to say that policies are policies. They are general directions and guidelines. They’re not one of the Ten Commandments. They’re not laws. There is room for some exception there where we can warrant it. Mr. Speaker, we have to work with the committees and the regular Members when doing that, so if there are any suggestions or recommendations of how we can improve the communications on when we make exceptions, then I’m certainly open to hearing that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final question to the Premier is emphasizing on his point that the BIP does not save us money. The Premier just said that. I think it’s well within the Premier’s ability to put the brakes on this and demand that the BIP apply. Recognizing that this whole side of the House wants this BIP reinstated on this potential bid contract tender, would the Premier be willing to make every effort within his means to ensure that this BIP will apply to this tender, recognizing that this whole side of the House is screaming for that type of action as well as the community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

----Applause

Order. Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation has already committed to bringing this back to the next Cabinet meeting and we’ll have that discussion then. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The time for oral questions is concluded. Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the visitors' gallery and welcome a few of our visitors. I’d like to welcome you to the Northwest Territories and the Legislative Assembly. Welcome.

My questions are for the Minister of RWED.

In their budget, the federal government has put $75 million for northern oil and gas development. There is also another $10 million for 2004-2005 in the northern economic development strategy. Can the Minister please provide the details that explain the following?

What this funding is for?

Who can access this funding

How you can access this funding?

When this funding will be available?

What other programs does the Government of the Northwest Territories have to help the Sahtu take advantage of oil and gas development and what is the best way for the Sahtu to access them?

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Ministers responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, Northwest Territories Power Corporation, Workers' Compensation Board, Northwest Territories Development Corporation and Aurora College. I realize this is not just one Minister. I’m directing this question to all the Ministers separately.

Please advise as to who does the work of bad debt collection for the following Crown corporations, the WCB and Aurora College:

NWT Housing Corporation;

NWT Power Corporation;

Workers’ Compensation Board;

NWT Development Corporation; and,

Aurora College.

2.

Is it the GNWT Finance department or a private sector company?

3.

If it is done by a private sector company, please advise as to whether there was any open tendering process to choose who would do the bad debt collection within the last five years and, if so, when.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Just to remind the Member, you can only make one written question to a particular department or Minister. So one written question per department. Not one for all departments. Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. May I just reword that question to the Premier on behalf of all these Ministers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Laughter

----Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My question is for the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.

How much money has the Government of the Northwest Territories has spent in the last 10 years in support of our fledgling manufacturing industry? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled, Deline Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table a copy of an expression of interest for corporate training dated in the News/North on Monday, March 8th, 2004. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Wednesday, March 31st, 2004 I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that not withstanding Rule 4, that when this House adjourns on Wednesday, March 31, 2004, it shall be adjourned until Wednesday, May 26, 2004.

And further, that any time prior to May 26, 2004, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Wednesday, March 31, 2004, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that the following individuals be appointed by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories to the first Human Rights Commission for the Northwest Territories: Ms. Mary Pat Short of the town of Fort Smith, for a term of four years; Mr. Colin Baile of the city of Yellowknife, for a term of four years; Ms. Joletta Larocque of the town of Hay River, for a term of four years; Mr. Lorne Gushue of the city of Yellowknife, for a term of two years; and Ms. Rose Marie Kirby of the town of Inuvik, for a term of two years;

And further that the Speaker be authorized to communicate the effective date of appointment to the Commissioner.