Debates of March 29, 2004 (day 10)

March
29
2004
Day
10
Speaker
David Krutko
Word
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Topics
Bill 5: Tlicho Community Government Act
Committee Motion 11-15(3): Recommendation That The Government Formally Respond To The Auditor General’s Report On Land Claims Implementation, Carried
Committee Motion 12-15(3): Recommendation That The Aboriginal Affairs Budget Be Separated Into Multiple Activities, Carried
Committee Motion 13-15(3): Recommendation Regarding Self-Government Implementation And Incremental Costs, Carried
Committee Motion 14-15(3): Recommendation To Establish Regular Reporting Of All Southern And International Travel, Carried
Member’s Statement On A Representative Public Service
Member’s Statement On Assisting Oil And Gas Development In The Sahtu
Member’s Statement On Condolences To Family Of Former Chief Edwin Fabien
Member’s Statement On Issue Of A New Name For The Northwest Territories
Member’s Statement On NWT Council Of Sport And Recreation Partners
Member’s Statement On Practical Solutions For Homelessness
Member’s Statement On Recognition Of Army Recruit Arthur Lafferty
Member’s Statement On Tribute To Inuvik Speed Skating Coach Karen Polkoff
Minister’s Statement 20-15(3): Homelessness
Minister’s Statement 21-15(3): Language Leader Awards 2003
Motion 3-15(3): Extended Adjournment Of The House To May 26, 2004
Motion 4-15(3): Appointment Of The Human Rights Commission Members
Motion 5-14(3): Appointment Of The Director Of Human Rights
Question 100-15(3): Issue Of Name Change For The Northwest Territories
Question 101-15(3): Supporting The Manufacturing Industry In The Northwest Territories
Question 102-15(3): Community Franchise Recommendations Of The Robertson Report
Question 103-15(3): Waiving Of The Business Incentive Policy
Question 104-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy
Question 105-15(3): Taltson And Bear River Hydro Projects
Question 106-15(3): Power Rates In Colville Lake
Question 107-15(3): Formal Consultation Standards For GNWT
Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy
Question 98-15(3): Assisting Oil And Gas Development In The Sahtu
Question 99-15(3): Rationale For NWT Council Of Sport And Recreation Partners
Tabled Document 18-15(3): Deline Self-Government Agreement-In-Principle
Tabled Document 21-15(3): Expression Of Interest For Corporate Training For GNWT Employees
Written Question 12-15(3): Northern Oil And Gas Development
Written Question 13-15(3): Bad Debt Collections For Corporations, Boards And Agencies
Written Question 14-15(3): Government Investment Into The Northern Manufacturing Industry Over The Last 10 Years
Statements

Member’s Statement On Issue Of A New Name For The Northwest Territories

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue I want to address today is one that has come before territorial governments in the past and, in particular, the 13th and 14th Legislative Assemblies. The issue, Mr. Speaker, is the question of whether the Northwest Territories is the right name for our territory. The people of the NWT have spoken loud and clear on this topic and a vast majority have said leave it alone. Yes, there are a few individuals who -- for whatever reason, be it personal preference or leaving a legacy -- would like to see the name changed. Yes, there have been a few names tossed around. Names such as Denendeh, Deh Cho, and I can’t forget the most popular of all: BOB. Mr. Speaker, the last one I heard comes from my colleague, Mr. Yakeleya, and he suggests that we should be called Robin Hood because the federal government keeps robbing from us all the time.

Whatever the name, consensus has not and will not be easy to achieve on this issue. Our Senator, the Honourable Nick Sibbeston, has stepped up to the plate and has decided to take his turn at swinging the renaming bat. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that the pitcher is on target and the strikeout is fast and painless.

---Laughter

Mr. Sibbeston claims the time is right, that our territory is maturing and is stable. However, Mr. Speaker, with all the land claims and self-government negotiations taking place at this time which have the potential of fragmenting our territory even further, I question whether stable is the right word to describe our territory.

Mr. Speaker, on February 23rd of this year, Hay River Town Council passed a motion rejecting the proposal of a name change and received overwhelming support. They further stated that they are proud of the unique history, tradition, cultures and identity associated with the Northwest Territories the world over. Mr. Speaker, we have spent a lot of money over the last few years promoting the Northwest Territories in the world and what it stands for.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You have unanimous consent to conclude your statement.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sibbeston has taken an approach to this issue that I have a lot of questions about and I would like to ask our Premier some questions during question period as to where our government stands on this issue seeing that, in my opinion, we have some much bigger fish to fry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

----Applause