Debates of October 17, 2006 (day 9)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on a point of personal privilege to correct what I believe are some misconceptions about the rules which I can appreciate must be mysterious to many members of the public who do not work with these rules on a day-to-day basis.

In particular, I refer to an editorial published in the October 4, 2006, Hub newspaper that included the phrase "conventions that conveniently give politicians an easy ride in reference to the sub judice rule that requires Members to refrain from discussing matters that are before the courts."

As I understand it, the sub judice convention is a voluntary restraint that Members have agreed to place on their freedom of speech for two very important reasons. The first is to avoid any interference or perception of interference with the independence of the courts. In Canada, the separation of the judicial branch from the executive and legislative branches is a cornerstone of our democracy which, although we often take it for granted, is the envy of many of our fellow Commonwealth countries who are struggling to create free and political and legal systems.

The independence of the judicial branch creates an expectation that politicians will not attempt to influence or even appear to attempt to influence the courts’ decision-making.

The second reason for the sub judice rule is to protect the rights of parties to a fair trial free from prejudice that may arise as a result of public debate on the issues before the judge. Here I briefly quote your predecessor, Mr. Speaker, the former Speaker Michael Ballantyne who said in this matter: “In these circumstances, a Member’s freedom of speech must give way to the importance of preserving the independence of the decision-making process. It is not enough for justice to be done; it must also appear to be done.”

Mr. Speaker, I hope that my comments today will help shed some light on the purpose of the sub judice convention. More over, I hope that they affirm that we must take our rules and these important principles, particularly, that underly them very, very seriously. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Good afternoon, Members. It is, indeed, a pleasure to welcome you back to the Chamber for the continuation of the Fifth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. It has been a very busy summer for all Members caring for constituency matters, as well as continuing in public debates, public hearings and ongoing government and committee work.

I would like to acknowledge, before we go on, the community elections that were held in many parts of the Territories yesterday. I can certainly appreciate the commitment, time and effort that anyone who runs for public office must exert and I applaud all who ran in these elections.

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As well, I want to extend the congratulations of all Members to the successful candidates. Members of this House look forward to working with all of you for the betterment of the citizens of the Northwest Territories.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to Ms. Tonia Grannum, a table officer who is visiting us from the Ontario Legislature.

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Our staff is looking forward to a mutually beneficial information exchange and I want to thank you in advance, Ms. Grannum, for your willingness to assist us over the next few weeks.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Gerald Gerrand, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner for the Northwest Territories, who is in the gallery today.

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Welcome, Mr. Gerrand. It is always a pleasure to have you here with us.

Finally, Members, before we begin, I know some of you have experienced tragic loss of constituents, families and friends over the past few months. I would like to extend the condolences of the House to the families, friends and communities who have been affected by tragedies over this past summer.

Before we proceed to the orders of the day, I wish to remind all Members of the rules you have established for debate in this House. The issues we deal with as Members are serious and important to the people we represent. We owe it to our constituents and to each other to carry out our business with dignity and respect. Also, I want to remind all Members to make statements, ask and respond to questions in such a manner that will allow the maximum participation of all Members in our proceedings. Thank you for your attention, Members.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome everyone in the gallery and all Members back to this Assembly after a busy and productive summer.

This summer I had the good fortune to be able to travel to a number of communities to meet with local councils, organizations and residents. In August, I was pleased to host Prime Minister Harper on his first visit to the Northwest Territories. We were also pleased to host a number of other federal Ministers as the new government begins to understand the issues and develop relationships in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, last night there was a very important election in the Northwest Territories as residents of Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Hay River, Inuvik and Norman Wells went to the polls to elect municipal councils. On behalf of all the Members of the Legislative Assembly, I want to congratulate: His Worship Gordon Van Tighem on his acclamation as mayor of Yellowknife; His Worship Peter Martselos on his re-election as mayor in Fort Smith; John Pollard on his return to the mayor’s seat in Hay River; and Derek Lindsay in Inuvik; and, Peter Guther in Norman Wells on their election as mayors in those communities.

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I would also like to congratulate all of those elected to serve as councillors and indeed everyone who put their name forward to serve their communities.

At the beginning of our term, the Members of the Legislative Assembly worked together to develop a strategic plan that set out our vision for the Northwest Territories. The strategic plan identified four priority areas for this Legislative Assembly. As the 15th Legislative Assembly enters its final year, it is an appropriate time to stop and take stock of our accomplishments and review the work we need to do on these priorities for the remainder of our term.

Mr. Speaker, the first priority area identified by this Assembly was helping people help themselves. To this end, we are providing programs and services that allow people to improve their education levels, live healthier lifestyles and meet their immediate housing needs, and support greater community autonomy.

Members of this Legislative Assembly have made it clear we need to do more to ensure our residents have access to educational training programs to allow them to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in the Northwest Territories. I am pleased to highlight the significant progress we have made toward this priority.

At the high school level, the commitment of Members of the Legislative Assembly to increase investment in education is showing results, most notably in an increase in NWT graduation rates from 34 percent in 1995-1996 to 50 percent in 2004-2005.

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We are continuing this investment in education infrastructure, with more than $160 million spent or committed to building new schools, undertaking major renovation projects and constructing new college housing.

Record numbers of our students are continuing on to post-secondary education. There are approximately 1,400 northerners who are now supported through the Student Financial Assistance Program to pursue post-secondary education in a variety of disciplines. We have over 300 apprentices registered in the North each year and we have issued certificates to 200 journeypersons in the past three years.

The Northwest Territories is working with industry, aboriginal organizations, the federal government through aboriginal skills and employment partnerships in the mining and oil and gas sectors. These partnerships are designed to assist territorial residents to improve education and skill levels to take advantage of opportunities in these sectors. To date, these programs have provided training to 209 participants in mining and 746 participants in oil and gas.

Mr. Speaker, to help encourage healthy lifestyles, the government is delivering a number of programs, including the very successful Don’t Be a Butthead anti-smoking campaign and Get Active NWT challenges.

Health services to territorial residents has improved and expanded with the addition of the new aboriginal health liaison workers and public health workers by expanding dialysis services and cancer treatment programs. We have also undertaken a number of initiatives to reduce wait times, including expanding rehabilitation services such as speech and language therapy, audiology, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. Our government has added new positions to help address addiction issues, including more mental health workers, community wellness workers, and clinical supervisors.

While much work remains to be done to improve territorial health and social conditions which continue to lag behind national averages, we’re beginning to see some positive indicators, including declines in territorial smoking rates, declines in injury rates among children, and higher rates of physical activity among youth.

Mr. Speaker, we’re working to meet the immediate housing needs in our communities. This government is investing $100 million over a three-year period in partnership with the federal government as part of the affordable housing initiative. The funding will bring new energy efficient homes to all of our communities with plans for up to 530 new dwellings.

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To encourage greater community autonomy we are continuing to implement the New Deal for NWT community governments and to provide new revenue sources to communities. The New Deal transfers full authority for community public infrastructure to community governments and increases capital funding from an historical level of $17 million annually to $28 million annually. In addition to this funding, the Gas Tax Agreement with the federal government will provide $37.5 million over five years to NWT communities.

This government also developed and implemented the $35 million community capacity building fund based on an equitable base-plus-funding formula. The community capacity building fund encourages local governments to work together on priority capacity building projects. Because many communities are in the process of developing proposals, we are extending the deadline for proposals to March 2007.

Mr. Speaker, crime and violence have for too long plagued our communities. I want to highlight a number of important initiatives we are undertaking to deal with these problems.

To help deal with issues around family violence, our government has implemented the Protection Against Family Violence Act. Since this act came into effect in April 2005, over 150 emergency protection orders have been issued. The new Family Law Clinic in Yellowknife has been relocated to Centre Square Mall to make it more accessible to families. Recently we increased the tariff paid to private lawyers who take legal aid files to encourage more lawyers to do legal aid work and we’re working closely with the Law Society to address the shortage of lawyers in this area.

Mr. Speaker, we are looking for new and innovative ways to deal with those people convicted of criminal offences. We support full-time adult wilderness camp programs near Fort Smith, an elder program has been piloted in the Sahtu, and we are working to develop a pilot wilderness camp in the Tlicho region. The adult male correctional facility in Fort Smith has been re-profiled as a special needs facility. This facility provides a secure setting for offenders with special needs such as FASD or other cognitive challenges to learn new skills to assist them to full reintegration into their communities and society.

Mr. Speaker, protecting our communities from criminal activity as a result of drugs or alcohol is an important priority for this government. I am pleased that we are embarking on a series of public consultations on a proposed Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act beginning during this current session.

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This legislation is similar to laws already in place in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and the Yukon, and would allow for the eviction of people habitually disturbing the neighbourhood with the illegal sale or production of alcohol or drugs, the unsafe use of inhalants,or other non-potable substances, gaming or prostitution. As a first step, public meetings will be held in all regions to hear the views and receive advice from all residents.

Another area of focus has been negotiating fair deals with Canada and aboriginal governments. Mr. Speaker, while we have been pleased with the federal government’s agreement to deliver on commitments in the last federal budget such as the Affordable Housing Strategy and Mackenzie gas project impact fund, we are concerned about some of the budget reductions recently announced, particularly in the areas of literacy and volunteerism.

The next six to 12 months will be critical in determining whether we are successful in negotiating fair deals with Canada. The number one priority for this government is pursuing a new territorial financing agreement that adequately meets our needs. We’ve worked hard to aggressively advance territorial interests with the federal Expert Panel on Equalization and Territorial Financing, and with the advisory panel established by the Council of the Federation. In their final reports, both these groups supported the position taken by our government and we are now working to finalize new territorial formula financing arrangements.

We are pleased with the commitment by Prime Minister Harper and Finance Minister Flaherty to move forward with territorial formula financing on a separate track from the equalization negotiations. We expect that these negotiations can also be finalized independent of equalization negotiations and look forward to Minister Flaherty tabling a proposal on TFF this fall that will allow these negotiations to move forward quickly.

The potential of our territory is enormous. The key to unlocking this potential is an agreement with the federal government, the territorial government, aboriginal governments of the Northwest Territories that will finally see jurisdiction over our natural resources transferred to us along with a fair share of our resources they generate.

A devolution and resource revenue sharing agreement will allow northerners to control the pace and scope of development in their territory, facilitate the creation of a predictable regulatory impacts regime, and provide fairness and certainty to industry partners. With the appointment of a new federal negotiator we are optimistic that we can work towards an agreement-in-principle on devolution and resource revenue sharing with the federal government and aboriginal governments.

A final agreement on self-government is close in Deline and a framework agreement on self-government negotiations has been concluded in Tulita and is nearing completion in Norman Wells. We are hopeful that negotiations on self-government agreements in Fort Good Hope will begin shortly. New self-government process and schedule agreements for self-government negotiations with the Gwich’in and Inuvialuit are in the final review stages by the parties. Discussions with both the Gwich’in and Inuvialuit towards completing self-government agreements are underway.

Finally I want to make special note of the Silver Award for Innovative Management awarded to the Tlicho Community Services Agency by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada at the end of August. This is an example of a successful partnership between the GNWT and Tlicho government.

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Mr. Speaker, recent growth in the territorial economy has been dramatic with our gross domestic product increasing by 71 percent in constant dollars between 1999 and 2005. To put this in perspective, the Alberta economy, which gets a great deal more attention nationally, grew by 24 percent over the same period. This tremendous economic growth is particularly apparent in smaller communities impacted by resource development where, for example, between 1994 and 2004 employment income rose by 124 percent in Gameti, 150 percent in Whati, 69 percent in Lutselk’e, and 89 percent in Fort Liard.

This Assembly has focused on the opportunities and challenges from our record economic growth to diversified economy, improved transportation and community infrastructure, reduced the cost of living for our residents, and maximized benefits from the proposed Mackenzie gas project.

To grow our tourism sector the GNWT is investing significant funding in Tourism 2010, a five-year plan to develop and market tourism through the Northwest Territories.

We are also moving forward with two regional infrastructure projects: a heritage arts centre in Fort Simpson and the enhancement of the Midnight Sun Centre in Inuvik as premier conference destinations.

While large-scale resource development projects are important to the territory, we must also continue to foster and support the traditional economy that still supports many of our residents. For example, we developed the Trapper Training Program that funded 15 community projects with over 1,100 participants.

The 2005-2006 fur season was the best in terms of value seen in the Northwest Territories in at least 15 years. It is anticipated the fur market will remain strong for the upcoming fur season. Over the past 18 to 24 months especially, participants engaged in traditional economy have witnessed the very robust market in terms of fur prices evidenced by the 70 percent increase in sales.

As well, we are actively promoting GNWT-certified diamonds in the interest of the NWT’s secondary and diamond tourism industries and taking a proactive approach to increase awareness of GNWT-certified diamonds through the Rare in Nature Retailers Club.

The improvement of our transportation and public infrastructure remains a priority to the Members of the Legislative Assembly. A total of $130 million is being spent on highway infrastructure through the Canadian strategic infrastructure fund, including the recent completion of the last section of Highway No. 3 between Behchoko and Yellowknife. Work has also included improvement on the Mackenzie Valley winter road and other highway projects around the Territories. The Yellowknife Airport passenger terminal building expansion and the resurface of the runway, taxiways and apron at the Norman Wells Airport have been completed.

We also believe the time is right to begin focusing on much needed new infrastructure such as a road down the Mackenzie Valley. The timing for a road down the Mackenzie Valley -- "road to resources" as former Primer Minister Diefenbaker would say -- could not be better. Having year-round access to many of our communities will provide a major benefit to residents by reducing the costs of goods and services, allowing for greater travel to communities in the regions by our residents and people visiting our territory and would likely result in more exploration and development and more opportunity for the residents and businesses in our communities.

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The truth is, the current situation with respect to public infrastructure in the Northwest Territories is not sustainable. While we continue to make significant investment in infrastructure we are falling behind as we try to maintain and develop infrastructure resulting from our bustling economy. Limited infrastructure is one of the key factors that affects the cost of living in our communities, restricts mobility and limits economic opportunities, including for the exploration, development and production of northern resources. Cost escalation for infrastructure projects also remains a significant challenge, particularly related to bridge projects. Both the Deh Cho Bridge and the Great Bear River Bridge are currently on hold pending additional funding.

Mr. Speaker, we need federal investment in infrastructure and we need new revenue sources that will allow us to make necessary investments.

To reduce the cost of living in our communities the GNWT is moving forward with key hydro initiatives with our partners, including examining small-scale hydro projects. Through the NWT Energy Corporation, the GNWT also continues to advance a project to expand the Taltson hydroelectric dam, which is nearing the environmental assessment phase.

We understand that the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight focused on cost of living issues during their recent pre-budget consultations and we look forward to hearing the results of this work during the current session.

As I have stated many times in this Legislative Assembly, the Mackenzie gas project can be the cornerstone of our future economic development in this territory. The pipeline represents a chance to provide lasting benefits to the Territories if we do it right. The pipeline can provide opportunities for self-reliance and the opportunity to provide a good standard of living and quality of life for northerners and their families. For many young people who are about to enter the workforce, the pipeline and the development it will bring provides the possibility of stable employment.

We have worked extensively to maximize benefits from the proposed Mackenzie gas project and have made excellent progress in negotiating a socio-economic agreement with the pipeline proponents. Aboriginal communities are also working to maximize the benefits from this project and I congratulate those who have successfully negotiated access and benefit agreements.

The GNWT has also worked with aboriginal organizations and the federal government to establish the $500 million Mackenzie gas project impact fund. Planning is underway and it is hoped that initial distribution of this fund will begin in April 2007.

This Assembly’s priority of environmental stewardship has also been central in this government’s approach to the Mackenzie gas project. The GNWT has played a significant role in the regulatory review of the Mackenzie gas project through its participation in the National Energy Board review and Joint Review Panel hearings.

Our focus on environmental stewardship is reflected in the Beverage Container Recycling Program established last year. This program is a credit to the work of the Members of the Legislative Assembly. During the first seven months of its operation over 14 million containers have been diverted from community landfill sites.

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As well, this government is looking at ways to utilize energy in the most effective and efficient manner possible. A discussion paper entitled Energy for the Future was released this year and is the focus for consultations that will lead to the development of an energy plan. Through the energy conservation action plan and in partnership with the Arctic Energy Alliance the GNWT has helped to support approximately 20 projects with total budgets of over $1 million.

Last year the GNWT signed a cooperation agreement with Canada to provide for the remediation of the Giant Mine site. The GNWT contribution is $23.75 million over 10 years while the federal government contribution is between $275 and $300 million over the same time period. We are now beginning the work necessary to implement this plan.

We have also taken a proactive approach to stewardship by creating and implementing with partners initiatives to protect our natural heritage, such as the Protected Areas Strategy, a community and land claim driven partnership to identity and establish protected areas in the Northwest Territories. It is innovative and community driven and, most important, recognizes these decisions must and will be made and implemented by northerners and by people who will be directly impacted by the decisions made.

Mr. Speaker, later in this session I’ll be tabling our annual progress report on the strategic plan. This report provides further detail on government activities to advance the priorities of the strategic plan and provide NWT-wide measures that describe overall progress towards the long-term goals identified in the strategic plan. These goals and the progress indicators reflect the shared responsibility of all governments, communities, families and individuals that work toward our vision and our strategic plan of self-reliant individuals and families sharing the rewards and responsibilities of healthy communities and a prosperous and unified Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly have been working diligently to ensure that a number of important initiatives…

Mr. Handley, your time for your Minister’s statement has expired.

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

The Minister is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members of this Legislative Assembly have been working diligently to ensure that a number of important legislative initiatives and issues are dealt with prior to the end of our term. Some of the most important of these initiatives include:

as mentioned earlier, we will be moving forward with a new Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act to provide additional remedies not available under the Criminal Code of Canada;

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a new Liquor Act to address numerous issues identified in the final report of the 2005 Liquor Act review that was completed last year.

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a new Change of Name Act to establish a simpler process for changing of names and eliminating the requirements to go before the court. A new Workers’ Compensation Act to conclude the legislative review process that began more than five years ago.

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a new Species at Risk Act to provide NWT with its own legislative framework for protecting wildlife and habitats for future generations;

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amendments to the Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act to provide officials with stronger enforcement tools;

a new Public Health Act to establish a modern legislative framework for managing public health matters;

a new Employment Standards Act to replace the existing Labour Standards Act and make a number of administrative improvements to the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, the Members of the Legislative Assembly have accomplished a great deal over the first three years of our mandate. We have worked hard to meet our commitment to building an open and transparent government, a government that works in partnership with aboriginal governments, stakeholder groups, and residents of this great territory.

By continuing along the path of partnership over the remainder of our term, we can realize the full promise and potential of this great territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, being elected to public office is something that we should not take lightly. A lot of people think being elected to public office is a popularity contest, but I don’t agree with that. I think people now see a lot more to it than that. That being said, Mr. Speaker, when we are elected we should be held accountable to the very people that represent us. I always like to think that I am a reflection of the community that I represent. By the same token, Cabinet is a representative of this side of the House. We elect the Cabinet Members, we put them there, and if they say or do anything that we don’t agree with, then we should hold them responsible and take them to task.

Mr. Speaker, a lot of people will complain about issues and very few people will put their names forward. We’ve had municipal elections going on last night in Inuvik and I want to take this opportunity, if I could, to extend my congratulations to mayor-elect Derek Lindsay, and councillors-elect Chris Larocque, Vince Brown, Terry Halifax, Grace Loreen, Brian MacDonald, Jim MacDonald, Clarence Wood, and George Doolittle. They’ve been given a very important task by the residents of Inuvik and I encourage them, Mr. Speaker, not to take it lightly. Like I said, being elected to public office is not a task that we should take very lightly. We should take the responsibility that we’ve been given very seriously and if we don’t live up to these responsibilities or the trust that’s put on us, then I think we should be held accountable for anything we do or say while we’re in public office. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided) Mr. Speaker, I just want to say how nice it is to be back and I’m happy to see all my colleagues here back in the Leg and hopefully in good health and good spirits.

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Mr. Speaker, I’m also glad because last Friday, October 13th, 2006, I was honoured to attend a milestone signing ceremony between the federal government and the Lutselk’e Dene Band in my Tu Nedhe riding of Lutselk’e. The memorandum of understanding was signed at a community feast hosted by the Lutselk’e Dene Band. It was signed by the chief, Adeline Jonasson, of the Lutselk’e Dene Band and the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Environment and Canada Parks Agency.

Mr. Speaker, this MOU outlines the commitment and cooperation of both parties to research and study the viability and sustainability of establishing a national park or protected area in the Tu Nedhe region. This proposed park area will be called Thaydene Nene, the land of the ancestors. Mr. Speaker, I call this MOU a milestone for the fact that the Lutselk’e Dene Band has been working diligently on this initiative for the past four decades and I do have to commend the people of the community and the Lutselk’e working group for their perseverance and dedication toward this initiative that is ultimately aimed at protecting the wildlife as what people have relied on for thousands of years, and see this agreement as a very important step towards retaining their strong connection to the land.

Mr. Speaker, I would encourage this government to fully support the residents and the chief and council of the Lutselk’e Dene Band, and northerners, and also all Canadians, to see this initiative develop into a reality so that people from all walks of life have an opportunity to experience and promote our "culture of conservation" and engages more Canadians in shared stewardship, collaboration and partnerships that will strengthen and enhance our rich heritage, our traditional knowledge and ecological integrity in a world that always seems to be focused on development and ultimately the disturbance of our natural habitats. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Conservative government promised many things when they ran in the last election and, in fairness, they are delivering on many of the promises regardless of what political stripes you wear. The key platform they had was to stand up for Canadians and that resonated everywhere. At least it was the very theme of their campaign. But like all good advertisements and slogans, you have to read the fine print. Maybe they had a disclaimer as to which Canadians or issues they were standing up for, but as always the devil truly is in the details. The Conservative government describes the latest cuts in the words of the Finance Minister and Treasury Board president who make no apologies as cuts that reflect priorities of working families. They further go on to say they’re about value for money. I believe they are neglecting those who need the literacy help money the most.

The problem is, these actions make no sense, Mr. Speaker. They are shameless cuts to literacy that overlook serious facts. Four out of 10 Canadian adults struggle with literacy. Some of those people are working Canadians. Literacy rates in the NWT aboriginal populations lag behind non-aboriginal people. For example, high school graduation rates for aboriginal residents is at a 42 percent low. Mr. Speaker, that is horrible.

Our knowledge society continues to need literacy skills to get basic jobs, Mr. Speaker. Those are important for working families. Mr. Speaker, I certainly hope Mr. Harper realizes these cuts were made in error and reinstates them. The Department of Education echoes many times about the necessity for adults to learn literacy skills to help them support their family, be productive members of the community, and to get employment ready because those big jobs are coming and you have to be able to read and write, Mr. Speaker. So we need entry-level opportunities for people who can read and write, but we’re taking them away again from those who need these opportunities the most.

As a reminder to the Prime Minister, Mr. Speaker, people on income support, sorry…People who have low literacy skills are most likely to use income support, they have poor health, and they are constant users of our justice system. Mr. Speaker, I hope the Prime Minister wakes up and learns how to invest wisely. Yes, these programs cost a lot of money, but it’s a lot better than us putting them back into our jails because that costs a lot of money too. It costs a lot of money to fund hospitals with people who have poor health, again because they have poor literacy skills.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. The point I’m getting at is, we have to invest wisely, Mr. Speaker. Literacy funding in the NWT, in the words of the NWT Literacy Council, was cut by approximately $600,000 and that affects basic education at the local level, Mr. Speaker. It affects Aurora College, it affects all working families in the NWT.

In closing Mr. Speaker, the national or federal literacy program cannot replace local learning. That’s where literacy programs need to be delivered. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided)

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to continue a discussion that we have had in this House before. The issue of funding for youth centres in smaller communities is a growing concern.

We all know the issues before us. Youth in the NWT face many challenges. They are torn between modern and traditional way of life. They are expected to succeed in school, at work, and become our future leaders. We also know that the mental, emotional and physical health of many NWT youth is poor, Mr. Speaker. We agree that we have to promote youth involvement in positive lifestyle choices. This will help our youth to have a vision for the future. It will also help them to stay in school instead of using drugs and alcohol as escapes. It will help them stay out of trouble, Mr. Speaker.

Several years ago, the social envelope department started an NWT youth initiative and recently, the Northern Youth Program. We now have a Minister responsible for Youth. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has three policies that are directed towards youth. None of these programs provide funding for youth centres, Mr. Speaker. All they do is construct and renovate buildings. How can that be? What use is a building if there is no program dollars attached to it or no money for a qualified person to run the programs, Mr. Speaker?

Even Minister McLeod has acknowledged that the lack of operating funds is a gap that is creating problems for our youth centres in the smaller communities. I am asking this government, what are we doing about this problem? For example, Behchoko is the capital of the Tlicho Government and region, the largest aboriginal community in the Northwest Territories. Many people from the Tlicho communities come to Behchoko to work or to use the central services provided to our population. There are approximately 3,000 people living in the community, half are 25 years of age.

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

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

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, there is no youth centre in operation in my riding. There is a building, but there is no funding for the operation of the youth centre. Behchoko needs a youth centre with meaningful activities to engage our youth. It will be wise for this government to invest in these young people now. Funding for operation of the youth centre is cheaper than picking up the cost for when kids have gotten into trouble, Mr. Speaker. This is not only a question of money, it is a question of healthy choice to support our youth who are facing the challenges that surround them. We can give them a positive experience that can make them our leaders in the years to come. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to start by welcoming my colleagues on their safe return to Yellowknife for the Fifth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, since late August and through the month of September 2006 and to this day, there are over 200 beluga whales feeding in our traditional territorial Husky Lakes. The Inuvialuit utilize Husky Lakes as a traditional lake for fishing and hunting ground in the spring, fall and winter for subsistence purposes. The Inuvialuit are known to respect all wildlife and marine mammals. The Tuktoyaktuk Hunters' and Trappers' Committee, as well as all Inuvialuit, are concerned about the well being of these beluga whales and would like the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to try and rescue these whales.

Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time the beluga whales have been spotted in Husky Lakes. About 10 years ago, there were a number of beluga whales trapped in Husky Lakes. At that time, Mr. Speaker, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans assisted the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters' and Trappers' Committee by providing funding to harvest the beluga whales and distribute the muktuk and meat to the outlying communities. Presently, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans have indicated that they are monitoring the situation. However, if a position is not made to herd or harvest the whales, the survival of these beluga whales is diminishing.

Mr. Speaker, we are in the middle of October 2006 and the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters' and Trappers' Committee is concerned that if the beluga whales do not find their way out, they will die because of the upcoming freeze-up. The concern raised to date by the Tuk Hunters' and Trappers' Committee is they need to find funding to either try and herd the whales out or to harvest them as they did 10 years ago. Why is the Department of Fisheries and Oceans taking so long to find a solution to herd these beluga whales out of Husky Lakes?

In closing, Mr. Speaker, is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources speaking with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to find the solution to herd or harvest the beluga whales? If so, what are the plans? If not, how come? Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Mr. Speaker, why doesn’t our land have a name that we can call our own? When I first got into office, it was under the premise that I would be striving for a new North, a prosperous North, a united North, a North that would be leading not only Canada but also the world in many areas. This can and must be initiated by a new image and a new name, a re-branding.

What is in a name? For most cultures, including aboriginals, a name symbolizes more than just an identification of a point on a map. It tells a story of our present and, most importantly, the past of the lands and its peoples. It conjures memories and continues traditions, cultures and legacies. This is why every community in the Northwest Territories has either changed their name or have discussed the possibility. I believe, Mr. Speaker, it is about time our territory has done it as well.

As this jurisdiction becomes closer and closer to devolution, discussions with the Territories, name change becomes more and more important. Through these discussions, the unification of the region and the people can be strengthened. The Northwest Territories is a name from a long ago colonial past. Today people inhabiting these lands are much more than just a territory in a northwest location. We are a unique and dynamic people, multi-cultural communities. We have a distinctive past and an even more unique future.

It is time we begin to hear the call of a new North, a North that is stronger and more prosperous and liberated from the paternalistic policies of the past, said the Prime Minister during his most recent visit to our territory. According to our very honoured Senator as well, during the discussion with the Quebec Senator, Pierre Debane, the name of our territory exemplifies our paternal relationship to Ottawa. We are only northwest from the view of a south central Canada.

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

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

Thank you very much, honourable colleagues. In the past, these discussions became frustrated by suggestions such as BOB. Although this has some serious undertones and undermines aboriginal contributions of this jurisdiction, we must nevertheless continue these discussions. Together we can change exclusivity of a territorial name that does not reflect the present people and land. Together we can honour the people of our past and diverse culture of the present through this initiative. It is time this Assembly is committed in uniting the communities and their leadership to discuss important issues for a new North.

As reverberated in the past, I believe the new North has arrived. We were on the right path several years ago when the territory began discussing these issues and we must return to these paths, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi cho.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had a nice statement all prepared, a text all prepared today to stand up and congratulate the winners of the municipal elections, but, Mr. Speaker, I am going to deviate from that topic because I have something more important to talk about today. It would be somewhat untrue to my own conscience to sit here and just talk about the nice things, because there is another topic that is not so nice. The topic is the issue of the abuse and the legacy of abuse in the Northwest Territories. It is something that I would like to look away from. I would like to not have to deal with it, but it has come to the forefront in discussions, in media articles and amongst people in recent days. It is difficult to stand up here and talk about it because there are nicer things to talk about. You do so at some personal risk because I went home to my riding after taking a stand with some other MLAs in a press release. I had a constituent come up and say, why are you picking on the Premier? Mr. Speaker, I am not picking on the Premier. I have a lot of confidence that the Premier will remember the day he announced he was going to put his name forward. I shook his hand and I said I would support him, and I have supported him. This is not personal. This is something that is so pervasive and so far reaching in the Northwest Territories that we have to talk about it.

We have to know where the leader of our government stands on this issue of abuse and the very vulnerable situation that young children found themselves in in institutions at the hand of people who were in positions of trust and in positions of authority and what did we do as a government to protect them. In response to issues now that have been raised, we want to talk, as a government, about consent. We want to talk about age of moral majority. Were these children Inuit and therefore they had been out on the land and somehow were operating as adults? Are we going to talk about whether they are lying or not? Are we going to talk about 150 students going over to their teacher’s house on a consensual basis to have sex with their teacher? I am sorry. These are ugly subjects, Mr. Speaker. I apologize for that. But I just would be so not true to myself and to the people of the Northwest Territories if I sit here and do not say something about this. So, Mr. Speaker, I have questions. I need answers.

Mrs. Groenewegen, your time for Member’s statement is up.

Thank you.

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Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The sessional statement that the Premier read this afternoon was a fine inventory of the accomplishments of the 15th Assembly so far. I am proud of these accomplishments, too, Mr. Speaker, but I think at this very critical point in the Northwest Territories development I want to say that I am frustrated that the truly essential goals that we need as a people and territory, resource revenue sharing, territorial formula financing and devolution continue to elude us. These are achievements, Mr. Speaker, that are long overdue as millions of dollars in resource taxation and royalties will not enter the communities and the programs of this government and the communities and aboriginal governments, but flow entirely into Ottawa’s coffers.

Mr. Speaker, in his statement, the Premier told us that the number one priority is pursuing a new territorial financing agreement with Ottawa. He said we are pleased with the commitment of the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Flaherty to move forward. On devolution and resource revenue sharing, the Premier says we are optimistic and an agreement-in-principle with the federal government and aboriginal governments can be achieved in the life of this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, in July, the Prime Minister visited us in the hall just next door to us here and said some pretty impressive things. He said it is time we begin to hear the call of the new North, a North that is stronger, more prosperous and liberated from the paternalistic policies of the past. That is why I am here today, he said, Mr. Speaker, to begin championing your cause in Ottawa and across Canada, because I believe now at last the North’s time has arrived.

Mr. Speaker, the message cannot be overstated that northerners expect no less than what the Prime Minister told us, but we have heard for years and decades the same lofty goals, commitments and optimism of politicians everywhere. It is time, Mr. Speaker, for us all to go beyond the speechifying and the rhetoric. It is time for results. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to be back in the Legislative Assembly here with my colleagues as we continue to work on behalf of the residents of the Northwest Territories. I would like to begin with the issue of our economy. Mr. Speaker, our economy here in the Northwest Territories is growing. Since 1999, our economy has grown by 71 percent. Mr. Speaker, we have been dubbed by our Premier and other federal politicians as the future economic engine of this country. Interestingly enough, our economy last year grew only one percent. The questions that I have about this, Mr. Speaker, is how real is our economy? Who exactly is benefitting from all of this economic activity?

In my estimation today, there are over 2,000 migrant workers in the Northwest Territories. This would equate to well over $200 million in wages that exit this territory annually. We have a problem, Mr. Speaker. We continue to sit by and let the jets fly workers in and out of the South. Now, they don’t even have to stop anywhere; right over our heads, Mr. Speaker.

As if that is not bad enough that our resources continue to be taken from our soil without any revenue flowing through our northern governments, many of these people working to take these resources from our soil are taking with them over $200 million that doesn’t get into our economy or our local businesses, Mr. Speaker. To many, our government continues to be seen as the big loser in all of this.

In addition to the migrant worker concern, another issue I have with the reality of our economy is how much corporate revenue actually stays in the Northwest Territories. Joint ventures and other partnerships, out of convenience, are taking millions of dollars out of our economy. We have to do something to identify and protect true northern businesses and ensure that money, jobs and opportunity stay here at home. If it means strengthening the current business incentive policy, let’s do something about it. There is a big difference between a company who has employees and infrastructure here in the Northwest Territories than a company with a phone, a fax machine and a warm body who, when they get a contract from this government, bring in workers from the South. As a government, we have to get a handle on what we are losing and take measures to stop the exodus of dollars from our territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the words of the Premier’s opening sessional statement, the next six to 12 months will be critical in determining whether we are successful in negotiating a fair deal with Canada. Mr. Speaker, we, as northerners, here in our communities, where is the beef? We have all of the resources, yet we are beggars in our own land.

Mr. Speaker, my constituency asked for critical, essential, basic services to happen in the Sahtu and other small communities; nurses who need to stay in our communities, youth centres need to be built, youth programs need to be run, taking care of our elders, providing them with some basic care services for our own people, housing, having policing services like in Colville Lake and Sachs Harbour having the basic security services in our communities, proper infrastructure building, proper roads and bridges. We need some proper buildings in our communities, Mr. Speaker. My Christmas list can go on and on. However, Halloween is coming and I am scared of the boogey man in Ottawa who continues to scare us off with the tricks or treats of goodies.

Mr. Speaker, going back to the quote by our Premier, the next six to 12 months will be very critical for the people in the Northwest Territories. We need some time to gather all of the leaders down the Mackenzie Valley, the municipal and aboriginal leaders, land claim leaders, and we need to focus on some areas to get Ottawa’s attention. The best way we need to do and show our people is to start acting our words. We have to put an action plan together, Mr. Speaker. We, as northerners, need to act. When we say to Ottawa, get your hands out of our pocket, as that commercial says on the TV, when will Ottawa cut the cord and let us make our own decisions? In closing, it has been said that to get to the Promised Land, you have to negotiate yourself out of the wilderness to the Promised Land.

Mr. Speaker, when will we, as northerners, stand up and say enough is enough? This is our land and we are calling right now. Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to speak in this House to express my deep concern about the federal government’s recent move to cut funding for very valuable NGO programs in the North. It is unthinkable to me, Mr. Speaker, that the federal government would cut $17.7 million in literacy funding when 42 percent of Canadians struggle with basic reading and writing. It should be a great concern to all northerners that, between just four groups, NWT Literacy Council, Volunteers NWT, Smart Communities and the French Cultural Association, our community will lose or has lost $1 million from these cuts. This is not including the cuts in the Smoking Cessation Program as something we know is a huge problem for us.

Mr. Speaker, ask anyone in the NWT community and they will tell you how unbelievably significant the large amount of dollars is in delivering programs at the community level and making differences in people’s lives. Mr. Speaker, the cuts and the impact of this goes on and on. Mr. Speaker, I was there this summer when Prime Minister Harper spoke at the Great Hall. He suggested that we, the people of the NWT, have to show the rest of Canada and the rest of the world that we are ready for business and we can do so by approving the pipeline.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to suggest that this relationship is supposed to be two-way. He needs to show that he understands the northern needs and northern communities if he wants to do business with us. Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that he shows this by reversing the cuts. If he wants us to do it ourselves, I would suggest to him that he gives us a viable, sensible and substantial deal on resource revenue sharing and devolution before he gets his pipeline. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented 12 aboriginal youth from across Canada with the National Aboriginal Role Model Award during a ceremony at Rideau Hall yesterday.

Each year, the National Aboriginal Role Model Program celebrates the accomplishment of 12 aboriginal role models aged 13 to 30 from across Canada, the First Nations communities, Inuit and Metis communities. The role models are nominated by their parents and also selected for their accomplishment under leadership skills initiative through their communities. Through the year, the role models visit First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities and share their stories with other aboriginal youth and strive to meet their goals.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure to recognize Alisa Blake who is 28 years old from our home community of Fort McPherson in the Northwest Territories. Alisa’s mixed ancestry of Gwich’in, Inuvialuit, Metis, she is inspired by her son, Justin. Alisa is currently enrolled in a professional pilot program outside of Red Deer, Alberta, and plans to return to Fort McPherson to become a pilot with a local airline industry. Alisa has served on the hamlet council, the youth council, involved with the Metis local and is employed as a program advisor for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation out of the Inuvik office and worked as a radio operator/communicator with the Fort McPherson Airport. At this time, I would like to congratulate Alisa on behalf of the people of the Mackenzie Delta and her home community of Fort McPherson and for the national achievement that she has made us all proud of. Mahsi cho.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the mayor, Peter Martselos, who last night was elected to his fourth term as mayor of the community of Fort Smith. I believe this makes him currently the longest serving mayor in the Northwest Territories. Also re-elected on council were Pat Burke, Marion Berls, Beckie Linaker, and Tim MacDonald. Elected for the first time were Brenda Johnson and Fred Daniels. On behalf of the Metis president Ken Hudson, Chief Jimmy Schaeffer of the Salt River First Nations and myself, I extend our congratulations. We look forward to working with the town council on the many issues that are before us as a community. Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, I would like to recognize members from the UNW, Mr. Todd Parsons, Mr. Ken Woodley and Ms. Gayla Wick. I would also make special mention to David Wind, our newly elected city councilor just above me. Vivian Squires, YK Seniors; and Ed Jeske, one of our fine seniors in Yellowknife. Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Arlene Hache, one of the great advocates of women and family rights and opportunities here in the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker.

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Thank you, Mr. Braden. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize, as well, a constituent from the Frame Lake constituency, a man with a long-time interest in politics and now a newly minted councillor, Mr. David Wind.

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Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize the president of the NWTTA, Ms. Amanda Mallon.

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Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.