Debates of October 22, 2004 (day 26)

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Two questions there; you can answer one, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Mr. Speaker, I think the main methods to the Prime Minister and to the federal government that we have taken forward is that we want to be consulted on programs that the federal government has that impact on our territory or on our population. So that message has been consistent.

Mr. Speaker, I’m not, at this point -- without consultation, without knowing more about the missile defence systems and so on -- prepared to take a position and relay that to the Prime Minister. I will, though, and I have been saying to him that we want to be at the table to discuss the northern strategy which he has referred to, which in my mind includes missile defence among many other policies and programs that affect us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Supplementary To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Premier, for what you were saying there. Mr. Speaker, if the Premier could further elaborate just for my clarity that he will endeavour to take forward a position to get out there and research what is happening and bring forward a comprehensive briefing note to all Members about the consultation process, about us getting involved on this and possibly, maybe even someday passing a motion in this House for either our support or non-support in this regard. Would the Premier make that commitment to this House? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Mr. Speaker, as this particular issue on missile defence becomes clearer in terms of what is being proposed and how it may impact us, then certainly we would be ready and willing to brief this House. In the meantime, I want to focus on ensuring that we are at the table when the federal government moves forward on the proposed northern strategy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ve sometimes been known as one to bite the hand that feeds me. In this regard I think it’s important that our Premier takes a strong position, at least echoes our concerns with our federal government and says will they provide us a clear position of Canada’s position on that regard. Will he commit to bringing that position paper to the Assembly for discussion? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Further Return To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Mr. Speaker, yes, I’ve already made that request to the Prime Minister in earlier discussions. I am meeting with him on Sunday, and that will be reinforced. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question now is for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and it relates to one of the programs that we offer under the Income Support side, Mr. Speaker. This is an allowance, I believe of $250 that is made on an annual basis to Income Support clients. It helps them get equipped for the rigours of our climate here. It has come to my attention that this program can only be accessed if a client has been on our books for one year.

Mr. Speaker, it’s winter out there and I am wondering what kind of provision can be made for people who are otherwise eligible for all of our Income Support services, but can’t get access to that clothing money, and there might be some kids out there who could really use it right now. That is my question to the Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 289-15(3): Income Support Winter Clothing Allowance

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am afraid I don’t have the background on why the decision was made to require…It’s not a full year on the program, as I understand it. A recipient must have been receiving income support for six of the previous 12 months in order to qualify for the benefit. I suspect that it is because the amount they have divided up on a monthly basis would not be enough to purchase anything in the way of clothing. So in order to make it a reasonable amount, rather than giving out $20 a month or $40 a month, it’s seen as an offering in the program that allows a reasonable amount of money, like $250 for those who have been on the program for a while. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Supplementary To Question 289-15(3): Income Support Winter Clothing Allowance

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Those are all very good reasons and programs like this need some kind of criteria. It all makes sense from an administrative point of view, but we do have a seasonal situation to deal with. People come and may not be coordinating with our administrating purposes. Can the Minister go back and have a look at that regulation, see if it can be retuned to allow for some consideration for the timing when this is needed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 289-15(3): Income Support Winter Clothing Allowance

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can certainly have a look at the regulation. I think we have to remember that most people who come into income support are cycling through. Therefore, they have what they bring into the system already. This amount is probably set up to recognize that those people who have been on income support for a long period of time, have not had the resources to purchase the clothing on their own. Whereas somebody who has just come into the system in the last month will have been well off enough to have purchased clothing previously. Can I look at it? Yes, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier today, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment made an announcement with regard to the Youth Abroad Program. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister for some clarification. When he says “young people,” can he give me the definition of young people? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This program targets young people who would be or should be in high school.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that’s a lot of people who used to be in high school. Can I ask for the age of the young people? I have a high percentage of young people in my region. For example, close to 30 percent of the youth are in Tulita, same as Fort Good Hope. I would like to get more clarification in terms of the ages of the youth. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not sure there is a specific age group that’s stipulated. For instance, in the education system, if you are 20 and you have been out for a year, you are expected to go back through the college. I think the same sort of requirements would be expected in this program. So it’s similar to those found for education. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I applaud the government on this that they are going out and seeking students and leaders of tomorrow. Can the Minister let the House know, because of this program, will it hurt other programs that are funded towards the youth for the next two years?

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear that this isn’t a government program. It’s basically volunteers who are running the program. This government is providing contribution assistance for two years to assist it to get off the ground. It’s very similar to what happened with the initial program that was set up in Nunavut. That’s one of the reasons I can’t answer the age questions because I don’t have all of the criteria. We welcome all the Members here for the 2:00 p.m. launch this afternoon of the program in the Great Hall. At that time, I am sure we will be able to provide a lot more detail. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Minister. I am just getting some clarification for myself. Are the career and technology study courses offered in small communities in regions like mine? Will they have an opportunity to apply for a program such as this? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, CTS courses are offered in schools across the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My written question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. In my Member’s statement of October 19, 2004, there were a number of concerns raised with regard to patients requiring escorts:

Can the Minister provide me with information on the number of patients from Nunakput who were denied escorts and why?

Can the Minister provide me with information on who makes the final decisions for patients requiring escorts?

Can the Minister provide me with information on the policy for travel of patients who require escorts?

Can the Minister provide me with information on how the department keeps the families informed when their loved ones are travelling for medical reasons?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Before I go to the next item, I would like to recognize William Greenland in the gallery.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled Government of the Northwest Territories 2003 Public Service Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the document Canada and Missile Defence: 10 Straight Questions and 10 Honest Answers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS section 103.(1) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides for the approval of sole adjudicators by motion of the House;

AND WHEREAS it’s desirable to have persons approved for appointment as sole adjudicators under 103.(2) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act;

AND WHEREAS the Board of Management has considered a number of qualified persons for approval as sole adjudicators;

NOW THERFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that the following persons be approved by the Legislative Assembly as sole adjudicators:

Mr. Robert Clark;

Mr. Robert Halifax; and,

Mr. David Jones, QC.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. There is a motion on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question.

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS section 48(1) of the Human Rights Act provides for the establishment of an adjudication panel composed of at least three persons appointed by the Commissioner on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS the Board of Management has considered a number of qualified individuals for appointment as adjudication panel members, including one member to be appointed as the chairperson;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that the following persons be recommended to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for appointment as members for the Human Rights Adjudication Panel for the terms indicated:

Mr. James Posynick, chair ,for four years;

Ms. Shannon Gullberg, member, for two years; and,

Ms. Joan Mercredi, member, for three years.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. There is a motion on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question.