Mr. Speaker, we are making significant progress in meeting this government's mandate commitments to strengthen the Northwest Territories post-secondary education system.
I am pleased to advise that the drafting of legislation to govern post-secondary education in the Northwest Territories is nearing completion. The proposed legislation will create, for the very first time, a process to ensure the effective governance and quality assurance of all post-secondary institutions operating in the territory.
This fulfills our mandate commitment to develop legislation ensuring a quality assurance system by which post-secondary institutions will be recognized in the Northwest Territories. This also contributes to our mandate commitment to develop and foster our knowledge economy. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment continues to work with our post-secondary partners to support the development and growth of post-secondary institutions and programs in the Northwest Territories. The proposed legislation will also support Aurora College's transformation into a polytechnic university, including the creation of a new governance model and its own degree-level programs.
Mr. Speaker, we have a great opportunity to transform post-secondary education for the long term. This will provide opportunities here in the territory for residents to get the skills and training they need for NWT jobs today and in the future.
A polytechnic university combines the practical approach of a college education and the depth of study usually associated with a university program. Polytechnic programs are skills-intensive, technology-based, and hands-on, providing students with practical training for in-demand jobs. Program and curriculum decisions at polytechnic universities are also made in close collaboration with representatives from industry, ensuring graduates achieve skills that are relevant to the current job market.
Since tabling the Government Response to the Aurora College Foundational Review, I have travelled to the three campus communities of Inuvik, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife. I have met with Indigenous and community leaders, Aurora College staff, more than 100 college students, and more than 200 members of the public in the three communities.
Mr. Speaker, there is overall excitement for the transformation of Aurora College. The mayors of all three campus communities have sent a joint letter confirming their collective support of the polytechnic university and recognizing the academic, social, and economic advantages it will provide for all Northerners.
A polytechnic university with three vibrant campuses and 21 community learning centres will give residents access to more educational options closer to home. It will improve employment success for residents, help close skill gaps for in-demand jobs, and better respond to employer, industry, and community needs in the Northwest Territories. It creates a platform to grow our knowledge economy, including increased retention of research funding and increased influence over Northern research priorities.
The new $10-million Aurora College Centre for Mine and Industry Training in Fort Smith and the planned Arts, Crafts and Technology Centre in Inuvik are two examples of what we can achieve through strategic partnerships with governments and industry. The Government of the Northwest Territories has been and remains committed to investing in post-secondary education for Northerners, but we must be making strategic and informed decisions as we move forward.
Mr. Speaker, we know the next steps for 2019, and we remain on track to meet our long-term goal of a polytechnic university. It is critical that we get this right by making decisions in the right order and at the right time. The strengthening and growth of our post-secondary education system must begin with a clear vision and a strong associate deputy minister to lead Aurora College and oversee the design and implementation of changes over the coming months and years. I am pleased to welcome, starting on March 4, Dr. Tom Weegar as our new associate deputy minister of post-secondary education renewal.
That vision will be informed by the people of the Northwest Territories. All residents will have the opportunity to provide their thoughts and ideas on the strengths, challenges, and opportunities in our post-secondary education system. This input will be used to define the territorial vision and goals for the future and guide the development of a post-secondary education framework. The framework will provide a clear picture on what we will achieve and how we will work together with our stakeholders and partners.
Our next step is to establish the advisory committee and academic advisory council to bring together experts from across the territory and the country to ensure we follow national standards and best practices in all areas.
Mr. Speaker, there is a great deal of work ahead, but the opportunities we create will generate wide-ranging social and economic benefits and greatly advance what we can achieve as a territory. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, municipal elections were held in nine hamlet communities in the Northwest Territories on December 10, 2018. There were 71 candidates in total vying for 46 available seats. I am pleased with the large number of candidates as this indicates there is keen interest in local government and that individuals want to serve as leaders and decision-makers for their communities.
I am also pleased to report that through the elections held on December 10th, our territory continues to benefit from near gender parity at the local government level with 21 female candidates successfully securing their seats. In total, 41 percent of the 71 candidates for municipal office were female, and 46 percent of those candidates were successful in their bid for a seat.
The voter turnout rate was between 44 percent and 54 percent across the Territories. Thirty-nine percent of candidates for councillor positions were acclaimed. Acclamations occurred in the hamlets of Aklavik, Enterprise, Sachs Harbour, and Tuktoyaktuk.
Mr. Speaker, local elections remain important to community residents. Being an elected official is one of the best ways that an individual can support their community in providing a safe, sustainable, and healthy environment for their residents.
In addition to those elected in the October Municipal Taxation Authority elections acknowledged in this House in the fall, I congratulate all who were elected on December 10th. In particular, I wish to congratulate Mayor William Koe in Fort McPherson, Mayor Ray Ruben in Paulatuk, Mayor Floyd Lennie in Sachs Harbour, Mayor Danny Beaulieu in Fort Providence, and Mayor Laverna Klengenberg in Ulukhaktok. I look forward to working closely with each of these community leaders in their new capacity.
Many thanks to all the candidates who ran in the nine community elections. People's willingness to serve is a critical component of democracy at all levels of government.
I would also like to thank the staff and volunteers who led the election process on behalf of their municipalities. It takes dedication and significant effort by many people to support this process behind the scenes so that residents can exercise their right to vote in elections.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, we will see 11 municipal elections held in 2019. There will be five mayor positions and 46 councillor positions available. This will be an opportunity for aspiring candidates in those communities to run for community leadership positions and for residents to choose their decision-makers. I encourage all qualified residents to put their names forward and, especially, to get out and vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge Elder Mary Effie Snowshoe from Fort McPherson. Mary Effie was recently in Calgary to accept the Indspire Award for Culture, Heritage, and Spirituality.
Mr. Speaker, Indspire is a national Indigenous charity that focuses on the education of Indigenous people. Their vision is to enrich Canada through Indigenous education and by inspiring achievement.
Each year, Indspire presents the Indspire Awards, honouring success and achievement by Indigenous people. Indspire celebrates and recognizes First Nations, Inuit, and Metis individuals who contribute for the long-term benefit towards their family, community, and Canada.
Mr. Speaker, at 81 years old, Mary Effie Snowshoe grew up being taught the Gwich'in traditional way of life from her parents; hunting, fishing, trapping, preparing food, and tanning moose skin. Mary Effie continues to pass on her knowledge to family as well as to visitors to the community and visitors to her fish camp.
Up until 2003, Jijjuu Mary Effie taught the Gwich'in language for 24 years until she retired. "Retired" is not in her vocabulary, as she continues to help with traditional activities in the community and school, as well as play host to numerous traditional teachings at her fish camp.
Mr. Speaker, Mary Effie has a wealth of stories to share, each with a spiritual meaning. She is eager to take you by the hand to teach you on-the-land survival skills.
We are fortunate to have elders such as Mary Effie in our community. We have so much to learn, and we should take advantage and learn from our elders, such as a wise woman. Congratulations, Jijuu Mary Effie Snowshoe. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What if I told you the next big business movement in the NWT, and it's already happening, is that Indigenous organizations are going to become actual owners of mineral resource projects?
Mr. Speaker, relations between Indigenous Peoples and resource developers have been difficult in the past. A lack of respect for treaties and an often inconsiderate industry attitude toward First Peoples have strained relations, so it's easy to understand the degree of mistrust about mineral resource projects.
However, in recent years, there has been an obvious change. Since the start of the diamond mines and the execution of impact benefit agreements, both sides increasingly understand that the real collaboration can be very profitable. Indigenous governments have formed economic development corporations that provide a multitude of services to the mines; human resources, catering, and camp services, to name a few. The Dene Nation took it a step further when the Denendeh Development Corporation created its own exploration and development company.
These past 20 years of doing business together has revealed a change in mindset. Reconciliation is the current priority between Indigenous Peoples and Canada, and that involves greater recognition of Indigenous rights and the abandonment of harmful policies. It will only truly be achieved, however, when Indigenous Peoples have the power to create their own economic freedom and decrease their dependence on government support.
Mr. Speaker, I believe the Indigenous people of the NWT have found the solution through building partnerships in resource development, but we're about to see this go one step further to ownership.
Mr. Speaker, a key discussion at roundup this year was how Indigenous groups want to become involved in resource development, and what benefits they will derive. Equity ownership is the new partnership. The resulting wealth creation and prosperity will lead to economic empowerment and self-determination.
Mr. Speaker, it is time to acknowledge that Indigenous people want to improve their living standards and provide a better future for their children. Their socio-economic situation may remain difficult, but the NWT proves that Indigenous communities are reconciling economic development and empowerment while continuing to be respectful stewards of the land and the environment. There are many reasons to be optimistic about our economic future, Mr. Speaker, and Indigenous ownership in mineral resource development is one of them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The NWT tourism is very much a thriving industry. This can be measured by the current surveys reflecting over the past several years on the incoming visitors and public and private sector investments.
Mr. Speaker, our continued support is needed in broadening our horizons to further provide destination options through infrastructure investments while reducing our living costs through affordable travel on expanding our all season road systems. These strategic infrastructure investments enhance affordable connections by providing travellers with options in collaboration to sustaining our future's non-Territorial Formula Funding, or TFF, revenues
Mr. Speaker, this sector contributes 32 percent of our income. It is incumbent upon us as legislators of this government to demonstrate our mandate and obligations on affordable access, modernizing our regulatory regimes, and local Indigenous partnerships. This approach is political development for economic growth and positive returns. These strategic initiatives are essential to creating an environment for investment certainty, affordability, meaningful employment, and training opportunities. Mr. Speaker, to deny this in our current position and decision making authority for responsible resource development would be to deny the next generation's abilities for sustainability.
Mr. Speaker, in recognition of over half the population outside our capital when formulating the TFF outcomes, let us recognize the challenges of our smaller communities and expectations for equality and meaningful services.
Mr. Speaker, with these principles, I look forward to our fiscal budget deliberations in our remaining sitting. Mahsi.
Members' statement. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. Last week, concerns were raised in this House, and have been raised in the media and by the general public, regarding the process used to appoint the workers' advisor. The authority of the Minister responsible for the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission to make such an appointment is not in doubt. What is in question is the process used and the judgment exercised in making that appointment. The previous appointment was made following a public call for expressions of interest. The previous individual who served in that office has said publicly that he provided three months' notice that he did not wish to continue.
I have searched high and low for any Cabinet or ministerial policy regarding appointments. The closest I could find was an August 3, 2017 Boards' Policy signed by the Premier as chair of the Executive Council. That policy sets out a number of principles to "encourage and support good governance." The fourth principle states "the process for appointments to GNWT boards should be timely, consistent and transparent."
The Premier is accountable to the Executive Council for the implementation of this policy. Further guidance on appointments to boards include the following direction to "ensure that gender equity and local expertise in relation to mandate are considered when persons are appointed, nominated, or confirmed." Lastly, the board policy states that the Cabinet may: "establish appointment guidelines and procedures for the selection and appointment of board members."
In some cases, opportunities for board appointments or nominations are even made known to Regular MLAs. I am also of the view that the Premier must exercise some oversight on ministerial appointments, including those to boards and other appointments authorized by statutes. It is now time for Cabinet to develop a policy for ministerial appointments given the public concerns raised by the recent appointment of the Workers' Advisor. I will have questions later today for the Premier. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Members' statement. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to revive a discussion started in the 14th Assembly about creating a child and youth advocate for the Northwest Territories. Children and youth need our special attention and support, particularly when they are being cared for by people other than their immediate families. Since the NWT started discussing this issue in 2003, Yukon has created an advocate office, and so has Nunavut. In fact, we are one of the only two jurisdictions in Canada without an office dedicated to protecting the rights of children on both an individual and systemic basis, as well as providing public awareness about those rights.
Mr. Speaker, Yukon has had a child and youth advocate office since 2010. The mission of the advocate in Yukon is to provide services to children and youth up to 18 years of age by protecting and asserting their rights and ensuring their voices are heard in a safe and supportive way. The office advocates for children who are receiving, or who are eligible to receive, government services, including help with mental health and addictions, education, and justice. The advocate is also involved in all aspects of child and family services. A total of 154 children accessed services in Yukon last year.
In Nunavut, the Representative for Children and Youth was appointed in 2014. The office supports young Nunavummiut by giving voice to their concerns and ensuring the government protects and advances their rights and interests. An elders' council helps guide the work. In their last annual report, the office reported opening 83 files.
Mr. Speaker, it is time for the NWT to offer this same service to children and youth here. First, there is a big population of children accessing government services, an average of 1,000 children per year in each of the last 10 years. Second, the work of the Office of the Auditor General revealed that health authorities have not maintained regular contact with many of the children they have removed from homes and placed in foster care or other places. We know that contact with children and youth out of the territory was also lacking. This is obviously a very vulnerable group, ranging in age from six months to 18 years, who have rights, including the right to be heard and to be treated fairly. The child advocate can provide the linkage between different players in the child's life to further his or her interests. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, it's time for the GNWT to provide better services to children and youth. Creating a child and youth advocate is the place to start. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mahsi.
Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is that time of year when we see a number of individuals end up in the ditch. I have done that myself a few times in my life.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Department of Infrastructure for offering advice for winter driving. Even expert drivers must benefit from a refresher and, if you know anyone who's planning to drive up to the Northwest Territories, I hope you pass these tips along. I would like to share a couple of those tips here today:
make sure every individual in the vehicle has warm winter clothing available;
prepare a winter survival kit with warm clothing, candles, flashlight, matches, sleeping bags, first aid kits, pocket knife, nuts, energy bars, a brightly coloured cloth, a small shovel, sand, and a tow strap; and
tell everyone your travel plans, when you're leaving, what route you'll be taking, and when you plan on arriving, before you leave.
Mr. Speaker, Northerners are used to helping out when others are in need. I see this all the time, not only in our communities but on our own highways and winter roads, whether it's a clear, dry night; under the midnight sun; or snowy, icy conditions at minus 40.
Personally, I've been grateful when people stopped to help me on the highway, and I've tried to pay it forward when I see others in need. Earlier this year I heard about two Sahtu residents helping out a stranded Alberta traveler on the Colville Lake winter road, one of the many stories out there.
Mr. Speaker, this past Friday evening a couple of ladies ended up in the ditch, and I would like to quote the lady: "A beautiful thing about being from and living in the North is the kindness and generosity of true Northerners. It can't be beat. Big shout-out to George and Anna Tsetso; Chris Hewitt; Tow Williams; Dave Crawford, who works for Sharps Trucking Company from Edmonton, for helping me and my mom out and getting us home safely. Thanks to Jenn Kraus for checking on us and calling for backup, and others who stopped to check on us. We are very grateful." I would like to thank those people, as well, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, and we wish everyone safe travels in this winter season. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of discussion about our government doing what it can to reduce the cost of living for our citizens. In fact, it's a mandate of our government to do just that. However, Mr. Speaker, the opposite is occurring because, over the years, we've seen cost increases to our citizens in various ways, some through taxes, leases, fees, and inflation. This has in effect increased the cost of living.
Mr. Speaker, I've risen many times in the House, offering ideas on how to decrease costs to our people and our government, which for the most part have been ignored. I've talked about fixing up homes for seniors, to make them more efficient to operate; I've spoken about daycares, where people can go to work, both of which are viable options and help decrease our social spending.
Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, I have spoken about investing in homecare and early childhood development as areas which offer potential for great long-term savings. I've also discussed the idea of converting the old Stanton hospital into a school for homecare workers and nurses, as well as the idea of our government expanding into the conservation economy through investments in initiatives such as Indigenous guardians and ecotourism.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, there are other jobs to get families off income support, jobs like youth workers, working in environmental clean-ups, and jobs in the field of wellness at the community level. Increasing employment rates in small communities will benefit all communities, including Yellowknife and the regional centres.
Mr. Speaker, I have used the term "all boats shall rise" many times in this House because, if people work in our small communities, they will spend their money in Yellowknife and the regional centres, creating another level of the economy. Thank you.
Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last February, I had an exchange in this Chamber with the Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, as well as Infrastructure. I pointed out that the sign by the highway that identifies the mighty Deh Cho as the Mackenzie River is a very tiny sign. I mentioned that, for visiting tourists, there is no information about the river and its rich history. Even its proper name, Deh Cho, meaning "big river," is neglected. I suggested that there should be a larger sign, a roadside exhibit, and maybe a picnic spot.
The Minister was very supportive of this idea. His response, from Hansard, included this comment: "The Member's point is well taken [...]. The Mackenzie River is important, not just to his region but to the whole NWT. It is how people travelled in this country for years and years. I think it is a good idea to celebrate this type of feature."
Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly agree with the Minister, who went on to say, "We'll take a serious look at it [...]. lt is not something that will happen overnight." Since we spoke, about 350 nights have gone by and I am still dreaming of the great big, beautiful sign to mark the Deh Cho for travelers on the road. I am growing concerned that marking the second-longest river in North America might be winding through a long and tedious bureaucratic process.
Tourism is a growing sector of our economy, and we are seeing the road traffic in my home community of Fort Providence. We would like to take advantage of this potential. We would like to see a better tourism experience for people who come this way. This begins with roadside attractions that slow people down a little and encourage them to look around.
I fear that our government forgets these local attractions, distracted as it has been by huge projects and combining departments.
I realize that even a project as modest as a sign for the Mackenzie River takes time to plan, but getting it done within the life of this 18th Assembly seemed like an attainable goal. Later, I will ask the Minister of Infrastructure to signpost the way forward on this project. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has been brought to my attention by several constituents that the implementation of junior kindergarten has left more than a few gaps.
These concerns were brought to me by parents and northern teachers who are concerned with the implications of several of the shortfalls of the junior kindergarten program. Currently, there is still no provision for signing-in and signing-out of children. So far, we have been lucky, but I am curious as to why, when I pick my own son up from his privately run after-school program, I must sign him out, while there is no provision for this in government-mandated junior kindergarten.
It has also been brought to my attention that there is only "recommended" health screening for students entering into JK. Mr. Speaker, I'm sure this is on the minds of many parents in recent days, due to the confirmed case of the measles here in the NWT. I am alarmed, as are many, that health screening, that is to say testing on hearing, vision and immunizations, are not required prior to entry into the junior kindergarten program. This could put our children, our families, and our communities at great risk of the possibility of outbreak.
Mr. Speaker, adult to child ratios are high under the Day Care Act. Yes, this was done to minimize the increased costs of implementing the JK program, but where once there was a ratio of either 1:8 or 1:9, there is now an allowance of a ratio of 1:25. This has left staff stretched too thin. Bathroom breaks, recess, fire drills, evacuations, all of these test the limits of teaching staff's focus. Under the current process, there are gaps in the supervision of children. This often requires that administrative staff fill these gaps should a child need to go to the bathroom while the rest of the students are suiting up or dressing down for recess, let alone if one of the children has an accident. If all goes to plan and no child needs to use the bathroom or there are no other complicating factors, getting ready to go outside for recess can be a 30-40 minute endeavour.
The implementation of junior kindergarten received a lot of attention earlier in this Assembly. Though we have moved to other pressing matters, it is clear that this area continues to demand our attention as these problems must be resolved to ensure the future success of students and teachers alike. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Minister later today.
Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I wanted to raise a few issues affecting elders' healthcare that have been brought to my attention by Nunakput residents.
The people of Nunakput are concerned that elders' healthcare in the region is not all it could be or even all it should be. In some cases, language is a barrier, and the lack of available translators makes it even harder, Mr. Speaker. In others, there are issues with homecare workers. Some Nunakput communities have no homecare workers, thanks to the cuts in the past that affected those positions. Elders are concerned that, without homecare workers, there is no one available to help them on a daily basis, especially elders who live alone. Mr. Speaker, the aging in place initiative leaves out the elders who live in the smaller communities across the territory, mind you, ones that are most isolated.
Mr. Speaker, we also have social workers, but they are taking on a lot of work, often including travel to multiple communities. This means that visits are far too often and far too brief. More generally, constituents have also told me that they are troubled by the lack of engagement from the health centres. Many are given Tylenol and sent home.
Mr. Speaker, we know that our population is aging and that it has consequences for all kinds of government planning. The Department of Health and Social Services has done a lot of work in assessing long-term care and needs, and the Housing Corporation is figuring out the kinds of supports, services, and infrastructure our elders will need to age in place in their home communities.
Mr. Speaker, this is not just a matter of support for elders; it is a matter of cultural safety. The government's duty is to provide culturally safe, culturally appropriate care to Indigenous people, particularly vulnerable populations like our elders. This applies to the full spectrum of healthcare, from check-ups at the health centre to routine procedures like cancer screenings to emergency care and where it is needed most.
Mr. Speaker, we need to take care of our elders, and when we plan, we need to incorporate local perspectives from our small communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to recognize our NWT Language Board members who decided to join us today. I am really glad to see you up there. We have Tammy Steinwand-Deschambeault, who is the chair. Excuse me if I get the names wrong. Jonas Landry, Emily Kudlak, Vance Sanderson, the vice-chair, Angie Lantz, Bella T'seleie, Betty Elias, Eleanor Mitchell-Firth, Linda Bussey, and Dr. Angela James is with them today. Welcome to everyone. It is important work you do. I am looking forward to meeting you this week.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, from William McDonald School, we have two Pages from the riding of Yellowknife North. I would like to recognize and welcome Kaatje Fulford and Teresa Martin. Thank you to all the Pages for the great work they do on our behalf. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Thebacha.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Vance Sanderson from Thebacha.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Deh Cho.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Jonas Landry, a constituent. A friend and relative, Jonas serves on the Northwest Territories Language Board for the Deh Cho, and also he is from Fort Providence. Mahsi.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a couple of constituents, Ms. Betty Elias from Tuktoyaktuk and my cousin Emily Kudlak from Ulukhaktok. Mr. Speaker, I spoke earlier a couple of times about language and how important it is. It is good to see that we have strong representatives from Nunakput. I would like to welcome both guests and everybody else. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Honourable Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to recognize some guests in the Chamber, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Prince. Ray is a long-term colleague from a previous government, and they are here visiting family here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
