Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's not so much that there was a hiring freeze, but the program that is administered by the Department of Finance certainly did put a hold on new offers to students. Any offers that were in place, those ones have been honoured, and those students have been employed. The reality was, Mr. Speaker, that bringing on several hundred potentially new employees at a time when our own employees are struggling to adapt to the current conditions and now are having to be asked to find a way to slowly return back to their workplaces, this is not a time to be bringing on a large group of new students. It's not only about supporting them financially. We want to ensure that, when they are coming to work as summer students and interns for the GNWT, they are getting a meaningful and positive experience. Right now, Mr. Speaker, the priority has to be on ensuring the safety and well-being of all of our own staff, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people who we serve, and it's not a time, unfortunately, when we can bring on a large number of students.
That said, if there are departments, boards, and agencies who have the capacity to hire a student and want to hire a student, they can come to the Department of Finance and indicate that. There's not a set freeze, per se. If there is a match that can be made, then the student can still be hired. It's just that, at this point, as far as a formal program, this isn't the time. There is also the casual pool and, to the extent that students want to apply to the casual pool, there certainly are positions available, frankly, as a result of COVID, that can be filled from that pool. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Would the Minister commit to prioritize the hiring of summer students wherever possible across the Government of the Northwest Territories?
I know it's not popular, but I can't make that commitment right now. I can't make the commitment to hire students specifically. What I can say is that, again, there is the casual pool that I would certainly encourage the students to apply to. There are positions that need to get filled. There are tasks that need to get done, in large part arising from the needs of our COVID-19 response. While that's not exclusive to students, those positions are there, and we would certainly want the students to put their names into that casual pool, if available. At that point, the hiring process undergoes the usual processes that it does within Human Resources.
I think a positive message is important to the students of the Northwest Territories. What message does the Department of Human Resources have for the territory's students who have missed out on potential job opportunities by the Government of the Northwest Territories this year?
I share the view that there should be a positive message in all of this. COVID-19 has been a very unique and unprecedented challenge. At the risk of saying what is being said department after department about the nature of this being unprecedented, for the students who aren't going to be getting the positions that they wanted or hoped for, again, if they are able to get a position through the casual pool, they will undoubtedly get an experience unlike anything they were otherwise going to get prior to the pandemic. If they don't get hired, again, we do have a number of strong programs in place to hire students when they do return to the Northwest Territories after their schooling.
The federal government does have a program in place right now to encourage students to go out and, firstly, to have private hiring with companies, but also to go out and do work and public work and volunteer-type services. I would encourage students to go and look into that. The last option, again, as someone in human resources, is go out and build your resume in a way that maybe doesn't involve a formal employer. There are a lot of people out there who need help right now, and I know that's not the kind of funding that students want to get, but it's just not the right time for the Human Resources to be rolling out those programs. However, we are still going to be here looking for students to come back to the North as this pandemic passes us by.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Thebacha.
Mr. Speaker, as our government prepares for the second wave of COVID-19 and for future pandemics, will the Department of Human Resources commit to making a contingency plan for the future that is more mindful of summer student employment? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I can certainly say that the Department of Human Resources will be looking at all of the programs that rolled out, looking at the way in which we supported our employees and looking at the returning to work plans that we have. Frankly, it's beyond simply looking at students, but looking at the way in which Human Resources was responding to the pandemic. We will undertake that project in order to be even better prepared for whatever emergencies we may face going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Hay River South.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've got questions for the Minister of ITI. Can the Minister tell me: what is the departmental budget for assisting artisans working from home, more specifically those who create artwork and traditional crafts? Also, is there an equity requirement to access grants, and is there a requirement to have a business licence? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. ITI supports the business of arts to the tune of $1.6 million every year for a variety of projects. Our regional program delivery routinely includes support for the marketing, promotion, and delivery of arts initiatives. In addition to providing funding support, our regional offices provide regular marketing support for artists, such as making business cards, helping to update online profiles, and assisting during craft fairs in a non-COVID era. We have a micro-business program under SEED that provides funds to purchase materials, up to $5,000 over three years, and no business licence is required, just proof that they are commercial artists.
Recently, we provided artists with the opportunity to take advantage of the Creative Industries Economic Recovery Funding. We are now considering these proposals. Up to $3,000 is being made available to successful Northwest Territories artists or commercial film and media arts producers; up to $5,000 is being made available to successful and registered Northwest Territories arts businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and collectives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I'm not sure I have any more questions after that. Anyway, the main issue for artisans in the South Slave is access to materials such as beads, stroud, and, more importantly, naturally tanned moose hide. This government has talked about a tannery building for a number of years, but this has not become a reality. I ask the Minister: is her department willing to identify and work with a proponent in the South Slave to build a tannery?
ITI is in the business of helping Northwest Territories businesses and the Northwest Territories economy grow and prosper. If a Northwest Territories resident has a legal and viable business plan and meets the required qualifications, ITI supports, programs, and services are there to be accessed. When it comes to a tannery, I understand that there is an initiative being pursued by our South Slave regional office and a project that Fort Providence is leading. The department has supported a pre-feasibility and business plan for this work.
That's good to hear. I know that's been ongoing for several years, so hopefully, it will come to fruition. The next question or comment: in some of the regions or smaller communities, one common theme is a location where artisans can showcase and make their work available to the public. Fort Liard is a community that has a beautiful building where local art is showcased and placed for sale. We need that type of facility in every community. Will the Minister commit her department to work with a community organization willing to provide space for artisans to work out of and showcase their art?
ITI and ECE share responsibility to support the arts and fine crafts. We are currently working with ECE to finalize an updated strategy to guide and inform our government's support of the arts sector in the future. We do have a variety of commercial operators who sell and showcase art. We also showcase regional artists in our artist displays at the airports and in our parks. I do commit to the Member to have a conversation with my department about ensuring that there is commercial space in every community.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Hay River South.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is important for Indigenous people to pass down traditional knowledge. Would the Minister commit to work with the Minister of ECE to support and develop the grant program beyond what is in place, without a requirement, to artisans willing to teach their children or grandchildren or extended family the craft? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I am certainly willing to follow up on this matter with Minister of ECE. ITI, and I personally, recognize the value of our traditional arts and crafts. I have been supportive of our jewellery makers for quite a while now. Passing on the traditional knowledge is a very valuable and needed thing in the Northwest Territories, and I'm very happy to support initiatives like this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I hope I'm not crossing any lines or anything in my Member's statement and in my questioning regarding the sensitive nature of the subject that I bring up related to health centre concerns. If I do, I apologize to the House. When complaints are not taken seriously by the Department of Health and Social Services, I believe the residents of the Northwest Territories are in serious trouble, especially in small communities with no doctors nor specialists. My question to the Minister is: how serious is the department about the serious health crisis concerns of the residents of my community and to the people of the Northwest Territories? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Health and Social Services authorities have a complaints process in place where clients are encouraged to talk with their local healthcare or social service provider as a first step. If they're not satisfied, there is also a follow-up step with the regional quality representative. For serious private practice concerns, confidential investigations are carried out by the NTSSA, with the support of the Department of Finance and the Department of Human Resources. In all investigations, principles of due process are followed to hear from everybody who is involved in the complaint, including the staff. The employer can then determine what action is required to address the concerns. Complaints of misconduct can also be submitted to the complaints officer of the regulatory bodies for nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, social workers, and midwives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mahsi to the Minister for that answer. That's pretty much the standard process, and I believe we've gone beyond that. We've already filed a formal complaint, and there have been other formal complaints filed that have gone unheeded. Northwest Territories residents, especially the Indigenous residents of my community, should not be treated like the treatment they receive at the local health centre. They should also not be treated with racist overtones just for being Indigenous. Comments such as, "Just because you are Treaty," and, "You Indians are a bunch of drunks," should never have to be heard. My question to the Minister: when are you ever going to take the concerns of the residents seriously in regard to the complaints against the health centre nursing staff?
I followed up with my department to confirm my understanding of the process. Unfortunately, because there was a complaint filed with the Nurses' Association, it is not appropriate for the Minister to meet and respond to the specifics of the complaint because I was told that we can't be seen as interfering in any judicial or quasi-judicial process that is currently under way.
Mahsi for that answer. I think we had this discussion already, that there is a total disconnect by the department and the registered nurses' group, but the GNWT does the hiring of all nurses and doctors, and whatnot, and they are passed over to RNANT/NU, their governing body. Once we've done that, there is a line severed right there. They've got no control over any aspect of how they operate, those nurse practitioners and whatnot, and that's a big concern in our small communities. I don't know why the department does not have a mechanism in place to help the residents address these issues. My question to the Minister is: will she look into mechanisms to be put in place to help the residents of the Northwest Territories?
Quality of care. We are working with the way we change and provide services in order to ensure that the practices are respectful to the values of residents. Through primary healthcare reform, we are focusing on improving cultural and safety and relationship-based caring. The Member is asking if we will commit to that relationship? Absolutely.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Monfwi.
Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Cell phones, Mr. Speaker. I spoke earlier in my Member's statement about the cell phone services between Behchoko and Yellowknife. We have no access to cell phone services between Behchoko and Yellowknife. Again, this is an ongoing issue because there have been some issues happening between Yellowknife and Behchoko. [End of translation]
[Microphone turned off] ...asked about safety when I asked about the summer students, so I will continue with the safety avenue on Highway No. 3. Is the Minister of Finance aware of the number of people or of cars and trucks passing back and forth daily between Behchoko and Yellowknife? I'm just wondering if she has travelled Highway No. 3 lately. Masi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister of Finance.
Mr. Speaker, I can say certainly, in the last eight months or so, I have not travelled that road, but in my past life, for some 10 years, I used to be on that road quite regularly, attending court in Behchoko. I am well aware that there are some spots where there simply is no coverage, and it's a safety risk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I'm glad that the Minister identified it as a safety risk between Rae Junction and Yellowknife. From a risk management point of view, what can the Minister tell us about the danger of leaving commuters and truckers without cell coverage along such an important stretch of the highway? We're talking about the safety of our NWT citizens.
I am not a risk analyst, and I'm not going to pretend to provide to the House or to the people who are on that highway my own personal views on what is or isn't a risk or how much of a risk it is, but I do acknowledge the point that's being made that there are people on that highway. It's a stretch of highway that, while frequently travelled, still has lots of parts where there are risks in terms of it being a highway. There can be an accident, and then there is maybe no one there coming along who has a phone or a satellite phone. I certainly acknowledge that that's a reality and that there are some obvious risks associated.
The next question I have is: would the Minister commit to calling Northwestel to convince the company to provide critical cell phone coverage that commuters and truckers need on the stretch of highway? One would assume that she has clout over them as the Government of the Northwest Territories is their biggest customer.
I am certainly more than happy to phone Northwestel and have some engagement with them. In fact, I do think that that's an easy "yes." As far as what I can or can't convince a private corporation to do, I'm not going to be in a position to say "yes" or to make any commitment in that regard. Certainly, they are an important private sector partner in the Northwest Territories, and I'm sure they will want to have discussions and engagements with the GNWT.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Monfwi.
Masi, Mr. Speaker. In that case, I'd like to ask this government what their action will be on this particular subject. I was copied on a letter to the Minister of Infrastructure and ECE the other day, June 1st or 2nd, from both the chief of Behchoko and Whati in full support of this cell phone coverage in that area. If Northwestel won't do it, would the Minister of Infrastructure or Finance, in combination of both departments, commit to funding the extension of cell coverage to the Highway No. 3 corridor between Behchoko and Yellowknife? It is really badly needed now, Mr. Speaker. Masi.
There are three priority needs that are related to broadband and telecoms that have already been identified from the GNWT. The 50 and 10 megabytes per second, that's the speed which has been spoken recently in the House; the importance of resiliency and redundancy in our networks which hasn't come up here but has certainly come up in the past in the House; but the third one is cell coverage. I certainly want the Member to know that I know that this is a priority. It's already a priority within my department. As far as providing that as a service that we have to increase the ability to have better cell coverage, I'm not in a position to say right now what we're going to do, but it's almost becoming a bit of a theme week for me that I hadn't expected. It's very clear that we're going to have to have a very clear plan to achieve those three goals. If ever it wasn't clear, then COVID-19 has made it very clear now how important those things are to being connected, whether it's education, health, or otherwise. Mr. Speaker, I certainly do expect that I will be making faster progress on this than maybe what would have happened before COVID. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As per my Member's statement, I know I get very emotional. Whenever I talk about the missing and murdered Indigenous women, I remember the stories. I see their faces. It's never going to leave me. As mentioned in my Member's statement, I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Status of Women what the federal delay in development of a national action plan to address the calls for justice outlined in the MMIWG final report means for the NWT in terms of development of our own action plan? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to be fair to the federal government and acknowledge that the work has been happening, but there are times like this through the COVID-19 where events have not been able to take attention to or have been slowed. Of course, the pandemic we've been facing is a priority for all governments, and face-to-face meetings have not been available or planned after recent government transitions since the report was tabled last year. We would all like to see our work advanced together so we can have the benefit of discussions and experiences from across the country. Having a national action plan provides the opportunity for more collaboration and leadership. This does not, however, prevent us from continuing our own work in the Northwest Territories and advance the calls for justice. We have been working internally on identifying further actions we require, and we'll continue to implement them and engage with Indigenous governments, communities, and others as appropriate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I hear what the Minister says, and I disagree. With COVID, how many deaths have we had with COVID? We've had way more deaths with Indigenous women and girls, and it hasn't been taken as seriously. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister commit to developing an NWT action plan to address these calls for justice without waiting for this federal action plan?
In my Minister's statement, I mentioned that the Northwest Territories has been a leader in responding to the report, and I can commit to moving actions forward. My hesitation in suggesting that the Northwest Territories develop a wholly standalone plan is that we do not align in many cases with the expectations of Indigenous governments, communities, and particularly Indigenous women and girls. This requires collaboration. Much of that is occurring, and the discussion is happening throughout the development of this national action plan. I believe the inquiry recommended a national action plan because it recognized that the scope of the issues identified require Canadian society and all of Canada to be engaged. With that said, we've already undertaken actions in response to the inquiry's report. In our initial response, doing our part, we've identified things we're doing now, things we can do right away, and others we can continue to work on doing.
In addition, an interdepartmental working group was set up to coordinate the Government of the Northwest Territories response for calls for justice, and this working ground includes representatives from two departments, like I mentioned. They are also tasked with doing an in-depth review and analyze the calls for justice. I appreciate that the Member does not want us to let the calls for justice found in the report to sit on the shelf and collect dust. We all need to continue our focus on making this change, but I don't think we need a separate standalone action plan to work on making that change.
The Minister has mentioned collaboration with Aboriginal organizations and women's organizations within the Northwest Territories to get this work done. Can the Minister explain to me if they have a working group now with the Aboriginal groups, and who are they collaborating with outside the government right now on this plan?
Currently, the interdepartmental working group I referred to includes the Department of Health and Social Services, Justice, Housing, and we are working at looking at Education, Culture and Employment, Indigenous Affairs. There are a number of departments working together. The focus is to start to look at doing our part because we realize that a lot of our departments are doing initiatives and programs around the report.
