Debates of March 18, 2004 (day 3)

March
18
2004
Day
3
Speaker
David Krutko
Word
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Topics
Committee Report 1-15(3): Standing Committee On Accountability And Oversight Report On The Review Of The Draft 2004-2005 Main Estimates
Committee Report 2-15(3): Standing Committee On Social Programs Report On The Review Of The Draft 2004-2005 Main Estimates
Further Return To Oral Question 9-15(3): NWT Housing Needs Survey
Member's Statement On Clawback Of National Child Benefit Supplement
Member's Statement On Implementation Of Changes To The Motor Vehicles Act
Member’s Statement On All-Weather Highway To Link Tuktoyaktuk To Inuvik
Member’s Statement On Crowded Classrooms In Yellowknife Schools
Member’s Statement On Family Involvement In Sport
Member’s Statement On Land Claims Obligations
Member’s Statement On Listening To The People
Member’s Statement On Management Opportunities For Aboriginal Employees
Member’s Statement On Resource Development Trust Fund
Member’s Statement On Road To The Northern Leaders Meeting In Hay River
Member’s Statement On Timely Receipt Of GNWT Records Of Employment
Minister's Statement 3-15(3): Report On Federal/Provincial/Territorial Meetings
Minister's Statement 5-15(3): Implementation Of New Municipal Governance Legislation
Minister’s Statement 4-15(3): Aboriginal Languages Month
Minister’s Statement 6-15(3): Winter Road Report
Motion 1-15(3): Appointment Of Deputy Chairpersons Of Committee Of The Whole, Carried
Motion 2-15(3): Setting Of Sitting Hours By Speaker, Carried
Motion To Move Committee Report 1-15(3) To Committee Of The Whole, Carried
Question 24-15(3): Land Claims Obligations
Question 25-15(3): Update On New Housing Re-investment Proposal
Question 26-15(3): Standing Committee On Non-Tax-Based Communities For The 15th Assembly
Question 27-15(3): Motor Vehicles Act Amendments – Mandatory Drug And Alcohol Awareness Training
Question 28-15(3): Permanent Trust Fund For Residents Of The NWT
Question 29-15(3): Delayed Receipt Of Record Of Employment Forms
Question 30-15(3): Clawback Of National Child Benefit Supplement
Question 31-15(3): Raising Revenues Through The Sin Tax
Question 32-15(3): Non-Insured Health Benefits – Growing Deficit
Question 33-15(3): Federal Government Honouring Commitments To The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program
Question 34-15(3): Supporting Resource Development In Small Communities
Question 35-15(3): Fair Treatment Of Tax-Based Communities
Question 36-15(3): Formal Process For Receiving The Public’s Suggestions For Fiscal Restraint
Statements

Question 35-15(3): Fair Treatment Of Tax-Based Communities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday in the budget address there was a line item of $300,000 directed at assisting land-use planning studies, new technical investigations and other items related to development. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister of Finance is when will tax-based communities receive similar treatment? Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Minister of Finance.

Return To Question 35-15(3): Fair Treatment Of Tax -Based Communities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the arrangements we have now with tax-based municipalities are such that they have advantages in dealing with developing lots in their communities through financing and so on. This measure we've taken, although small, is an initial step to try to help the general taxation communities with their ability to develop some of those lots and encourage some development in those small communities that are right now not feeling much from the spin-off effects of other development around the territory. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 35-15(3): Fair Treatment Of Tax-Based Communities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My next question to the Minister of Finance is does he recognize that $300,000 is merely a drop in the bucket for any land-use planning in any type of development, and does he note how far $300,000 goes? Can he give us examples of how that money will be spent fairly amongst all the non-tax-based communities?

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Minister of Finance.

Further Return To Question 35-15(3): Fair Treatment Of Tax-Based Communities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is a small amount of money but it is a start, and we need to start working in that area to help the small communities in our territory start doing some of this land development. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has the detail as to how they will allocate those dollars in a number of the communities. I am sure the Member will be able to get that detail as we go through the budget process. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 35-15(3): Fair Treatment Of Tax-Based Communities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Then at this time I'll ask the honourable Member if he will provide a briefing note to all Members. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Minister of Finance.

Further Return To Question 35-15(3): Fair Treatment Of Tax-Based Communities

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we will have that information provided to Members when they go through the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs budget.