Debates of June 2, 2006 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Premier and it's in regards to the ongoing labour dispute between the Ekati diamond mine and the UNW, Mr. Speaker. I made a statement at the beginning of this session about how difficult this situation is for both parties involved. I have written to the Premier on this issue, as well. I am sensitive to the complexities on this. It is an issue that involves two parties in the private sector and it does involve issues under the jurisdiction of the federal government which has the responsibility of labour and other areas. But having said all that, this is an industry that's important for the North. There are workers who are without an agreement, and I was hoping, and I've said in this House, and I think we were all hoping that there will be an agreement, but that is not happening. One of the suggestions that I made to the Premier was whether or not he'd be willing to appoint a Premier's envoy to see if he could meet with the two parties and see if there's anything the government can do to bring the two parties together or to accommodate, facilitate. I realize it's a sensitive matter, but I was reading a book yesterday and President Clinton, you know, jumped in on when the baseball game went on a strike. There's a role for the governors like us to look and see what we can do. So I'd like to know what the Premier is thinking on this issue. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 36-15(5): Ekati Mine Labour Dispute

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There's no doubt that the mining industry is important to our government and to the people in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, to my knowledge, there is a process that's ongoing, a negotiating process and it has to go through its various stages as both sides work diligently to come to an agreement. Mr. Speaker, as the Member has pointed out, this is really under the Canada Labour Code. While there may be a place for us someday in this, I believe that it's premature for us to begin to intervene in this process in any way at this point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 36-15(5): Ekati Mine Labour Dispute

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand that this is within the jurisdiction of the federal Minister of Labour, but there are times when the federal Minister of Labour would intervene, appoint mediators or arbitrators, and the Premier is stating that this is premature. I don't know; I think that this has gone on for a very long time. I think we could even say that the two parties are very far apart. Could the Premier just say what is giving him an indication, what is the bar or the timeline or the landmark that he's looking to see when he thinks that it's time for him or this government to do what we can? Not to intervene, but what we could do to facilitate the process. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 36-15(5): Ekati Mine Labour Dispute

Mr. Speaker, I have to say again that there is a process that is ongoing. Mr. Speaker, I know there was a news item this morning -- I didn't catch it all -- on this. But there's two sides in this. There's an offer on the table. There's, I believe, some consideration of it. These are negotiations that are ongoing and it would not be appropriate for our government to intervene at this point while negotiations are still going on. Some day if this comes to a complete grinding halt, then it may be necessary. But at this point, Mr. Speaker, I'll restate that I believe it's too early for us. There is a responsibility for each side, in fact both sides, to work toward an agreement and I trust that both sides are doing that today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 36-15(5): Ekati Mine Labour Dispute

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Maybe the Premier has information that none of us have, because as far as I know, maybe the Premier can share with us on this because as far as I know the company made a final offer and the union does not feel that they can accept the offer. Not because of the details of the package, but because of some of the things that the company's asking for that the company cannot accommodate. I don't see any other extra sources, anything changing that could bring the two parties back together. So maybe the Premier has something to share with us that I'm not aware of. I don't understand what he's working with. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 36-15(5): Ekati Mine Labour Dispute

Mr. Speaker, when two sides at a bargaining table come to an impasse, that isn't the end of the whole process. Mr. Speaker, there is a process of mediation; there's a process of arbitration. Those are things that the federal Minister responsible for the Canada Labour Code has to make decisions on. So, Mr. Speaker, really we're partway through a process here. There's other steps that can be followed and should be pursued before our government, without any authority in this matter, tries to intervene in this. So, Mr. Speaker, I just urge both sides to work toward an agreement. If they can't do it at the negotiating table, there are other measures that can be taken. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Final, short supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Supplementary To Question 36-15(5): Ekati Mine Labour Dispute

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could the Premier make a commitment to this House that he would talk to the federal Minister of Labour in order to ascertain that they're paying close attention to this issue, and to see what are the options that the government has to ask them to mediate or whatever federal process there is? I'd like to know if he could report to the House about what his options are in that regard. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 36-15(5): Ekati Mine Labour Dispute

Mr. Speaker, I have not spoken directly to Minister Blackburn on this issue. I have been talking on several occasions with Minister Prentice, the Minister of DIAND. I know he's very aware of this, and the federal government, who has authority in this matter, is watching this very closely. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.