Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT has made a commitment in its mandate to continue to implement the Regional Recruitment Program to assist with increasing regional employment opportunities by linking residents with onthejob training. In 2014, the GNWT introduced the Regional Recruitment Program to help increase regional recruitment and retention by providing a link between vacant regional positions and northern residents seeking employment.
The Regional Recruitment Program supports participants by providing them with developmental plans and onthejob training. This enables participants to gain valuable experiences before taking on an indeterminate position.
During the training period, participants receive 80 per cent of the position's salary. The remaining 20 per cent supports the employee's training, which could include travelling to other communities or attending specialized courses. Once the training is complete, successful participants move on to indeterminate positions with the GNWT and, of course, receive full salary for the position.
Mr. Speaker, since the call for applications for the Regional Recruitment Program was first distributed to departments in January 2014, 32 individuals have been appointed to trainee positions. Thirteen of these have been appointed to indeterminate positions. A significant majority of the program participants are priority candidates under the Affirmative Action Policy.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Human Resources is looking at ways to enhance the Regional Recruitment Program. Commencing January 2017, the department will begin to implement a communications plan to increase uptake on the program by enhancing communication within the regions about it.
The Regional Recruitment Program is a valuable recruitment and retention tool and has an important role to play in workforce and succession planning over the coming years.
Mr. Speaker, having the staff in place to deliver programs and services to all NWT residents is essential to the overall productivity of the GNWT. By filling vacant regional positions with trained northern workers, we strengthen our labour force and provide employment opportunities where they are most needed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Glen Abernethy will be absent from the House today and tomorrow to attend the FederalProvincialTerritorial Ministers of Health Conference in Toronto, Ontario. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I sit here today from our last day session in June with highlighting some of the events that happened throughout Sahtu in the summer months and the activities going on and new recognitions of endorsements. In Colville Lake, we had the community initiate a learning basics training of labour. Deline was recognized for two fronts. Number one is the recognition of the biosphere reserve underneath the international UNESCO for the Great Bear Lake and their initiation of selfgovernment starting this September 1st. It's the first one of the territories as well as of the region.
In Norman Wells, we seen a bidders' site visit, there, in the potential and proposed reclamation of the Heritage Canol Trail and the Imperial Oil client announcing their intentions to release their twothirds interest in that particular location.
In Fort Good Hope and Tulita, we've seen preparations under way to finalize the one year extension of the fibre optic project, so it's a job creation that people are looking forward to, and in Fort Good Hope we initiated or the community seen under construction for the summer season the new senior's nineplex and a couple of smaller duplex facilities.
In Tulita, they held their annual handgame tournament and also developed their priorities list for the communities seeking direction and directives and different initiatives, social, economic development, housing, education and so on; and, in particular, they're still in support greatly for the highway extension as well as looking forward to the Capital Plan for the creation of their new health centre, which is a greatly needed facility. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you here today to speak about some of the things that happened since we were sitting this past June. First off, I need to apologize to the Minister of Transportation and his senior staff. During the business plans, I said I did not receive a letter regarding positions within the public service. In reality, the Minister did send a letter to the standing committee with this information. Unfortunately, I didn't get a copy until later on. Therefore, I again would like to apologize.
Mr. Speaker, right after session or the sitting, I headed to Ottawa and helped out with Northern Youth Abroad Program with the orientation for the next phase. Mr. Speaker, it was refreshing to see these young adults work hard and achieve everything set out in front of them. These 16 helped me be grounded and reconfirmed the one reason we are here today or one of the reasons we are here today: the youth, our future.
Mr. Speaker, upon return to Yellowknife, I met with the Rules and Procedures Committee as we worked on a number of projects that were assigned to the group. I have to say it was a lot of hard work, and I have to thank everybody involved. Mr. Speaker, upon my return home, I had the opportunity to attend a Dene assembly in Fort Simpson. It was great to hear about the challenges each community faces as well as getting the opportunity to speak to a number of constituents about their issues, wishes, and wants. A number of these issues have been addressed, and a number will be brought to the floor during this session or sitting later this month.
Later that month, I had the opportunity to give my youngest daughter away to a nice young man from Fort Simpson. The wedding was held outside of Edmonton. This is the first time in a number of years I had all my children under one roof. It was a great wedding and a great reunion.
In August, I returned to Ottawa, where I had the opportunity to connect to reorientation with the next in the Canadian phase during Northern Youth Abroad. It was amazing to see how they had grown over the past months, and I'm very thankful to see what our future looks like.
After leaving Ottawa, I had the opportunity to visit my daughter, the City of Fort McMurray and the arrival of my sixth grandchild, Adelee Anne Lindberger who arrived just before I returned home.
Mr. Speaker, in late August we had Caucus retreat in Fort Providence. I'd like to thank the community, their leadership, Mr. Nadli, and his staff for a great meeting and awesome community reception.
In September it was back to Yellowknife where we worked on the 20172018 capital plan and development business plans. It was interesting as we worked together for the people of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Minister Moses, Minister Cochrane, and Minister Abernethy for coming to the region and hearing the concerns first-hand. In my opinion, the tour was very successful and beneficial.
As well, I would like to thank the whole Cabinet for coming to Fort Simpson on October 3, 2016, for the open house and coffee shop meeting. There were over 50 folks attending, which included Ministers' staff and general public, in attendance.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to this session as we move forward. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Mr. Speaker, one of the priorities set by the mandate of the 18th Assembly is to address our high cost of living. Affordability is the number one issue for Yellowknifers and it affects everything from power, to housing, to even job opportunities. Recently, claims have been made that Yellowknife consumers are possibly being overcharged for power, and frankly, Mr. Speaker, if this is true, I find that most egregious.
Northland Utilities has been driving this public discussion and has stated that the Northwest Territories Power Corporation is overcharging the residents of Yellowknife by setting the rate at 114 per cent of the cost to generate and transmit power to the City. This translates into Yellowknifers paying $500 more than residents of other communities.
Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, Northland Utilities claims, since 2008, the government has overcharged Yellowknife residents by $28 million. These claims by Northland have been followed by an aggressive media campaign and even a poll of residents conducted by foreign research, while the government's response to this has been silent to date. In fact, the last time I saw the NTPC in the media was over power rate increases.
Needless to say, this is not instilling confidence in our consumers. Communication has been a constant problem with this government and this is another clear example of that. It would be beneficial to Yellowknifers, residents of the small communities, and Members of this House if the government would make the effort to explain if there is a plan to make power generation more equitable and more affordable.
Mr. Speaker, I have heard from many of my constituents that this is an issue that means a lot to them. It is the subject of conversations around the water cooler, at the dinner table, and every time someone opens their power bill. What I have heard consistently is Northerners all want to be treated fairly in paying for power, and I want some clarity on this issue from this government.
It's time for the Minister to demonstrate real leadership by explaining to this House and to Northerners what his plan is to deal with the high costs of power generation and how each community is treated fairly. Later, I will have questions for the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Today, I would like to do my Member's statement on DOT's Community Access Road program. Mr. Speaker, the Community Access Road Program currently has about $1 million for distribution to the communities. I realize that application for this program runs about $1.4 million; however, I feel that the budget should be increased to $1.5 million for the next fiscal year, then increased to $2 million the following fiscal year. The new budget for this program should be set at $2 million moving forward.
The Community Access Road Program is a very good program in our small communities where little road infrastructure exists. It is a program that is used each year to employ a few people in the small communities. As I have said many times, we need to put our people in the small communities to work.
Mr. Speaker, it is well documented that there is a clear correlation between employment and the health of our citizens. When people are working, they are healthier and happier. Mr. Speaker, it is a well-known fact that, as income goes up, health and social issues go down. We all know the high costs of poor health and the high costs of social issues on education, justice and housing.
The Access Road Program is used by the communities to access traditional culture areas near their communities so it also continues to pay dividends for years as it supports people to be out in the land, doing something productive and healthy.
Mr. Speaker, I can go on and on about the benefit of this program. However, I would rather ask the question to the Minister of DOT about his initiatives on this program moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today is an important day. It is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, as declared by the United Nations and marked each year on this date since 1987.
I believe all of us understand that poverty is a problem here in the Northwest Territories, as it is in much of the world. According to 2014's CRA tax filer data, 17 per cent of families and 22 per cent of children live in poverty in communities across the NWT.
In March, the federal government announced it would help families with income under $80,000 a year with the cost of raising their children. The Canada Child Tax Benefit came into effect on July 1st this year.
The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment celebrated this new benefit by announcing that, starting in August, the GNWT would not count this new benefit as income "to ensure our residents have the full benefit." This sounded like good news and a much-needed lift for people caught in the never-ending cycle of making ends meet.
Alas, the expression "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" applies in this situation. Let's take a single parent with one child, receiving income assistance and living in Yellowknife. Since August 1st, she is receiving an additional $450 from the federal government. At the same time the federal government was giving, the territorial government was taking away. Her food allowance from income assistance decreased by $137 a month and clothing by $31 a month. So instead of getting the full benefit of the new $450 Canada Child Tax Benefit, she is getting just $282. No matter the size of the family or where in the territory they live, the amount of income assistance they receive for food and clothing has decreased.
The Minister has been clever about making these changes. It's hard to describe them as clawback, because he's not clawing back either the Canada or NWT child benefits. In fact, he's not counting them as income anymore. But at the same time, he has reduced the benefits available to families who rely on income assistance for food and clothing. It's not a clawback; it's a reduction. Because the federal government has increased the Child Tax Benefit, families have a little more income than they used to have. Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek permission from my colleagues to conclude my statement. Mahsi.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I'll go to the bottom line, and this is what it is: the GNWT is helping to perpetuate the poverty trap. They are not allowing families to experience the full benefit of the new federal anti-poverty initiative. Shame, Mr. Speaker, shame for trying to save money on the backs of the most vulnerable residents of this territory. Mahsi.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark an important occasion for the northern business community, as the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce is marking Small Business Week. It's a time to recognize and celebrate the men and women who work in small business, the backbone of our local economy.
Small businesses offer so much to our community. They support sports and recreation, they support youth and seniors, they contribute to the arts, and their generosity supports Yellowknife's vibrant and colourful festivals. Most importantly, as they succeed and grow, they create jobs, making our economy and community stronger and more robust.
I also want to take the opportunity to congratulate the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce on 70 years of representing, supporting and advocating for the business community in our capital city. The Chamber works tirelessly in support of Yellowknife businesses and is a great benefit to our vibrant community and the North. Examples include initiatives like Small Business Week in support of the independent entrepreneurs in our community and region.
The annual tradeshow sponsored by the chamber brings together businesses from around the community and the whole territory promoting and facilitating creativity, innovation, and the sharing of ideas. Other initiatives include business luncheons and the Afterhours Networking Program. All these programs are set up to encourage the interchange of ideas, independence and progressive growth in business. The healthier climate for exchange of ideas in networking among business owners supports a more robust and active economy. The chamber also advocates for businesses with the city, territorial, and other levels of government. It deserves credit for good relationships and communication between these different entities which help us as a community and a territory to move forward together.
Mr. Speaker, a healthy diversified economy with a vibrant small business community is crucial to our ability to move forward as a territory. Small businesses create jobs and wealth and disposable income that goes right back into the economy. As our economy grows broader and more diverse it becomes healthier, more secure and more robust. Mr. Speaker, the chamber is an important supporter of healthy NWT business communities and we all benefit from that. Through you, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce on its 70th anniversary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. Water management in the Mackenzie Valley region of the Northwest Territories is done differently than elsewhere in Canada. We have a public co-management system that is constitutionally entrenched through land rights agreements with Indigenous governments.
Water management in the Northwest Territories underwent a very significant change as of April 1, 2014, when our government was delegated authority over inland waters from the federal government. Devolution over resources had been discussed and negotiated over more than 25 years.
NWT residents wanted more control over decisions, but to what end? The current and NWT Premier of the day, Bob McLeod, promised that we would "devolve and then evolve" our resource management systems inherited from Ottawa. Aboriginal governments and observers have raised serious concerns about a recent GNWT decision on a water licence amendment by a diamond mining company. The board held a public hearing, took in evidence from a broad range of parties, and came up with a reasoned decision. It set effluent levels from dredging in a manner that was protective in the short and long-term for aquatic life. The effluent levels were tougher in some ways than the original licence and the company request.
The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources received the amendment licence and had the authority to sign off on it, or send it back for reconsideration. In this case, the Minister made an almost unprecedented decision to send the licence amendment back for reconsideration. The company wrote to the Minister twice after the public hearing, claiming that the process was unfair. After receiving the second letter from the company, the Minister wrote back stating that he could not accept any further representations due to procedural fairness concerns.
By sheer coincidence, the Minister sent the licence amendment back to the board for reconsideration on the same day, due to procedural fairness concerns. The direction for reconsideration caused an enormous amount of confusion, stress and work on the part of many participants. Recently, the company withdrew its amendment request when it realized that the reconsideration process would stretch out until the completion of the construction season.
The company did not offer any new evidence to dispute the licence amendment. Mr. Speaker, this is a very dangerous precedent in a place where many rights and interests are finely balanced, and where we still have an opportunity to get it right when it comes to water management. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, and mahsi to my colleagues. This is why NWT residents fought hard for land rights, co-management, and devolution. We have much higher expectations for our political leadership and will need to work very hard to restore public confidence. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.
Thank you, Ms. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Fort McPherson was buzzing with excitement on September 25th as the Gwich'in Tribal Council's Department of Cultural Heritage hosted the first screening of the film, "The Sun at Midnight". This 90-minute film was shot entirely in the Northwest Territories, in and around Fort McPherson, the Dempster Highway, the Richardson Mountains, Yellowknife, and Behchoko. This film is about a young girl raised in the south who, following the death of her mother, went north to stay with family. The story goes on that the young girl tries to escape and ends up at the hands of a Gwich'in Hunter who teaches her the skills to survive.
Mr. Speaker, to be able to understand the rest of the story, you'll just have to watch the movie. The film was also played at the Yellowknife Film Festival on October 1st where the GTC Department of Cultural Heritage hosted a gala event following the screening. In attendance were Gwich'in members, filmmakers, politicians, and select individuals to help celebrate the film.
Mr. Speaker, future screenings will be held at various film festivals worldwide and on media platforms. This being the first time a feature film has been filmed in the Delta, with high hopes that future films will be shot in the NWT to open doors, full of opportunities for our local actors and story tellers. Congratulations to the Department of Cultural Heritage staff, writer and director Kristen Carthew, and producer Jill and Jackfish Productions, in association with the GTC Department of Cultural Heritage, the GNWT, and Telefilm Canada. Also to my constituents who took part in this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm pleased to recognize two pages that are selected from my riding, Sambaa K'e, Charles Tetcho School, the two students that were working as pages during this week. The two pages are Jada Lamalice and Atanda Kotchea and Norma Jumbo is the chaperone. So I thank them and welcome them to the Legislative Assembly. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the passing of my great friend and mentor Ruth Spence. Mrs. Spence was a force to be reckoned with from the time she arrived in Yellowknife. She was the first executive director of the YWCA in Yellowknife. She built the Y from a 12-bed home for single women to the 84 apartments at Northern United Place.
Mrs. Spence served several terms on the Yellowknife City Council, was chair of the Stanton Territorial Hospital, and the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority. She was honoured with one of the first Orders of the NWT last year. She lived the famous saying of another great Canadian woman, Agnes MacPhail: "Never apologize, never explain, just get the thing done and let them howl."
Marci Cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on my Member's statement today I talked about Community Access Road Program for DOT. I'd like to ask that Minister questions on that. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Minister if he's had discussions with his department about increasing the community access road program? Thank you.
Masi. Minister of Transportation.
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I have had a number of discussions with the department on the Community Access Road Program, mostly around funding applications and where certain applications are at, but I have never had the discussion about increasing funding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my Member statement, there are more applications than there is budget in the program. Although there has been discussion but none on increases as the Minister indicated, has the Minister had any sort of discussions with his colleagues at Cabinet and specifically the Minister of Finance to increase this budget for the community access road program?
No, I have not had this discussion with my Cabinet colleagues or the Finance Minister. The discussions we have had are how do we live within the fiscal means that we have based on revenues that we have and expenditures. That is the only discussions I have had around money.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is obvious from this answer, but I will ask the Minister anyway, if the Minister recognizes the positive impacts of community-based spending in the NWT for the entire NWT?
Of course we recognize the positive impacts that this money has in the communities. This fund actually increases seasonal employment in many communities in the Northwest Territories as well as helps with project management and helps these communities look at some of these projects moving forward. We do recognize the positive impacts they have and that is some of the reasons why we are going through our fiscal policies we are promoting for this next fiscal budget so we can have money to invest in some of these small community initiatives.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh
The Minister hasn't had discussions with colleague Members or the department. However, I would like to ask the Minister if he can commit to taking a serious look at increasing community access road program through forced growth if necessary or a new initiative or any other method that the Minister may have in his repertoire?
