Debates of May 29, 2018 (day 31)

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories made a mandate commitment to implement a new NWT Energy Strategy that would include renewable and alternative energy solutions and actions this government and its partners will undertake to meet targets for greenhouse gas reductions.

Earlier this month, the GNWT publicly released its 2030 Energy Strategy, along with the Climate Change Strategic Framework and the NWT Petroleum Resources Strategy. Together, these documents define our long-term vision and approach to energy and climate change and will enable the NWT to transition to a strong, healthy economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels.

The 2030 Energy Strategy sets the course for a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy system, and contributes to the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the territory and its residents.

Mr. Speaker, this strategy identifies six key strategic objectives designed to address the cost of living, energy reliability, and climate change. These objectives provide a firm basis with which to engage and empower communities to participate in finding energy solutions. The strategy sets achievable sectorial targets, including a 25 per cent reduction in diesel use in our remote communities. Other targets include increasing the share of renewable energy used for space heating to 40 per cent, achieving a 15 per cent reduction in energy use for buildings, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector by 10 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, to achieve the objectives outlined in the Strategy, the Government of the Northwest Territories through the Department of Infrastructure has developed a rolling Three-Year Energy Action Plan that identifies specific actions and initiatives that this government will undertake. The action plan identifies approximately $200 million to be spent by the Government of the Northwest Territories and its partners over the next three years. Investments will be made toward a variety of initiatives, including partnering with community and Indigenous governments in local renewable energy projects; investing in a major wind turbine project in Inuvik; enhancing Arctic Energy Alliance programs; and supporting greenhouse gas emission reductions from industrial emitters through a new grant program.

To achieve success in these initiatives we must establish effective partnerships with the federal government, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, the Arctic Energy Alliance, and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, as well as with communities, businesses, and industry.

Mr. Speaker, while we undertake these short-term initiatives, the 2030 Energy Strategy also serves as a guide to develop a lower carbon economy over the long term. With these actions, the Northwest Territories will continue to do our part to help Canada meet its international commitments.

To achieve transformative reductions in our emissions, we will need substantial projects like the Taltson Hydro Expansion. This project would increase power generation and connect our Snare and Taltson hydro systems, providing electricity consumers to the north and south of Great Slave Lake with plentiful clean and renewable energy. Transmission lines could ultimately be extended southward to join the continental electrical grid and northward to link to the vast resources of the Slave Geological Province. Hydropower and transmission line development will enhance energy security for present consumers, build capacity to serve future consumers, provide investment opportunities for Indigenous partners, and support local economic development and job creation.

Mr. Speaker, it is abundantly clear that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate, but we must balance this requirement with sustainable resource development and clean economic growth. The 2030 Energy Strategy is part of the Government of the Northwest Territories' overarching approach to achieve this balance. By implementing the 2030 Energy Strategy in concert with the Climate Change Strategic Framework and the Northwest Territories Petroleum Resources Strategy, we will support innovative solutions to provide renewable energy to communities and industry and ensure the social, economic, and environmental well-being of NWT residents now and into the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we have heard many times in this House, the impacts of climate change in the Northwest Territories are real, and they are having a profound effect on Northwest Territories communities. The community of Tuktoyaktuk is at the centre of these changes. Coastal erosion has impacted the community for decades. However, with the increased frequency and intensity of storms and rising sea levels caused by climate change, the impacts on the community's coastline have reached the point where adaptation measures are now required.

The Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk has been proactive. Over the past two years, the community government has undertaken a project to revise its community plan and zoning bylaw. The revised plan and bylaw support the community government's plan to relocate inland those homes at greatest risk. The community will also continue to search for techniques to slow erosion and protect the community's infrastructure and cultural sites which need to remain on the peninsula for the near and medium term.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Government of the Northwest Territories has received funding for the community of Tuktoyaktuk to begin adaptation efforts to address the erosion issues impacting the community. This is an example of our government working, through its ongoing engagement, with the Government of Canada to access funding for the Northwest Territories that will directly benefit residents. The Departments of Municipal and Community Affairs and Environment and Natural Resources worked in partnership with the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk to access funding, through Indigenous Services Canada's Climate Change Preparedness in the North program. The total funding for the project will be $800,000.

This funding will be used to relocate private residences from the western shore of the peninsula to residential parcels located further inland. This funding will support the relocation of those homes that are facing the most severe erosion issues, where the erosion has reached the home's foundation. This is a commendable first step to addressing climate change impacts in this community, and I would like to thank Indigenous Services Canada for their support for this project.

This project is also supported by the work the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk and Municipal and Community Affairs began late in 2016 on the development of a mitigation plan for the community. The mitigation plan is being developed with funding support through Public Safety Canada's National Disaster Mitigation Program. Once complete, the plan will outline the long-term adaptation measures for the community.

Mr. Speaker, Tuktoyaktuk is not the only community facing hazards related to climate change. The department has identified eight other flood-risk communities in the Northwest Territories. These communities include Hay River, Fort Simpson, Fort Liard, Nahanni Butte, Tulita, Fort Good Hope, Fort McPherson, and Aklavik. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is actively working with these community governments to develop the plans and access the funding needed to address these issues. Creative solutions and inter-governmental collaboration, as we have seen with the project in Tuktoyaktuk, will enable us to meet those serious environmental challenges to the greatest extent possible. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when you and I were youths, smoking was everywhere. There were no restrictions on where people could smoke. In fact, planes had ashtrays built right into the armrest. Remember that? You could smoke in workplaces, even government offices. You could smoke in bars, restaurants, and patios. You could smoke anywhere.

Now, all of that is gone and for good reason. Second-hand smoke was harmful to the health and well-being of our society. More recently, the WSCC has banned smoking in commercial vehicles. Many municipalities, including Yellowknife, have now banned smoking in public outdoor spaces. All this to protect people from proven, deadly effects of second-hand smoke.

When we know that something causes significant health risks, the government must take action to reduce those risks, especially when it comes to our most vulnerable citizens, our youth. That is why governments around the world, including most of Canada, have banned smoking in vehicles with minors in them. Yes, Mr. Speaker, this is still a thing. In all our efforts to protect citizens from second-hand smoke over the years, we have forgotten about the child who is strapped into the car seat while mom and dad puff away on their cigarette, driving their vehicle.

Mr. Speaker, we know that second-hand smoke is dangerous. It is an even greater threat in closed, confined spaces like a vehicle. Second-hand smoke can pose a very serious risk to children in those vehicles. Children who breathe second-hand smoke can develop cancer later in life, even if they never take up smoking.

Children absorb more pollutants than adults because they are smaller and their respiratory system is still developing. Second-hand smoke can also lead to asthma and other respiratory illness and make children more vulnerable to bronchial infections and allergies. Clearly, it is a detriment to a child's well-being during their developmental years.

Mr. Speaker, you and I could not imagine going back in time when all that smoke was in our face everywhere we went. Let's stop living in the past and bring our tobacco laws into the present and protect those who need it most, our children. I don't think. I know. It is time to ban smoking in vehicles with young children in them.

Later today I will be presenting a motion to that effect. I would be most grateful for my colleagues' support on this very important health issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak to a new program that has recently been launched in the city of Yellowknife. This program is called Common Ground, and its purpose is to help the most vulnerable citizens find employment and lift themselves out of poverty.

Mr. Speaker, this initiative is being led by one of my constituents, Michael Fatte of Lutselk'e, who is a founder and lead coordinator of Common Ground. This program is aimed to hire homeless and the marginalized people to pick up the litter in public areas around the City of Yellowknife, which uniquely positions itself as a single solution for two major issues we have in the territory, homelessness and littering.

Mr. Speaker, this is truly an innovative program that has been tried, tested, and successfully adopted within numerous municipalities across Canada. It really is a win-win scenario, and it helps provide a small income to homeless individuals and helps keep our streets and environment cleaner. It also provides an opportunity for public perception of our most impoverished citizens to be enhanced.

Mr. Speaker, it is programs like this which I believe our government should be investing and promoting on a territorial-wide scale. While this program is currently in a pilot stage in Yellowknife, I see great potential to expand the scope into other communities. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge this government to work with the City of Yellowknife on securing a long-term funding for Common Ground, and to begin working with other communities on such programs in order to both maximize a number of honourable people employed, as well as grow a cleaner, litter-free environment in our territory.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the City of Yellowknife, the Yellowknife Women's Society, and Michael Fatte for their work on this program because their time, effort, and funding of this initiative has made it a reality. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during the last sitting, the Minister responsible for the Status of Women indicated she's moving the NWT's Status of Women Council in a new direction, the scope of that new direction is becoming clearer over time.

To refresh the memory of my colleagues, the Status of Women Council is an arm's-length agency of the territorial government, with its own board of directors. The board and staff are authorized to regulate their own affairs, including conducting research on matters that relate to the status of women, to participate in programs that improve the status of women, and, of course, to provide the Minister with assistance and advice.

It's important to note that the council staff is not part of the public service. Its independence is crucial. It is the publicly established and funded advocate, distinct from the service deliverers that are dependent upon government for funding.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister responsible for the Status of Women is jeopardizing the independence of the council. The Minister has not made public the evaluation she is using as a justification for removing the campaign schools from the council. The council is now fully staffed and in a position to resume offering the schools, but the Minister has directed the curriculum development and implementation be taken into the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs. She has not provided a solid reason for this change.

Perhaps most disturbing, the council has been directed to suspend its leadership of the Coalition Against Family Violence. Does anyone need to be reminded about the importance of advocating for women's safety, given our high rates of intimate partner violence? The council has hosted the Family Violence Coalition since its inception in 1999 because of its unique advocacy role. It is the primary advocate for to quote the act, "promoting a change in attitudes within the community in order that women enjoy equality of opportunity."

Mr. Speaker, women's equality begins with their safety. The coalition under the council's direction has been the driving force behind the development of the Men's Healing Program, Family Violence Awareness Week, and other anti-violence initiatives, but no longer. The coalition hasn't met in five months, and the council believes this is no longer their work.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister is presiding over the wholesale dismantling of the Status of Women Council. If it can't set its own priorities, what is the meaning of its independence? The council is moving in directions that are at odds with the stated purpose of the council in the act. There has been no consultation. The Minister owes the women of the NWT an explanation. Mahsi.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On May 1, 2018, I had the opportunity to visit the community of Sambaa K'e, and the topic of renovations to the school and a needed community gym was brought to my attention. I was advised that the community had a public meeting to discuss the design and outline of the school expansion with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the Department of Infrastructure. The band council raised the concern that the wastewater location would block the future expansion of the community gym. They were advised that the architects would come back with other options for discussions, but this did not happen. Now, the contractor is placing the wastewater in that location, which will impede any future gym expansion.

Mr. Speaker, the community of Sambaa K'e is the only community in the Nahendeh riding that does not have a full-sized gym. The facility of what's called a community gym is not even close to being a gym. From my personal experience, and in reality, it should be called a large meeting room. Marking on floors does not make it a gym. The facility is too small for children to play in. As you are aware, it is very important that children need to have physical activity as part of their learning process; as well, provide physical activity opportunities that help improves their health. Currently, there are 26 students from kindergarten to grade 9 at Charles Tetcho School.

Mr. Speaker, the community needs to have a gym that will be part of the community for its growth plan. The younger generation are very active in sports. Over the last two years, the students have been fundraising and going to soccer at regional and territorial events. However, it is very difficult for them to practise in this area because of the size.

Mr. Speaker, they've tried to be active. They offer daily after school programs six days out of the week. Unfortunately, due to the size, they are not able to offer quality programs to all students. As well, it is my understanding that older youth access the facility for physical activity. Some of these students get hurt because it's too small. Due to this factor, Charles Tetcho School has to take students outside for physical activity, but this limits the number of times they can have PE.

The community needs a community gym, as the new generations are active and want to make positive, healthy lifestyle choices. The community and I are looking for the department and the government to step up and help build a much-needed gym. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions later today for the Minister of Culture, Education and Employment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. The project assessment policy requires "Any technical advice and evidence provided by two boards by their respective staff is in line with legislation, Cabinet direction, and Ministerial policies established under this policy." This policy reads like a way of muzzling our scientists and preventing presentation of evidence that may be critical of Cabinet direction.

My concerns were borne out by the review board in its March 29, 2018, report on the Tlicho all-season road. The board found that the so-called whole-of-government approach "has limited the ability of evidence and expertise from GNWT departments about potential impacts, concerns, and mitigations on issues within their respective mandates and jurisdictions. In addition, it is not apparent to the review board how these departments may have influenced the developer's position in the CA."

The board continued: "The old approach was preferable to the one taken by the GNWT in this EA in terms of transparency, robust project design, the provision of useful information to parties and the review board, and serving the public interest. In future, where it is the developer, this would be a preferable approach for the GNWT to take."

In an attempt to mitigate this damaging finding, the associate deputy minister of Lands wrote to the board on April the 10th to try to clarify the roles of various departments as a "matter of good governance and transparency." That letter went on to state: "The GNWT's implementing an internal firewall between the Departments of Infrastructure and Finance, and the staff of other departments who will assist in the decision making process." I guess someone forgot to tell the Department of Infrastructure.

The regional superintendent for Infrastructure wrote a letter directly to the Minister of Lands on April the 30th complaining that there would be no Tlicho all-season road if the proposed measures to protect boreal caribou are accepted. It's not clear why this letter was sent, as it tries to override the review board's work. That letter casts a long and dark shadow of interference with procedural fairness and legal uncertainty over any decision on the Tlicho all-season road. GNWT's role in future environmental assessments and protection of threatened boreal caribou. I continue to call for Cabinet to change the project assessment policy to reflect the role our government can and should play in resource management decisions in the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Sahtu regional independence is truly, and similar to many other nations, seeking their objectives for solidarity and, more importantly, self-reliance through a decision-making authority.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories delivers programs and services through 12 departments and 350 employees to residents of five Sahtu communities. Mr. Speaker, this will soon change, as full staffing is under way for the new Sahtu Regional Health Centre, with an additional 25 physicians now under recruitment.

Mr. Speaker, when considerations are given to regional Aboriginal self-governments, joint intergovernmental regimes, delivery of programs and services, and efficiencies, these objectives on oversight require more thought to having a Sahtu regional director position. The structure will provide the cohesiveness of management required to ensure efficiency and delivery of programs and services.

Mr. Speaker, on capacity and accountability, it is essential for this government to provide the necessary resources and decision to filling this position. Later, I will have questions for the Honourable Premier and Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs. Mahsi.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address perhaps the greatest social issue affecting the Northwest Territories: the crisis of addiction, substance abuse, and chronic mental health problems.

I first want to acknowledge the work of the Standing Committee on Social Development and the efforts undertaken by the honourable Minister of Health and Social Services to review our current addictions treatment options and in working together to make progress on this continuing problem. However, the honourable Members of this House are not alone in their diligent efforts to make a difference in this government's support for addictions treatment. No, Mr. Speaker, as I have a constituent, Jennifer Lafferty, who has taken it upon herself to advocate for renewed focus on local addictions treatment options.

Mr. Speaker, it has been encouraging working with Ms. Lafferty, a former addict who has become a tireless advocate for those seeking treatment. Since the fall of last year, she has hit the streets of our capital with a petition calling for more treatment options for those affected by addictions. For her efforts, I will now be introducing a petition later today with hundreds of signatures in support of this cause.

Mr. Speaker, addictions and mental health is one of the government's most important mandate priorities. It affects the lives of hundreds of Northerners and lingers on to impact future generations. As it has been made so clear to us by the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Indigenous peoples face systemic barriers in our society that non-Indigenous Canadians take for granted. Further, the Northwest Territories has the most residential school survivors per capita in Canada, not to mention the ongoing trauma caused by the Sixties Scoop, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and the continued overrepresentation of Indigenous people within our jails, our courtrooms, and the child welfare system. These shameful elements of our colonial past have contributed to the oppressive conditions for ever-present substance abuse and addictions borne of intergenerational trauma that Northerners are faced with on a daily basis.

Mr. Speaker, although this government is working hard to address the problem, we need even more tools and resources to be made available here at home to help our people heal and break the cycle of abuse. Too many of our most vulnerable community members are falling through the gaps in society. We need to close these gaps and give people the best chances possible at recovery here in the North. Northerners seeking wellness for themselves and their families need more than residential treatment options, but aftercare and detoxing services available in their communities. To quote Ms. Lafferty, "They want help, and not just a phone number."

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions later today about the state of aftercare and detox programs in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Mr. Speaker, spring is a time that is celebrated by everyone in the territory, when we welcome warmer temperatures, more sunshine, trees coming back to life, and the abundance of wildlife. On the Dempster highway, this also means that brush tends to overgrow.

In the past few years, the Department of Infrastructure has done a stellar job of clearing the brush. This year, it has already cleared about 15 kilometres of highway between Tsiigehtchic and Inuvik. Brush clearing is important, not only for fire smarting, but also to ensure that willows don't get too close to the highway, especially in the fall. This lowers the chances of moose coming onto the highway, which could pose serious dangers to drivers.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Department of Infrastructure for coming to the Mackenzie Delta and clearing the brush along the highway. I would like to see the department continue their work this season and also clear brush from Fort McPherson to Tsiigehtchic.

Mr. Speaker, blind spots were done, but we need to ensure that the whole roadway is completed for the safety of our residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I will have questions later today.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Hay River Regional Health Centre has a beautiful dialysis unit that is staffed by a great group of practitioners. I hear nothing but good things about the services provided by that unit, and we are lucky to have it in Hay River.

However, Mr. Speaker, there is only enough staff to service eight dialysis patients, and that is simply not enough. The facility itself can easily accommodate more patients. There are four dialysis machines, but they are each only used twice a day, three days a week. In Yellowknife, I believe they run three shifts a day, six days a week. If we did that in Hay River, we could triple our capacity. I am not sure if we need that many slots available, but I know for a fact that we need more. Last that I heard, there were three residents of Hay River receiving dialysis treatment in Yellowknife, and prior to that, at least one of them was staying in Edmonton to receive treatment. Situations like this are not uncommon.

Most patients, if not all, who are sent to Yellowknife are put up at Vital Abel House. It is a boarding home that is meant to accommodate brief stays. However, Mr. Speaker, these dialysis patients are usually not there for just a night or two. It is more likely that they are there for weeks, months, or even years.

These patients, many of them seniors, must leave their friends and families and move into a facility where they must share sleeping quarters and washrooms with strangers. These people have no privacy, none of the comforts or emotional supports that they would have back home, and have no idea when they will be able to return home. That is far from an ideal situation. It can have real negative effects on people's mental and physical health.

What I don't understand, Mr. Speaker, is why we do this. It is my understanding that it costs the government about $200 a day to put people up in boarding homes such as Vital Abel. That's $73,000 a year. It seems like there are always a few residents of Hay River staying at Vital Abel House so that they can receive dialysis. That's hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Mr. Speaker, it would be cheaper to get these people their own apartments in Yellowknife and put them up for a year. Moreover, I have constituents who have told me that they have had to sleep on the couch while staying at Vital Abel because there were no beds available.

Mr. Speaker, there must be a better way to provide dialysis treatment to the residents of Hay River. I will have questions for the Minister of Health at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to move to item 6, recognition of visitors in the gallery, on the orders of the day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. The Member is seeking unanimous consent to move item 6 right after Members' statements.

---Unanimous consent granted

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Michael Fatte in the gallery today. I spoke of Michael in the statement that I made today, working with the homeless people in Yellowknife, and I would also like to recognize YK Dene members, Jennifer Lafferty, Donald White, and the baby, Cameron Lafferty. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize Jennifer Lafferty, her partner Donald White, and their son Cameron. Thank you for being with us today and your hard work in developing the petition that I will be tabling later today. Thank you.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two Pages here, Kyra Sanguez, who I have actually had the opportunity to coach this year, as well as Ava Erasmus, whose mother and father are really good friends, and grandparents I know really well. As well, I would like to recognize Debra Richards, who is my CA, who is also chaperoning our Pages from Simpson, and it's her birthday today, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Happy birthday. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the translator from Nunakput, Ms. Annie Goose. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize and welcome a life-long friend of mine, Trevor Kasteel, to the House today. He recently won an award for community builder. It came from the NWT Disabilities Council. So, congratulations and welcome, and thank you for being here.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to move to item 13, reports of committees on the review of bills, on the orders of the day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.