Mr. Speaker, with the conclusion of the seventh annual Dead North Film Festival this past weekend, it is appropriate that I speak today on our vibrant film industry and its growing importance to our economy.
First, I would like to congratulate all of the participants in this year's event. Nearly 40 films were submitted to the festival this year, with entries from across the North, each region of our territory, and from as young as nine and 10 years old.
Winners were recognized with Zombears. These awards recognize excellence in a variety of fields. In addition, the Northwest Territories Film Commission's Best Locations Award was presented for recognizing the use of the Northwest Territories' unique and world-class backdrops for film. This year's winner was a film called Long Story Short, which offered an alternative telling of the story of the Mad Trapper.
The annual Dead North Film Festival is about more than just films and screenings. The festival hosts seminars, networking opportunities, and workshops. This year, the festival expanded its reach to include a photo competition, further engaging the arts community, and offering the chance for creative growth and new projects. It was an opportunity for media artists from across the territory to showcase their talents, to encourage new entrants in the sector, and to build below-the-line production skills that will increase the capacity of our local industry.
It is precisely why our government, through the Departments of Industry, Tourism and Investment; Education, Culture and Employment; and the NWT Film Commission, are committed to supporting events like this. It offers yet another step in our mandate for greater economic diversity.
Mr. Speaker, the talent showcased at this year's festival underscores how far our film sector has come since the start of this Legislative Assembly. We have more producers in this territory than ever. We have a professional media association working in tandem with our Film Commission to promote our territory on the global stage. We have made-in-the-Northwest-Territories films making waves in the festival scene and even realizing distribution contracts.
We have celebrated NWT filmmakers, like Keith Robertson, who got his start at the Dead North Film Festival, moving on to a fellowship at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity and even more success within the film industry. We continue to see award-winners like Yellowknife's France Benoit telling our Northwest Territories stories on the world scene.
To support the industry, our government has developed the Film Apprenticeship Program, in partnership with the Northwest Territories Professional Media Association, and enhanced the funding available to filmmakers. We have also partnered with producers and the industry to market our territory and its talent to Canada and the world.
Mr. Speaker, the credit really needs to go to the industry. The drive and resourcefulness demonstrated by the territory's pioneers and leaders are second to none. In some ways, the Dead North Film Festival is the only circumpolar film festival in the world that offers an excellent demonstration of the grit and determination that sets the North, and particularly the Northwest Territories film sector, apart.
Our government will continue to support the film sector, push the media arts as a viable career path, and lay the groundwork for more growth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Merci, Monsieur le President. On December 20, 2016, the Prime Minister announced that a new Arctic Policy Framework would be co-developed in collaboration with Indigenous, territorial, and provincial partners to replace the 2010 statement on Canada's Arctic Foreign Policy. The framework is also to be informed by Mary Simon's report from the Shared Arctic Leadership Model Engagement. Our Premier sent out the latest draft of what is now known as the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework to selected stakeholders with a request for comments by February 28th. I commend the Premier for continuing to seek input in the development of this document, which will guide federal investment in the Canadian North for at least the next several years.
Last week MLAs received a submission by Alternatives North, and I will table that letter later today. Alternatives North noticed a significant difference between the introductory chapter and the NWT chapter in the document in terms of priorities. The introductory chapter starts with a focus on resilient and healthy people before moving on to issues related to infrastructure, economy, and environment. In contrast, the NWT chapters focused on large infrastructure projects and continued non-renewable resource development. The NWT chapter focuses on sustainable growth rather than sustainable development, and, Mr. Speaker, there is a big difference.
The NWT chapter is economically pessimistic rather than acknowledging that the diamond mines are coming to the end of their natural life and that we need to diversify our economy. The chapter correctly notes that nearly 50 percent of diamond mining jobs are filled by people from outside the Northwest Territories.
The GNWT has failed to find ways to fairly distribute mining benefits across the NWT and across generations. We have seen more than $30 billion worth of diamonds produced and exported while our Heritage Fund is only about $17 million. The NWT chapter fails to provide any alternatives and, in fact, suggests more of the same, with subsidies for further resource extraction and mega projects that will take money away from community development and diversification. Strategies to seize and develop available sustainable opportunities, especially in the knowledge economy, with the prospect of a polytechnic university for the Northwest Territories, and the conservation economy, with opportunities such as Thaidene Nene, have largely been ignored.
I will have questions later today for the Premier. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Hay River North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past Saturday the Hay River Chamber of Commerce held its annual gala. As always, it was a great event. The room was beautifully decorated, the food was delicious, and the service was top-notch. The theme was "A Night of Elvis," and yes, Mr. Speaker, attendees were treated to performances by the winner of the world's largest Elvis festival.
The chamber also used the gala as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of some local residents by presenting two awards. I had the honour of presenting the first award, Customer Service of the Year, to Mr. Randal West-Pratt.
Mr. West-Pratt is the manager of Tri R Recycling Depot, warehouse and storage in Hay River, whose positive attitude has created an upbeat and happy workplace. He is eager to help each and every customer and is always present in his communications, offering kind words, direction, and support. He is always willing to lend a hand to coworkers, customers, and even strangers.
This willingness extends beyond his occupation, as demonstrated by his extensive volunteer work with organizations such as the Arctic Winter Games, the Hay River Museum Society, the Elks Club, and with the residents of supported living services. Regardless of whether he is at work or volunteering, each interaction receives his full attention, warm smile, and generous spirit.
Mr. Speaker, the second award of the night was for Citizen of the Year. This went to a man who is well-known in this House, Mr. Paul Delorey. Over the last five decades, Mr. Delorey has spent an incalculable number of hours contributing to his community. His volunteer service in Hay River began in the 1970s with the Royal Canadian Legion, where he spent time fundraising and writing various programs. In the 1980s, he joined the Knights of Columbus and ended up serving in most of the organization's positions. That's where he dreamt up the now infamous "Lobster Do," which kicked off in 1987 with 85 attendees. Thirty years later, the event is still going strong. It now draws 700 attendees, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the community, and has brought thousands of people together to celebrate friendships and bond of community.
He was also the mastermind behind Hay River's Chase the Case fundraiser that raised $700,000 and ensured a stable future for the Hay River Curling Club. Mr. Speaker, I speak unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Of course, Mr. Speaker, we can't talk about Paul Delorey without talking about curling. He has been a prominent volunteer with the curling club for decades, and, during that time, he has done it all. He has been a coach for nearly 40 years and has led countless curlers, primarily youth, in many events, including the Arctic Winter Games, the Canada Winter Games, the junior nationals, the Tournament of Hearts, and more. For his efforts, he was nominated and selected to become a member of the prestigious Governor General's Curling Club and in 2014 was a runner-up for the Canadian Curling Association volunteer of the year.
Beyond his contributions, of which I have only named a few, Mr. Speaker, the citizen of the year award also recognizes the intangible qualities that Mr. Delorey displays every day: an appreciation for community, patience, understanding, hard work, and dedication.
I ask the House to please join me in congratulating both Mr. Randy West-Pratt and Mr. Paul Delorey. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to visitors in the gallery with us here today. We have with us the grade four class from Ecole Allain St-Cyr. Thank you for joining us today. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to celebrate a very impressive addition to the Fort Simpson Territorial Park. In previous years at the park, Deh Cho ITI parks division heard concerns that the area around the kitchen facility did not have a gathering area where guests could meet and socialize. The manager of tourism and parks, ITI, attended to this concern by developing a vision with a community manufacturer, PR Contracting. After developing the vision, PR Contracting worked on a fire pit design that would depict Deh Cho wildlife while also including a seating and gathering arrangement.
Once the design was agreed upon, the project was well under way, and, as evidenced, the workmanship and the final products were outstanding.
On June 1, 2018, as part of Tourism Week, the Fort Simpson Visitor Information Centre along with ITI and the territorial parks held an open day for the park season, showcasing this new addition to the park. This event brought together more than 50 tourists, local children, and adults for an evening of food, storytelling, and friendship. The group connected through conversation and food around the newly unveiled fire pit with the seating and gathering area.
Mr. Speaker, the department was able to invite a local elder, Bob Norwegian, to come and partake in the celebration and the official unveiling of one of the new additions to Fort Simpson Territorial Park. He shared some of the history around Fort Simpson and surrounding areas and stories of his ancestors, who have been in the area for more than 600 years.
After the stories, more food was shared throughout the group. As a way to say thank you to everyone who participated, a river tour for two was raffled off, with a local resident claiming the prize. This is an excellent opportunity for community connection through tourism.
Mr. Speaker, this past season, this project and the new addition was very popular for the park. Throughout the summer, the facility was well-utilized by multiple groups, such as Parks Canada, ITI parks events, VIC interpretation program, Nahanni tourism companies, tourism, tourists, and community members.
I would like to thank the Deh Cho regional staff from the department as well as PR Contracting for developing this new addition to our community. Thank you for a job well done, and much appreciated. We will enjoy the use of it this summer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the 18th Assembly, we have made progress in a number of important mandate areas. We have moved forward in resource development, health, education, progress on housing. Our residents count on these investments to make their lives better and to allow families and communities to grow and flourish, so it's important not to lose the big picture because, no matter what grade you are in in school, what you do for a living, or the condo, cabin, or shack you live in, you must have fresh air you can breathe and clean water you can drink, Mr. Speaker.
That is why I am troubled that, over the course of this Assembly, there have been systemic reductions in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This is the fourth year in a row of planned cuts to the department, with a reduction of 10 percent of its budget in the past three years.
This amounts to cuts in service, plain and simple, Mr. Speaker; less money in environmental protection, less support for community-based climate-change monitoring, significantly less on water quality. In general, we are investing less in science and knowledge about our own lands and waters than we were three years ago.
Mr. Speaker, right now more than ever, we are feeling the impacts of the changing world. Climate change is affecting everything. Our roads, shorelines, water levels, fire seasons are in flux. Caribou herds are in crisis. Now is not the time for us to be less committed to science and knowledge. Now is the time for us to invest in that research, in expanding our capacity by knowing more and being better prepared for the changing world.
Mr. Speaker, the tradition of our territory is written by the Indigenous ancestors who coexisted with this environment for many generations. They were and remain stewards of a healthy land that supported and sustained their civilization over many thousands of years. Now, in the 21st century, I believe ENR should be using all available tools to continue that stewardship of a sustainable, healthy environment.
Yes, we can support flourishing, healthy families living in thriving, empowered communities, but, Mr. Speaker, now is not the time for short-sightedness. We need investment in critical knowledge. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On February 28, 2019, the Fraser Institute released a 2018 annual survey of mining and exploration companies. The survey is an attempt to assess how mineral endowment and public policy factors such as taxation and regulatory uncertainty affect exploration investments.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT Industry, Tourism and Investment Department developed the mineral development strategy, which I must say is bearing evidence of results, which we know take some time, productive time, for Indigenous collaboration, industry marketing presentations, advertisement campaigns, capital investments for geology core sample inventory. Bearing results are now shown from the Fraser Institute news release. The NWT is the 10th most desirable mining investment spot on the planet and ranked fourth in mineral potential worldwide. This is improved from the 21st position held last year.
Mr. Speaker, an overall Investment Attractiveness Index is constructed by combining the Best Practices Mineral Potential index, which rates Geology and Policy Perception index, principles of a survey that has placed the NWT jurisdiction in the global investors community. I am confident this recognition will be maintained and exceeded by the department staff and inserted in our 18th Assembly mandate reports.
Mr. Speaker, historically, the mining industry held significant landholdings in the Sahtu, a land area covering 16 percent of the territory. On diversification through essential resource development planning, later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of ITI. Mahsi.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The social justice organization Alternatives North just released its updated calculation of the living wage required by families in Yellowknife, and, for the first time, there are calculations of the living wage for Hay River and Inuvik, as well.
The living wage is calculated using a national framework to ensure results are consistent among jurisdictions and over time. The calculation is for the most common family type, two parents working full-time, one child in childcare full-time, and one in elementary school.
Mr. Speaker, the principle of the living wage is that, if you are working full-time, you can afford to pay for the basics. Some people in this House like to say, "The best social program is a job." That is fine, but the job has to pay for accommodation, childcare, food, clothing, and transportation. People working full-time should not need handouts from food banks or subsidized rent.
The analysis released today quantifies the wages required to pay for the basics. Each parent in the Yellowknife family of four has to earn $23.95 per hour; in Hay River, $24.75; and in Inuvik, $23.78. In terms of annual income, that means the two working parents in Yellowknife together need to make $87,500; in Hay River, $90,000; and in Inuvik, $85,000. The number for Inuvik may surprise some people, but it accounts for the fact that two thirds of the population is Indigenous, and they have access to programs non-Indigenous families can't access, such as non-insured health benefits.
Mr. Speaker, what is the government doing to combat the rising cost of living? The government has not provided any new relief for the largest expenses in this budget, accommodation and childcare. In the meantime, there has been an increase of fees and taxes that apply across the board. It is my firm belief that no one who works full-time should be living in poverty. Government needs to figure out how to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem when it comes to stretching the budgets of low income families. I'll have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Mahsi.
Members' statements. Member for Nunakput
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is very welcome news that the new power plant will be constructed in Sachs Harbour. My hope is that this will be a first step to reduce the cost of electricity for residents in the community and, of course, a cleaner source of energy.
Mr. Speaker, the current power plant is 43 years old, so there's plenty of room for improvement and modernization. I think we can expect a new 6-kilowatt plant to be more reliable when it goes into service in 2020.
The new plant is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power plant by 283 tonnes per year and improve fuel efficiency by 18 percent. It will not save the world from climate change, but it shows that the GNWT is doing their part in the North, Mr. Speaker, where the impact of climate change is the greatest.
There are also future benefits to be held from installing the new plant announced earlier this week. It is a much more flexible system that makes it easier to incorporate renewable energy.
Sachs Harbour has a lot of wind, and we know from experience with our previous turbine that wind power is viable in the community. It is just a matter of getting the technology up and running. In the long term, the plan is for 20 to 30 percent of the community's electricity to come from wind, but it could be more. The technology is certainly out there.
The first step of putting in the new plant will cost almost $10 million. About three quarters of the money is coming from Canada's Arctic Energy Fund, with the rest from the Government of the Northwest Territories. This kind of investment is really overdue across the Northwest Territories, especially in Nunakput.
Mr. Speaker, the cost of generating electricity in the region is very high, but we also have some of the best potential for wind generation in the Northwest Territories. In time, we hope to see more of these systems sprouting up in every community in Nunakput. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I awoke to a story in the news that I believe many of us have seen, a Colville Lake man who is taking housing into his own hands. As a trapper, he spends much of his time on the land. I have no doubts that his hard work and innovation will see him through the process and challenges of getting his dream home built.
I want to commend this man and all those like him who are the embodiment of northern self-reliance, tackling the problems our communities face with grit and determination. This should be an inspiration to all of us.
Mr. Speaker, it was reported in the article that the feelings and sentiments expressed in the community of Colville Lake are that "the best way for them to live in their home communities amidst the housing shortage is by building their own homes." Well, that is not an option for all. I am inspired by this man's story, and I truly wish him and the community of Colville Lake all the best as they work to solve the challenges of community housing.
Mr. Speaker, housing problems are by no means new to this territory. Northerners know the tragic state of disrepair of many of our dwellings in the NWT. In Yellowknife, we know that the affordability issues can place housing solutions out of reach for many people and their families. This is a tough problem, and there is no doubt about that. What will work in Yellowknife, Hay River, or Inuvik will not likely be a good fit for our smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, I was happy to read that the NWT Housing Corporation is working with community builders to advance their own housing projects, and I want to commend this government for its continued investment in public housing. What's clear, though, is that money alone will not solve this challenge. We need to empower Northerners to build their own homes, work with the private sector to pursue innovation outside government initiatives and government funding, and work with all Northerners who have creative and innovative solutions to solve these challenges.
Mr. Speaker, housing needs to remain one of our top priorities as a public government. We need to ensure that we're caring for Northerners, because housing is fundamental and foundational to all other issues in life. You can see the social issues in the community relate to how many people have a lack of needed housing. So, I'd like to applaud this individual, and again, I'd like to commend the government for continuing to support housing and supporting this individual in particular. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know, elders play a very important, vital role in our communities. They have helped build this territory. They have given us a lot of experience, education, promoted our languages, our traditions, our culture throughout the North. Today I would like to recognize one particular elder, and I do hope she is watching, Mr. Speaker, and it's my mom. It's her 76th birthday today, and I want to wish my mom a very happy birthday, and hope Members can join me in wishing you a very happy birthday. Thank you, and happy birthday, Mom.
---Applause
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize Francis and Violet Nahanni, who will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary today, March 6, 2019. Francis was originally from Jean Marie River and Violet was from Wrigley. They met in Fort Simpson while Violet was working at the hostel and Francis worked for the DPW. When they first dated, Francis would flash his lights at the end of the street and Violet would go out to meet him and they would go to see a movie. They are strong pillars of the community and the region. They have two children, Glen and Valerie, and seven grandchildren. They are both great role models for all of us. I would like to congratulate them for this huge milestone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I spoke about the announcement for the Sachs Harbour power plant, and my questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure. We have heard that the new power plant in Sachs Harbour will be much more efficient than the old one, but it seemed to mention a lower power rate. I'm not sure if the Minister can answer this, but what can the community expect in terms of savings? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As far as power rates go, that question probably would have to be directed to the Minister of the Power Corporation. One thing I can say about installing these new fuel-efficient engines in the community of Sachs Harbour is the documentation and data that I've received shows it's going to have an 18-percent improvement on expected GHG savings, which is going to be about 283 kilotonnes a year, and it's designed, this construction, as all Members know, we're doing a wind study in that region. It's going to be able to build that addition to the power system.
That's all good news. Strong wind is a local resource in the community. I am looking forward to even more efficiency and a smaller carbon footprint. When can we expect an addition of a wind turbine or turbines in Sachs Harbour?
We're working on our wind study there. All indications support the idea of us installing one in Sachs Harbour as well as Norman Wells. We are doing our wind study, as well. I think, once all the data is finished being collected along with this announcement that we see with the federal support for this new generator in Sachs Harbour, I suspect that procurement for the windmill would be within the next 24 months.
When you have big announcements like that, and especially the one the Minister just mentioned, there is a chance to build capacity in the community, and I look forward to that. What is the government's plan to roll out more efficient power systems in Nunakput communities, including renewable energy components?
If you look at our energy plan going forward, we have a three-year rolling plan that is continually being adjusted as new technologies and different communities put their energy plans forward to us. We work with all the communities in the Northwest Territories. As for the Member's exact question around his communities, a lot of that is going to depend on what type of community involvement they are going to want to be able to participate in some of these projects going forward. With the power purchase agreements, if the community looks at our strategy, there is an opportunity for them to be participants in this. We will work closely with the Member and his communities on how they want to be able to participate.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's commitment. Just on the last answer there, what is the timetable for upgrading electricity systems in Paulatuk, Ulukhaktok, and Tuktoyaktuk? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I don't have that detailed information in front of me, but I can work with our Minister in charge of the MTPC and get that information to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Previously, I was asking questions to the Minister responsible for Lands about equity leases and that. They were talking about positions and stuff like that. Can the Minister please advise us: have all the positions been filled at this point in time? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
