Debates of May 30th, 2019

This is page numbers 5679 - 5712 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

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Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer

Offshore Oil and Gas Negotiations

World No Tobacco Day, May 31, 2019

The 62nd Annual Mine Rescue Competition

Post-secondary Education Update

Ferry Landing Infrastructure

Cannabis Retail Privatization

Declining Education Resources

Housing Support for Released Inmates

Regional Leadership Training

Sustainable Employment in Remote Communities

Ferry Service Employment and Training Opportunities

United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People

Land Use Planning Co-Management Processes

Forest Fire Highway Closure Effects on the Northwest Territories

Compulsory Attendance for Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Patrick Clancy NWT Outstanding Volunteer - Elder Category

Northwest Passage Discussions

Effects of Fire Emergency Road Closures on the Northwest Territories

Student Financial Assistance

Cannabis Retail Privatization

Housing Support for Released Inmates

Ferry Landing Infrastructure

Update on Education Initiatives

Community Engagement on Post-Secondary Framework

Mandatory Attendance in Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Wek'eezhi Land Use Planning Committee

Fire Disruption Resupply and critical Infrastructure

Tabled Document 443-18(3): Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2019-2020 Tabled Document 444-18(3): Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2019-2020

Tabled Document 445-18(3): Discussion Paper on Parliamentary Group Model Tabled Document 446-18(3): Role of Full Caucus and Regular Members' Caucus in Nunavut

Tabled Document 447-18(3): Legislative Assembly Board of Management Record of Decision 285-18-2019 - Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, Amendment to Indemnities, Allowances and Expenses Regulations Tabled Document 448-18(3): Legislative Assembly Board of Management Record of Decision 286-18-2019 - Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act,

Schedule C Amendment Regulations, 2019

Bill 58: Justice Administration Statutes Amendment Act

Extended Adjournment of the House to June 4, 2019

Bill 54: Standard Interest Rates Statutes Admendment Act

Bill 55:

An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 1

Bill 56:

An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of Bill 30:

An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act - Evaluation Framework for Restorative Process

Bill 30:

An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act - Amendment to Clause 2 - Renumbered Subclause 2(1)

Recorded Vote

Bill 30:

An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act - Amendment to Clause 28 - (

a) by deleting subclause (1) and substitution, carried

Bill 30:

An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act - Amendment to subclause 29(1) striking out "April 1, 2019" and substituting "August 1, 2019", cARRIED

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Bill 29:

An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Recorded Vote

Bill 35: Supply Chain Management Professional Designation Act

Recorded Vote

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy , Mr. Beaulieu , Mr. Blake , Hon. Caroline Cochrane , Ms. Green , Hon. Jackson Lafferty , Hon. Bob McLeod , Hon. Robert McLeod , Mr. McNeely , Hon. Alfred Moses , Mr. Nadli , Mr. Nakimayak , Mr. O'Reilly , Hon. Wally Schumann , Hon. Louis Sebert , Mr. Simpson , Mr. Testart , Mr. Thompson , Mr. Vanthuyne

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

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---Prayer

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 5679

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Member for Frame Lake .

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 5679

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I rise pursuant to Rule 21(1) of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly to make a personal explanation. In my Member's statement and oral questions of May 24, 2019, I said that large emitters of greenhouse gasses, the diamond mines, will get all their carbon tax back under the July 2018 proposal released by the Minister of Finance . The Premier corrected this statement in his response to my questions by stating that large emitters would be paying a carbon tax on any motive fuels purchased.

Double-checking the publicly available information from the Department of Finance, this is indeed the case that large emitters, the diamond mines, will receive rebates and individualized grants for investments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions covering all of the carbon tax paid on non-motive diesel. Carbon taxes paid by large emitters on motive diesel and gasoline will not be rebated or granted back.

I apologize unreservedly to anyone who may have taken offence with my error and wish to correct the public record. It was not my intention to mislead the House or to make incorrect statements. I wish to thank the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines for bringing this matter to my attention. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to correct the record.

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Prayer

Prayer

Page 5679

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The Honourable Premier .

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Minister's Statement 193-18(3): Offshore Oil and Gas Negotiations

Ministers' Statements

Page 5679

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to update this Assembly on negotiations toward the shared management of oil and gas resources in the Northwest Territories offshore.

Despite previous commitments for negotiations, in 2016, Canada's unilateral federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas activity was imposed without any consultation. This action underscored the importance of the Government of the Northwest Territories seizing a role in decisions about Northwest Territories offshore oil and gas resources.

Mr. Speaker, the shared management regime that will result from these negotiations will ensure that decisions about offshore oil and gas are no longer made unilaterally. It will ensure that unilateral decisions like the one made in 2016 become a thing of the past. The negotiation of the management of offshore oil and gas resources and the sharing of revenues will also ensure that important decisions that directly impact the lives of Northwest Territories residents will include Northwest Territories decision-makers who have direct knowledge of northern circumstances.

Offshore agreements elsewhere in Canada have ensured these decisions are no longer driven solely by federal politics. These negotiations will provide the jurisdictional authority for the Northwest Territories to have a stay in how and when offshore development will occur.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that, earlier this year, all four parties, Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, and the Government of Yukon identified negotiators and readied themselves to begin negotiations. On April 12 th to14 th , the first negotiating session occurred in Inuvik.

Mr. Speaker, it is both significant and appropriate that negotiations began in Inuvik. Historically, Inuvik has been a service center for oil and gas activity in the Beaufort Sea. Many residents of Inuvik have a great deal of experience in the oil and gas sector, and have also worked alongside industry to ensure that our Arctic coast and waters aren't put at risk. They have experienced the benefits, and borne the impacts, particularly, as is the case now, during periods of low activity. It is important to remember that oil and gas activity in the Northwest Territories offshore is not new; these activities have been occurring in the Beaufort offshore for more than 40 years.

An offshore agreement is one of the final missing pieces from the complete devolution of province-like authority over natural resources. It will give us decision-making authority with respect to the offshore comparable to what our fellow Canadians in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador have been enjoying for decades. Further, that these negotiations include the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation as a party at the table is certainly a first for these kinds of negotiations in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, we are in the very early stages of these negotiations, but that they have commenced is important and we are committed to keeping the Assembly up to date as progress occurs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 193-18(3): Offshore Oil and Gas Negotiations

Ministers' Statements

Page 5680

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister for Health and Social Services .

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Minister's Statement 194-18(3): World No Tobacco Day, May 31, 2019

Ministers' Statements

Page 5680

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the World Health Organization's World No Tobacco Day, which is tomorrow, on May 31, 2019. This day provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts that the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking to promote the prevention of tobacco use and its cessation.

This year's theme is Tobacco and Lung Health. Having a healthy set of lungs is vital for living a healthy and active lifestyle. Our lungs play a major role in our body's overall health. Exposure to tobacco, both in its primary and second-hand form, can result in multiple chronic disorders, such as respiratory disease and lung cancer.

Mr. Speaker, the smoking rate in the Northwest Territories continues to be higher than the national average. In 2018, the Northwest Territories smoking rate was 33 percent, while the national average was 16 percent in 2017. In the NWT, lung cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women and is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women.

Nation-wide efforts to prevent tobacco-related cancer are in full swing. The recently published ComPARe study, supported by the Canadian Cancer Society, is the most comprehensive, up-to-date study on the prevention of cancer and the first of its kind in Canada. This ground-breaking study predicts the current and future burden of cancer in Canada that will ultimately impact future cancer prevention decision-making.

The ComPARe study, based on 2015 data, found that smoking tobacco is the leading cause of cancer in Canada, with 32,700 new cancer cases per year due to smoking tobacco. If the trend continues, there will be a projected increase to 46,900 in 2042.

The facts and figures don't lie, Mr. Speaker. Taking action to curb tobacco smoking is one of the greatest things that we can do as individuals, as communities, and as a government to promote healthy, active living in the NWT.

The Department of Health and Social Services' Strategic Plan 2017-2020, Caring for Our People, has made its goal to support tobacco cessation through promotion and prevention efforts, to reduce disparities.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to reflect on the recent progress we have made towards our goal of creating a smoke-free society. In February of this year, the government proposed both Bill 41 , the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act, and Bill 40 , Smoking Control Reduction Act. We also continue to provide the NWT Quitline, a 24 hour/seven-days-a-week confidential toll-free number providing NWT residents with support for quitting smoking. The Quitline is a useful tool for those ready to quit smoking, but who need guidance and support to achieve their goal.

We have developed additional resources to support NWT residents in their quit journeys. An example would be our Quitting Podcasts, where we hear NWT Quitline quit coaches discuss the important steps in creating a quit plan, as well as common triggers and barriers that prevent individuals from quitting. We also developed a series called Look Who's Quit Stories where local community champions answer questions regarding the challenges and triumphs that they face or have faced as part of their quit journey.

Additionally, we provide Tobacco Quit Kits across the territory for those who are looking to make every day a no-tobacco day. These kits include information on prescription medications, on-the-land programming, counselling, acupuncture, and Nicotine Replacement Therapy offered through the department's Health Services Administration.

Mr. Speaker, we know that promoting the prevention of tobacco use and supporting our residents who want to quit is one of the greatest things that we can do to support the health and wellness of our people. On this year's World No Tobacco Day, I want to encourage everyone to take a moment and consider how tobacco use affects their health and the health of their loved ones, and to take advantage of the supports to help us achieve our goal of a healthy NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 194-18(3): World No Tobacco Day, May 31, 2019

Ministers' Statements

Page 5681

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

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

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Minister's Statement 195-18(3): The 62nd Annual Mine Rescue Competition

Ministers' Statements

Page 5681

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Mine Rescue Competition has a strong history in the Northwest Territories. The first event took place in 1957, and the competition has been growing every year.

This weekend marks the 62 nd Annual Mine Rescue Competition. Teams will come together from mines all across the Territories to test their skills.

There are six teams competing this year. The teams are from Rio Tinto's Diavik Diamond Mine; the Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine, owned by DeBeers Canada; TMAC Resources' Hope Bay Gold Mine; the Meadowbank Gold Mine and the Meliadine Gold Project, both owned by Agnico Eagle Mines; and the Baffinland Iron Mine, owned by Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation. They will be testing their skills in firefighting, rope rescue, and First Aid, among other events.

As Minister responsible for the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission, I invite you all to join me in wishing good luck to those brave men and women who volunteer their time and risk their lives for the safety of others. The whole territory walks away a winner, knowing that our friends and our families at the mine sites are in the hands of safe, skilled, and tested leaders.

I also invite you and your families to come out to the Fieldhouse parking lot on June 1 st from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to watch and cheer on the teams as they compete. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 195-18(3): The 62nd Annual Mine Rescue Competition

Ministers' Statements

Page 5681

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Minister's Statement 196-18(3): Post-secondary Education Update

Ministers' Statements

Page 5681

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, these are exciting times in post-secondary education in the Northwest Territories. This government is meeting its commitment to expand opportunities for post-secondary education, trades-oriented learning, and northern educational institutions, while fostering the knowledge economy. This work is essential to ensuring that Northerners have access to quality post-secondary programs and supports.

Mr. Speaker, we have introduced new legislation to regulate post-secondary institutions, and we have engaged with residents, campus communities, and municipal and Indigenous governments to establish the first overarching vision and goals for post-secondary education in our territory.

Developing the vision and goals for post-secondary education will focus our efforts as we strengthen our system. It will also support our work with partner institutions and organizations to ensure that students have increased access to excellent programs. Together, we will ensure that Northwest Territories residents can get the skills and training they need to access meaningful employment today and in the future.

Our vision and goals must be rooted in the dreams, aspirations, and needs of our territory. To this end, I am pleased to say that 743 surveys from all regions of the territory were submitted during the engagement phase of the vision process. Nearly 200 of the submissions were from residents especially important to the future of our labour market, people under the age of 29.

I thank those who took the time to complete the survey and the organizations and institutions who took

part in the Speaker Series on Post-Secondary Education throughout the month of March. I look forward to sharing the Post-Secondary Education Framework, including the final vision and goals, with Members of this House and the public in the coming months.

Mr. Speaker, over the past three months, the first steps in the transformation of Aurora College to a polytechnic university have been taken. Since assuming the role in March, the associate deputy minister of Post-Secondary Education Renewal has been working diligently to develop the terms of reference for the Academic Advisory Council. Initial contact has been made with individuals who have significant academic and administrative expertise to help support the transformation to a polytechnic university.

The Academic Advisory Council will provide guidance to the associate deputy minister throughout the transformation. The terms of reference will be forwarded to Members of this House and posted on the Education, Culture and Employment website within the next month.

As well, a plain-language

summary of Bill 48 is currently available on our website for those interested in learning about our proposed post-secondary education legislation that is currently before the House. This legislation is crucial to meeting our objectives to expand high-quality education programming and provide a variety of post-secondary opportunities for students. Quality assurance legislation is a key step in building a strong post-secondary education system for Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, strengthening the post-secondary education system is part of our larger plan to improve outcomes for students and help them reach their highest potential over the course of their lives. From early childhood through elementary and high school and all the way to post-secondary, we want to reduce barriers and empower residents to achieve their goals and aspirations.

A healthy, happy kindergarten student should become a well-educated high school student looking for challenging post-secondary opportunities. Education, Culture and Employment's new career and education advisors will help students to make decisions about their education and give them information on jobs in demand in the Northwest Territories. This government will continue to support post-secondary students, as it does now, through Student Financial Assistance, apprenticeship and trades programs, and labour market programs. All of these initiatives support the development of our economy and our people.

I am confident that the steps we are taking now to strengthen our post-secondary education system will provide increased opportunities for both in the near term and for generations to come. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 196-18(3): Post-secondary Education Update

Ministers' Statements

Page 5682

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta .

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Ferry Landing Infrastructure

Members' Statements

Page 5682

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents wants to know why the Department of Infrastructure keeps trying to recycle the gravel they use on the ferry landings.

A couple of days ago, my colleague was asking for dredging, and was told we don't dredge. Well, Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what is happening in Tsiigehtchic with the use of a backhoe. I've seen this personally, and to have that same material being used to make the landing ramps, this mixture of gravel, mud, and clay is making a mess of our ferry landings.

Just a few short years ago, the department used to stockpile 500 to 1,000 cubic metres of pit run. To be used on each landing, usually, that would last a couple of years, and we never had to wait until the water dropped to have ferry services in the spring like we now have to do. We have to go back to how we used to operate.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'll have questions later today.

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Ferry Landing Infrastructure

Members' Statements

Page 5682

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

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Cannabis Retail Privatization

Members' Statements

Page 5682

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to commend this government on its move towards eventually allowing for the privatization of cannabis sales, production, extraction, and purification. It is clear that the public wants to see entrepreneurs empowered to thrive and prosper, as they are no longer accepting of Crown monopolies or the failed policies of prohibition that have made criminals out of our citizens for recreational use of a substance with substantially less harmful effects than alcohol, while empowering thugs, gangsters, bootleggers, and smugglers to exploit our youth and communities.

However, it has been brought to the attention of Regular Members that, even though there have been nearly 20 bids submitted for the tender to establish a retail cannabis store in the territory, this government has, at the last minute, extended the deadline for bids until June 30, 2019, without explanation.

Mr. Speaker, given this government's trepidation towards privatization when the Cannabis Legalization Implementation Bill was debated by this House, I wonder if the GNWT actually wants to see the establishment of this market?

Sudden changes public to tenders like this may not be noticed by the average member of the public, but it has been noticed by investors, both those already invested in pursuing cannabis retail opportunities and those considering investing in other sectors of our territory's economy. The North must be at all times open for business.

Northern companies and entrepreneurs have already put forward cash as part of the tender process, and they have covered their costs, both legal and for the registration and compliance of their prospective new ventures. Make no mistake, the regulatory requirements are still too onerous for my likings, but nevertheless, these entrepreneurs have provided everything required by this government to move forward.

Mr. Speaker, this uncertainty is not good for business, the public, and, most importantly, our economy that requires much needed diversification and growth of private-sector markets. Last-minute changes to the privatization scheme shake investor confidence and inhibit the realization of new economic activity. It is imperative that this government deliver on its promises of the privatization of retail cannabis, and not put it off for a future government.

Now is the time to invest in our economy and let the private sector lead. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Cannabis Retail Privatization

Members' Statements

Page 5683

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho .

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Declining Education Resources

Members' Statements

Page 5683

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. It is often said that children and youth make for a smart investment, and that the best way to effect change is by educating our young people.

Over the years, we've seen the Department of Education, Culture and Employment shift directions and invest more resources towards achieving better student outcomes. as evidenced by a school attendance advertising campaign, the Strengthening Teacher Instructional Practices initiative, junior kindergarten, more counsellors in schools, and. most recently, proposed legislation that could lead to the establishment of a polytechnic university for the NWT.

While it's great to see these changes, Mr. Speaker, more is required. Specifically, I want to raise the concern I've heard from communities in my region over the decline of school enrolment and attendance rates.

Mr. Speaker, attendance rates in small communities continue to be far below than in larger communities like Yellowknife. In 2008, the average attendance in small communities was 83 percent, compared with 91 percent in Yellowknife and 84 percent in regional centres. In 2013, average attendance was down to 79 percent in small communities, while it averaged over 88 percent in Yellowknife and 82 percent in the regions. Average attendance rates last year showed a drop across the NWT other than in Yellowknife.

Students in small communities averaged only 75 percent attendance in 2018, while the average was 89 percent in Yellowknife and 79 percent in the regions. These low attendance rates, combined with other realities, like the need for many students to upgrade post-graduation in order to pursue post-secondary education, tell me that we are not doing an adequate job of preparing our youth for the challenges that life brings. On top of this, I am hearing that low attendance could affect a school's funding, which could result in the school seeing a reduction in teachers or fewer extracurricular activities for students.

Mr. Speaker, if we don't invest in our young people meaningfully and sustainably and provide them with adequate opportunities, problems like low graduation rates, poor labour market entry, substance abuse, crime, violence, and risky behaviours will continue to rise, and there will be a significant economic and social cost. This need for investment includes finding effective long-term ways to maintain student enrolment and to encourage students to attend school every day, fully engaged in their learning and motivated to succeed. I will have questions for the Minister of ECE at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Declining Education Resources

Members' Statements

Page 5683

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Housing Support for Released Inmates

Members' Statements

Page 5683

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to offer my thanks to the Minister of Justice for the detail that he provided yesterday on the programs offered to inmates at NWT correctional facilities. One highlight is that over 500 participants have completed programs that address substance abuse, violence, and other negative behaviours. Another is that the programs are offered in probation offices throughout the NWT to reinforce the new skills and copying mechanisms. The department staff is obviously doing good work in this area.

Yes, there is a "but," Mr. Speaker: but what about housing for inmates when they are released? There was no mention of it. My concern is that, without a plan for housing, some former inmates will be at loose ends. They may have been homeless before going to jail, and so they are likely to be homeless when they come out. They end up staying in shelters, couch-surfing, or sleeping rough.

How hard must it be for homeless people to maintain their resolve to stay sober in these situations? Once they go back to using drugs and alcohol, much of their learning about violence will go out the window; then they will be caught up in the justice system again, and the cycle will repeat itself.

Mr. Speaker, in his statement yesterday, the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation said, "Research tells us that the chances of addressing the issues that lead to homelessness, mental health, addictions, and other social issues, are better when you have social housing." I concur, and I wonder if the Minister of Justice took note of this point.

When the Standing Committee on Social Development visited the Nanaimo Correctional Centre 18 months ago, we met with inmates who were taking

part in a unique program. Guthrie House offered a peer-led 12-step program to help inmates conquer their addictions that had contributed to criminal behaviour. One feature of this program is that participants started looking for housing months before being released. They talked about how important housing was to their discharge plan. I also learned that some graduates of these programs stay in the south rather than coming back here, because they don't want to be homeless.

Mr. Speaker, the lesson for NWT corrections is that people who are released from jail need to have housing in place. Discharging people to a couch perpetuates the chaos that they have worked so hard to put behind them. Mr. Speaker, I am sorry, but I am going to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Housing Support for Released Inmates

Members' Statements

Page 5684

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, colleagues. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. If we truly want to benefit from the investment that we are working in programming and reduce the chances of people returning to jail, former inmates need a stable place to live. I will have questions for the Minister of Justice . Mahsi.

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Housing Support for Released Inmates

Members' Statements

Page 5684

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu .

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Regional Leadership Training

Members' Statements

Page 5684

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very encouraged by the Minister's statement earlier, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment , which leads me to a limited number of questions later on. However, Mr. Speaker, we are approaching June, graduation month. I am grateful to see that our Sahtu region is supporting approximately 35 graduating students in our communities, from the three Aurora campuses and institutions outside the NWT. This is very encouraging. However, there still remains a lack of post-secondary transitional supports.

Mr. Speaker, transitioning and planning are critical elements remaining in our term. Last year, the Department of Education tabled the Aurora College Foundational Review, a report that included 2018-2023 schedules, community consultations, engagements with 13 Indigenous governments, and recommendations. Education is a valued strength in our continuing efforts for a stable future workforce, community, and more importantly, youth capacity-building. It is our fiduciary obligation and responsibility to initiate regional leadership progress report engagements. This process will ensure continued improvements and create partnerships.

Mr. Speaker, leadership engagements can include, but are not limited to, progress on the foundational review and, in particular, funding options for the polytechnic university 2018-2019 academic year, and fundamental principles in developments for a renewed and tailored education system. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions to the appropriate Minister. Mahsi.

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Regional Leadership Training

Members' Statements

Page 5684

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North .

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Sustainable Employment in Remote Communities

Members' Statements

Page 5684

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The 18 th Assembly has done good work and has had success in promoting economic diversification, but it is fair to say that the challenge of creating employment opportunities, especially in smaller communities, remains a big challenge.

Smaller communities, by definition, have fewer opportunities and bigger challenges. There is less economic activity and less of a base to build from. At the same time, employers are having a hard time recruiting and retaining northern employees. They sometimes feel that there is no choice but to turn to the larger fly-in labour market from the south. That doesn't serve anyone's interests, Mr. Speaker.

A recent report of the Conference Board of Canada suggests an approach to resolve the impasse. It is clearly in the interests of employers to engage with Indigenous communities. It is mandated by land rights agreements. It provides better working relationships with communities and can lead to a stronger workforce, higher quality of work, and, of course, happier employees. Employers know that failing to engage positively with communities will create obstacles for their projects moving forward.

In this context, Mr. Speaker, we can encourage the private sector and our small communities to seek solutions together. Community challenges may include education and skills attainment, and family and community obligations. Employers' challenges are improving community inclusion and cultural awareness to create effective outreach, offer appropriate skills development, and guarantee fair compensation practices.

Mr. Speaker, our government needs to take up this mission. We need to connect employers with communities to work together to improve outreach and recruitment, balance work with community obligations, enhance educational opportunities, and match candidates to suitable jobs. We need to be the incubator that grows these initiatives with education, encouragement to business, and through leading by example.

Mr. Speaker, there are solutions to the challenge of creating employment and successfully growing the economy in small communities. We need to encourage creative thinking and collaboration to keep things moving in a positive direction. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Sustainable Employment in Remote Communities

Members' Statements

Page 5685

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh .

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Ferry Service Employment and Training Opportunities

Members' Statements

Page 5685

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Infrastructure in Fort Simpson really should be commended for the work that they are doing to build capacity of residents in Nahendeh. They are hiring local residents and providing the requisite training to obtain the skills, knowledge, and ability to do the job competently.

Mr. Speaker, I have personally heard positive feedback from community members and visitors alike of the exceptional service done by these young people. A prime example of this are the following Fort Simpson residents who were hired as deck hands on the MV Lafferty in 2017: Ivor Norwegian, Cindy Edda, and Travis Hanna. I have had the pleasure of watching them work and interact with passengers on various trips across the Liard. They are always so positive and knowledgeable of the surrounding area.

It is my understanding that these employees continue to work with the department throughout the winter and are receiving training on the ground-penetrating radar ice measuring equipment facilitated by Sensors and Software. The training, along with experience gained through auger flooding and use of the new ice-spraying equipment throughout the season, will continue to benefit the community of Fort Simpson in the years to come.

Job-specific training has continued to be offered so these employees can continue to grow into their roles and accept more responsibilities related to their areas of interest. Opportunities for growth will include small-vessel machinery operators, boat captain, as well as various other marine certification, depending on each individual's interest. I am happy to say these three individuals are back to work on the Lafferty and use the knowledge they gained.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize these efforts by the Fort Simpson regional office to build local capacity. Training younger generations to succeed in a dynamic working environment with the necessary skills will ensure the efficient operation of the department's operation for years to come.

In closing, I would like to thank the department for being forward-thinking in this area of development. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Ferry Service Employment and Training Opportunities

Members' Statements

Page 5685

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput .

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United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People

Members' Statements

Page 5685

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My first statement on the floor in this House in 2015 was on the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Given the importance of the Arctic coast and seas to Inuit people, culturally, historically, and economically for sustenance, it is essential that Inuit are engaged in any development of laws or regulations for Arctic coastal waterways. Canada should be engaging with Inuit in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut on any work done in the Northwest Passage under UNCLOS, or United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea, following the UNDRIP principles.

There should be a culture shift in Ottawa, Mr. Speaker. Indigenous people are not a Liberal-Conservative issue, nor an NDP-PPC issue. We should have consistent engagement from Ottawa on issues that impact our way of life, regardless of who is in power. We must continue to implement at all levels of government to ensure our rights and our land-claim agreements, which are not only ours but are the responsibility of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the federal government, as well.

Mr. Speaker, I will quote Senator Murray Sinclair, who has been advocating for Indigenous people throughout his career. He states, "The Senate is still debating this, and it seems to be stalling with some senators. People who use the concept of veto and the concept of free, prior, and informed consent as though they are the same thing are totally missing the point."

Last week, our Premier also stated, "I also think it makes sense that residents of Canada's three northern territories have a leading say in determining Canada's plan for the Arctic. We are the ones who live here. We are the ones who are repeatedly affected when decisions are made for us, rather than with us. We are an obvious partner for Canada when they begin to discuss what should happen next."

Mr. Speaker, if anyone in our territory should be leading and implementing UNDRIP, it should be our Premier . Being an Indigenous person myself, I am proud of the work that he and his team have done in collaborating with Indigenous governments and the federal government on projects from planning to implementation. The rest of the country and other countries should take note and follow suit. We have come a long way, but we have a lot of work to do together.

Mr. Speaker, later, I will have questions for the Premier . Thank you.

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United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People

Members' Statements

Page 5686

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake .

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Land Use Planning Co-Management Processes

Members' Statements

Page 5686

Kevin O'Reilly

Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My educational background includes a planning degree, and that is what brought me to the Northwest Territories on December 15, 1985, to become the land-use planning coordinator for the Dene Nation. I had the privilege of working directly with some great Northerners, including David Krutko, George Barnaby, Gina Bayha, Violet Camsell-Blondin, Raymond Jones, and Michael Nadli . I have maintained a keen interest in land-use planning and looked over the document "Finding Common Ground" tabled in the House a couple of days ago by the Minister of Lands .

The Tlicho Government completed a detailed land-use plan for their own lands in 2013, and it is very well done. The Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Agreement provides for land-use planning on other lands within the Wek'eezhii management area that are not owned by the Tlicho Government.

Section 22.5.1 states: "Government may establish a mechanism for the preparation, approval, and implementation of a land-use plan that applies to all parts of Wek'eezhii, other than Tlicho lands, national parks, and lands in a community."

Section 22.5.3 says, "The Parties may, by agreement, establish a land-use planning body and a mechanism for the preparation, approval, and implementation of a land-use plan that applies to all of Wek'eezhii other than national parks."

The GNWT Department of Lands, Tlicho Department of Culture and Lands Protection, and the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada agreed to work together to design, cost, and develop a terms of reference to implement a land-use planning approach for public lands in Wek'eezhii. As a part of this collaboration the parties are proceeding on a government-to-government basis to establish a joint planning office in Behchoko and to carry out a land-use planning process for Wek'eezhii. This House approved a contribution of $726,000 towards this effort in 2019-2020.

It is my understanding that a committee is being established to develop their land-use plan and that it will be legally-binding. The deputy minister of Lands confirmed this in Committee of the Whole on March 7, 2019, when he said: "At the end of the day, it will be legally binding, signed off by the Tlicho government, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the federal government will sign it, and it will be a legal document. As to legislation, I would have to get back to you on exactly how to see that going forward." I am still waiting for that response and will have some questions later today for the Minister of Lands . Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Land Use Planning Co-Management Processes

Members' Statements

Page 5686

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

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

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Forest Fire Highway Closure Effects on the Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 5687

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we all know, the highway between High Level and Enterprise was closed two days ago because of a fire near Steam River. The only rail line into the territory has been shut down for a week because of the fire by High Level. Many of my constituents, myself included, are concerned about the situation. I want to bring those concerns to this House so that the government knows that, even though the source of the problem is in Alberta, that highway is a lifeline for the entire territory and this issue has consequences for all of our residents.

If this closure goes on for any length of time, it will begin to have an effect on the cost of living. The vast majority of goods that come into the NWT come right up that stretch of highway. It is about 1,100 kilometres from Edmonton to Hay River through Alberta. The alternate route through BC is almost 1,900 kilometres. While it is a scenic drive, it basically doubles the driving time, which means doubling the cost of shipping, leading to higher prices on nearly everything.

It is also going to be a hit for small businesses, who will have to absorb the cost of those increase, at least in the short term, and who may not be able to work and generate income if there is a disruption in their supply chain. That is the last thing we need in this economy.

Every day that highway is closed also cuts into our tourist season, which, in the South Slave, isn't that long, so every single day is important. The economic effects won't just be limited to the South Slave or even to just communities on the highway system. All the fuel that MTS ships into the communities up through Mackenzie and in the Arctic is transported to the terminal in Hay River by rail. These fires have the potential to once again delay the marine resupply or, at the very least, cause the cost of shipping to rise.

Mr. Speaker, this isn't just an economic issue. It's a serious public safety issue, as well. Conditions in the South Slave are dry. The fire danger is high or extreme in every community. We are only a three-hour drive from High Level and half that to Steam River. If the worst happens and the resident of Hay River need to evacuate, that highway closure means one of our main routes, really our primary route out of town, is cut off.

I have spoken with the Town of Hay River, and I am happy to hear that they are convening a meeting of the Community Emergency Management Committee tomorrow to figure out how they are going to address this issue. I will have questions for our Minister to find out what the GNWT is doing to deal with this situation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Forest Fire Highway Closure Effects on the Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 5687

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

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

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Compulsory Attendance for Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Members' Statements

Page 5687

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I am going to make a Member's statement on some of the work that we were doing in Committee of the Whole last Tuesday. Last Tuesday, I felt I was unable to communicate clearly enough to be able to get some answers. I am going to talk a bit about what I saw on Tuesday, much to my surprise and shock, the way that the mandatory or compulsory attendance for junior kindergarten and kindergarten works in the schools.

My understanding, initially, before Tuesday, was that once a five-year-old, four-year-old student got to go to junior kindergarten and they had enrolled, at the point that they enrolled, it was mandatory for them to attend school on a daily basis like any other student who was enrolled in the school.

My understanding from the Committee of the Whole meeting that we had was that students can come and go as they please, whether they are enrolled or not. If they are enrolled in school and they choose not to go to school, then they don't have to go to school, but the numbers of enrolment mean that there could potentially be games being played where people could enroll a lot of four-year-olds and five-year-olds into the school and just concern themselves with students attending for the first couple of years until the numbers are counted, and then the kids no longer have to attend school. It also sets up a possibility that people are just using junior kindergarten as a childcare drop-off.

I became a bit concerned about that and started to think about all of the possibilities of our education development instrument, how all the time were working on the numbers, and the numbers were increasing, the vulnerabilities were increasing for the junior kindergarten and kindergarten students.

I will have questions for the Minister today, but I guess my understanding was that, if they are in school, then they are in school, but if they don't have to attend, then how are they going to increase the numbers? Maybe we should pick a different school to apply the education development instrument if kindergarten kids don't have to be there and, at any given day, they can wish to stay home. I am going to have some questions for the Minister on that today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Compulsory Attendance for Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Members' Statements

Page 5687

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5687

Glen Abernethy

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize Fernanda Martins, the health policy analyst from the Canadian Cancer Society, in the gallery today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5687

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

Alfred Moses

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to welcome to the House and to the North Mr. Michael Roberts, who is an author and motivational speaker. I just want to thank him personally for reaching out to our youth and giving some very strong positive messages, as well as to the residents and communities that he has visited. We do welcome him back up in the future. At this time, I would also like to thank the RCMP and the supportive staff for accompanying Mr. Roberts and getting him into our communities. Mahsi cho. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

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

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

Cory Vanthuyne

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to recognize a Page from Yellowknife North, Lea Schwarz, who is also a student at Ecole St-Cyr. I want to thank all of our Pages for the tremendous work that they do for us. We wouldn't be able do what we do without them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

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

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce two Pages from the Kam Lake riding, Ms. Katrina Butt and Ms. Belinda Formaniuk. It is great to have them in the Chamber helping us out, and all of the Pages. The youth are our future, and it is great to see them taking an interest on our procedures. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of the visitors in the gallery. Member for Thebacha .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two Pages from Thebacha, students at P.W. Kaeser School, Anais Aubrey-Smith and Sarah Porter. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

Tom Beaulieu

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize our interpreters, Maro Sundberg and Tommy Unka. Mahsi.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Mr. James Pokiak from Tuktoyaktuk. James owns and operates Pokiak Guiding and Outfitting. He has been operating this for over 40 years. When you talk about traditional knowledge in the House here, on the floor, and in forums around the territory and around the country, James is one of the people who you would naturally go to see to learn more. When you see him around, pull him aside, ask him a few questions, and gain some of his knowledge. It is nice just to be around some days, Mr. Speaker, so I would like to welcome James to the gallery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

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

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a Page from Yellowknife South, Andrea Geraghty, and all of the other Pages who have been here for the past three weeks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 5688

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we missed anyone in the gallery, thanks for being with us. It is always great to have an audience as part of our proceedings. Masi. Item 6, acknowledgements. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Acknowledgement 21-18(3): Patrick Clancy NWT Outstanding Volunteer - Elder Category

Acknowledgements

Page 5688

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge the achievements of Patrick Clancy, recipient of the 2019 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Award in the Elders category. Since establishing the Yellowknife Wado Kai Karate Club in 2009, Patrick Clancy has nurtured the physical skills and mental discipline of territorial youth, sponsored master clinics and demonstrations, and he has generated 18 new black belts. He spends more than 400 hours of volunteer work per year to make the NWT karate scene a centre of national excellence and youth achievement. Congratulations and thanks go out to Patrick Clancy. Mahsi.

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Acknowledgement 21-18(3): Patrick Clancy NWT Outstanding Volunteer - Elder Category

Acknowledgements

Page 5688

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Nunakput .

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Question 752-18(3): Northwest Passage Discussions

Oral Questions

Page 5688

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier on, I spoke about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and my questions are for the Premier . My first question is: can the Premier advise the House whether he has had any discussions with his Nunavut counterpart or Inuit leaders regarding the Northwest Passage? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 752-18(3): Northwest Passage Discussions

Oral Questions

Page 5688

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The Honourable Premier .

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Question 752-18(3): Northwest Passage Discussions

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Page 5689

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

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Question 752-18(3): Northwest Passage Discussions

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Page 5689

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

I appreciate the response. Can the Premier advise if he has had any discussions with the Prime Minister on how he plans to involve the Northwest Territories in any discussions moving forward regarding the Northwest Passage?

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Question 752-18(3): Northwest Passage Discussions

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Page 5689

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

I had called for a national debate on the future of the Arctic a year ago, but I have not yet had any direct discussions with the Prime Minister on this issue, though I have been clear in my statements in this legislature and publicly that I think that Canada needs to take steps to strengthen its position in the Arctic.

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Question 752-18(3): Northwest Passage Discussions

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Page 5689

Herbert Nakimayak

Nunakput

Our forum is always welcome to that. My final question to the Premier is: would the Premier be willing to include a question to party leaders on how they will engage the Government of the Northwest Territories regarding the Northwest Passage should they form government during the next federal election?

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Question 752-18(3): Northwest Passage Discussions

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Page 5689

Bob McLeod

Yellowknife South

All of the major federal political parties should have platform positions on how to strengthen Canada's position in the Arctic. I am working to raise the profile of the Arctic, and will look at many opportunities including letters to the political party leaders to get this issue the attention it deserves in the upcoming federal election. I should point out that, four years ago, we wrote letters to all of the political parties and their leaders, and we had very good, detailed responses to the questions that we raised, so it's certainly a good way to getting attention during the federal elections.

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Question 752-18(3): Northwest Passage Discussions

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Page 5689

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North .

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Question 753-18(3): Effects of Fire Emergency Road Closures on the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 5689

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have some questions for the Minister of Infrastructure . It might be better suited to the Minister of ENR , but I've been assured by his staff that the Minister of Infrastructure can answer at least part of these questions. It's about the highway closure on Highway 35 in Alberta. Now, there's a concern that Highway 35 leads out of Alberta, and there's really not a lot of Alberta infrastructure north of that highway, but for us in the territory, that highway is very important.

There is some concern that maybe Alberta isn't putting the resources in there they could be to put that fire out so that we can open that highway up. Would the Minister of Infrastructure be able to give us an update on what the Government of Alberta is doing in order to put that fire out so that we can open the highway up? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 753-18(3): Effects of Fire Emergency Road Closures on the Northwest Territories

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Page 5689

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure .

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Question 753-18(3): Effects of Fire Emergency Road Closures on the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 5689

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we talked about this yesterday in the House, and I think this is timely to have this question anyway to inform everyone what's going on. The Alberta government has reassured us that they are in full response of this fire. They have their own incident management team managing the fires in Alberta. They are well aware of the situation that's going on there, and I think the whole country is quite concerned about what is going on down there.

I have talked to an ENR minister in his department to get an update on all activities on what's going on, and the Department of ENR has a resource-sharing agreement with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, and we have mutual sharing aid agreements across this country. The Government of the Northwest Territories has exported to Fort McMurray, because that's where the Alberta government has asked them to send them, but we have exported an information officer. We have exported one complete Fire Boss group consisting of an air attack officer and four air tankers and a Bird Dog plane.

ENR is also committed at this time to offer four crews, which would be up to 20 firefighters, which are going to be available starting Monday, June 3 rd , with the expectation that, every two weeks, we would be rotating out the firefighters.

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Question 753-18(3): Effects of Fire Emergency Road Closures on the Northwest Territories

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Page 5689

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

It doesn't sound like we're directly dealing with the fire, but we're sending resources down there where they're needed so Alberta can put resources toward the Steam River fire. Is the GNWT coordinating with the Government of Alberta to implement a plan to begin allowing motorists to travel along that highway by night with a convoy, or at least to let essential goods down that highway?

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Question 753-18(3): Effects of Fire Emergency Road Closures on the Northwest Territories

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Page 5690

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Again, to update the House, as of yesterday, the Alberta government, it's their fire. It's their jurisdiction, and they're in charge of things. They are escorting essential goods through this

section of highway for the residents of the Northwest Territories as long as it's safe to do so, and as of yesterday, we're doing that. We are also communicating all these messages, as I said yesterday, publicly through Twitter, our online road map system, messaging boards and such, so the travelling public knows what's going on. There will be questions, I suspect, about Highway No. 7 through the Fort Liard region. That route is certainly open.

I've had a few people phone me, and the Member made the statement today, it's double the mileage, but at this point right now, if you want to drive back and forth to either BC or Alberta, you're going to have to use Highway No. 7. That is the only available route at this point.

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Question 753-18(3): Effects of Fire Emergency Road Closures on the Northwest Territories

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Page 5690

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

In addition to the highway being out, the railroad is closed, and not necessarily from the Steam River fire but from the High Level fire. As we learned yesterday, the rail bridge at Steam River was consumed by fire, apparently. Does the Minister know how long it would take CN to repair its railways after they have access to it? Because, if they have to rebuild the bridge, there might be other sections, and I'm just wondering how far behind this could put us in terms of the marine resupply.

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Question 753-18(3): Effects of Fire Emergency Road Closures on the Northwest Territories

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Page 5690

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Yes, the Member is right. I got a picture sent to me today of the trestle actually burning to the ground there. Actually, the fire was so hot that it warped the railroad, so there's going to be significant work that is going to have to go into this, and we're in constant contact with CN, and keep updated on how they're going to address this situation.

As far as the fuel goes, we've already got hold of the fuel supplier, and they have activated their fuel response team. They reassure us that they've got a trucking solution already put into place to get the fuel to Hay River to try to meet our barge

schedule and maintain it as close as possible. We don't foresee that as being a concern at this point right now. As it is going to have to be trucked in the short term, the fuel supplier told us and reassured us that they are going to do that, and they expect to have trucks rolling as soon as tomorrow. As I've said, at this point right now, essential goods and fuel will be escorted through the fire situation at this point unless it gets too dangerous, and we're also looking at a long-term trucking solution to be able to meet our sailing

schedule and work with CN.

MR. SPEAKER: Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North .

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Question 753-18(3): Effects of Fire Emergency Road Closures on the Northwest Territories

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Page 5690

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know, I think, rail is probably the cheapest way to ship goods, so there's probably an increased cost associated with trucking the fuel, I guess, around the Liard Highway. I know last year we discussed trucking fuel to Inuvik, and it was about an additional $600,000. Does the Minister know what the cost implications would be for trucking as opposed to using rail?

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Question 753-18(3): Effects of Fire Emergency Road Closures on the Northwest Territories

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Page 5690

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Last year when we had those discussions, that was to meet the emergency need, what it would have been to truck it around. It was a hypothetical question, I guess, if we trucked our fuel and staged it out of Inuvik. This situation with delivery of fuel to the Hay River port, I'm going to have to check with our procurement people and see where the delivery of fuel is actually supposed to be. It may be that this extra cost might be burdened by the Government of the Northwest Territories. It might actually be on the supplier of the fuel. I'll have to get that information and get that back to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 753-18(3): Effects of Fire Emergency Road Closures on the Northwest Territories

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Page 5690

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh .

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Question 754-18(3): Student Financial Assistance

Oral Questions

Page 5690

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently, I had an issue brought to my attention about Student Financial Assistance. After doing my own research, I have some questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

Mr. Speaker, some students exhaust all their remissible loans or supplementary grants. They end up needing to access student loans, which need to be paid back. In speaking with students, they don't have any issue with that. However, there seems to be a roadblock in the way. It's called an assessment of a student's income. I had one student after getting reassessed only get $120 per month. This did not help the student, so the person had to reach out for help. Can the Minister advise us why we need to do an assessment of a student's income if a student loan is what they are asking for? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 754-18(3): Student Financial Assistance

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Page 5690

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 754-18(3): Student Financial Assistance

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Page 5690

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do have to start by saying that we have one of the best student financial supports in the country. I know I've accessed student loans from other provinces and supplementary program for Indigenous people wasn't an option, so I do have to start with that. The other thing is that Student Financial Assistance isn't a basic right. It's a privilege, actually. The Student Financial Assistance isn't meant to provide unlimited financing to everybody in the world to access. It's actually meant to supplement income, and actually support people. It is income tested.

We can't just give it to everyone who needs it. We just don't have that kind of money in our fiscal budget, so it is based on a needs assessment to determine how much the student would need.

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Question 754-18(3): Student Financial Assistance

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Page 5691

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

I don't think anywhere in my comments did I say anything about how bad our system was. Our system is one of the best in Canada, so let's get that straight. I understand that system. It works well. However, it's about a student loan that they have to pay back. It's right in there. It says how much you get. You get a maximum of this, so all of a sudden the student is put on the spot. We're talking about Northerners, and when we talk about income assistance and assessments and that, we're having struggles.

To streamline the process, can the department have a monthly amount students can access in loans instead of having an assessment process done?

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Question 754-18(3): Student Financial Assistance

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Page 5691

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

As stated before, at this point, it isn't just a monthly amount that anyone can access. It is based on the needs, so we do do an assessment, and I think at this point we'll be staying with that because we just don't have the money to support everybody to do anything. I think that it should be income tested. I think that, if people can afford it, then they should help supplement. Like I said, it's something that we try to supplement, but we have to make sure the money goes across as many people as possible.

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Question 754-18(3): Student Financial Assistance

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Page 5691

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

I guess we should just tell our students to quit going to school, or go down south and don't come back, because that's what some of the students are saying, is that they cannot afford what they're getting with this assessment. When we do these assessments, as I said, I had a student who got $120. It's not that she has an elaborate rent, or anything like that; it's not because she's eating five-star meals. This is what her struggle was. She was looking at about $850, then it went down to $120. So this is the problem.

If the department is going to do calculations, then a minimum amount needs to be identified in the policy so that students are aware of this and don't plan on things that will not be available to them. Will the Minister direct the department to add this information to the policy or website?

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Question 754-18(3): Student Financial Assistance

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Page 5691

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Yes, we will absolutely look at our policy and add the minimum amount, because, in some cases, people might even qualify. If we don't have that in, we should have that in, so I will commit to actually having that information in our policy.

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Question 754-18(3): Student Financial Assistance

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Page 5691

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh .

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Question 754-18(3): Student Financial Assistance

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Page 5691

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's commitment on that. During my research, I noticed that Form F has to be filled out each time a student applies for SFA. Can they Minister explain why this has to be done? Once it's done, shouldn't it be good enough? I mean, their status is not going to change, so can the Minister explain that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 754-18(3): Student Financial Assistance

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Page 5691

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

The Form F is actually a form that is signed to show either you have a status number, or if you're Metis, actually you're signed by your band or your Metis association. In fact, I don't see any reason why, once someone has been acknowledged as falling within the Form F that they have Indigenous rights based on being from the Territories, that we should be asking, so if we're doing that, I'm hoping it's a mistake. If we're doing that purposely, it should be fixed, and we will make sure that we look at that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 754-18(3): Student Financial Assistance

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Page 5691

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

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Question 755-18(3): Cannabis Retail Privatization

Oral Questions

Page 5691

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Members heard from my Member's statement, there is some concern around the commitment to privatize retail opportunities for cannabis in the Northwest Territories. Can the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission give the House an update as to the privatization process to date? Thank you.

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Question 755-18(3): Cannabis Retail Privatization

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Page 5691

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Finance .

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Question 755-18(3): Cannabis Retail Privatization

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Page 5691

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we all know, cannabis has been legal for just going on seven months now. We did make a commitment that we were going to look at privatizing the sale of cannabis. It is a very long, lengthy process, and we make those who are interested aware of that. The Member was correct in his Member's statement before, I think he mentioned the date May 29 th , that has been extended to June 30 th .

Part of that is at their request, because there was a criminal record check that was required, and rather than sticking to a hard date and possibly eliminating someone who might be potential retailers, we thought we'd extend the date and give them the opportunity to get that work done. So it is a lengthy process. Those who applied are made aware of that, and they understand that, and it's something that we're going to commit that we're going to do this right and make sure we have the proper people out there who would be retailers for cannabis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 5691

Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

That explanation is greatly appreciated and, again, sometimes investors are looking at these changes and don't quite understand them, so I appreciate the Minister coming forward with that information. To my knowledge, there are around 20 applications in. How many retail opportunities is the GNWT considering through their assessment so far? Are we looking at multiple stores in Yellowknife? Are we looking at single stores in Inuvik, where they do not have a cannabis retail outlet? Can the Minister provide any new content to that point?

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Question 755-18(3): Cannabis Retail Privatization

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Page 5692

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

As the Department of Finance, I don't believe we have a set number of the amount of stores that we might allow in each district or each community. We would work closely with the municipal governments. Obviously, they would have a very important say as to how many of these outlets they might want to have in their community, so we would work with them and see if we can come up with an agreeable solution. So, again, it's not one that we're going to decide, we're going to make the decision when it's final; we'll work with those who would be directly impacted by the number of retailers in their community.

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Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

I know that the Yellowknife City Council, for example, has had some debate around how this is going to operate, so it's good to hear that the Minister is working directly with distributors. There has been some movement on the production side of cannabis in Canada, with a number of boutique cannabis strains being approved by Health Canada, et cetera. Is the NWT Cannabis Commission considering expanding its inventory and bringing more strains and entering into more supply agreements so we can diversify our product base and give consumers more choice?

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Question 755-18(3): Cannabis Retail Privatization

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Page 5692

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

It is something that we would consider. If the consumers are looking for a particular type of product or if there is a particular type of product that is more popular than others, then obviously I think the commission would look at having that readily available. So, again, it's a new process. We've been going through it for a while now. We ran into some issues at the start with supply; those issues seem to have been resolved, and we're starting to move forward. Just for the record, I think that we've had about $1.6 or $1.7 million in sales so far; $1.6, I believe, in sales so far.

Again, as to consumer demands and consumer choices, we will work and try to make sure we have those types of products available for consumers who are interested.

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Question 755-18(3): Cannabis Retail Privatization

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Page 5692

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake .

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Question 755-18(3): Cannabis Retail Privatization

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Kieron Testart

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I assume, once we have these private retail stores, we'll get a better sense of the consumer base out there. Many people have commented to me on the somewhat absurd situation where we will have private cannabis stores before we have private liquor retail stores. Is the department willing to consider the example they're setting by privatizing cannabis retail to extend that to alcohol? Thank you.

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Question 755-18(3): Cannabis Retail Privatization

Oral Questions

Page 5692

Robert C. McLeod

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Not at the moment, Mr. Speaker. We have our liquor retailers in each region, and I think I'd be a little hesitant. Again, I'd be a little hesitant in expanding the number of liquor stores and making liquor a little more available to those who are feeling the effects of it. So, again, we may need to do a review of the whole operation, and I think it's one where we can provide some advice to the incoming government of the 19 th , and maybe start some of the work now and doing a review of the overall liquor and cannabis distribution in the Northwest Territories, but at the moment, we're not looking to open a private retailer for liquor more than we need to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 755-18(3): Cannabis Retail Privatization

Oral Questions

Page 5692

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 756-18(3): Housing Support for Released Inmates

Oral Questions

Page 5692

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Justice . I know the Minister is aware of the Guthrie House Therapeutic Community in Nanaimo, and his officials are working to set up a similar program at the South Slave Correctional Centre. Can the Minister tell us whether the program in the South Slave will assist inmates to find housing on their release? Thank you

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Question 756-18(3): Housing Support for Released Inmates

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Page 5692

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Justice .

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Question 756-18(3): Housing Support for Released Inmates

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Page 5692

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The reintegration of inmates back into society, of course, is a very important part of the correctional system. I also had the opportunity to go to Guthrie House. Currently there is no transitional housing specific to individuals. We could look at that, but there is a housing shortage throughout the Northwest Territories, and I don't know where this would be in our priorities, but we do realize the importance of reintegrating those who are incarcerated back into society. Thank you.

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Question 756-18(3): Housing Support for Released Inmates

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Page 5692

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you to the Minister for that question. Are there any supports in place now that would assist inmates to find housing on their release?

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Question 756-18(3): Housing Support for Released Inmates

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Page 5692

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

Yes. Institutional case managers and community probation officers work with other government departments to assist an inmate in navigating and accessing community resources and housing upon the return to their communities. We are aware, of course, that there are housing shortages throughout the Northwest Territories, and this is an important issue for inmates being reintegrated.

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Question 756-18(3): Housing Support for Released Inmates

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Page 5692

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Is there any possibility that the Minister of Justice could work with the Minister of Housing to look at alternatives to releasing inmates into homelessness, such as, for example, transitional housing, so that it is possible to stop the cycle of people failing because they don't have stable housing and going back into the justice system?

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Question 756-18(3): Housing Support for Released Inmates

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Page 5693

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

I am always happy to work with the Minister of Housing with respect to issues such as this, but I think that we have to recognize that there are housings issues throughout the Northwest Territories. We do realize, however, that this is a particular problem for those who are attempting to reintegrate into their communities.

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Question 756-18(3): Housing Support for Released Inmates

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Page 5693

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 756-18(3): Housing Support for Released Inmates

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Page 5693

Julie Green

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Minister for that answer. I wonder if the Minister would start on a small scale and try a pilot project in which staff could assist inmates to find housing, maybe just in one community, in order to maintain the department's investment in their wellness. I am thinking, in one of the communities where there is a correctional centre, that there be a pilot project and the Minister gauge the results of ensuring that inmates have housing on their release, in order to see whether, in fact, that brings down rates of people going back into jails. Thank you.

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Question 756-18(3): Housing Support for Released Inmates

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Page 5693

Louis Sebert

Thebacha

As I have mentioned, case managers and community probation officers work with various departments as they attempt to reintegrate those who are in custody back into their communities. I don't think that I can commit to a pilot project. I will speak to the Minister of Housing regarding this concept, but I don't think that we can make any commitments at this time. Thank you.

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Question 756-18(3): Housing Support for Released Inmates

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Page 5693

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta .

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Question 757-18(3): Ferry Landing Infrastructure

Oral Questions

Page 5693

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In follow-up to my Member's statement, I have a few questions for the Minister of Infrastructure . As I mentioned, over the last couple of years here, we have been reusing the material in our river system to be used for our landings. I would like to ask the Minister: why is the department reusing the gravel, even though it is mostly mud and clay? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 757-18(3): Ferry Landing Infrastructure

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Page 5693

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure .

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Question 757-18(3): Ferry Landing Infrastructure

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Page 5693

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are a couple of things around this, and we have talked about the river levels in, particularly, the MLA's riding, how it has fluctuated, and then some flooding, then it's not flooding. We have low water.

The gravel landings are closely monitored to keep an eye on the situation, but to update this House, so that all Members know, we have to be in compliance, mostly, with our water licence use, which is given out by the Gwich'in Land and Water Board. We have to comply by that licence. That is the Member's riding; that's his people, the GTC, their land and water board, and we have to be in compliance with this. We tried to minimize the impact on the ferry landings, and we will continue to reuse the gravel for as long as it is still good to use, and then, when it is not, we will be replacing that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 757-18(3): Ferry Landing Infrastructure

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Page 5693

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

The Minister answered my next question, so I will just move on to my third. Is the real reason why we are not using pit-run on our ferry landings because we now have to pay for this material?

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Question 757-18(3): Ferry Landing Infrastructure

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Page 5693

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

The department makes every effort to do what we can. If we have to reuse this gravel to save money, that is what we are doing, making sure that we are not wasting our money, but like I said, we have to follow the provisions in the land and water board's licence. We are trying to minimize the effect on this.

We had questions last year from people who live close to the ferry landing about the disturbances that are taking place there. We realize that people are making a living in that area, they are fishing in that area, and we have to minimize the use of gravel and reuse the gravel as much as we can and try to do the best that we can to comply with our licence.

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Question 757-18(3): Ferry Landing Infrastructure

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Page 5693

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Over the last couple of years here, my constituents in Tsiigehtchic are getting frustrated because we now have to wait for the water to drop, like, over a matter of two to three days, or more, in some cases. That is because we don't have the material to build these landings like we did in the past. When I used to be a heavy equipment operator, for example, on the Fort McPherson landing, I have seen it where they have built out the landing about 100 to 150 metres, and that was just to get the operations going in the spring; so I know it could be done. Will the department go back to the practice that we have always done, using the best quality gravel for our ferry landings?

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Question 757-18(3): Ferry Landing Infrastructure

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Page 5693

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

I will have to find out exactly what spec of gravel we are using here, but I suspect that it is probably the same stuff that we are crushing and using at a lot of different locations around the ferry system. Another thing in our licence through the Gwich'in Land and Water Board is that they told us to keep the gravel to a minimum, and that is part of our licence. That is one of the reasons that we aren't stockpiling gravel in that region.

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Question 757-18(3): Ferry Landing Infrastructure

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Page 5694

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta .

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Question 757-18(3): Ferry Landing Infrastructure

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Page 5694

Frederick Blake Jr.

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now I will probably have to go and deal with the communities to talk to the RRCs; I know this was one of the concerns that came up there. We realized that it is having an impact on our community residents. Will the department, if the Gwich'in Land and Water Board say that it is okay to use this material, will they go back to that practice that we have always had? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 757-18(3): Ferry Landing Infrastructure

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Page 5694

Wally Schumann

Hay River South

I could certainly have a discussion with the department to find out the history of this. As I have said in this House now, we are compliant with our water licence. That is what we have to follow, and if the Gwich'in come back with something different, then we can certainly look at the situation and make accommodations where it is fiscally responsible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 757-18(3): Ferry Landing Infrastructure

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Page 5694

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho .

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Question 758-18(3): Update on Education Initiatives

Oral Questions

Page 5694

Michael Nadli

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . This time of the year is time for graduations, and this department, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, aside from the Department of Health and Social Services, is the second-biggest department in the GNWT. Can the Minister please inform us of the results of the various education initiatives undertaken over the past few years to renew our education system and motivate our students? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 758-18(3): Update on Education Initiatives

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Page 5694

The Speaker

Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 758-18(3): Update on Education Initiatives

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Page 5694

Caroline Cochrane

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are just in the process, actually, of doing a review of our education renewal, all of the initiatives, but I can talk about a few that have been successful, not based on statistics, but just on what we are seeing.

Our Northern Distance Learning, huge success. Again, I don't have the stats to show that. We are just reviewing it now. I will use Ulukhaktok as one of my examples. I know there are other communities. Three students who graduated from Grade 12 in that community who would have normally had to take upgrad