Status of Women of the NWT NWT Territorial Candidate Questions

In 100 words or less... Frame Lake: Jan Fullerton Frame Lake: Kevin O’Reilly Frame Lake: David Wasylciw Great Slave: Glen Abernethy Great Slave: Chris Clarke According to Statistics Canada’s 2013 More than anything, I would fight Family violence is a systemic problem Firstly, I want to see more focus on If re-elected I will work to change I think the most pressing issue for Statistical Profile of Family Violence in for better programs to address in the NWT, and its impacts are felt changing attitudes towards women public perception. I would like to women at this time is their right to Canada, the number of mental trauma, mental illness, and by women, children, elders and and girls. This means investment at enhance programs such as “What Will live without fear. All too often to I RCMP-reported incidents of family addictions. In a 2008 report, 73% of men. It must be addressed by a every level including investment in It Take” and work to get the training hear about women scared to take a violence in the NWT (physical and NWT family violence offences long-term comprehensive strategy new school curriculum that would it into schools, colleges, and available cab by themselves, walk down the sexual assaults) was more than nine involved alcohol and drugs. However, implemented by many organizations support increasing respect and to residents in every community. street late at night, even in pairs, times the national average. The while drug and alcohol abuse are and coordinated by the Coalition empowerment of girls and women. This will help expose violence and afraid that they will be ridiculed for number of incidents where the victim often contributing factors, they often Against Family Violence. I agree with I want that curriculum to include give all people the confidence who they are, or scared what their was a child was more than 4 times are not root causes. Colonization and the 2013 NWT Family Violence Report opportunities for young boys to and skills they need to respond to partner might do to them when they the national average. The number residential schools in particular have Card that said more effort is required identify healthy and contemporary situations of family violence. get home from work. of incidents where the victim was a caused trauma that is a barrier to to inform and educate community ways of being masculine that If re-elected I commit to working Luckily, I come from a long line of a senior woman (over 65) was more healthy family relationships. If we people, including leaders, in order to encourages their own sense of with the Status of Women, the matriarchal family, where women are than 19 times the national average. don’t address this underlying trauma change the attitudes and behaviours self-worth and respectful Coalition Against Family Violence the boss. From living with my great and associated addictions, we are that contribute to violence. The relationships. Along with curriculum and other stakeholders to build upon grandmother Mary Louise King (born unlikely to see any real progress on quality of support services needs to changes I want to see social existing Family Violence Actions Plans Desjarlais Lockhart), my grandmother family violence. be improved, especially in smaller marketing campaigns developed with a updated plan for 2016–2020 Doris McQueen... I would also push for more communities. Stronger emergency and targeted at NWT residents to with a focus on prevention. alternative justice programs for protection orders are required to take increases awareness of the high If... convicted offenders such as offenders out... rate family violence in the NWT, and victim-centered... prompt more open and...

The terms equity and equality are As a starting point, I would work with A number of policies and legislative The concept of equality versus I believe strongly in the concept of As an architect, I have worked sometimes used interchangeably, the Women’s Advisory Office, the changes are required to improve equity is well understood in the equity. Over the last four years, on countless construction sites which can led to confusion because Status of Women Council of the NWT, gender equity in the NWT, along with GNWT. The GNWT has an Affirmative to keep myself grounded and overseeing the development of while these concepts are related, and any other relevant departments/ those mentioned in my response on Action policy that recognizes that focused when I’m working on issues the building, and whenever I see there are important differences. agencies to look at family violence. More affordable and employment equity for Aboriginal important to NWT residents, I have a woman on site it makes me options for implementing a gender- accessible child care is needed in the people needs to be supported posted the following graphic on my extremely happy and impressed that Equality says that everyone should based analysis of policies, programs, NWT, so that more women and men through policy and evaluation of office wall: they are working in trades mainly get the same things. It’s a good and initiatives. are enabled to work and to contribute outcomes. Providing equity for dominated by men. However, this concept, but it’s really only fair if Part of this discussion would focus to their communities. Pay equity women requires the development should not impress me; it should be everyone starts from the same place on what resources would be required legislation needs to be strengthened and implementation of an inclusive completely normal. This extends to and needs the same things. and what office/agency/department and enforced, and a review should diversity lens that includes many professions, such as pilots, could perform this service with be undertaken of the GNWT’s gender-based analysis as a key mining, oil and gas workers, the Equity involves trying to understand the best balance of objectivity and Affirmative Action Policy. Benefits for principle. I will work with all MLAs If re-elected I commit to working transportation sector, and many, and give people what they need in affordability. Once this work is working parents must be improved, to ensure the GNWT develops and with MLAs and government to many others. order to have the same benefits and moving forward, it will help to inform particularly for paid parental leave, implements this lens early in the life ensure that an Equity Based Analysis I will work hard for women’s rights, opportunities. government about other steps that and family and sick leave, and more of the 18th Assembly. is utilized during the design and and particularly Native women, in would have a positive impact. flexible work schedules should be implementation of program and upper management positions within How do you plan to make NWT instituted in... services. This will require that the government. Having worked women more equitable in the NWT? Sources: http://gordonfoundation. Equity Based Analysis training is for Environment Canada, the NWT What policies or legislation do you ca/sites/default/files/publications/ provided to all staff (policy/program Housing Corporation, and... propose could change this? MindTheGenderGap_NinaL design/etc.) responsible for program arsson.compressed.pdf review, monitoring and design. We all know that one of the most effective ways of improving...

For more information please call the Status of Women Council toll free at 1.888.234.4485 or in Yellowknife 920.6177. These answers were received by the deadline November 16,2015 at noon. Please see us on Facebook or visit our website at www.statusofwomen.nt.ca for more information. Status of Women of the NWT NWT Territorial Candidate Questions

In 100 words or less... Kam Lake: Kieron Testart Nahendeh: Kevin Menicoche Nahendeh: Dennis Nelner Nahendeh: Shane Thompson According to Statistics Canada’s 2013 My plan will take action on family I will work to ensure that we as the My focus would be at the home. As a single father of five young Statistical Profile of Family Violence in violence with education initiatives 18th assembly re-affirm the NWT There are program dollars I feel women and two young men and Canada, the number of targeted at boys that teach informed Family Violence action plan, phase II are not properly spent, that can be as Justice of the Peace for the RCMP-reported incidents of family consent and healthy relationships as and build the systems that provides a targeted towards better parenting past 24 years, I understanding the violence in the NWT (physical and part of sexual health education. safe place for women and children, in skills training through programs such importance of ensuring a safe home sexual assaults) was more than nine For adult men, treatment programs our communities, so that victims can as early childhood development. and ending family violence. As a times the national average. The in the correctional system and leave their abusive homes without If we reduce the stresses at home MLA, I would stress the providing number of incidents where the victim specialized courts like Domestic fear. better parenting skills allows us to training to all residents starting in was a child was more than 4 times Violence Treatment Option Court are solve problems in a better way; school, college and community based the national average. The number important initiatives that have seen I will work to have the Protection meaning less violence towards workshops (Men & Women) ,on of incidents where the victim was a significant progress. Our government Against Family Violence act conduct women, and reduction of single how to stop the cycle. I would like senior woman (over 65) was more needs to continue showing leadership the five year performance review and parent families. to see the government work with than 19 times the national average. on ending domestic violence and evaluation. Considering fiscal restraints I would communities to find home grown expanding these programs with at the very least have one shelter solutions and potentially on the dedicated funding. constructed in the regional centres; land opportunities to heal. As well, I am also in support of legal so families have a place to go and continue to utilizing and enhancing navigator program for women cool off. A redistribution of healthcare the Emergency Protection Orders that will connect victims of monies is needed for more mental... process... domestic violence access social and legal supports provided by our government.

The terms equity and equality are I will develop new mentorship The GNWT has a Policy called I would work with the union and HR As stated in my previous question, sometimes used interchangeably, programs targeted towards advancing “Equality of Men and Women in the to promote training and upgrading I have five daughters, with three which can led to confusion because the careers of women within the Northwest Territories” this provides for the rank and file members of the of them still living in the north. All while these concepts are related, public service. I will develop new direction to the Minister responsible GNWT. In today’s society and the three feel that they have the same there are important differences. education funding for women in for the Status of women. This was power of the internet employees are opportunity as their brothers. trades, science, engineering, and as created in 1998 and I believe that it allow the opportunity to upgrade I believe the GNWT has come a Equality says that everyone should entrepreneurs. is time to review it and ensure that their skills online, without having to long way in trying to provide equity get the same things. It’s a good My 10-year plan to transform Aurora the intent is fully carried out to raise leave the community or their families. and equality for all it residents. Is it concept, but it’s really only fair if College into a polytechnic will allow the profile of women in the GNWT By upgrading we can improve our prefect? No it isn’t but it is getting everyone starts from the same place students, including women, to stay Public service and in the NWT. chances of career advancement. better. When I look at my field of and needs the same things. and learn in the North. Staying close work or being a Justice of the Peace, to home offers increased stability the women and men are treated the Equity involves trying to understand and access to family supports same. In other words, same salary, and give people what they need in while pursuing post-secondary same duties and same opportunities order to have the same benefits and opportunities. to grow. opportunities. Finally, no plan to open our economy is complete without affordable As plans to... How do you plan to make NWT daycare and protected maternity women more equitable in the NWT? leave. I will work to create new What policies or legislation do you daycare spaces and implement a propose could change this? universal daycare program.

For more information please call the Status of Women Council toll free at 1.888.234.4485 or in Yellowknife 920.6177. TheseThese answers answers where were received received by by the the deadline deadline November November 16,2015 16,2015 at at noon. noon. Please Please see see us us on on Facebook Facebook or or visit visit our our website website at at www.statusofwomen.nt.ca www.statusofwomen.nt.ca for for more more information. information. Status of Women of the NWT NWT Territorial Candidate Questions

In 100 words or less... Range Lake: Caroline Cochrane Range Lake: Daryl Dolynny Thebacha: J. Michael Miltenberger Thebacha: Louis Sebert Yellowknife Centre: Julie Green According to Statistics Canada’s 2013 To pick two is difficult as I see In March 2015 I helped bring From 2013 SoW Report Card: “All There are I understand currently five I commit to making family violence Statistical Profile of Family Violence in the logic/necessity of addressing forward a motion calling for the levels of government are needed to shelters for women escaping abuse. a high profile issue in any and all Canada, the number of many areas (policy, partnerships, GNWT to investigate the feasibility help in the fight to eradicate family more should be created so that those means at my disposal as an MLA. RCMP-reported incidents of family prevention, etc.). of a domestic violence death review violence. Some of the ways that we in need of shelter have this resource I will ensure constituents are violence in the NWT (physical and committee for the NWT. The GNWT recommend are: closer to home.The use of DVTO informed as well as colleagues in the sexual assaults) was more than nine The first item on the list though that did some preliminary research but Raise awareness of the problem Court is being expanded outside of Legislative Assembly. I also believe times the national average. The I think we can do without additional unfortunately it will be up to the of family violence and establish Yellowknife (currently in Hay River that the Status of Women needs a number of incidents where the victim funding is to work together. My own 18th Assembly to continue to make social norms that makes violence and soon to be in Fort Smith).DVTO larger budget to raise the profile was a child was more than 4 times experience working in the non-profit this a priority. If elected, I will unacceptable. Court should be further expanded to of family violence. In addition to the national average. The number sector has taught me that the GNWT continue to pursue such a committee Connect community residents to communities where resources exist. highlighting the issues during Family of incidents where the victim was a needs to have all stakeholders at the is established. The second area I services and programs in an equitable Violence Awareness Week in the fall, senior woman (over 65) was more table when important decisions are would commit to supporting are way so that all residents have the the SOW needs funds to promote an than 19 times the national average. made. the priorities of the recent National same level of service. end to family violence year round. Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Change social and community Family violence needs to become as I apologize but I cannot make a Aboriginal women. In the spirit of attitudes and behaviors that unacceptable as drinking and driving. second choice for if we truly work respect, recognition and responsibility contribute to violence. Build networks together then the order of priority we must improve the prevention and of leaders within communities that will be defined by us all instead of awareness of... stand up against family violence. Hold just the GNWT. services and institutions accountable to addressing community needs.”

The terms equity and equality are -Ensure the Status of Women As government, while we know that To determine what women need I have advocated an increase in A good focus for making conditions sometimes used interchangeably, Council Act is implemented as it is Gender-Based Analysis may improve to increase their equitable status, I the minimum wage to $15.00 an more equitable for women is to look which can led to confusion because intended (all departments working in equity of performance, the GNWT still propose to work with the SoW NWT hour which would assist the many at their workforce participation. Many while these concepts are related, partnership with the Council) needs to standardize this approach to articulate the needs they have. women who work in the service women with pre-school children don’t there are important differences. -Apply a gender equity lens to all with all policies and programs The areas that I think are most industry..A recent study has found participate in the workforce because policies and evaluate its effectiveness. important to begin this discussion that day care is expensive ($45.00 they don’t have access to affordable, Equality says that everyone should -Review and tighten up the Furthermore, working on Forced are prevention programs. We should to $62.00 a day)and in short supply. licensed child care. The GNWT get the same things. It’s a good affirmative action policy through Disclosure legislation, may cast assess how well they are working Affordable day care on the Quebec has a study that says $20 million concept, but it’s really only fair if training, support, promotion and the right amount of sunshine on and then scale up the most promising model (about $7.00) a day would would buy affordable child care in everyone starts from the same place adherence discrepancies in the workforce, set ones. remove a financial burden on families the NWT. The 18th assembly needs and needs the same things. -Ensure our leadership stands behind new benchmarks for employers and The second area is regarding of modest means and allow more to look at how to make affordable its own legislation by appointing call for a pressure of change. From economic independence. We need women to enter the workforce. child care a reality. Women are more Equity involves trying to understand a female minister to the Status of the non-government side, we need to to help women to be economically often unemployed, underemployed and give people what they need in Women. encourage business to be “pay equity independent through targeted and paid less than males. The 18th order to have the same benefits and champions”, finally, we could also set business start up funding program to assembly needs to study these issues opportunities. up “voluntary” pledge campaigns for helping women entrepreneurs and and find solutions. employers to close this equity gap. business owners. Also, role models How do you plan to make NWT can help support women-to-women women more equitable in the NWT? business mentoring programs. What policies or legislation do you propose could change this?

In 100 words or less... Yellowknife North: Edwin Castillo Yellowknife North: Ben Nind Yellowknife South: Robert R. McLeod No responce from candidates below: According to Statistics Canada’s 2013 1) Community Engagement Lifted, in part, from the UN There remains large research • Deh Cho: Ronald Bonnetrouge Statistical Profile of Family Violence in I think the families and communities Commission on the Status of Women gaps in understanding how best • Deh Cho: Lyle Fabian Canada, the number of that live with the family violence have – here is what I would commit to: to address and reduce intimate • Deh Cho: Michael Nadli • Deh Cho: Gregory Nyuli RCMP-reported incidents of family largely been left out of discussions Education for Prevention partner violence, especially outside • Frame Lake: Roy Erasmus violence in the NWT (physical and about the solutions in the past. To “The best way to end violence of urban areas. I believe we should • Hay River North: Robert Bouchard sexual assaults) was more than nine encourage community engagement, against women and girls is to prevent step up the involvement of health • Hay River North: Karen Felker times the national average. The community solutions must reflect it from happening in the first place care providers by developing and • Hay River North: Rocky Simpson (R.J.) number of incidents where the victim the full scope of issues of concern by addressing its root and structural implementing protocols for referral • Hay River South: Jane Groenewegen was a child was more than 4 times to their residents for the Northwest causes. Prevention should start early of abused women to local services. • Hay River South: Wally Schumann the national average. The number Territories. Working in partnership in life, by educating and working I would engage the Departments • Hay River South: Brian Willows of incidents where the victim was a with community governments and with young boys and girls promoting of Health and Justice to ensure • Inuvik Boot Lake: Desmond Z Loreen senior woman (over 65) was more residents can push advocates of respectful relationships and gender that health care interventions don’t • Inuvik Boot Lake: Alfred Moses than 19 times the national average. social change to come up with new equality.” This needs to be a formal violate patient rights and move • Inuvik Twin Lakes: Jimmy Kalinek • Inuvik Twin Lakes: Robert C McLeod and creative approaches as they mandatory social education program forward with legislative supports. We • Kam Lake: Dave Ramsay discover ways to help create healthy for all youth in the NWT. also need greater coordination and • Mackenzie Delta: Frederick JR Blake communities where people want to “Working with Men and Boys communications of services (“one- • Mackenzie Delta: William Firth live. Here is the scope of the issue. There stop-shopping”) to improve service • Mackenzie Delta: David Krutko are... access and effectiveness for victims. • Mackenzie Delta: Norman Snowshoe 2) Stabilization of funding for social The Status of Women Council would • Monfwi: Jackson Lafferty community systems and NGOs be a lead partner on... • Nahendeh: Rosemary Gill We should be recognize... • Nahendeh: Arnold Hope • Nahendeh: Deneze Nakehk’o • Nahendeh: Randy Sibbeston The terms equity and equality are There are several ways that I would To ensure fairness, measures must I believe the GNWT is already • Nunakput: Ethel - Jean Gruben sometimes used interchangeably, be an advocate for NWT women often be put in place to compensate addressing gender equity and our • Nunakput: Jackie Jacobson which can led to confusion because being more equitable including policy for the historical and social personnel record illustrates the • Nunakput: Robert Kuptana while these concepts are related, changes as follows: disadvantages that prevent women point. Female employees comprise • Nunakput: Herbert Nakimayak there are important differences. a) Introduce measures and men from operating on a level the majority of the public service at • Nunakput: John JR Stuart (communiques and policies) that playing field. Equity is a means— 64.4%. These are well paying jobs. • Sahtu: Paul Andrew Equality says that everyone should actively identify, encourage and equality is the result (UNESCO, Among permanent senior managers • Sahtu: Yvonne Doolittle get the same things. It’s a good celebrate women’s achievements to 2003). in the public service 48% were • Sahtu: Daniel McNeely concept, but it’s really only fair if the NWT. female at the end of 2014. But we • Sahtu: Judy Tutcho • Thebacha: Don Jaque everyone starts from the same place b) Encourage more accessible and A number of legal instruments exist need to do more. We need to have • Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh: Tom Beaulieu and needs the same things. affordable social services that are in Canada for equality for women. more gender-balanced representation • Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh: Richard Edjericon especially important for lower income The Canadian Charter of Rights and in the Legislative Assembly. I will • Yellowknife Centre: Robert Hawkins Equity involves trying to understand women or offer family-friendly work Freedoms as well as the Canadian commit to fostering the discussion, • Yellowknife North: Sean Erasmus and give people what they need in environments. This will dramatically Human Rights Act and within this both in the legislative assembly and • Yellowknife North: Cory Vanthuyne order to have the same benefits and reduce the demands for unpaid care jurisdiction, the NWT Human Rights with the public at large, to determine • Yellowknife North: Dan Wong opportunities. and the domestic work of women. Act in which it “is recognized in the the best course of action to support • Yellowknife South: Nigit’stil Norbert The childcare or family care of Northwest Territories that every increased participation of women in • Yellowknife South: Samuel Roland How do you plan to make NWT appropriate quality and respectful individual is free and equal in dignity northern politics. women more equitable in the NWT? of the rights and dignity of both and rights without regard to his... What policies or legislation do you caregivers and care receivers are still propose could change this? scarce, and where... Thank you to all the candates that participated in our questions and good luck with your campagins.