NORTHWEST TERRITORIES LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

3rd Session Day 17 17th Assembly

HANSARD

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Pages 1213 - 1242

The Honourable Jackie Jacobson, Speaker Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories Members of the Legislative Assembly

Speaker Hon. Jackie Jacobson (Nunakput)

______

Hon. Glen Abernethy Mrs. Jane Groenewegen Mr. Kevin Menicoche (Great Slave) (Hay River South) (Nahendeh) Minister of Justice Minister of Human Resources Mr. Robert Hawkins Minister of Public Works and Hon. J. Michael Services (Yellowknife Centre) Miltenberger Minister responsible for the (Thebacha) Public Utilities Board Hon. Jackson Lafferty Government House Leader (Monfwi) Minister of Finance Hon. Tom Beaulieu Deputy Premier Minister of Environment and Natural (Tu Nedhe) Minister of Education, Culture and Resources Minister of Health and Social Employment Minister responsible for the Services Minister responsible for the Workers’ NWT Power Corporation Minister responsible for Safety and Compensation Persons with Disabilities Commission Mr. Alfred Moses Minister responsible for Seniors (Inuvik Boot Lake) Hon. Bob McLeod Ms. Wendy Bisaro (Yellowknife South) Mr. Michael Nadli (Frame Lake) Premier (Deh Cho) Minister of Executive Mr. Frederick Blake Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Hon. David Ramsay (Mackenzie Delta) Intergovernmental Relations Minister responsible for the (Kam Lake) Status of Women Minister of Industry, Tourism Mr. Robert Bouchard and Investment (Hay River North) Hon. Robert C. McLeod Minister of Transportation (Inuvik Twin Lakes) Mr. Bob Bromley Minister of Municipal and Mr. Norman Yakeleya (Weledeh) Community Affairs (Sahtu) Minister responsible for the Mr. Daryl Dolynny NWT Housing Corporation (Range Lake) Minister responsible for Youth

______Officers Clerk of the Legislative Assembly Mr. Tim Mercer

Deputy Clerk Principal Clerk Principal Clerk, Law Clerks of Committees Operations Mr. Doug Schauerte Ms. Jennifer Knowlan Ms. Gail Bennett Ms. Sheila MacPherson Ms. Malinda Kellett ______Box 1320 Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Tel: (867) 669-2200 Fax: (867) 920-4735 Toll-Free: 1-800-661-0784 http://www.assembly.gov.nt.ca

Published under the authority of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories 4

1) TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRAYER...... 1213

MINISTERS' STATEMENTS...... 1214

52-17(3) – Sessional Statement (B. McLeod)...... 1214

53-17(3) – Culture and Heritage (Lafferty)...... 1217

54-17(3) – Canada’s Top 100 Employers (Abernethy)...... 1217

55-17(3) – Ministers Absent from the House (B. McLeod)...... 1218

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS...... 1218

Gwich’in Tribal Council Elections (Blake)...... 1218

Health Issues Associated with Overcrowded Housing (Yakeleya)...... 1218

Condolences to the Family of the Late Adolf Duesterhus (Bromley)...... 1219

Medical Travel (Moses)...... 1219

Child Tax Benefit Clawback (Menicoche)...... 1220

Drug Treatment Centre (Hawkins)...... 1220

Deh Cho Constituency Issues (Nadli)...... 1221

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (Bisaro)...... 1221

Municipal Elections 2012 (Dolynny)...... 1222

Hay River Municipal Election (Groenewegen)...... 1222

Passing of Theresa Crane and 90th Birthday of Annette Lemay – Great Slave Constituents (Abernethy)...... 1223

Condolences to the Family of the Late Frederick Harold Lafferty of Fort Resolution (Beaulieu) 1223

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS IN THE GALLERY...... 1224

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...... 1225 ORAL QUESTIONS...... 1226

RETURNS TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS...... 1235

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON THE REVIEW OF BILLS...... 1238

TABLING OF DOCUMENTS...... 1239

CONSIDERATION IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE OF BILLS AND OTHER MATTERS...... 1240

REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE...... 1241

ORDERS OF THE DAY...... 1241 October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 6

YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Members Present Hon. Glen Abernethy, Hon. Tom Beaulieu, Ms. Bisaro, Mr. Blake, Mr. Bromley, Mr. Dolynny, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Hawkins, Hon. Jackie Jacobson, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Bob McLeod, Mr. Menicoche, Hon. Michael Miltenberger, Mr. Moses, Mr. Nadli, Mr. Yakeleya

elections that took place earlier this week. The House met at 1:30 p.m. As MLAs we all know the time and personal commitment in running for office. I applaud 2) Prayer everyone who was out there campaigning. We look forward to working with the ---Prayer mayors, councils and other committees in Speaker’s Opening Comments communities. I especially want to thank SPEAKER (Hon. Jackie Jacobson): I’d those who aren’t returning, for their years of like to remind you to turn your cell phones service to the people that they represented off. and the people across the Northwest Territories. Good afternoon, colleagues, It’s my pleasure to welcome you back to the Chamber today I’d like to advise you that some changes as we continue the Third Session of the 17th have taken place in the Legislative Legislative Assembly. Assembly. First, the building of the 16th Legislative Assembly e-Petitions Pilot I know our summer season in the North is Project that this Assembly adopted in a very busy, as we try to take advantage of the motion during the last sitting and a long days and warm temperatures. permanent on-line e-petition site is up and Colleagues, I hope you were able to attend running. the Diamond Jubilee ceremonies taking place throughout the territory this past summer. I just came back the other day myself, and Minister Ramsay, from Paulatuk. We gave Edward Ruben his Diamond Jubilee Medal for what he’s done Petitions, whether paper or electronic, are a for the people of Paulatuk in my riding. valuable way for all NWT residents to take an active part in their government. I I also hope that you found time to enjoy welcome the opportunity the e-petition site spending time with your family and friends, provides for those residing in remote and and that you’re returning refreshed and isolated communities. The e-petition site can eager to tackle the work that has to be done be found on the Assembly website. I invite here in the Legislative Assembly for the all residents to check it out. people of the Northwest Territories. Work also took place this last summer to On behalf of the Legislative Assembly, I’d upgrade the audio/visual system in our like to congratulate all men and women who committee rooms. This will allow the put their names forward in municipal October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 7

Assembly not only to record but also film General Hospital as well as different public committee meetings now. These locations, including Tuktoyaktuk; husband committee meetings will be rebroadcast David Bustable and daughters Sandra Lucas throughout the territory. This is a great and Lesa Dutka on the passing of his wife opportunity to provide more accountability and their mother, Emily Elias; Chris Gruben and transparency to all NWT residents so and Sara McNabb on the passing of their they can stay tuned to watch the Legislative baby, Helena Gruben; Nellie Gruben, Roger Assembly TV and the opportunity to see Gruben, Gayle Gruben, Lloyd Gruben, even more of their favourite MLAs. Robert Gruben, Patrick Gruben, Paula Hein This past summer Minister Lafferty says he and Desmond Gruben on the passing of their was at the right place at the right time. His mother, Helen Gruben. Helen was respected quick thinking averted what could have been in the community of Tuk, the Beaufort-Delta an absolute tragedy in the life of a northern and beyond. She has served the Anglican family. Please join me in commending Church for more than 50 years with much Minister Lafferty in his actions and wishing grace and strength; and, Lena Illisiak, a speedy recovery to Mr. Robin Imbeault. Audrey Green, Marilyn Illisiak, Steve Minister Lafferty good job on your life Illisiak, Joe Illisiak, Molly Ruben, Jean saving. Ruben and Dwayne Illisiak on the passing of their mother, Annie Illisiak. Annie was well ---Applause respected by the children and people of I couldn’t agree more when Minister Paulatuk through her tradition, language and Lafferty said, “We cared for this individual culture. because he was part of us; he’s a part of the When our elders go to be with God, they North.” take a piece of our history, values, stories On a sadder note, colleagues, I’d like to send and knowledge with them. May we allow condolences to all communities in the NWT our elders to live on through us. who lost their loved ones since last we met. It is that time of year when the ice is starting In the Nunakput riding our communities are to freeze in the Northwest Territories and I close knit, and we all lose loved ones and would like to take this time to remind the loss is felt by all. I’d like to take the time parents, grandparents and guardians to talk to give my heartfelt condolences and prayers to your children about safety. to Brian Klengenberg, Tony Klengenberg Colleagues, it is now my duty to advise the and Shane Goeson on the passing of their House that I have received the following mother Agnes Goeson; Sandra Mangelana- message from the Commissioner of the John and Earl John on the passing of their Northwest Territories. It reads: son, Gavin Mangelana; Denise Taylor and Desmond Norman on the passing of their Dear Mr. Speaker: I wish to advise that I baby, Kelson Norman-Taylor; Charles recommend to the Legislative Assembly Pokiak, Robbie Pascal, James Lumsden, of the Northwest Territories, the passage Marilyn Lumsden and Sheila Lumsden on of: Appropriation Act (Infrastructure the passing of their mother, Mabel Pokiak Expenditures) 2013-2014; Supplementary Lumsden. Mabel became the first Aboriginal Appropriation Act (Infrastructure person in Canada to become a registered Expenditures), No. 2, 2012-2013; nurse. Upon completion of her nurse Supplementary Appropriation Act training, Mabel worked at the Inuvik (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2012- 2013, during the Third Session of the 17th October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 8

Legislative Assembly. Yours truly, Principle. Devolution has been a priority George Tuccaro, Commissioner. of this government and Aboriginal Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The governments for years and we were honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod. pleased to have the Sahtu rejoin the process. 3) Ministers’ Statements  In June we released Respect, Recognition, Responsibility, our MINISTER’S STATEMENT 52-17(3): government’s commitment to working on SESSIONAL STATEMENT a government-to-government basis with HON. BOB MCLEOD: Mr. Speaker, I Aboriginal governments. A would like to welcome Members back to the complementary guide for staff helps to continuation of the Third Session of the 17th ensure that we continue to build strong Legislative Assembly. I hope everybody was working relationships in all our able to enjoy some time with family and engagements with Aboriginal friends this summer and has come back governments. rested and ready to continue working on  In July we signed Working Together, an behalf of the people of the Northwest intergovernmental agreement with the Territories. It has been almost one year since Tlicho Government. The agreement we took office. As we get started with this acknowledges the unique and evolving session, I would like to look back at some of relationship between the two the things we have accomplished together governments and identifies areas of this past year. cooperation, including housing, income Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has a vision of a support, infrastructure and community strong and prosperous Northwest Territories governance. that provides all our residents with opportunities in their regions and  Just last Friday I was in Aklavik, where communities. Building effective working the Gwich’in Tribal Council formally relationships with other northern signed the Devolution Agreement-in- governments, business, industry and social Principle. Devolution represents a major and environmental organizations is a critical opportunity for this territory to become factor in our success. This has been a major self-sufficient and prosperous, and I am focus for us during the past year: pleased to have the Gwich’in return to the negotiating table with us.  We continue to meet and engage with Aboriginal and other northern  We also signed an intergovernmental governments to find areas of agreement umbrella agreement and contracting where we can work together to advance MOU in Aklavik. These agreements our mutual interests and the interests of underscore our commitment to the people of the Northwest Territories. maintaining government-to-government Since we took office, members of relations with Aboriginal governments Cabinet have had 45 meetings on a and provide a means for ensuring the government-to-government basis with Gwich’in share in the benefits of a strong Aboriginal governments and leadership. Northwest Territories economy. A strong and sustainable territory starts with  This past May we took an important step healthy, educated people. Over the past year, when the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated our government has worked to address the signed the Devolution Agreement-in- October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 9 social needs of the people of the Northwest causes of many of the problems in our Territories: homes and communities.  We have created an Anti-Poverty  We are also working to help inmates in Steering Committee that includes the North Slave correctional facility representation from all the federal, begin their own healing journey when the territorial and Aboriginal governments, Truth and Reconciliation Commission business, the No Place for Poverty takes statements from them at the end of Coalition and a person who has this month. This will be the first time that experienced living in poverty. We held an the Truth and Reconciliation Commission anti-poverty roundtable with 28 will have entered any correctional facility participants in Hay River in June and in the country. another in Inuvik with 26 participants in Social development and economic early October as part of our work towards development go hand in hand, Mr. Speaker. a comprehensive, broad-based Northwest We need a strong and diversified economy Territories Anti-Poverty Strategy. that uses resources wisely and provides  In April we began implementing Building economic opportunities for our people and for the Future, our strategic framework financial resources to fund public programs for housing delivery that includes a new, and services. Over the past few months the more equitable public housing rental Government of the Northwest Territories scale and new supports to help renters has continued to work on growing and make the transition to home-owning and diversifying a sustainable economy: to help people maintain the homes they  In March we received the project own. description report for the final portion of  In May, with the input and the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the recommendations of Regular Members, K’asho Got’ine District. We are now we allocated an additional $1 million to combining all the PDRs into a single early childhood development programs report that will be used for the and are continuing to work on plans for preliminary environmental screening of ensuring our children get a good start in the project. When completed, the life. Mackenzie Valley Highway will connect  This past June we released A Shared Path our people and resources to the south, Towards Wellness, our action plan on creating economic opportunities for our mental health and addictions that will businesses and people up and down the involve and engage communities in valley. solving the problem of mental health and  When it is completed, the Mackenzie addictions and includes the creation of Valley Highway will finally connect the Minister’s Forum on Addictions. Canada by road from sea to sea to sea.  Earlier this month we launched a new We are already working on the Inuvik to residential schools curriculum in Tuktoyaktuk highway, funding planning partnership with the Government of work and participating in environmental Nunavut and the Truth and review hearings in September. With the Reconciliation Commission to help us environmental assessment wrapping up in address one of the major underlying December, we are hopeful that sound October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 10

project decisions can be made and support for the project, including construction can begin in early 2013. potential financial investment. We have  Along with the Norman Wells Land submitted a business case to P3 Canada Corporation and industry partners, we and issued an RFP for development of a held a Sahtu readiness exploration project description report, which will let session in September, bringing together us move the project on to the more than 100 people to look at how to environmental assessment phase. take advantage of the world-class shale  We are also looking forward to the oil play in the region in a sustainable, opening of the Deh Cho Bridge next responsible way. Our work to support the month. This major piece of public Sahtu includes renaming and refocusing infrastructure will connect the North the work of the Mackenzie Valley Slave permanently to the South, Pipeline Office in Hay River. Our supporting sustainable development of regional management committee is our resources and creating economic working with local businesses, land opportunities for Northerners. corporations and industry to foster good The land and its resources are the source of working relationships that will help us our wealth, but they are also the source of advance development at a sustainable and our health and our life. While we need to manageable pace. We are also working develop our resources to grow our economy with industry and the federal government and meet the needs of Northerners, we also to promote an unbiased and informed need to manage that development. understanding of shale oil development. Development needs to be sustainable, it  Also in September I took part in the needs to create benefits for all our residents, successful trade mission to China, and it needs to reflect Northern priorities organized by the Council of the and values while maintaining ecosystem Federation. Promoting foreign trade and integrity and biological diversity. We investment will be an important way to continue to work towards that goal: grow and diversify our economy. I am  In June we released Land is Life, a pleased to say that there was a lot of discussion paper that will help us develop interest in our minerals, oil and gas and a land use and sustainability framework that Chinese investors wanted to learn to guide how land use management more about developing our resources decisions are made post-devolution. We sustainably and responsibly. I spoke to are using the paper in ongoing Chinese tourism operators about our consultations with the public, Aboriginal spectacular territory and saw Northwest governments, land management Territories furs being used in some of the organizations and other stakeholders. most fashion-forward garments in Beijing. We had excellent discussions  We continue to work on transboundary about how diamonds from the Northwest water management agreements that will Territories could meet growing Chinese maintain the ecological integrity of the demand in Hong Kong. Mackenzie Basin and ensure coordination of water management between  We continue to advance the Mackenzie jurisdictions. Our work on a bilateral Valley fibre optic line. Over the summer, agreement with Alberta is moving Minister Miltenberger met with some Aboriginal government leaders to seek October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 11

forward and we hope to conclude an We have also been recognized nationally for agreement in early 2013. the quality of our work and our working  We continue to work towards a new environment. In August our government was Wildlife Act, consulting broadly with recognized by the Institute of Public people across the Northwest Territories, Administration of Canada for our innovative including public meetings and open approach to involving Aboriginal houses, meetings with Aboriginal governments in planning work for the governments and the creation of a Mackenzie Valley Highway. Last week our Stakeholders Wildlife Act Advisory government was recognized as one of Group. We hope to introduce a Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2013. This modernized act with appropriate tools for recognition places us among a select group effective wildlife management reflecting of Canadian employers who lead the nation the input of all these groups shortly. in their commitment to their employees. We value our employees and respect the good  We continue to implement the work they do in implementing our direction government’s Greenhouse Gas Strategy and providing services to Northerners. to achieve emission targets, and leverage federal funding to take action to facilitate Mr. Speaker, we took office with a climate change adaptation. commitment to doing things differently and getting things done. This government has  Resources continue to be allocated to the been living up to that commitment. We still research and development of renewable have plenty of work ahead of us. We energy sources and helping communities continue to address the high cost of living, take advantage of business opportunities through investments in transportation while reducing their reliance on fossil infrastructure, alternative energy projects fuels. We are working with communities like the Fort Simpson solar installation, our to develop forest management anti-poverty work, and new and enhanced agreements to help develop a viable programs to help homeowners. forestry industry accessing timber, Devolution remains a priority. We hope to biomass and non-timber products, while conclude negotiations before the end of maintaining and enhancing 2012, and it will take 18 months after environmental stewardship. signing to fully implement the agreement. Other successes from the past year include We are working on a plan to address negotiating an increase to our borrowing decentralization to help increase limit with the federal government. This will employment opportunities in our help give us the ability to continue making communities. We are looking for northern strategic investments in the infrastructure we Premiers to take a more active role in the need to support economic development in Arctic Council when Canada begins to chair our territory. During the spring we it in 2013. successfully negotiated new four-year We are almost a year into our mandate, Mr. collective agreements with the Union of Speaker. We are making progress on our Northern Workers, the Northwest Territories goals and priorities as an Assembly and I Medical Association and the Northwest would like to thank Members for their Territories Teachers’ Association, providing efforts to help us move forward. I look certainty for our employees and stability for forward to working with them in this session our ongoing operations. October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 12 and over the next three years. Thank you,  Elder, 50 years of age and older; and Mr. Speaker.  Group. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Premier. As well, there is a Minister’s Choice Award Colleagues, before we go on, I`d like to chosen from all the nominations, which is recognize in the gallery here today, we have selected by the Minister for an individual or former Premier Jim Antoine and his wife, group that embodies the principles of the Celine. Welcome to the House. Minister’s Cultural Circle. The 2012 award ---Applause recipients exemplify the commitment, We have former Commissioner, Speaker, diligence, creativity and passion we want Minister, Member, Sergeant-at-Arms, culture and heritage to inspire in us all. I was Honourary Clerk, Royal Canadian Navy honoured to welcome our recipients into the Captain, Mr. Anthony W.J. Whitford. Cultural Circle this morning: Welcome back to the House, Tony.  Doris Taniton of Deline, our youth ---Applause recipient; The honourable Minister responsible for  Lillian Elias of Inuvik, our elder culture and heritage, Minister Lafferty. recipient;  Melaw Nakehk’o of Fort Simpson, our MINISTER’S STATEMENT 53-17(3): individual recipient; and CULTURE AND HERITAGE  the Tlicho Imbe Program, our group HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: Mahsi, recipient. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the priorities for this Assembly is to strengthen  The 2012 Minister’s Choice Award awareness of our northern identity and recipient is Jean Harry of Sachs Harbour. uniqueness by promoting our many diverse I hope all Members of this Assembly will cultures. I am very pleased to advise this join me in honouring the Cultural Circle House that the Department of Education, recipients and thank them for their work of Culture and Employment held a ceremony preserving, promoting, protecting and today to celebrate the tremendous celebrating our unique cultures and heritage. contributions that people from all across this In addition to the Cultural Circle awards territory have made to keep our cultures ceremony today, this week marks an vibrant and alive. important gathering of more than 50 The Minister’s Cultural Circle was created in 2011 to community representatives from arts, celebrate Northerners who contribute to the preservation and promotion of the various cultures business, government and cultural and where we come from in the Northwest Territories. organizations across all regions of the NWT, The department began requesting nominations in May as well as representatives from the Canada and they poured in. An independent panel of judges selected five recipients from the many submissions Council for the Arts and the Department of we received from across the territory. Canadian Heritage, as they meet to share The Cultural Circle helps build awareness amongst common goals and learn new skills. I want Northerners about the importance of promoting, to acknowledge and commend all of the protecting, preserving and celebrating our unique culture and heritage. We received nominations in four people, artists, cultural organizations and categories: community museums for their dedication  Youth, 25 years of age and under; and valuable work they do in our communities to preserve and promote our  Individual; northern cultures and heritage. October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 13

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to skills development; and community waive Rule 36(6) so that all Ministers’ involvement. statements filed with the Clerk can be Effective and efficient government is one of delivered today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. the goals of the 17th Legislative Assembly, ---Unanimous consent granted Mr. Speaker. The key to providing effective MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister services to the people of the Northwest of HR, Mr. Abernethy. Territories is a committed and competent public service. Being able to promote the MINISTER’S STATEMENT 54-17(3): GNWT as one of Canada’s top 100 CANADA’S TOP 100 EMPLOYERS employers enhances our ability to attract talented individuals who are deeply engaged HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Mr. by their work and committed to their Speaker, on October 10th the Government of professions, their communities and the the Northwest Territories was recognized as people they serve. one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2013. This places the GNWT among an The GNWT is a great place to work. We exclusive group of Canadian employers who offer excellent compensation and benefits; lead their industries in their commitment to generous leave allowances; opportunities for employees and their ability to recruit and a varied career; support for education, retain a committed and engaged workforce. training and development; and a family- friendly work environment that permits We are in good company Mr. Speaker. flexible work hours where operationally Other employers recognized include 3M, possible. We are an inclusive employer that CIBC, WestJet, Enbridge, Proctor and values the skills and contributions of all Gamble and Manulife Financial. Employers employees, and are respectful of the being recognized for the first time along diversity of our workforce. Working for the with GNWT include Aboriginal Peoples’ GNWT is challenging and exciting, and Television Network and Shoppers Drug employees have the ability to contribute to a Mart nationally. I would also like to vibrant North and to be part of an recognize Diavik Diamond Mines as the organization that respects and honours only other NWT-headquartered employer cross-cultural context. Due to our small size, receiving this prestigious recognition. employees have the opportunity to make a It is very satisfying to know that the GNWT difference and are able to see the direct is being recognized nationally as one of the impact their work has on residents of the best employers to work for in Canada. NWT. There are great opportunities for Recipients of this award are chosen by a career growth, development and blue-ribbon Academic Advisory Board of advancement and, last but not least, the management experts drawn from chance to work in beautiful, pristine universities across Canada. locations and experience the richness of The GNWT was selected based on the different cultures and traditions. evaluation of eight criteria: physical There are many people responsible for workplace; work atmosphere; health, making the GNWT one of Canada’s top 100 financial and family benefits; vacation and employers. I would like to extend my time off; employee communications; congratulations to all GNWT employees for performance management; training and their hard work and commitment which contributed to our national recognition as a October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 14 top employer. I would also like to thank the making our territory a better place to live, to Members of the 17th Legislative Assembly build relationships with governing bodies and our union partners for making this and provide positive comments to the people possible. All of us play a role in establishing that we represent. the high standards of our workplaces and we We need to be more mindful of others when can all take great pride in this achievement. making decisions that affect their territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With that in mind, I’d like to welcome MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. everyone back and look forward to the next Abernethy. The honourable Premier. few weeks as we get down to business. As you may be aware, the Gwich’in Tribal MINISTER’S STATEMENT 55-17(3): Council held its election for president and MINISTERS ABSENT FROM THE vice-president in June. I want to take this HOUSE time to acknowledge and congratulate Mr. HON. BOB MCLEOD: Mr. Speaker, I Albert Alexie Jr. on being elected president wish to advise Members that the Honourable and Mr. Norman Snowshoe on being elected David Ramsay will be absent from the vice-president. Both Albert and Norman will House today and tomorrow to attend the represent the Gwich’in Tribal Council for Council of Ministers Responsible for the next four years. I look forward to a Transportation and Highway Safety meeting positive working relationship with the in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Gwich’in Tribal Council. I wish to advise Members that the I also want to acknowledge former President Honourable Robert C. McLeod will be Richard Nerysoo and former Vice-President absent from the House today to attend a Mary Ann Ross for the tremendous amount meeting with the Arctic Winter Games of work and commitment that they both International Committee and his territorial gave to the Gwich’in Tribal Council. Mahsi counterparts in Fairbanks, Alaska. Thank cho. you, Mr. Speaker. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Blake. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Premier. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Item 3, Members’ statements. The Yakeleya. honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Blake. MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON HEALTH ISSUES ASSOCIATED 4) Members’ Statements WITH OVERCROWDED HOUSING MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON MR. YAKELEYA: Thank you, Mr. GWICH`IN TRIBAL COUNCIL Speaker. I want to congratulate all the ELECTIONS elected councillors and mayors that just recently had their elections. I take my hat off MR. BLAKE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. to the people who put their names forward to Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, Premier and serve their people. colleagues. I would like to welcome all Members back to the Assembly. It’s been a The Premier talked about the year now that very busy summer for each of us. We’ve had we’ve been elected, and we are elected by time to spend with our family and time to our people to fight for our people when we visit our communities with our constituents. come to the capital in Yellowknife here to Today we are here to contribute towards look at the conditions that we live in in our October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 15 communities. We know the conditions MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON because we come from these small CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY communities. OF When we come into a larger centre, we start THE LATE ADOLF DUESTERHUS to see some of the equalities that happen. MR. BROMLEY: Thank you, Mr. We even look at our school system, where it Speaker. Today I’d like to follow your lead took almost nine years to have the and remember some of the people across the Government of the Northwest Territories put Northwest Territories that are no longer with proper washroom facilities in a school in us. Today I’d specifically like to recognize Colville Lake. We wonder and I wonder the passing of a remarkable northern pioneer why it took so long, nine years, to even have and long-time Weledeh resident, Adolph washroom facilities in the health centre in Duesterhus. Colville Lake. When we come down here, Adolph came to Canada from Germany after we look at other facilities where they take it enduring the terrible experiences of war on for granted. the Russian front and internment in a Soviet Our people ask us to come forward and fight prisoner of war camp. He arrived in Canada for them, to have the same type of facilities April 25, 1953, with eight dollars and a train that the other institutions have around the ticket to Edmonton. Arriving in Edmonton, Northwest Territories. When we get down he answered a Giant Mine job ad, and was in here, we get to see how the system works Yellowknife drawing a paycheque within and sometimes it’s very frustrating. two weeks of stepping off the boat. After a Sometimes it’s okay because we win some year at Giant, Adolph moved to Curry and we lose some. The system sometimes Construction, where he stayed many years works not for the people but for the system running equipment and supplies across the itself, and that’s frustrating. territory; an original ice road catskinner long One of the huge costs of this government is before the truckers. His experiences are our health care. The majority of our budget chronicled in the unpublished memoire, is spent on health care. On the weekend I Driving Northern Byways: Memories of was reading the Globe and Mail. We have a Northern Ground Transport in the ‘50s and dangerous infection, a superbug, that’s ‘60s. Adolph was a family neighbour and I continuing to rise in the Northwest personally heard many of his hair-raising Territories. It’s MRSA and this is a very tales of too-heavy equipment on too-thin ice. dangerous infectious disease that we have Perhaps less well known but equally here. It’s on the rise and we need to start remarkable was Adolph’s scholarly passion tracking the superbug. One of the for advanced physics. Self-taught in one of contributing factors of this superbug is the the most intellectually challenging overcrowding of housing. disciplines, Adolph was also a pioneer in the I have a lot of issues I want to talk about. I mindscapes of complex mathematics and don’t have the time right now so I would theory. He was a contributor to scholarly just like to say, stay tuned. journals and always at work on explanations of phenomena few of us are aware of, let MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. alone understand. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley. Though a private and perhaps even eccentric man, Adolph was a willing contributor to community projects and a reliable helper to October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 16 his friends and neighbours. In the closing need for issues that they are dealing with. passage of his book, Adolph pays tribute to Specifically, when it comes to speciality the people who welcomed him and worked appointments and they can’t get those with him to build a better community. He appointments rescheduled again, maybe said, “All of the good people helped make three months, six months and, in this case, a Yellowknife what it is today. I salute them full year. all.” The government really needs to develop a Adolph Duesterhus, a friend of the better process to ensure that people in the Yellowknife Community Foundation, passed Northwest Territories get the proper care away on Friday, September 28th, and is and treatment that they deserve and help survived by two nephews living in save the government some money on some Germany. Mr. Speaker, I will miss his patients that go to either Yellowknife, to the unique character and northern wisdom. region, even down south to Edmonton, and Mahsi. sometimes they find out that they’ve missed MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Bromley. their appointments, or sometimes the The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. appointments have been cancelled on them. Moses. The Department of Health and Social Services and medical travel needs to find a MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON better process to ensure that our people do MEDICAL TRAVEL get to their appointments, that we’re not having any more no-shows, and that the MR. MOSES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. government starts saving money and that our Over the time that I had off over the people get the treatment that they need. summer, I got a lot of constituency concerns, and we’re just finishing up our I’ll have questions for the Minister later on first year – my first year as a Member of the today. Legislative Assembly – and every time that MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Moses. somebody comes to my office, I always get The Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche. to learn a little bit more about the issues and the problems that our people are going MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON through today. CHILD TAX BENEFIT One that came up that grabbed my attention CLAWBACK was with medical travel. I had a constituent MR. MENICOCHE: Thank you very who had had an appointment cancelled much, Mr. Speaker. Recently, I was shocked because she couldn’t make the flight when and appalled to learn that this government the department had booked her medical has begun clawing back the Child Tax travel and gave her the notice about two Benefit. The Child Tax Benefit is a federal hours before the flight was going to take off. subsidy that was put in place to help She couldn’t make her appointment, and as a Canadian families with the challenges of result, she had to wait a whole year to fill meeting the cost of raising children. that appointment. This summer the NWT Housing Corporation Speaking with other people in the began including the Child Tax Benefit in its community, this is an ongoing problem income assessments for public housing within the government, and it needs to be rents. As a result, some people who received addressed in terms of having our people be the benefit have had their rents go up. This able to go and get the treatment that they October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 17 change makes no sense to the average Assembly, and still this issue continues to be person. ignored by this government. I know that we are dealing with two Right now people are addicted to these different programs and two different drugs as well as other types of hard drugs, governments, one federal and one territorial, but there is no true treatment for them in the but from the perspective of parents and NWT, away from friends, family and single parents trying to make ends meet in community support. Every month goes by our small communities, it seems like this and more citizens complain about the lack of government is giving with one hand and opportunities and services provided here in taking with the other. What is the point of the North. If the Minister hasn’t heard the that, Mr. Speaker? As one of my call from me, during the last six weeks in the constituents said, the money from the Child municipal election I have heard countless Tax Benefit is meant for milk and Pampers, candidates and citizens calling for more not rent. options to address treatment problems here. I cannot imagine that the savings to the What message does this Minister need to GNWT of clawing back the Child Tax hear before he finally addresses this lack of Benefit amounts to very much. However, for treatment centre problem with a targeted the families who are affected by this change, response? I agree with the direction the new it means less money every month for Mental Health and Addictions Strategy is groceries, diapers, kids’ clothing and shoes. going, but it lacks the option of a treatment I will be asking our government, through the centre for people who need to break free Premier, when they will put an end to this from chronic hard drug usage. outrageous clawback. Leave the Child Tax I continue to call for a detox centre here in Benefit alone. Leave it with our low-income the Northwest Territories, but we cannot parents that need it. Thank you. mix the two. There is room for both options. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. I am willing to take one. I am willing to take Menicoche. The honourable Member for any option if this Minister is finally willing Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins. to act. Quite frankly, I am sure the Minister is tired that I keep raising this particular MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON subject. I am sure, as well, at the same time, DRUG TREATMENT CENTRE he is frustrated that the impacts this problem is having on our health system. MR. HAWKINS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With 1,082 days and approximately 18 We need a targeted solution to help all hours left in our term, there is still time for Northerners and our communities from the Minister of Health to finally do the right being burdened by this big city problem. thing. What is the right thing, you might Undoubtedly, there are examples in other want to ask. Well, it is still time to address jurisdictions that have worked. Why don’t the need for a treatment centre for people we have a northern solution to what is not a who are addicted to hard drugs such as northern problem? What message does this crack, crystal meth and even prescription Minister send to our youth – our future – by drug abuse. I am confident that I have raised ignoring the seriousness of this particular this issue alone at least six or seven times in problem? If we keep avoiding this problem, this term alone. I have mentioned this we will never solve it. I ask the Minister to particular problem countless times in the last stop saying no and finally say yes to a term of the 16th and even in the 15th problem that we need addressed for the October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 18 people of the Northwest Territories. Thank community and staff will look forward to you, Mr. Speaker. the improvements the health centre will MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. bring. Hawkins. The honourable Member for Deh Although we are making progress, many Cho, Mr. Nadli. challenges still lay ahead. Enterprise and Kakisa have yet to establish their own water MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON treatment plants. The Hay River Reserve DEH CHO CONSTITUENCY continues to struggle with jurisdictional ISSUES matters regarding reserve status, levels of MR. NADLI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I government obligation, housing and other would like to extend warm greetings to programs and services. The Deh Cho riding everyone here today and to those listening does not have mobile phone service, and in from across the Northwest Territories. The the interest of public safety and improved fall 2012 session marks a full year since communications, I will soon table a petition Members were elected to this Assembly. requesting cellular service in Fort Providence and the surrounding area before This year has been significant for the the opening of the Deh Cho Bridge. Northwest Territories and for the Deh Cho riding. This past summer an anthrax Unemployment is as high as 30 percent in outbreak decimated the Mackenzie bison some of the Deh Cho communities. That herd, killing over 400 animals. I takes a toll on families as well as programs acknowledge that the Department of that offer government support. The Deh Cho Environment and Natural Resources rapidly and NWT as a whole must tackle such issues forwarded a response to this devastating as land claim and self-government situation. The active infection phase of this negotiations, devolution and resource disease is now over forever. Among the revenue sharing, pressures of increased impacts of the outbreak are reduced hunting energy costs and major infrastructure quotas for all harvesters. decisions. The Deh Cho residents are eagerly waiting In spite of these challenges, we have to look for the opening of the Deh Cho Bridge in forward to over the next two years and November. The Deh Gah Bridge Society is beyond the life of the 17th Assembly. proud of this tremendous project and hopes Meaningful advances and development of to work with the GNWT to maximize the biomass industry in the Deh Cho, increased opportunities the bridge will provide to our tourism as a result of the monumental 1,000 region. metre long Deh Cho Bridge, and more opportunities to work together to build the The bridge opening marks the end of an era future of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, for the Fort Providence ice crossing and Mr. Speaker. ferry service. I would like to commend the hard work and dedication of those who have MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Nadli. maintained these key pieces of infrastructure Colleagues, before we go on I would like to over the many decades of travelling across recognize in the House former Member for the Mackenzie River. Deh Cho and honourable Minister, Mr. Michael McLeod. Welcome back to the A highlight in this coming new capital plan House. The Member for Range Lake, Ms. is the commitment to build a much needed Bisaro. new health centre in Fort Providence. The October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 19

MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON Also, Dr. Michael Rachlis, health care INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE analyst and associate professor at the ERADICATION OF POVERTY University of Toronto was quoted: “Poverty MS. BISARO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. accounts for at least 20 percent of our health The United Nations has declared today, care costs. If we can reduce poverty October 17th, as International Day for the substantially and increase the quality of life Eradication of Poverty. I think this day is for more people, we will reduce health care timely because here in the Northwest expenditures and prevent new costs in the Territories we’ve just concluded a second future.” series of meetings of the Anti-Poverty The GNWT and this Assembly must not Working Group, as mentioned by the lose sight of the importance of reducing and Minister. We are moving forward with the eradicating poverty. We’ve made a development of an Anti-Poverty Strategy. commitment to develop a strategy and we The International Day for Eradication of are acting on it. Now we must ensure a Poverty has been observed every year since comprehensive, workable, coordinated 1993, but unfortunately, we still have very response to poverty from that commitment. little to show for it. Millions across our Reorganizing how we provide GNWT world still live in abject poverty. Progress on programs and services and revamping our the goal to reduce poverty has been policies… agonizingly slow. Here in Canada, some Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to parts of the country are ahead of others, and conclude my statement. thankfully for us, the NWT is not the last to ---Unanimous consent granted begin development of an Anti-Poverty Strategy. Our work on it can come none too MS. BISARO: Reorganizing how we soon. provide GNWT programs and services and revamping our policies to enable people to At the end of July, the national organization rise out of poverty would achieve such a Campaign 2000, an organization whose coordinated result. I look forward to seeing slogan is End Child and Family Poverty in the result of the work of the Anti-Poverty Canada, issued a media release following Working Group. I would like to thank all of the Council of the Federation meetings. Part them for their efforts to date and for the of that release quoted Sid Frankel, an work that they will do in the coming associate professor, University of months. This working group is a great Manitoba’s School of Social Work. example of the benefits of collaboration, Professor Frankel said: “The provinces need working together for the betterment of all to strengthen their poverty reduction NWT residents. Thank you. strategies and the federal government needs to adopt its own comprehensive and MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. coordinated plan. Income is a key The Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny. determinant of a person’s health. The higher MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON one’s position on the income ladder, the MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2012 more likely one is to live in good health. Income equality, on the other hand, impairs MR. DOLYNNY: Thank you, Mr. health and increases premature mortality. Speaker. Welcome back, Mr. Speaker and Simply, all Canadians will benefit from less my fellow colleagues from across this great poverty and inequality.” territory, as we roll up our sleeves for a very October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 20 energetic and hopefully productive couple of municipal election voter turnout was as weeks. strong as it was in 2009, with a strong With all the recent municipal elections and showing of 49 percent in Yellowknife, and school board action in the past month, I am many other jurisdictions reporting over 40 really looking forward to harnessing all the percent turnout. This makes me wonder how new focus and new ideas that were shared it is that our very territorial elections cannot amongst so many great civic leaders. From muster the same achievements that we see Iqaluit to Whitehorse, from Fort Smith to across the board. This is something that the Inuvik, the North was a myriad of topics that Assembly needs to discuss in the next were all designed to improve our everyday couple of years. lives. Speaking of years, I am happy to say that the We wish to take this time to thank the many voters will now enjoy a bit of peace and brave candidates that sacrificed so much – quiet and a break from candidates knocking and I say brave because it takes a special on their door, especially for the next three person to let their name stand for public years as there should be no elections to office – put their lives on hold, and to stand speak of. Rest up, voters, because in 2015 with conviction on topics that affect us. will emerge the perfect storm as all three Sometimes you get those who oppose you, levels of governments and school boards and most time you get those people who will have elections within the same time support you and in the end you hope that period. To all you potential candidates your principles are supported enough to across the North, time to reserve your lawns generate that special gesture we call a vote. now as space will be limited. To those who came up on top with the votes MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. required to win, on behalf of the Members The honourable Member for Hay River of the Legislative Assembly, congratulations South, Mrs. Groenewegen. to you, your families and your communities. MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON For those who didn’t get elected, we want to HAY RIVER MUNICIPAL personally thank you for your efforts. We ELECTION know losing is a painful and heartbreaking experience but it teaches us dignity. We MRS. GROENEWEGEN: Thank you, Mr. know that many of you will get back on Speaker. I rise today to offer my your feet really quickly. Your efforts, your congratulations to the successful candidates words and your actions did not go in Monday’s municipal election in Hay unnoticed. Just because you lost doesn’t River. I look forward to working closely mean that your advocacies, whether it be on with Mayor-elect Andrew Cassidy and poverty, education, health, or economy, councillors Brad Mapes, Kandis Jameson, went to the wayside. Your pledges and your Keith Dohey, Donna Lee Jungkind, Vince promises will be championed by others and McKay, Roger Candow, Jason Coakwell you will enjoy knowing that you played a and Michael Maher. While Mayor Cassidy part in our territory’s well-being. and councillors McKay and Maher bring the wisdom of municipal experience to this Finally, to all of those who took the time to group, others bring fresh ideas and new exercise their democratic right, we thank perspectives. you, the voter, for your time and your support. I was pleased to see that the We have the voice for youth in Councillor Dohey, a fourth-generation Hay Riverite, October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 21 and might I say that Mr. Dohey was six successfully or not in being elected, years old when I first got elected and he was contributed to the democratic process and to interested in politics even back then. I the public debate on important issues in our predict we will see him in this House communities and they all have my deepest someday. respect and gratitude. We also have a very active retired person, MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mrs. Councillor Candow, who will have less time Groenewegen. The honourable Member for for the golf course now. We have two Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy. women councillors: Councillor Jungkind and Councillor Jameson. We have two MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON public servants: Councillor Maher and PASSING OF THERESA CRANE Councillor McKay. We have two business AND 90TH BIRTHDAY OF managers in Councillor Jungkind and ANNETTE LEMAY – Councillor Coakwell and two business GREAT SLAVE CONSTITUENTS owners in Councillor Jameson and HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Thank you, Councillor Mapes. So you see we have a Mr. Speaker. We have been blessed this year very diverse group representing Hay River. with one of the best summers on record and I wish this dynamic group every success in I hope that everybody, although you’re becoming an effective team and tackling really busy, had an opportunity to get out major issues, such as Hay River’s aging and enjoy it. infrastructure and our sputtering economy, As usual, over extended periods of time with the full confidence of our community. there have definitely been some high points The new council can count on my support and some low points. On the low side, over and assistance. the last couple of months we have lost some Hay River also elected its district education great northern residents. As such, I would authority on Monday. The DEA makes like to take this opportunity to offer my important and often difficult decisions on condolences to the family of Theresa Crane. planning, operations and staffing our Theresa passed away this summer. I’ve community schools. Congratulations to known Theresa for a number of years and DEA members Kirk Carston, Melanie she was a fantastic lady. I enjoyed receiving Carter, Terence Courtoreille, Kandis phone calls from Theresa and having her ask Jameson, Melvin Larocque and Louise me to come down for tea and politics, where Schuman, all of whom were elected by we would discuss and discuss and discuss acclamation. I’d like to thank them for issues important to her and the Northwest stepping forward to serve. Territories. She was a long-time resident of I would also like to say a sincere thank you Yellowknife and the Great Slave riding, and to all of the candidates who ran for through discussions it was clear that she municipal office in Hay River and truly loved Yellowknife and the Northwest throughout the Northwest Territories, Territories. She was an active volunteer and including those who weren’t elected. It’s she cared passionately about everyone that never easy putting your name forward for she came into contact with. She’ll definitely public office. Campaigning takes time, be missed. money, support and very patient family and In addition to the sad events, though, we friends. It takes courage, sacrifice and also witnessed some amazing milestones commitment. Everyone who ran over the last couple of months. By way of an October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 22 example, on September 25th a constituent of Resolution. Frederick was born August 19, mine in the Great Slave riding and a long- 1939, and passed away on July 3, 2012, at time Northerner, Ms. Annette Lemay, the age of 73. Frederick was a Metis man celebrated her 90th birthday. I recently who lost his wife many years ago and lived communicated with John and Joan his life for his grandchildren, children and Snuverink and their friend Phyliss LaFleur, great-grandchildren. who were long-time friends of Annette. Frederick has spent the last few years in They shared some stories and highlights of long-term care here at Stanton Hospital. Annette’s life. They all wish Annette a Frederick was a family oriented man who happy birthday. devoted a great deal of his time to his Annette was born on September 25, 1922. children, grandchildren and great- She and her husband Aurel moved to grandchildren. He enjoyed nothing more Yellowknife shortly after they were married than being surrounded by family, and you on May 17, 1952. She was 30 at the time. could tell that when you attended his They celebrated their 60th wedding funeral, all the pictures of him and his anniversary in Yellowknife this year. family. Annette has tirelessly volunteered with the Frederick is survived by his siblings Frank, community at the Roman Catholic Church Gaby, Peter and Alice. His children were: for the past 60 years. She volunteered on a Frank my brother-in-law, Darryl, Elaine, regular basis until last year, 2011. Her Melvin, Julia, Fred, Greg and Dexter. His friends have commonly referred to her as grandchildren were: Austin, Jordan, Scott, remarkable. As a note, Lemay Drive in Jaeda, Destry, Lisa, Darryl Jr., Deborah, Yellowknife was named after Annette’s Carol, Jackie, Ryley, Nikkita, Bayleigh and husband, Aurel, for his long-time Caitlyn. He had three great-grandchildren: contribution and career at Yellowknife Giant Grace, Tristan and Payton. Along with Mine. I would like to take this opportunity numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and th to wish Annette a happy 90 birthday and many, many other relatives in Fort wish both Aurel and Annette a belated Resolution. Frederick was practically related th happy 60 anniversary. It’s people like to everyone in Res. Annette and Aurel who help make Yellowknife the great city that it is. Frederick was very close with his family and spent a lot of time with them. Frederick was MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. the son of the late Victor and Virginia Abernethy. The honourable Member for Tu Lafferty. My condolences go out to Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu. Frederick’s children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, siblings and all the other MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON family members in Fort Resolution and Hay CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY River. OF THE LATE FREDERICK HAROLD MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. LAFFERTY Beaulieu. Item 4, returns to oral questions. OF FORT RESOLUTION Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Mackenzie HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Mahsi cho, Mr. Delta, Mr. Blake. Speaker. [English translation not provided.] I would like to pay tribute to the late Frederick Harold Lafferty of Fort October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 23

5) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, Lyda Fuller. Congratulations to Lyda. It’s a MR. BLAKE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d medal well deserved. like to recognize two visitors from Fort McPherson: Marion Greenland and I’d like to also recognize two of our city Stephanie Ross. Welcome. councillors, Lydia Bardak and Amanda Mallon, who are here with us today. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Blake. The honourable Member for Monfwi, Mr. I cannot ignore Mr. Tony Whitford, so Lafferty. welcome to the House, Tony. I’m sure everybody’s going to do that as well. HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to I’d like to also recognize Kim Doyle, who is recognize the members of the Aboriginal the executive director for the Yellowknife Head Start Council that are here with us in Seniors’ Society, and Jeff Renaud, who is the gallery. First, from Inuvik, Teresa the new executive director for Avens. McNab and Amanda Bernhardt; from MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Paulatuk, Alice Thrasher; from Fort The honourable Member for Hay River McPherson, Stephanie Ross and Marion South, Mrs. Groenewegen. Greenland; from Behchoko, Louisa MRS. GROENEWEGEN: Thank you, Mr. Richardson and Marlyss Richardson; from Speaker. I’d like to recognize a former Ndilo, Robin Gladstone, Pam Abramchuk, colleague from the Deh Cho, Mr. Michael Fred Tsetta and Reanna Erasmus; from Fort McLeod. We got sworn in a year ago today Providence, Joyce McLeod, Belinda so your cooling off period is over, so get Sabourin and Sabrina McLeod; from Hay back to work. River Reserve, Rene Squirrel and Trudy MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mrs. Coutrie; from Fort Smith, Janine Rommel. Groenewegen. The honourable Premier, Mr. Also their consultants that are here with us: McLeod. Chalmers & Associates Consulting, Dr. Jennifer Chalmers and Kim Wingert. Thank HON. BOB MCLEOD: Thank you, Mr. you for being here with us. Speaker. I’d like to recognize my brother Michael McLeod and his wife, my sister-in- MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. law, Joyce McLeod, and my great niece The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Sabrina McLeod. Nadli. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you Mr. Premier. MR. NADLI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. like to recognize Mr. Michael McLeod, Miltenberger. former Minister and MLA for Deh Cho. HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: I’d also like to recognize a long-time Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to educator, my sister Margaret Field and recognize the representative of the granddaughter Kimberly, and Derek. Aboriginal Head Start for Fort Smith. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Aboriginal Head Start is a tremendous The honourable Member for Frame Lake, program. Both my grandchildren went there. Ms. Bisaro. I’d like to recognize Ms. Janine Rommel. MS. BISARO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At As well, my friend and colleague, a good old the outset I would like to recognize a Fort Smith boy who moved to Yellowknife, constituent who recently received in the mail the Honourable Tony Whitford, and my October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 24 former colleague, as well, who I had coffee I’d also like to recognize a constituent who with at 7:30 this morning, Mr. Michael was up here earlier, Lillian Elias, who is also McLeod. the winner of the Minister’s Cultural Circle MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Award in the Elders Category. She’s not Miltenberger. The honourable Member for here right now but she was here earlier. Weledeh, Mr. Bromley. ---[Technical difficulties] MR. BROMLEY: Thank you, Mr. MR. SPEAKER: Okay, Mr. Hawkins. You Speaker. I’d like to welcome, as you did can use Mr. Moses’ mic. It’s off? We earlier, Mr. Anthony Whitford. Welcome thought we had this resolved. again, Tony. MR. HAWKINS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know Michael McLeod, a former Thank you to the people who solved the colleague, is here somewhere up there. technical problem. I may have missed others that I can’t see It gives me great pleasure to recognize some behind me. I know Sheila Bassi-Kellett, a of the people who have already been Weledeh resident, was here earlier, as well recognized, but I think it’s important to as Amanda Mallon and Penny Ballantyne. highlight their contributions to the territory If I could mention the class that was here by mentioning them here. earlier, the Grade 6 class from Weledeh I’d like to always recognize Mr. Anthony School, Jenny Reid and class. Good to see W.J. Whitford, a personal friend and long- them in the House. time friend of everyone in this building. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mr. Speaker, Kim Doyle is now the new The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. executive director of YK Seniors, and she Menicoche. served me very well as a constituency MR. MENICOCHE: Thank you very assistant. With her is Jeff Renaud, who hails much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize from, I believe, Victoria, if memory serves constituents Mr. Jim Antoine and Celine me correct. He’s the new CEO of Avens. He Antoine. We saw in the paper, as well, that has lots of ideas and I look forward to him Mr. Jim Antoine was also a recipient of the bringing his excitement and information to Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award. I worked many Members. with him and his daughter Melaw Nakehk’o, Ms. Lydia Bardak; I’d like to use this who just received a cultural award this chance to thank her for her dedicated service morning. I think the Minister mentioned and years as a city councillor to the City of that. I just want to say to Melaw, keep doing Yellowknife. what you love with your love of our Of course, another couple is Jim and Celine Aboriginal culture. Antoine. They’ve been long-time family MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. friends. I’ve respected them both for many, Menicoche. The honourable Member for many years. Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses. Finally, I’d like to recognize Michael and MR. MOSES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, Joyce McLeod. Michael, I miss your too, would like to recognize Jim and Celine grumpy stories here at the Ledge. At this Antoine, very good friends and long-time time, I want to thank everyone. friends, as well as Mr. Tony Whitford. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Yakeleya. October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 25

MR. YAKELEYA: Thank you, Mr. directors for the Northlands Condominium Speaker. I’d like to also recognize Jim and Corporation. Celine Antoine and the family. I’d also like My condolences and those of this House go to recognize – I’m not too sure if she’s here out to Ralph’s family and friends. Thank – Doris Taniton, who was the Minister’s you. Cultural Award recipient of the youth. Also, Mr. Whitford, I’m always reminded of what MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. things you have told me that you said that Item 7, oral questions. The honourable made a big difference in life. I also want to Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya. recognize Mr. Michael McLeod and his 7) Oral Questions wife, Joyce. They told me some pretty good, happy stories, not like Mr. Hawkins. I would QUESTION 164-17(3): also like to recognize some good people in MRSA SUPERBUG AWARENESS town: Lydia and some other people that I CAMPAIGN don’t see here. Thank you for attending this MR. YAKELEYA: Thank you, Mr. afternoon. Speaker. In my Member’s statement I talked MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. about the increasing concern of a dangerous Yakeleya. I’d like to welcome a constituent, superbug in the Northwest Territories. It Ms. Alice Thrasher. Welcome to the House. reported in the Globe and Mail, October I’d like to welcome all visitors here in the 13th, on Saturday, that this bug is probably public gallery here today for taking an one of the most dangerous superbugs that interest in our proceedings here. Welcome. we can have here in the North. It had Item 6, acknowledgements. Ms. Bisaro. quadrupled in the Northwest Territories since 2007. This bug is mostly spread in 6) Acknowledgements hospitals, but now they’re starting to find it more in the smaller communities. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 7-17(3): I want to ask the Minister of Health what he PASSING OF RALPH LESLIE is doing to help the smaller communities CREED who maybe do not know about this MS. BISARO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. dangerous superbug and how dangerous it I’d like to acknowledge the recent death of could be. What is the department doing to Ralph Leslie Creed, a long-time help the smaller communities? Yellowknife resident and a Frame Lake MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. constituent. Yakeleya. The Minister of Health and Social Ralph moved to Yellowknife in 1981 with Services, Mr. Beaulieu. his young family. He worked at the mill at HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Mahsi cho, Mr. Giant Mine for 19 years and at the Workers’ Speaker. The department is doing their Safety and Compensation Commission until business of advising the local housing he retired when he then worked as a stay-at- authorities through the chief public health home grandpa. officer. The chief public health officer is Ralph was devoted to his family but also to discussing the clinical practice guidelines his community. He gave back to his with the authorities on what needs to be community through volunteering, done to address this virus, the MRSA. particularly as a member of the board of That’s the work we are doing right now. The public health officer is working with the October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 26 authorities to get the information out to the of water that we can receive during the week communities. because of the amount of funding that goes MR. YAKELEYA: Since 2012, this year, into support. What is his department doing there have been 142 cases so far. We’re to work with the Minister of Housing or this pretty high, according to the people in government to look at the conditions of the southern Canada. It’s been noted that it’s housing, the overcrowding? People are quite dangerous. I want to ask the Minister, moving into their family’s dwelling. It’s again, in regard to people who may show really just an infestation ground to continue signs or symptoms of having this infectious with this superbug, and it’s going to be superbug in them, what type of support or awhile if we’re going to look at the long- medication is given to these people other term solution. than letting them know that there’s an I want to ask what this government is doing awareness campaign going on. What is it to kill the superbug that’s growing. Is it that they need to do to take care of going to get worse? What is his department themselves? doing, working with this government on the HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Like I housing issue? It’s a real time bomb for our indicated, the public health officer will work people in our communities. with the authorities, and recognizing that we HON. TOM BEAULIEU: We do will advise the communities on the risks of recognize it. The department is monitoring the disease and what type of factors that the fact that we’re expecting an increase of create an atmosphere in which this virus can 44 percent from this year, once we project to spread. Overcrowding is one of the key the end of the year over last year. There are situations due to the close contact from definitely things that have to occur, and individual to individual when you have those things are, again, trying to work with houses that are overcrowded. In some cases, the communities and trying to really a lot of washing and so on needs to occur pinpoint where the issue is greatest. We and when you have water delivery in the know that in the Tlicho Community Services small communities sometimes you don’t Agency we are working closely with them to have access to as much water necessary to address the issue of our high rates of MRSA do all of the cleanliness necessary, like as in in that region. Any area where we consider doing laundry on a regular basis and so on, there to be high rates by community, we will because of conservation of the water in the work closely with them to try to assist the household. community in addressing the issue of We are working with the authorities who are working in the prevention of the spread of working with the communities to ensure that this virus. Thank you. municipalities are able to provide enough MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. water. The overcrowding situation is Beaulieu. Final, short supplementary, Mr. something I think can be resolved over a Yakeleya. longer term, but in situations like that, we MR. YAKELEYA: Thank you, Mr. work with the families. Speaker. This deadly virus, this superbug, in MR. YAKELEYA: The Minister hit it the report in the Globe and Mail, penicillin right on the head: We have a huge problem and similar antibiotics no longer work on in our communities with overcrowding and MRSA. Overcrowding is one of the the housing that we have, the quality of contributing factors of this deadly disease. housing that we have and the little amount Now we are seeing that modern medicine is October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 27 no longer going to be effective on getting rid our residents for out-of-town travel? Thank of this superbug that we have in the you, Mr. Speaker. Northwest Territories. Just hearing the MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Moses. Minister say that they are expecting a 44 The honourable Minister of Health and percent increase on this, this is alarming. Social Services, Mr. Beaulieu. This is deadly. Other than antibiotics or penicillin not being the cure for this, how HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Thank you, Mr. can we get rid of this? We have Speaker. Medical travel is a clinical overcrowding in our small communities. decision, first of all. Secondly, the policy is What solutions can the Minister talk with his that medical travel, from the office here in department to say, let’s get rid of this bug Yellowknife, does contact the authority; the here? authority contacts the patient. The patient would then contact medical travel and make HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Mr. Speaker, the arrangements for the travel and to make the Member is correct; the drug-resisting it to the appointment. It should generally be infections cost the community and health a fairly simple process. Thank you. system billions of dollars yearly. MRSA is not a nationally reportable infection. MR. MOSES: Mr. Speaker, it should be a fairly simple process; however, I am What we are doing is requesting information continuing to find problems within the just from other jurisdictions to see what is process itself. Like I mentioned earlier, I happening, like trying to look at the best have a constituent who had to wait over a practices on a national level to see if we year to get another appointment. The could employ the best practices here in the process might be simple, but getting that Northwest Territories by seeing how other appointment, if it is a specialty appointment jurisdictions are handling similar issues with a specialist, might not be always pertaining to this virus across the country. available, so that simple process is not Thank you. always there. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Can the Minister provide some information Beaulieu. The honourable Member for on how many no-shows the department has Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses. incurred over the past year for patients who are missing their appointments in the NWT QUESTION 165-17(3): and southern travel as well? Thank you, Mr. MEDICAL TRAVEL POLICY Speaker. MR. MOSES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I HON. TOM BEAULIEU: From my am just following up on my Member’s understanding, we are moving about 11,000 statement earlier. I wanted to ask the patients annually through medical travel, so question to the Minister of Health on the the last number that I have from the Stanton policy that… Is there a policy and can he Hospital annual general meeting was that the share the policy on the timeline for getting no-shows are 12 percent. Thank you. medical travel approved for patients and the amount of time it takes to get that MR. MOSES: With the 12 percent just for communicated to patients for out-of-town Stanton Territorial Hospital, but we are not travel for medical appointments? Is there a talking about appointments that are missed policy? What is it and what is the timeline of down south or even appointments that got getting that information communicated to cancelled or people not making their flights because they couldn’t make the October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 28 arrangements in such a short time period shows and missed appointments with the where they were approved for medical travel medical travel process. and approved for their appointments but HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Mr. Speaker, couldn’t make it because of the late process yes, I will commit to providing the in getting them the information. That 12 information to the Member of this House. percent alone for Stanton, I am sure, didn’t Thank you. come cheap. Does the Minister have, for Stanton alone, a cost for that 12 percent, MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. where it cost the government for all these Beaulieu. The honourable Member for no-shows and missed appointments? Weledeh, Mr. Bromley. HON. TOM BEAULIEU: I don’t have the QUESTION 166-17(3): costs here. I’m sure that we would be able to STATUS OF PHARMACEUTICAL determine the cost of what it would be when STRATEGY someone misses an appointment, but this is a MR. BROMLEY: Thank you, Mr. missed appointment for an individual that Speaker. I would like to keep the Minister of doesn’t show up at the doctor’s office and a Health and Social Services hopping today. percentage of that time will come down to a I’m sure he will get a break eventually. cost. Sometimes they replace the patient with a waiting list, but what I can do is Earlier in our June session, I asked the develop a cost for the percentage. Minister questions on the status of efforts to reduce pharmaceutical costs. I did get some That percentage was a percentage that came follow-up response from the Minister after from medical travel. It was all medical travel the session, in which he indicated that work that includes the medical travel within the is underway to create a pharmaceutical territory coming to Yellowknife, going to strategy for the Northwest Territories. I Inuvik, or also travelling down south to would like to begin by asking the Minister Edmonton. Thank you. what the current status of that work towards MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. a strategy is. Mahsi. Beaulieu. Final, short supplementary, Mr. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Moses. The honourable Minister of Health and MR. MOSES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Social Services, Mr. Beaulieu. Without just Yellowknife and Stanton travel, HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Thank you, Mr. would the Minister commit to providing all Speaker. In early 2012, Alberta Blue Cross expenses on missed appointments and no- completed an analysis and report on the shows in the Northwest Territories as well NWT pharmaceutical strategy policy options as southern travel for patients that went for the Government of the Northwest down south and this government covered the Territories. This included a number of expenses and either the patient missed the observations and recommendations to the appointment, they didn’t make it on time, or government. the appointment got cancelled? Would the Minister commit to providing us with those MR. BROMLEY: I know that that report details? had been completed sometime before June. I am wondering what the recommendations Really, that money could be spent more say. Can the Minister say what the effectively and we might even be recommendations were and what progress is contributing to the problem of these no- October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 29 being made to develop the strategy with expenses are so high in the Northwest those recommendations? Thank you. Territories. So we need to have that HON. TOM BEAULIEU: I don’t have the discussion with them. We’d like to have that actual recommendations from ABC with me discussion with ABC one time before we do here today; however, I do know that the plan a tabling of the report. is not to continue any work on the I can commit to saying that we will have pharmaceutical strategy until after the end of that discussion to ensure that the information this fiscal year due to other priorities in the in their recommendations made is based on department. information that is 100 percent accurate. So MR. BROMLEY: That, indeed, is a after we do that we will be able to table the surprise. Members and committee have report. Thank you. highlighted this as an issue, and we’re not MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. aware, certainly I was not aware that this has Beaulieu. The Member for Nahendeh, Mr. been put on hold. So I’m wondering, the Menicoche. Minister, I believe, was going to take the ABC report out for consultation with, for QUESTION 167-17(3): example, the NWT Pharmacy Association, CHILD TAX BENEFIT AND other stakeholders. Has that happened and PUBLIC HOUSING RENTAL what has been their input? Thank you. SCALE HON. TOM BEAULIEU: No, we have MR. MENICOCHE: Thank you very not taken this report out. We’re looking at much, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I spoke about the some of the key recommendations in there. Child Tax Benefit being included as income There were about four or five key in the Housing Corporation’s changes to recommendations in there that we are their programming. Seemingly little changes looking at closely before we take it out to that happen often have big impacts in our the public. Thank you. smaller communities and in this case that is MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. such the case. Beaulieu. Final, short supplementary, Mr. We had a commitment, as a full Caucus of Bromley. this territorial government, to lower the cost MR. BROMLEY: Thank you, Mr. of living, yet we make a change to impact Speaker. Obviously, this is very parents and single parents like this. disappointing and a real lack of progress in I’d like to ask Mr. Premier, can the Cabinet an area that committee has identified as review this situation where we are, in important. So I just want to express my great essence, clawing back the federal Child Tax disappointment there, and ask when we will Benefit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. see a draft strategy and if the Minister will MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. table the ABC report in the House. Mahsi. Menicoche. The honourable Premier, Mr. HON. TOM BEAULIEU: I don’t think McLeod. there is any issue with the department HON. BOB MCLEOD: Thank you, Mr. tabling a report. I think we want to take a Speaker. The new public housing rent scales look at it to have a discussion with ABC on came into effect July 1, 2012, and largely at the recommendations that they made. They the call of all the Members of this House to made some recommendations specifically to have a system that was much fairer and why they feel that the pharmaceutical treated all of our residents in housing more October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 30 equitably. At that time the decision was MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. McLeod. made that to be fair, all sources of income Final, short supplementary, Mr. Menicoche. would be included in the calculation, and to MR. MENICOCHE: Thank you very change from that would mean we’re going much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Premier doesn’t back to the old rental scale approach, back seem to at least review it and I’d like to ask to a shotgun approach where all different the Premier one more time, will he and his types of support were exempted. So that’s Cabinet review this and to the point where why the new public housing rental scales how much benefit is this government were drawn up so that it would include these actually getting by doing that, by taxing our forms of income. Thank you. low and middle income people and single MR. MENICOCHE: Thank you very parents. Thank you. much. I recall the debate that we had two HON. BOB MCLEOD: I don’t know if the Assemblies ago and there was a reason we Member is asking us to go back to the old exempted these federal tax benefits to single rental scale that was in place, but as a parents and people of low income. So I’d government we’re always prepared to like to ask, Mr. Premier, how is this review our policies to make sure that they’re consistent with our goal of lowering the cost working the way they’re supposed to. Thank of living for our residents by including Child you, Mr. Speaker. Tax Benefit and clawing back the much needed little income that these people need. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. HON. BOB MCLEOD: On average a Blake. mother with one child receives about $300 a month in Child Tax Benefit. Two-thirds of QUESTION 168-17(3): that is exempt. One-third of that is included HOME BOARDING FOR in income assistance. So that works out to STUDENTS about $100 a month and this is consistent MR. BLAKE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I with all across Canada. Thank you. have raised the issue and problems with MR. MENICOCHE: We’re all aware that, home boarding of students in Inuvik several of course, we’re living in the North and the times in this House. Students from cost of living is much higher up here and Tsiigehtchic and Sachs Harbour have that’s the reason we had exempted these nowhere else to go to complete their high federal transfers. We are clawing it back, school studies, but all too often home and I’d like to ask Mr. Premier, can he boarding does not work out and the students commit for his government to review this drop out of school entirely. What is the situation and correct that and exempt Child Minister doing to secure a residence where Tax Benefit as income. Thank you. students can stay during the months they HON. BOB MCLEOD: The new rent have to study in Inuvik? scales that were introduced July 1, 2012, MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Blake. charge very low rent for low income The honourable Minister of Education, households. If you make less than $1,677 a Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty. month, you pay $70 to $80 a month in rent. HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: Mahsi, So I think that exempting Child Tax Benefit Mr. Speaker. This is an area that we closely would have minimal impact on the rent monitor with the regional school board, and that’s charged. Thank you. that would be the Beaufort-Delta. My October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 31 department, Education, Culture and that we continue to work with within our Employment, has informed me that there are system. approximately 20 students home boarding in MR. BLAKE: Will the Minister be open to Inuvik, including eight students from Sachs a proposal from either the Gwich’in Tribal Harbour, 10 students from Tsiigehtchic and Council or the Inuvialuit Development two from Fort McPherson. All students are Corporation to offer home boarding for the in place except for the two that we’re still students from the smaller communities? working on to place them in the community of Inuvik. So that is closely monitored by HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: I believe the superintendent and also the school board we are open to proposals that may be before on those placements and the teachers are us when it comes to opportunities to deal working closely with the students. So that’s with these students. We’re more than willing an area that we continue to work with the to work with the Gwich’in Tribal Council, if school boards at this time. Mahsi. that’s the case. I will be meeting with the board chairs, as well, in December, to talk MR. BLAKE: One of the reasons home about the complexities of the home boarding boarding doesn’t always work out well is and other educational factors that are before that the students just don’t fit in where they us, such as early childhood and other ASA are assigned to stay. How are families and Aboriginal Languages Strategy. That is chosen to board students from Tsiigehtchic, the discussion that we will be having. This Sachs Harbour and now Fort McPherson, will be part of the discussion that will be put and how are they screened to ensure they are on the table in the December meeting as the appropriate choices? Thank you. well. HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: The MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. school board that we work closely with, Final supplementary, Mr. Blake. especially the superintendent and the parents, to identify the students and where MR. BLAKE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I they should be staying and identifying the do believe I heard a yes there. I have no home boarding, the place of residence. Most further questions at this time. especially the teachers have been closely MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Blake. monitoring where the students are staying. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Eighty percent of the students we’re home Ms. Bisaro. boarding completed in the school year as well. There is a mechanism for teachers to QUESTION 169-17(3): closely monitor where the students are STATUS OF ANTI-POVERTY staying, if their homework and attendance STRATEGY are accurate, and continuously monitoring MS. BISARO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I that. would like to follow up on my statement and When it comes to the students that are home ask some questions of the Minister of boarding in Inuvik, there is a process in Justice, who also happens to be the Minister place where the school board would have to responsible for the social issues committee be informed by the parents and vice versa, of Cabinet. and work together with our department, as The Premier spoke a bit in his statement well, so we can work closely with the Inuvik earlier about the actions of the government school as well. That’s part of the process in relation to development of an Anti- Poverty Strategy and I’d like to ask the October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 32

Minister responsible for the social issues larger group at the roundtables have been committee if he would provide a bit further working very hard and I know that they have information, an update for us as to just what been working on preparing a draft strategy, work the Anti-Poverty Strategy group has some kind of a document. I’d like to know done, kind of where we’re at. from the Minister when this draft document MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. might be available and at that time, when it The honourable Minister responsible for is available, will it be given to Members and Justice, Mr. Abernethy. the general public for comments. HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Thank you, HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: We had Mr. Speaker. As I’ve mentioned previously, hoped that we would have something prior we have a steering committee in place which to Christmas for the Members to look at, but consists of government and non-government we are in negotiation with the working NGOs and individuals who have lived in group right now, trying to discuss when poverty. There is also a working group, exactly we might be able to get something to which the Member has mentioned herself, committee and to the public. As soon as I which has pulled together and done two know that, and I will have conversations roundtables where they’ve had an with the lead department on that, I will get opportunity to bring different information to that information to the Member. We hope to the table. They all come with their own have something early or something draft- perspectives and program areas. They’ve like for the Members to see prior to had an opportunity to discuss the different Christmas. program areas and set some priorities for an MS. BISARO: A draft-like, that’s an Anti-Poverty Strategy for the Northwest interesting term. I appreciate it. I think that’s Territories. a commitment to have a document out there Originally we had indicated that we wanted that Members and the public can actually to have an Anti-Poverty Strategy in place by have some input on. Christmas of this year. However, based on Can the Minister at this point give us any comments from Members, based on a indication of what kind of consultation with suggestion and a request from the working the public will be done once this draft or group and the steering committee, Cabinet draft-like document is available? has agreed to extend that deadline. We have HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: I strive to extended the deadline to March 31, 2013. come up with new and creative terms. We As the Member has indicated, we want an will have the draft available. It will be Anti-Poverty Strategy that is right for the shared with committee. We’ve also people of the Northwest Territories. It’s not committed to taking this draft out to just a government strategy, it’s a strategy for community governments, Aboriginal the people, for governments, all governments, sharing it with the NGOs, governments, NGOs and industry. We want sharing with individuals who are actively to get it right. We have extended the engaged in trying to address poverty in the deadline. Northwest Territories. We will take that out MS. BISARO: I’d like to thank the in that way and have everybody give us Minister for that update and elaborate a bit some feedback before we finalize this NWT on what the Premier had said earlier. I know document. that both the steering committee and the October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 33

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. was a fairly alarming finding, and that was Abernethy. Final supplementary, Ms. the money owed to this government from Bisaro. one of our sister territories, the Nunavut MS. BISARO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. government. Upon requesting a review, later I’m glad to see you didn’t cheat me of my on we did get some information from the last question. To the Minister, I’d like to Minister and my question would be for the ask, I appreciate the commitment that we’re Minister of Finance. Because of costs, as I going to, I think, have broad consultation on said, money does cost us money. Can the the document once it’s out there. I’d like to Minister indicate, in terms of a rolling know if the Minister has any idea how long average and maybe breaking it down, how it will take, once the document is finalized, much money was owed to this government to start implementation. from the Nunavut government back in June of this calendar year? HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: As I’ve indicated, this isn’t a GNWT document MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. exclusively. This is a document for The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Aboriginal governments, community Miltenberger. governments, Government of the Northwest HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: Territories, federal governments, NGOs and Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When we last industry. It will have recommendations that discussed this issue there was about $2.93 every organization and government can help million that was owing to us. That number to set their priorities for combating poverty. has been now whittled down to $2.39 When we get the document finalized, it will million. come to the House for more discussion and MR. DOLYNNY: That is quite an hopefully we’ll see some of the activities alarming number. Anybody who has a begin to roll out through the business mortgage, who owes money, knows that planning process. I couldn’t say when any $2.9 million being financed does have a cost individual activity will take place because, to it. That cost is borne by you and I. It’s quite frankly, I don’t know what those borne by the taxpayers. At the end of the individual activities will be. day, it affects programs and dollars we don’t MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. have. We don’t have the ability to finance Abernethy. The honourable Member for large sums of money like that at any given Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny. time. More alarming than that number is the fact that there’s a substantial amount of QUESTION 170-17(3): money that is debt owed to us from a long FINANCE COSTS RELATED TO period of time. Can the Minister indicate, NUNAVUT DEBT out of that number, how much is owed to us MR. DOLYNNY: Thank you, Mr. that is over six months old? Speaker. The cost of money costs money. HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: What I mean by that is that whenever we The information that I have is that currently have to finance a dollar, it costs the GNWT there’s only $2,000 owing that’s over 90 a lot of money. days. Back in Committee of the Whole last MR. DOLYNNY: This is a substantial session we were doing an extensive review improvement from the last time we asked of some of the expenses and supplementary this question. I’ll ask my third question: estimates. We came across what I thought October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 34

What was the amount owed to us back in My challenge to the Minister of Health is June of this calendar year when this was this: What is he willing to do in a practical brought up in the House? and effective form to help treat hard drug HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: addictions here in the Northwest Territories The number provided to the Member in June so we stop sending people out to places like was $2.93 million. The number I just gave to Ontario, Alberta, or even Vancouver? him now has been whittled down to $2.39 MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. million. Hawkins. The honourable Minister MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. responsible for Health and Social Services, Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Mr. Beaulieu. Dolynny. HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Thank you, Mr. MR. DOLYNNY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Although it may appear that the Speaker. I should reiterate my question a bit drug issue is a huge issue in Yellowknife, better here, I guess. That was the amount in we want to identify exactly how huge the June that was owed to us that was over six issue is. One of the first things that we are months old; not the total amount but what doing is to put together groups of was six months or older in June of this individuals that will be looking at the calendar year. When this issue is brought addictions across the territory, including forward in terms of high debts of finance Yellowknife. So we have a group of people cost to this government. that we’ve selected that will look at the addictions issues in Yellowknife. That’s the MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. first step. No question but I’ll give it. Moving on. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, MR. HAWKINS: That’s certainly good Mr. Hawkins. news. I’m glad to hear that it sounds like we’re making headway on this particular QUESTION 171-17(3): file. This particular group that the Minister DRUG TREATMENT CENTRE is able to form, which I have to admit this is public news now for everyone, is he able to MR. HAWKINS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. describe what mandate this particular group In my Member’s statement today I talked has? Do they have the power to make the yet again about the concern of the lack of a suggestion and provide a direction to the treatment centre here in the Northwest Minister of Health to build a treatment Territories. I’m committed behind this centre in the Northwest Territories? problem in such a way that it doesn’t have to happen here in Yellowknife; it can happen HON. TOM BEAULIEU: No. The only anywhere that it can be properly resourced people that have the power to determine to treat people who have problems. Yes, as capital infrastructure is this House. the Member for Yellowknife, it would be MR. HAWKINS: I’m talking about a nice if it was here, but I care about the particular mandate that this group would be problem more than where it shows up. empowered with. If they decide that the That’s what’s truly important. I’ll make a treatment problem is significant enough, as deal with the Minister of Health today. I’ll I’ve been saying for nine years, that people stop nagging about this issue if he’ll start have said over the last six weeks during the doing something about this issue. municipal elections, people said over four weeks of the last territorial election, that half October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 35 the population of the Northwest Territories when will be the case that we’ll expect a is expecting some type of response on this report to be tabled with those types of particular issue. If they say a treatment recommendations, and who is this particular centre is needed, what is the Minister of group that he can inform the public? Health and Social Services willing to do? HON. TOM BEAULIEU: I think there are HON. TOM BEAULIEU: I guess, first a few questions there. What we’re doing is off, a Caucus priority was to look at a we’re bringing these individuals together. treatment centre, looking at existing We’ve appointed an overall chair of the infrastructure. Where the actual treatment groups. We have one group that is going to centre, if that is the direction that the various do the Beaufort-Delta. We have another forums across the Territories come up with group that is going to do the Sahtu and and that is the best direction they feel that Tlicho communities. We have another group it’s going to be to have a treatment centre that’s going to do Deh Cho and South Slave, located somewhere in the Northwest and we have another group that’s going to Territories in addition to Nats'ejee K'eh, then do Hay River and Yellowknife. They’re we will move in that direction. going to get together and they’re going to Right now we’re serious. We’ve employed determine what the best action would be to these 14 individuals who will go across the go out into the communities to gather territory, and they will come to us with information. At the end of all of their travel, recommendations. If a recommendation is to they will get back together again in another have an actual treatment facility, a physical location and sit down and determine the best treatment facility in one location or another, course of action to address the addictions indications were that they were looking for, issues. I have no problem whatsoever with initially, just discussions in the communities tabling the report in the Legislative have been looking for a treatment centre Assembly. near into the Beaufort-Delta area and MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. something in Yellowknife. That was Beaulieu. The Member for Deh Cho, Mr. something that we are hearing often. We Nadli. want to have these people take a closer look at it. It’s not going to add that much time to QUESTION 172-17(3): it. We’re expecting these guys to come back CURRENT EMPLOYMENT RATES with a report by the end of this fiscal year. MR. NADLI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Earlier today I gave kind of an overview in Beaulieu. A final, short supplementary, Mr. terms of where the Deh Cho riding is in Hawkins. terms of the status of where things are at in MR. HAWKINS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the community. I’d like to know a little more about this My question today is to the Minister of various group of people and when they’re Education, Culture and Employment. We all expected to deliver a decision. I couldn’t know that one indicator of economic quite hear the Minister’s last comment on prosperity is just jobs. I want to ask the his response, although I was listening very Minister if he could provide an update to carefully. Is he expecting them to provide this House in terms of the current him a report that he can table here in the employment and unemployment rates. Legislative Assembly by the end of this Thank you. particular year, and if that’s not the case, October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 36

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Nadli. the training that’s currently being delivered The Minister of Education, Culture and in the community. Employment, Mr. Lafferty. I remember there was heavy equipment, I HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: Mahsi, believe, delivered in Hay River and other Mr. Speaker. With respect to the places as well. We also work closely with employment across the Northwest the college to deliver specific training Territories, it does fluctuate in the programs into the communities. I will be communities, but we do provide programs providing that detailed information to the into our communities such as the Small Members. Community Employment Program and the MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. others, the Labour Market Agreement and Final, short supplementary, Mr. Nadli. the Labour Market Development Agreement as well. We work with the community MR. NADLI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One organizations to deliver those successful of the support mechanisms that we have in programs and we will continue to do so. place for people that are unemployed is income support. I want to ask the Minister if I will provide the Members with the stats of he could provide, to this House, the current status of the labour market in the reassurances to the people that rely on community, how we can address those areas income support, that the government will and what kinds of programs are being remain committed and steadfast to ensure delivered. that those services remain as is and that they MR. NADLI: I’d like to thank the Minister will be available for people that are, for giving us another general update in terms unfortunately, unemployed and looking for of where things are at in terms of opportunities. employment and unemployment rates. HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: I would My follow-up question to that is: What like to thank the Member for that specific action is the Department of Education, question, because it is an important one. Culture and Employment taking to address With respect to the income security and taking measures to reduce framework, there are productive choices as unemployment in the communities? well. But at the same time, we realize those HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: I did individuals are looking for employment touch on some of the programs that we are opportunities. At the same time, we provide currently delivering. We work closely with those labour market agreements. A labour the regional career development officers, market agreement is reflecting on those and although we may not have them in all individuals that don’t qualify for EI, so we communities, those communities that are provide training programs to those without it, we do contact through the individuals. regional representatives and they deliver Yes, I agree with the Member that we need various programs at the community level. I to continue to provide those subsidies, the will provide the breakdown of various training programs that are productive programs that are being delivered at the choices, and also the Labour Market community level, whether it be the Deh Cho Agreement to the communities. And also… riding, as well, and then the current (inaudible)…community initiative as well. activities that are happening, whether it be We will continue to provide those services to the communities. October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 37

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. I understand what the amount is today. But I The Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny. think it’s because we’ve brought some light onto the subject a couple months ago and QUESTION 173-17(3): now we’re getting current, and I can’t say FINANCE COSTS RELATED TO that number out loud, because that number’s NUNAVUT DEBT not public yet, and that’s a hard thing for me MR. DOLYNNY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. to ask. I’m asking the question what that I appreciate you letting me get back into the amount was less than a few months ago, in queue here regarding the questions on what I terms of what the rolling average was. was talking about and the cost of borrowing As the Minister indicated, this was close to money, or basically being one who is owed about $3 million. We are financing $3 money in accounts receivable. million on a rolling average and that has a In my last question I was trying to ask the cost to it. All I’m trying to do is to show Minister of Finance was the fact what is the savings in design in how we can set up this amount of money owed to us, which was a account with the Government of Nunavut so rolling average at that time back in June of that we’re more current, on a more current this year from the Government of Nunavut, basis and not to overly extend the so-called over 180 days. 180 days that appear consistently through the program. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. The Minister of Finance, Mr. Miltenberger. Again, Mr. Speaker, my question is: What was the amount in June of this year owed to HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: the Government of the Northwest Territories Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member from the Government of Nunavut at over knows, with his extensive financial 180 days? background, we go 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 days. What the information I have tells me is HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: I that at this point we only have about $2,000 appreciate the Member’s sharp concern and owing that’s older than 90 days, that clear eye on the public finances. I would everything else is less than that, which point out that over time, given my time in means we’ve brought the numbers down and this House, there was a time when that they are being paid in a much more timely number was well over $8 million, and some way, less than 90 days. of it seemed to be uncollectable. Now we’re talking about $2.93 million down to $2.39 I would also offer to the Member, if it would million from June to currently, and most of allow us to have a more informed discussion it less than 90 days. collectively here, that we could provide a detailed aged listing of all the accounts I don’t have that specific number that the currently. Member asked me. I gave him the large number, the quantum number of $2.93 MR. DOLYNNY: I do appreciate the million as of June down to $2.39 million. I Minister’s offering. In fact, we’ve already would have to commit to get the Member had the offer within the backrooms of our that other specific number that he has offices. I’m trying to get this information out requested. Thank you. into the public, and the only way I can do that is when I’m asking forthright questions, MR. DOLYNNY: Mr. Speaker, it is fairly and I’m asking the Minister to be forthright obvious that that number doesn’t want to be back. October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 38 surfaced here today. I will leave it at that, Minister talked about the monitoring, but is Mr. Speaker. I have no further questions. he tracking it? MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. HON. TOM BEAULIEU: By knowing The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. where the incidents are and monitoring this Yakeleya. infection, we are in a sense, I guess, tracking. That is what is happening. We also QUESTION 174-17(3): are projecting to see if we can predict what PREVENTATIVE MEASURES FOR is happening and try to do some prevention MRSA INFECTIONS work. We are continuing to examine the MR. YAKELEYA: Thank you, Mr. patterns and the causes of this infection Speaker. I want to continue with my through the NWT, by monitoring the cases questioning on this superbug infection rate that are being reported. Thank you. that arises in the Northwest Territories. I MR. YAKELEYA: Mr. Speaker, it is a want to ask the Minister of Health and pretty deadly disease here. It takes the young Social Services what is he doing with his children, the infants. It can cause some other Ministers to work on this in a serious infection in internal organs and up to comprehensive manner, Housing, MACA, the flesh eating disease. People have died Health, Education. What is the Minister from it. doing to put together comprehensive In regard to the territory having only two information, preventative measures to deal oral antibiotics that work against the MRSA with this situation? Mostly infants are and doctors don’t want to over-prescribe affected. What is the Minister doing with his them and allow the bacteria to build up other colleagues to deal with this dangerous, resistance, why is that? What are we doing infectious superbug? to prevent this over-prescription of MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. antibiotics? Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Mr. Speaker, as Health and Social Services, Mr. Beaulieu. I indicated earlier, drug-resistant infections HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Thank you, Mr. cost a tremendous amount to the health care Speaker. The department’s environmental system. I think that these are clinical health officers are visiting communities that decisions made by doctors and that is their are at most risk and working with local staff decision, is to not over-prescribe a certain from those communities on how to address drug into the system due to the fact that the the issue. We haven’t done work with the virus or infection may be able to build up an other departments specifically on this as we immunity to that drug, then that is try to address the issue of overcrowding or something that the department will follow. trying to address the issue of municipal These decisions are clinical and then we try services, if that is a factor at this time. We to take the advice of clinicians. Thank you. have not done that work. We are doing our MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. work with the local health authorities and Beaulieu. Final, short supplementary, Mr. local health centres to see if we can address Yakeleya. that issue in that way. Thank you. MR. YAKELEYA: Given the situation MR. YAKELEYA: The problem of that we are in the Northwest Territories and Alberta attracts the community acquired the limit of resources we have to combat this MRSA disease, is this department tracking superbug, would the Minister consider, with the community acquired… I know the October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 39 all the colleagues, to look at radical change has recommended 57 individual direct in housing situations? It is like putting a appointments from the beginning of the term bandage type of solution on, because the to date of the Member’s question. root of the issue and the root cause… What Sixteen of these direct appointments is the root cause of this superbug? concerned term appointments to positions in One of the contributing factors is the Ministers’ offices which will expire overcrowding in homes and children. Is it shortly after the next general election. something that we really need to take a hard Fifteen of these appointments were, in look at the housing in our communities and effect, reappointments of individuals who look at the overcrowding? Can the Minister had worked in term positions in the commit that he will have this discussion Assembly building during the 16th. More with the Cabinet on looking at the recently, a term direct appointment was overcrowding in our small communities? made to fill a vacancy left following an HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Mr. Speaker, executive secretary’s decision to relocate to we can take a look at the patterns of where another province. the infections are occurring and correlate Mr. Speaker, Members of the House are them to whether or not they are caused by familiar with one-year internship placements overcrowding. for northern post-secondary graduates. As of th Overcrowding is probably the number one May 30 , 13 individual grads have been factor to the spread of this infection. I can direct appointed to one-year term positions talk to not only the Minister of the Housing under this program. This includes one intern Corporation but also other Cabinet position in the Executive, one in colleagues on this issue to try to address that Environment and Natural Resources, two in as soon as possible. Thank you. Health and Social Services, four in Human Resources, two in Industry, Tourism and MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. investment, two in Transportation and one at Beaulieu. Item 8, written questions. Item 9, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk. Commission. 8) Returns to Written Questions Six deputy minister level positions were filled at the beginning of this Assembly, RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 3- three of which involved the reassignments of 17(3): portfolios and three of which involved the DIRECT APPOINTMENTS appointment of individuals who had not CLERK OF THE HOUSE (Mr. Mercer): previously held deputy minister portfolios. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written Three of the direct appointments concerned question asked by Mr. Hawkins to the the reassignment of deputy ministers’ Premier on May 30, 2012, regarding direct secretaries. appointments. Mr. Hawkins asked for a list The remaining 19 recommended direct of all direct appointments made by the appointments concerned four positions in Cabinet of the 17th Assembly, noting the Education, Culture and Employment, six employing departments and the reasons for positions in Environment and Natural filling the positions through direct Resources, one position in Executive, two appointments. positions in Finance, one position in Human Mr. Speaker, I would like to advise this Resources, two positions in Health and House that the Cabinet of the 17th Assembly Social Services, and three positions in October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 40

Industry, Tourism and Investment. The 19 Safe Advantage is a safety incentive direct appointments were recommended so program, developed in response to as to: recommendations of the government-  support the career development of an sponsored Act Now report, calling for affirmative action candidate from outside greater fairness and employer accountability the public service where an open in the areas of compensation claim costs and competition would not be an appropriate safety. The program provides for refunds to way of filling the positions (six cases); employers with proven safety and return to work practices and low claims cost  support the advancement of an existing experience. Employers with poor safety and employee who has successfully return to work practices and poor claims completed a formal training/preparatory cost experience are required to pay assignment directly related to the position penalties. (six cases); As part of the Safe Advantage program,  retain specialized and unique experience management practices are evaluated. within the public service while Employers must complete a Management supporting the career development of Practices Questionnaire that includes two long-term employees who have sections: prevention and return to work. The demonstrated both ability and prevention section evaluates the employer’s commitment to the organization (six health and safety program. The return to cases, four at the associate or assistant work section assesses how the employer deputy minister level); and reintroduces injured workers to safe and  secure services where recent recruitment productive employment that eliminates or practices for similar positions indicate minimizes wage loss as soon as medically that an open competition would not be an safe to do so. appropriate way of filling the position An employer must achieve a verified score (one case). of 70 percent for each section of the questionnaire to pass. A failing grade on RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 4- either section results in failing the 17(3): questionnaire. For employers already WSCC HEALTH AND SAFETY receiving a penalty for high claims cost PERFORMANCE experience, their penalty is increased by 50 Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written percent for failing to implement adequate question asked by Mr. Bromley to the prevention and return to work programs. Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, the and Compensation Commission on June 4, GNWT, as represented by the Minister 2012, regarding WSCC health and safety responsible for the Public Service Act, is an performance. The Workers’ Safety and employer. As such, the WSCC evaluates the Compensation Commission is responsible to claims cost experience and the requirements administer the Workers’ Compensation Act for establishing health and safety programs and the Safety Act and, as such, regularly and committees for the GNWT as a whole. evaluate the health and safety performance Establishing and tracking at the of large employers, including the GNWT, departmental level is an internal under the Safe Advantage program. responsibility to the GNWT. In support of the GNWT, the WSCC has provided a October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 41 breakdown of claims cost experience by ensure the safety of all of our employees and department and agency. to reduce claims cost experience. Over the last three years, claims cost Mr. Speaker, the WSCC’s vision is to experience for the GNWT has more than eliminate workplace diseases and injuries. doubled. Last year the costs were 60 percent They have been working with and are above a sustainable level, based on committed to continuing to work with the assessments paid by the GNWT into the GNWT to ensure workplace safety and care Workers’ Protection Fund. This increase in for workers. The health and safety of our claims cost experience has resulted in workers needs to be a priority of this increasing Safe Advantage claims government and it is each of our experience penalties. responsibility to ensure we make this In the year prior to the current Safe happen. Later today I will table this Advantage program year, the GNWT document. Management Practices Questionnaire was verified based on the Department of Human RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 5- Resources office in Yellowknife. That 17(3): verification resulted in the GNWT’s first CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION passing score for health and safety COSTS programs, and for that year no additional Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written penalty was applied beyond the claims question asked by Mr. Bromley to the experience penalty. Minister of Transportation on June 6, 2012, To ensure GNWT health and safety regarding climate change adaptation costs. programs are being fully implemented to a) Settlement of the Dempster Highway due protect all GNWT employees across the to permafrost thaws; GNWT, the WSCC verified the current year b) Increased road and gravel applications to questionnaire based on an alternative South Slave highways; location. This practice of selecting a random c) Costs associated with the delayed location for verification is used for any opening of the Tlicho winter road; employer with numerous operating locations. The GNWT was given four d) Extra frost and ice removal at the Inuvik weeks’ notice as to the location of the Airport. verification. The final result for the GNWT It is difficult to differentiate between routine this program year was 33 percent on and climate change included O and M costs prevention and 90 percent on return to work. for individual activities such as those listed This score of less than 70 percent resulted in above. In a 2007 report, Climate Change and an additional penalty being applied. Transportation in the NWT, the impacts of GNWT Safe Advantage penalties have risen climate change on all-season roads and from zero dollars in the 2009-2010 program airports as a whole were estimated at a year to $243,583 in 2010-2011 and minimum of $1.2 million annually in direct $508,625 in 2011-2012. Although the costs to the Department of Transportation. Department of Human Resources has taken In addition, seasonal disruptions and significant steps in the development of shortened winter road seasons can impact health and safety programs in the last few the cost of living and of doing business. years, current results demonstrate that there These indirect costs are difficult to quantify. is work to be done across the GNWT to October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 42 e) Increased de-icing glycol use at the h) Increased highway maintenance shift Yellowknife Airport and construction of costs. increased glycol storage facilities. Based on a forced growth submission from The Department of Transportation has 2006-2007, the increased highway tracked glycol use for the last six years. In maintenance shift costs are $852,000. that time, total volumes have fluctuated Adapting to climate change was one of from year to year. Anecdotally, usage has many factors for reorganizing. increased since prior to tracking and is i) The climate change assessment study evident from the need for larger storage being prepared with the transportation facilities. Total annual glycol usage reported system. by air carriers is as follows: The Highway No. 3 Climate Change  109,403 litres in 2011-2012; Vulnerability Assessment by BGC  96,684 litres in 2010-11; Engineering Inc. cost $110,000.  122,825 litres in 2009-10; j) Construction of test strips on Highway No. 3 between Yellowknife and  88,787 litres in 2008-09; Behchoko.  74,014 litres in 2007-08; and The four test sections on Highway No. 3  112,919 litres in 2006-07. between Yellowknife and Behchoko to be The construction of the Glycol Retention constructed this summer are estimated to and Treatment Facility cost $210,000. The cost $1.5 million. construction of the Glycol Interim Snow k) Development of a protocol for assessing Storage Area Facility cost $650,000. Much the vulnerability of airports. of the work, including engineering, was The development of the protocol for carried out by own forces. assessing the vulnerability of airports to f) Development and purchase of ice spray permafrost degradation as a result of climate technology for use in ferries. change cost $6,500. The replacement cost of ice spray equipment l) Preparation of a Climate Change is $300,000 per unit. Incremental Adaptation Plan. investments, made through the strategic The provision of the Department of initiative Reducing the Cost of Living Transportation Climate Change Adaptation funding by the Department of Plan is estimated at a cost of $230,000. Transportation since 2009 to accelerate ice crossing construction are as follows: m)Organization and delivery of winter road adaptation workshops.  Dempster Highway, $300,000; The organization and facilitation of a winter  Fort Simpson region, $150,000; road adaptation workshop is estimated at a  Tulita/Deline, $250,000. cost of $50,000. The workshop will bring together practitioners, scientists and g) Purchase and introduction of ice- engineers to assess the vulnerability of penetrating radar to estimate ice Northwest Territories winter roads to thickness. climate change and determine the most cost- The department purchased four ground effective means of adaptation. penetrating radar units at an average cost of $35,000 each, including initial training. October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 43 n) Participation in the National space was 76,459 m2, or 823,000 square Transportation Canada information feet. Of this reported inventory, 5,574 m2, networks on climate change adaptation. or 60,000 square feet, was reported The Department of Transportation expends vacant, for a vacancy rate of 7.29 percent. approximately $10,000 annually for staff to Once the new Government of the attend four network meetings of which two Northwest Territories office building is are held in the North. operational, the total inventory of Class A o) Development of a Best Practices Guide and B general purpose office space in the for Construction, Maintenance and Yellowknife market is estimated to be 2 Operation of Winter Roads. 82,459 m , or 887,583 square feet. The total cost of the Best Practices Guide for 3. Based on the current estimated rate of Construction, Maintenance and Operation of absorption of new general purpose office Winter Roads was $144,000, of which the space in the Yellowknife market, the Department of Transportation contributed vacancy rate is projected to approach 325 2 $10,000. Other provincial/territorial m , or 3,500 square feet, close to zero jurisdictions contributed the balance of the percent, prior to the completion of the cost. new GNWT office building in 2015. p) Development of a Best Practices Guide The vacant inventory for Class A and B for the Construction of Transportation general purpose office space upon Infrastructure on Permafrost. completion of the new GNWT office building is estimated to be 6,325 m2, or The total cost of the Best Practices Guide for 68,083 square feet, for a vacancy rate of the Construction of Transportation 7.67 percent, which is considered healthy Infrastructure on Permafrost was $130,000, under normal competitive market of which the Department of Transportation conditions. contributed $30,000. Other provincial/territorial jurisdictions RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 7- contributed the balance of the cost. 17(3): SENIOR MANAGEMENT RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 6- PERFORMANCE BONUSES 17(3): YELLOWKNIFE OFFICE SPACE I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Hawkins to the Minister of Human I have a return to written question asked by Resources on June 8, 2012, regarding senior Mr. Dolynny to the Minister of Public management performance bonuses. Works and Services on June 6, 2012, regarding Yellowknife office space. The Department of Human Resources has prepared a document entitled Performance 1. As of February 2012, the total inventory Bonuses Paid Out in 2011-2012, which of Class A and B general purpose office provided the number of performance space in the Yellowknife market was 2 bonuses paid to GNWT executive and senior reported to be 71,349 m , or 768,000 managers in the 2011-2012 fiscal year by square feet. Of this reported inventory, 2 range for performance in 2010-11. The 465 m , or 5,000 square feet, was vacant, department has also reflected this for a .65 percent vacancy rate. information, by department, agency and 2. As of June 2012, the reported inventory corporation, in a document entitled of Class A and B general purpose office Performance Bonuses Paid Out in 2011-12 October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 44

By Department, Agency and Corporation. Canada, likely close to the six-month Due to the lengthy and detailed nature of deadline for the reasonable job offers. this information, I will be tabling these A high-level organizational design is documents later today at the appropriate anticipated to be completed by the end of time. October 2012, and a detailed organization design will be finalized for May 2013. The RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 8- detailed organization design will include 17(3): recommendations on the number of TRANSFER OF FEDERAL positions to be established and their POSITIONS location. I have committed to keep the WITH DEVOLUTION Standing Committee on Priorities and IMPLEMENTATION Planning informed of the progress of the I have a return to written question asked by organization design work underway. Mr. Yakeleya to the Premier on June 8, 2012, regarding the transfer of federal RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 9- positions with devolution implementation. 17(3): The Government of the Northwest SMALL CAPITAL PROJECTS Territories is currently negotiating with the Finally, I have a return to written question Government of Canada for the transfer of asked by Mr. Hawkins to the Minister of authority and control over Crown lands, Finance on June 11, 2012, regarding small resources and rights in respect of water in capital projects. the Northwest Territories. The negotiations Later today, at the appropriate time, I will focus on transfer of authority and control of table the analysis of Small Capital Projects resources and, therefore, there is no for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 fiscal years. predetermined number of positions Thank you, Mr. Speaker. involved. The Government of the Northwest Territories will determine the appropriate MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. organization structure, utilizing the $65,300 Item 10, replies to opening address. Item 11, million in annual funding negotiated with petitions. Item 12, reports of standing and Canada. This funding will be administered special committees. Item 13, reports of through an adjustment to the gross committees on the review of bills. Mr. expenditure determined through the formula Moses. financing arrangement with Canada. The Government of Canada will be laying off Northwest Territories staff in the programs affected by devolution. The Government of the Northwest Territories has committed to provide a reasonable job offer to all affected employees six months prior to effective date. The reasonable job offer includes a commitment to match as closely as possible the location of affected employees. The final decision on which employees are laid off will be made by October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 45

9) Reports of Committees ---Carried on the Review of Bills MR. SPEAKER: The 120 day review BILL 2: period has been extended to November 8, MISCELLANEOUS STATUTE LAW 2012, for Bills 5 and 7. AMENDMENT ACT, 2012 Item 14, tabling of documents. Mr. Abernethy. BILL 8: AN ACT TO AMEND THE 10) Tabling of Documents SECURITIES ACT TABLED DOCUMENT 51-17(3): BILL 5: GNWT RESPONSE TO LEGAL AID ACT COMMITTEE REPORT 1-17(3) ON THE REVIEW OF THE BILL 7: 2010-2011 ANNUAL REPORT OF AN ACT TO AMEND THE THE INFORMATION AND JUDICATURE ACT PRIVACY COMMISSIONER OF MR. MOSES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I THE NWT wish to report to the Assembly that the Standing Committee on Social Programs has TABLED DOCUMENT 52-17(3): reviewed Bill 2, Miscellaneous Statute Law GNWT RESPONSE TO Amendment Act, 2012, and Bill 8, An Act COMMITTEE REPORT to Amend the Securities Act, and wish to 2-17(3) ON THE REVIEW OF THE report that Bills 2 and 8 are now ready for 2010-2011 NWT HUMAN RIGHTS consideration in Committee of the Whole. COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT Further, the Standing Committee on Social Programs wishes to report that they are also TABLED DOCUMENT 53-17(3): reviewing Bill 5, Legal Aid Act, and Bill 7, GNWT RESPONSE TO MOTION An Act to Amend the Judicature Act, and 12-17(3), would like to report that additional time is MENTAL HEALTH COURT required to complete the review of Bills 5 DIVERSION MEASURES and 7. TABLED DOCUMENT 54-17(3): MOTION TO EXTEND 120 DAY ANNUAL REPORT: ACTIVITIES REVIEW PERIOD FOR BILLS 5 OF THE AND 7, RENTAL OFFICE CARRIED APRIL 1, 2011, TO MARCH 31, Therefore, in accordance with Rule 70(1) 2012 and (3) of the rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, I TABLED DOCUMENT 55-17(3): move, seconded by the honourable Member PERFORMANCE BONUSES PAID for Range Lake, that the 120 day review OUT period for Bill 5, Legal Aid Act, and Bill 7, IN 2011-12 (FOR 2010-11) An Act to Amend the Judicature Act, be HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Thank you, extended to November 8, 2012. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following Mr. Speaker. four documents, entitled GNWT Response October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 46 to Committee Report 1-17(3), Review of the Safer Advantage Claims Cost Experience NWT Information and Privacy and Penalties. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Commissioner’s 2010-2011 Annual Report; MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. the GNWT Response to Committee Report The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod. 2-17(3), Review of Human Rights Commission 2010-2011 Annual Report; TABLED DOCUMENT 59-17(3): GNWT Response to Motion 12-17(3), GNWT RESPONSE TO MOTION 2- Mental Health Court Diversion Measures; 17(2), and Annual Report: Activities of the Rental OLD AGE SECURITY Office for 2011-12. Finally, further to my Return to Written Question 7-17(3), I wish TABLED DOCUMENT 60-17(3): to table the following document, entitled GNWT RESPONSE TO MOTION 3- Performance Bonuses Paid Out in 2011-12. 17(3), Thank you. INCREASED SUPPORT FOR MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. RENEWABLE ENERGY Abernethy. Mr. Lafferty. TABLED DOCUMENT 61-17(3): TABLED DOCUMENT 56-17(3): GNWT RESPONSE TO MOTION 9- GNWT RESPONSE TO 17(3), COMMITTEE REPORT ESTABLISHMENT OF 3-17(3) ON THE REVIEW OF THE INDEPENDENT OMBUDSMAN’S 2010-2011 ANNUAL REPORT OF OFFICE THE LANGUAGES COMMISSIONER TABLED DOCUMENT 62-17(3): GNWT RESPONSE TO TABLED DOCUMENT 57-17(3): COMMITTEE REPORT GNWT RESPONSE TO MOTION 5- 4-17(3), REPORT ON THE REVIEW 17(3), OF EARLY CHILDHOOD STATUS REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AUDITOR GENERAL OF CANADA HON. BOB MCLEOD: Mr. Speaker, I TABLED DOCUMENT 58-17(3): wish to table the following four documents, GNWT SAFER ADVANTAGE entitled Government of the Northwest CLAIMS COST EXPERIENCE AND Territories Response to Motion 2-17(2), Old PENALTIES Age Security; Government of the Northwest HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: Mahsi, Territories Response to Motion 3-17(3), Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following Increased Support for Renewable Energy; two documents, entitled GNWT Response to Government of the Northwest Territories Committee Report 3-17(3), Review of Response to Motion 9-17(3), Establishment Languages Commissioner’s 2010-2011 of Independent Ombudsman’s Office; Annual Report, and GNWT Response to Government of the Northwest Territories Motion 5-17(3), Early Childhood Response to CR 4-17(3), Report on the Development. Finally, further to my Return Review of the Status Report of the Auditor to Written Question 4-17(3), I wish to table General of Canada to the Northwest the following document entitled GNWT Territories Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 47

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. McLeod. the Northwest Territories Housing Mr. Beaulieu. Corporation, in response to a petition tabled by Mr. Norman Yakeleya on June 13, 2012. TABLED DOCUMENT 63-17(3): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. GNWT RESPONSE TO MOTION 4- MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. 17(2), Mr. Hawkins. IMPROVING DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAMS TABLED DOCUMENT 67-17(3): HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Thank you, Mr. MEMBERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT – Speaker. I wish to table the following document, entitled Government of the WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Northwest Territories Response to Motion APPEALS TRIBUNAL 4-17(2), Improving Drug and Alcohol Programs. Thank you. TABLED DOCUMENT 68-17(3): MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. RESPONSE TO ORAL QUESTION Beaulieu. Mr. Miltenberger. 68-17(3), STAND-ALONE CAMPUS FOR TABLED DOCUMENT 64-17(3): AURORA COLLEGE CAMPUS IN NWT CAPITAL ESTIMATES 2013- YELLOWKNIFE 2014 TABLED DOCUMENT 69-17(3): TABLED DOCUMENT 65-17(3): NWT HANSARD – MAY 31, 2012 DEPARTMENT SMALL CAPITAL PAGES 770-771 – ORAL PROJECTS QUESTION 68-17(3), STAND-ALONE CAMPUS FOR HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: AURORA COLLEGE CAMPUS IN Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the YELLOWKNIFE following document, entitled NWT Capital Estimates 2013-2014, and further to my MR. HAWKINS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Return to Written Question 9-17(3), I wish I have three things I would like to table. The to table the following document entitled first document I would like to table is a Department Small Capital Projects. Thank Members’ Code of Conduct with the WSCC you. Workers’ Appeals Tribunal. This is in response to a particular question I raised in MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. the House in May, where research found no Miltenberger. Tabled document 64-17(3) is conflict of interest policy at the time, but moved into Committee of the Whole. Mr. that has been since corrected. I would like to Clerk. thank Mr. Colin Baile for his assistance and appreciating this particular problem at this TABLED DOCUMENT 66-17(3): time. RESPONSE TO PETITION 1-17(3), RENTS CHARGED TO SENIORS The second item I would like to table and LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING the third item are related, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table a letter to me from CLERK OF THE HOUSE (Mr. Mercer): Minister Jackson Lafferty regarding Mr. Speaker, I would like to table a response Question 68-17(3), stand-alone campus. to a petition provided by the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister responsible for October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 48

The third item is compendium page 770 and 13) Orders of the Day page 771. It’s the exchange over my concern over the stand-alone campus at Yellowknife CLERK OF THE HOUSE (Mr. Mercer): Aurora College. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, orders of the day for Thursday, October 18, 2012, at 1:30 p.m.: MR. SPEAKER: Item 15, notices of motion. Item 16, notices of motion for first 1. Prayer reading of bills. Item 17, motions. Item 18, 2. Ministers’ Statements first reading of bills. Item 19, second 3. Members’ Statements reading of bills. Item 20, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other 4. Reports of Standing and Special matters: Tabled Document 64-17(3), NWT Committees Capital Estimates 2013-2014, with Mrs. 5. Returns to Oral Questions Groenewegen in the chair. 6. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

11) Consideration in Committee of the 7. Acknowledgements Whole of Bills and other Matters 8. Oral Questions CHAIRPERSON (Mrs. Groenewegen): 9. Written Questions Good afternoon, colleagues. I`d like to call 10. Returns to Written Questions Committee of the Whole to order. One 11. Replies to Opening Address document that’s in Committee of the Whole 12. Petitions today is Tabled Document 64-17(3). What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Menicoche. 13. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills MR. MENICOCHE: Madam Chair, I move that we report progress. 14. Tabling of Documents ---Carried 15. Notices of Motion I will now rise and report progress. Thank 16. Notices of Motion for First Reading you. of Bills MR. SPEAKER: Item 21, report of 17. Motions Committee of the Whole. Mrs. 18. First Reading of Bills Groenewegen. 19. Second Reading of Bills 12) Report of Committee of the Whole 20. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters MRS. GROENEWEGEN: Thank you, Mr. - Tabled Document 64-17(3), NWT Speaker. Your committee has been Capital Estimates 2013-2014 considering Tabled Document 64-17(3) and would like to report progress. Mr. Speaker, I 21. Report of Committee of the Whole move that the report of Committee of the 22. Third Reading of Bills Whole be concurred with. 23. Orders of the Day MR. SPEAKER: Do we have a seconder MR. SPEAKER: Accordingly, this House to the motion? Mrs. Bisaro. stands adjourned until Thursday, October ---Carried 18, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. Item 22, third reading of bills. Mr. Clerk, ---ADJOURNMENT orders of the day. October 17, 2012 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 49

The House adjourned at 3:54 p.m.