• Abstract and Figures
• Public Full-text

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

4th Session Day 26 17th Assembly

HANSARD

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Pages 2655 – 2684

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...... 2655

MINISTERS' STATEMENTS...... 2656

56-17(4) – Sessional Statement (B. McLeod)...... 2656

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS...... 2659, 2671

Hay River Homecoming 2013 (Bouchard)...... 2659

Medevac Response Times (Menicoche)...... 2659

Domestic Violence Treatment Option Court Program (Groenewegen)...... 2659

Edmonton Medevac Ambulance Facility (Dolynny)...... 2660

Motive Fuel Pricing Regulation (Hawkins)...... 2660

Electronic Medical Records Privacy Issues (Bisaro)...... 2661

Sahtu Regional Trades Centre (Yakeleya)...... 2662

Inuvik Gas Situation (Moses)...... 2662

Mackenzie Delta Fuel Prices (Blake)...... 2663

Low Employment Rates in Deh Cho Communities (Nadli)...... 2663

Federal Land Leases on Walsh and Banting Lakes (Bromley)...... 2671

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS IN THE GALLERY...... 2663

ORAL QUESTIONS...... 2664, 2671

WRITTEN QUESTIONS...... 2675

RETURNS TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS...... 2675

TABLING OF DOCUMENTS...... 2680

NOTICES OF MOTION...... 2681 13-17(4) – Appointment of Deputy Chairperson of Committee of the Whole (Yakeleya) 2681

14-17(4) – Performance Audit of the Nutrition North Canada Program (Yakeleya)2681

NOTICES OF MOTION FOR FIRST READING OF BILLS...... 2681

Bill 11 – Financial Administration and Public Agency Statutes (Borrowing Provisions) Amendment Act...... 2681

Bill 12 – An Act to Amend the Education Act...... 2682

Bill 13 – An Act to Repeal the Curfew Act...... 2682

Bill 14 – An Act to Repeal the Pawnbrokers and Second-Hand Dealers Act...2682

Bill 15 – Gunshot and Stab Wound Mandatory Disclosure Act...... 2682

Bill 16 – An Act to Amend the Justices of the Peace Act...... 2682

Bill 17 – An Act to Amend the Protection Against Family Violence Act...... 2682

Bill 18 – Apology Act...... 2682

Bill 19 – Miscellaneous Statutes Law Amendment Act, 2013...... 2682

MOTIONS...... 2682

13-17(4) – Appointment of Deputy Chairperson of Committee of the Whole (Yakeleya) 2682

ORDERS OF THE DAY...... 2683 May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 6

YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Members Present Hon. Glen Abernethy, Hon. Tom Beaulieu, Ms. Bisaro, Mr. Blake, Mr. Bouchard, Mr. Bromley, Mr. Dolynny, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Hawkins, Hon. Jackie Jacobson, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Bob McLeod, Hon. Robert McLeod, Mr. Menicoche, Hon. Michael Miltenberger, Mr. Moses, Mr. Nadli, Hon. David Ramsay, Mr. Yakeleya

These young people also enjoyed The House met at 1:30 p.m. recreational time networking with other youth from the North and increasing 2) Prayer their knowledge of this vast territory. Thank you to the students for ---Prayer showcasing leadership skills and SPEAKER (Hon. Jackie Jacobson): making this program a success. Thank Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome you to their parents and teachers for back as we reconvene the Fourth providing support, and to our public Session of the 17th Legislative affairs staff for delivering an interesting Assembly. Youth Parliament 2013. Two thousand thirteen and 2014 will be Members, today I would like to honour an exceptionally busy year for all the memory of a woman who was an government and the Legislative inspiration to many. On Tuesday, April Assembly. With great assurance, I can 30th, Canada lost an inspirational female say that all Members are engaged in a athlete and a sporting trailblazer. Shirley significant amount of work while the Firth-Larsson passed away in her home House recessed. A majority of the work in Yellowknife with her family. She was was geared towards committees and 59. constituent duties. In the midst of all the As you know, Shirley grew up in Aklavik activities, I hope Members found an and Inuvik as a member of the Gwich’in opportunity to spend time with their First Nation. Shirley, together with her families and loved ones. sister Sharon, was the first Aboriginal It was an honour this month to host the woman to be a fourth-time Olympian 12th Youth Parliament. I was honoured and a member of Canada’s National Ski to meet all 19 youth members, and I can Team representing Northwest Territories tell you, colleagues, that the future of and Canada in cross-country skiing in the Northwest Territories does look the Olympics from 1972 to bright. The youth took your seats in the Chamber, and with poise and confidence made Members’ statements, Ministers’ statements and debated four 1984. They received multiple national very interesting motions. and territorial awards and were inducted into several halls of fame. May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 7

Marcel Aubut, president of the Canadian following message from the Olympic Committee, paid this tribute: Commissioner of the Northwest “Olympian Shirley Firth-Larsson lived an Territories. It reads: inspiring life, filled to the brim with Dear Mr. Speaker: I wish to advise accomplishments the likes of which that I recommend to the Legislative many athletes can only dream. As a 29- Assembly of the Northwest Territories time national champion and four-time the passage of: Supplementary member of the Canadian Olympic Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Team, she proudly represented Canada Expenditures), No. 2, 2013-2014, and and the North, serving as a shining Supplementary Appropriation Act example of excellence to Aboriginal (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, women everywhere. Her contribution to 2013-2014, during the Fourth Session sport and to Canada will not be of the 17th Legislative Assembly. forgotten.” Yours truly, George L. Tuccaro, After retiring from competition, Shirley Commissioner. and her family spent 23 years in France Thank you, colleagues. I know you are and returned to the Northwest eager to tackle the work at hand, so let’s Territories in 2005. begin. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The North has lost an amazing person. The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod. She will be missed by many people. Shirley has left behind a legacy for all 3) Ministers’ Statements NWT athletes, residents, and all of Canada. She is a role model that will be MINISTER’S STATEMENT 56-17(4): remembered for her dedication to sport, SESSIONAL STATEMENT supporting a healthy lifestyle. Shirley HON. BOB MCLEOD: Mr. Speaker, it was a strong advocate for women and is a pleasure and an honour to welcome mothers and believed in the importance back my colleagues of the Legislative of pursuing education no matter your Assembly as we convene for our spring situation or age, but also that anyone sitting. I trust all our Members have can accomplish anything they set their enjoyed some memorable time with their minds to. families and constituents. Shirley was not only my executive Mr. Speaker, this may not be a long assistant but was a good friend. It was sitting, but it will be a busy one, an an absolute honour to work with her. ambitious one, and an important one. Members, please join me in sending This session will see several of the sincere condolences to the family of strategies the Government of the Shirley Firth-Larsson. I would like to Northwest Territories has been working take this opportunity to extend my on come forward, and it is also our plan personal condolences and condolences to bring a motion on the proposed across the Northwest Territories to Devolution Agreement to Members for families who lost loved ones in the past their review and discussion. few months since we’ve been here. This Legislative Assembly has a vision Colleagues, it is now my duty to advise of a territory where strong individuals, the House that I have received the families, and communities share in the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 8 environmentally sustainable, and Based on this potential, the Conference prosperous territory. Board of Canada has predicted that the We want to see a Northwest Territories North’s GDP will double by 2020. There where our people can thrive and be are seven mining projects currently in healthy, where a well-managed the works that could attract more than environment contributes to our $2 billion in new investment and add economic well-being and quality of life, over 2,000 new jobs in our territory. and where a strong economy provides Development of the oil resources in the jobs and opportunities for our Central Mackenzie and predicted communities and money for government increases in the price of and demand for programs. Arctic natural gas could help to re- The Government of the Northwest establish the economic viability of the Territories is committed to achieving this Mackenzie Gas Project. vision of economic development, social That project could contribute $68 million progress, and environmental to the Northwest Territories economy, sustainability built on a foundation of $86 billion to the national economy, and strong consensus government. create over 200,000 person years of In the coming session, Mr. Speaker, employment. Oil and gas companies Members will hear about work the have committed to spending $635 government is doing to grow and million in the Sahtu and $2.2 billion to diversify our economy, support our develop offshore leases in the Beaufort, people, manage our environment, and with more parcels coming up. make government more effective and Clearly, the future for our territory and its efficient. people is bright. Managing and guiding While that is the work of 13 separate that potential so that our residents can departments, Mr. Speaker, the work is benefit from jobs and economic not separate. Our efforts are connected opportunities far into the future is one of and guided by our shared vision, and the most important tasks we face as a progress in one area often serves to government. support progress in another. That is why we are developing the A strong territory that supports its Mineral Development Strategy, which people starts with a strong economy, will support increased mineral Mr. Speaker, and the Northwest exploration expenditures, ensure long- Territories has the potential to be an term sustainability of the minerals economic powerhouse. We have a sector, maximize resident employment wealth of mineral resources, including and business opportunities, and diamonds, gold, tungsten and rare increase value-added opportunities for earths. our territory. We are home to world-class oil and gas It is why we are working on the reserves in the Deh Cho, Central Economic Opportunities Strategy, which Mackenzie, Mackenzie Delta and is being developed with the input and Beaufort Sea. We have hydro potential assistance of leading experts, that could rival James Bay. stakeholders and the public. It will guide our actions and identify approaches and May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 9 options for growing and diversifying our support and assistance where it is economy, providing opportunities for our necessary. residents in all our communities and During this session we will be tabling regions. our Anti-Poverty Strategy, developed in A strong economy needs access to collaboration with Aboriginal affordable energy, and we are working governments, business and industry, on an energy plan and plans for and the NGO sector. This strategy will developing our hydro resources and help to focus our government’s ongoing transmission lines that will help support efforts to support our people, particularly economic growth and help replace our most vulnerable people, with dignity expensive diesel with less expensive, and respect and address the root renewable energy. causes of poverty in our territory. We are also working to further diversify We will bring forward recommendations the economy. from the Minister’s Forum on Addictions Responsible management of our and Community Wellness. Their economy means not putting all our eggs recommendations will help us develop in a single basket. That is why our practical, community-based approaches government is providing support and to dealing with this issue that still programming for activities that add challenges so many of our fellow value to Northwest Territories products Northerners. and services, build business capacity, During this session our government will bring forward a renewed Early Childhood Development Framework. and expand the skills of NWT residents The early years are when our children develop the and businesses. physical, thinking, language, emotional and social abilities that will stay with them for a lifetime. Creating a strong, diversified economy Supporting children at this stage in their lives is one of is one of the best ways we have of the best ways that we will be able to ensure that supporting our people. A strong Northerners are healthy, educated, and free from economy creates sustainable and addictions and mental health challenges. You will also be hearing about our new Community vibrant communities. It provides jobs Safety Strategy during this session. Sustainable and opportunities so people can support communities that support our residents are safe themselves and their families, realize communities. With this strategy our government will support communities to develop their own plans for their aspirations, and avoid poverty. identifying and addressing their priorities for But we are not saying that people must community safety. do it all on their own. We recognize that Our government believes in responsible stewardship, Mr. Speaker. A healthy environment sustains healthy the government has a role to play in people, and the land has long been a source of helping people achieve personal wealth for our residents. We have a responsibility to success. manage our natural resources sustainably for the long-term benefit of the people of the Northwest We need to create an environment of Territories. education, of good health that enhances We continue work on a land use and sustainability the ability of all individuals to participate framework that will guide how land management decisions will be made after devolution, a critical in the economic growth that we are factor in sustainable development. During this session generating. We must work to build a we will be tabling a report on our consultations with strong and caring society that provides the public and Aboriginal governments on this for its residents fairly and justly, creating framework. Members will hear during this session about the the conditions for success and offering efforts we have made to conserve energy in May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 10 government buildings. We have a Solar Strategy and number of Members from this House. an updated Biomass Strategy, both released late last year. We are actively engaged in the negotiation of We worked to raise awareness of our transboundary water agreements to ensure territory but also, more specifically, to sustainable management of shared resources. We draw attention to a number of our have a proposed Wildlife Act that is currently before committee. We look forward to the passage of this bill priorities: the Mackenzie Valley as a further testament to our balanced and Highway, the Mackenzie Valley fibre responsible management of our rich natural heritage. optic line, the importance and The reality is that our prosperity is, and challenges of northern housing, the will be, founded in our natural resource importance of responsible wealth for the foreseeable future. Our environmental stewardship, and the vast land and waterways are critical to our resource potential of our territory. prosperity and our quality of life. Of course, we also promoted devolution. To benefit from our resources, we must I personally spoke with the Prime develop them; but to ensure today’s Minister about devolution and urged him prosperity endures for future to see our negotiations through quickly generations, we must do so responsibly. to a mutually beneficial conclusion. Our collective challenge will be to find a Two months ago we had the pleasure of way to develop our resources hosting Prime Minister Harper and the responsibly, sustainably, with due leaders of the Inuvialuit Regional regard to the value that Northerners Council, NWT Metis Nation, Sahtu have always placed on the land and Secretariat Incorporated, Gwich’in Tribal environment. I have no doubt that we Council and Tlicho Government in are up to that challenge. Yellowknife. During that visit we had the I should note, Mr. Speaker, that these honour of announcing with the Prime strategies have been shaped by our Minister that our governments had government’s ongoing discussions and concluded our negotiations toward a engagement with residents, Devolution Agreement. As the Prime communities and Aboriginal Minister said that day: “The heavy lifting governments. This is how we do things, is done, the issues are resolved, and and this is how we will continue to do negotiators have reached consensus on things. This territory is built on the terms of a final Devolution partnerships and collaboration, and Agreement.” central to this approach is our tradition Since that time the Government of the of working together with our Aboriginal Northwest Territories has been governments. engaging residents across the territory Our Aboriginal Engagement Strategy to hear their views of the proposed and our continuing record of reaching agreement. We are prepared to take a out to Aboriginal governments major step in the development of our demonstrates our commitment to be territory, and we want to make sure inclusive and collaborative in all that we people understand what is in the deal do. and what it means for all of the Mr. Speaker, earlier this year I had the Northwest Territories. honour of leading a delegation to Mr. Speaker, devolution will be the most Ottawa, a delegation that included all significant event this House and its Members of our Cabinet and a large Members have considered since May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 11 division. With devolution, we, the people with participating Aboriginal of the Northwest Territories, will have governments. This is an arrangement control over our land and resources. We that is not seen in any other province or will have control over our resource territory and speaks to our commitment royalties. We will have greater control to building a strong, prosperous territory over our destinies. We will have the in partnership with Aboriginal fiscal foundation and means to legislate governments. and govern better, in the interests of our New responsibilities will require a new people, and to advance their priorities in and amended legislative framework, and a more responsive manner. we will be looking to the Members of this We will be making decisions here, in the Assembly to work with us on the Northwest Territories, for the people of introduction and passage of the many the Northwest Territories. We are pieces of legislation we will need to coming of age and fulfilling a process of have in place in time for April 2014. It increasing northern control that began in will be hard work and may well require 1967 and has continued over the years. extra effort on the part of all of us, but This territory, which has been a cradle the work will be worth it, and I hope I for much of Canada – with multiple can count on Members’ support as we provinces and territories having arisen take this major step in the evolution of out of it over the last century – will soon our territory. be taking its rightful place in Mr. Speaker, Members of this House Confederation. Our time has come. come to each session with the interests Mr. Speaker, it is our intention to of their constituents and of the territory introduce a motion seeking this in the forefront of their minds. Our Assembly’s support for the approval of collective dedication to the well-being the Northwest Territories Lands and and prosperity of all residents of the Resources Devolution Agreement. Northwest Territories is what binds us Should this motion pass, we will then as political leaders and representatives proceed to sign the agreement that will of the people. see new responsibilities transferred to I know that each Member of this House us on April 1, 2014. takes their responsibilities very seriously Our government is already actively and in the coming days will be called working and planning for this transfer. upon to make some critical decisions for We have been leading engagement with the future of the people we serve. No the Government of Canada and with matter where we stand on the issues Aboriginal governments to develop before us, there is no doubt that we effective post-devolution relationships. must be prepared to stand up and These include bilateral negotiations with represent our constituents to the best of participating Aboriginal parties on the our abilities. There will be areas of development of a post-devolution disagreement but I hope no discord as arrangement to co-operate on land and we are all here by the choice of the resource management issues. It also people and it is our sworn duty to includes work on arrangements to share represent those people with forthright a quarter of the resource revenues we and respectful debate. earn from development on public land May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 12

Mr. Speaker, this is a great territory, and we share the and visit with the folks that have been privilege and responsibility of governing it. The North is the future. The North’s day is just dawning. We there and have enjoyed the community. have the people, the ingenuity, the resources, and the We also are acknowledging some of the resolve to lead Canada and lead the world as a place in which to live, work, raise a family and find events and anniversaries. It’s been 50 prosperity. years since the great flood in 1963. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude Forty years ago the DJSS, our famous my statement. purple school, was built. We just had a ---Unanimous consent granted new renovation to it, so we are having a HON. BOB MCLEOD: I and all Members of this reopening of the facility. Assembly are going to be making history for our people. As we debate devolution, we will be debating As well, a couple of large companies in and assenting to the birthright of our people. We will Hay River, long-standing companies be voting to ensure decisions on northern development reflect the aspirations of the NWT that have been there for 40 years – residents, communities and Aboriginal governments. Kingland Ford and Ring’s Pharmacy – Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all Members for their are celebrating their anniversaries. hard work in support of the vision of this Assembly and the plans of the government. I look forward to Along with all those people that are working with them in the important weeks and months coming, we also have some ahead. This will be a time to remember, and celebrations that are going on. I’d like to devolution will be a gift to our children and grandchildren. It will be a legacy to be forever acknowledge all the hard workers. We inscribed in the story of this great land, and we should have Kandee Froese, chairperson for be honoured to have a part in it. Thank you. the Hay River Homecoming, and her ---Applause team of people that are working. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Members, We also have many events going on. before we continue, I’d like to recognize former th Commissioner, Speaker, Minister, MLA, Sergeant-at- On Friday, the 28 , we have registration Arms, Honourary Naval Captain, and Honourary and meet and greet. Saturday, we have Clerk of the House: Anthony W.J. Whitford. Tony, pancake breakfast, the reopening of welcome back to the House. DJSS, exhibition ballgame, a fish fry at ---Applause the Hay River Fisherman’s Wharf, and Item 3, Members’ statements. Mr. Bouchard. on Sunday we have a fun-filled day. 4) Members’ Statements There’s a church service, blessing of the fleet and a golf tournament. On July 1st, MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON obviously, the busy day there where we HAY RIVER HOMECOMING 2013 have the flag raising event, Canada Day MR. BOUCHARD: Thank you, Mr. parade, show and shine, street fair at Speaker. Today I rise with great the Fisherman’s Wharf, high tea at the excitement that in Hay River on June museum. 28th and July 1st we are having the Hay It’s a great event and we’re looking River Homecoming. It’s an event that forward to seeing some of the 550 people are busy in Hay River right now people that have signed up to this list organizing and getting things ready. We and some of the honoured guests that have 550 signed up on the website, and are coming, Mr. Earl Jake Covert. Dr. the website is hayriver2013.ca. Covert served there many years. Some If you are from Hay River or you have of the other people, Steve Brookes. ever lived in Hay River, we are looking There are many on the list and they’re for people to come back to Hay River all on the website, so I urge people to May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 13 look on the website and get to Hay River This kind of response time is on the long weekend. unacceptable. It undermines our MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. residents’ faith in the medevac system Bouchard. The Member for Nahendeh, and our health system. Everyone should Mr. Menicoche. have the comfort of a medevac system that is reliable and responsive not only MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON for Trout Lake but for all communities in MEDEVAC RESPONSE TIMES the NWT. MR. MENICOCHE: Mahsi cho, Mr. I think the Minister should find out what Speaker. I want to express my went wrong. I will be asking those sympathy to the Jumbo family of Trout questions in the House later today. Lake who lost a much-loved elder in a There have to be changes made to recent boating accident. The tragedy ensure that this never happens again. has been a very difficult one for MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. everyone in the community. After the Menicoche. The Member for Hay River accident, CPR was done at the scene South, Mrs. Groenewegen. and the victim revived. She was transported to the health centre, but in MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON the end her injuries were too severe. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE I really want to thank everyone who TREATMENT OPTION COURT made such a great effort to save her. PROGRAM You’re an example to us all. MRS. GROENEWEGEN: Thank you, While many people are now grieving, Mr. Speaker. I’ve been approached by a this accident could have been much constituent in my community with an worse. Three other people survived the idea which I am completely in favour of, crash. One had to be medevaced to and that is to extend the Domestic Yellowknife for treatment at the Stanton Violence Treatment Option court Hospital. program to Hay River. This is another innovation that is so far only available in I wish I could also offer praise and Yellowknife but could also be done thanks to our Health department and elsewhere. medical travel system, but the reality is it was not responsive at all, especially A person who is charged with violence considering the circumstances. People against their spouse can take in Trout Lake were shocked by how long responsibility for their actions and enrol it took for help to arrive. No one at the in a treatment program. To be accepted, Fort Simpson Health Centre picked up the offender must plead guilty, the the emergency phone; four times they Crown and defence lawyers must agree were called. Finally family called the that diversion from Territorial Court is RCMP to advise the health centre of the appropriate, which means low-risk emergency in Trout Lake; and after this cases. The offender attends a pre-court delay it took five hours for the medevac meeting with the treatment team, the plane to get to the community. I don’t lawyers and bail supervisors. If all goes know how much more time passed well, the offender begins an eight-week before the patient arrived at the hospital, treatment program. It is designed to but it is safe to say it took far too long. address the emotional and May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 14 psychological causes of domestic municipal airport were now being taken violence. Additional counselling is to the new air ambulance operations at available to work on related programs the International airport. What is such as drug or alcohol addictions. The interesting is that our Minister of Health offender and the treatment team must and Social Services, in a recent press report progress back to the court. The release announcing this new service, offender’s progress is fully reviewed by indicated that they have achieved their a judge before sentencing. goal in improving the quality of patient This program has great potential. It is all care. I’m not sure about you, but adding about rehabilitation, changing over 35 minutes to the backend of destructive behaviour, and rebuilding patient travel is not, in my mind, families and communities. I would like to improving one’s chance of survival. I see the Domestic Violence Treatment believe the Minister owes the public an Option court expanded to Hay River, explanation on how this service is which would also benefit the nearby somehow improving our quality of care. communities. In order to be successful Furthermore, the residents are now wherever such a court is set up, it must reassured that the Alberta Health have the resources necessary to assist Services air ambulance facility is located the offender with rehabilitation. It must in the same building as the STARS be effective. It cannot become a way for Helicopter. One would only assume that chronic abusers to reduce their our critical patients will be whisked away sentences without changing their to the nearest hospital by helicopter, behaviour. right? Well, it appears that since the I do have faith in people and in the launch of this program, the STARS innovative work being done by our Helicopter has not been used once for Justice department and courts, and any critical care residents. One has to would like to see Hay River benefit from ask, why use the soothing sounds of the expansion of this program to the such an opportunity when in reality it is South Slave. really only lip service? Later today I will have questions for the Adding insult to injury, our Department Minister of Justice on this topic. Thank of Health and Social Services and our you, Mr. Speaker. Minister have also failed us in not addressing some of the other key MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mrs. barriers of this so-called new quality of Groenewegen. The honourable Member patient care. What about the continuity for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny. of patient care? We now have multiple MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON paramedic practitioners during the EDMONTON MEDEVAC AMBULANCE patient transfer. What new risks are we FACILITY now exposing the patient? What about MR. DOLYNNY: Thank you, Mr. the increased risk of communication Speaker. Not more than two weeks ago, errors? Multiple practitioners, multiple the residents of NWT woke up to the patient records, multiple verbal new GNWT medevac program for communications all add new exposure patients who normally would be risks to the patient transfers. transferred to the downtown Edmonton May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 15

What about the lack of cultural needs for experienced rate shock at the pumps. our patient? Northern patients have Why? Because they could. That is why. northern cultural needs. Our patients are No one holds them to account. Normally unique and will these southern a free market being left up to itself is the paramedic practitioners understand best way to go, but I believe it only these challenges? works in a vast world market. As this Finally, what about all the extra undue government continues to watch this stress for their patients? The entire problem go by, they do nothing. medical event of leaving the North, your As we all know, petroleum prices are home, your language, and being handed tied to global markets and certainly to off like an orphan at the door is very the pocketbooks and profits of those traumatic in itself. Will this new magic people in charge well beyond the carpet triage centre offer and create the individual jurisdiction or certainly any same trusting environment of the nation’s control. Given our remote original door-to-door service we once location, our average Northerners pay had? Many do not think so. some of the highest fuel prices in The residents of NWT deserve better. Canada, whether you live in Inuvik, Fort We are not orphans to be abandoned at Smith, Hay River or Yellowknife. We pay the door of the bus stop. We deserve and we continue to pay. Why? Because top-line health care, not Third World they can. health care. Northerners will benefit just like five Of course, I will have more serious other jurisdictions and provinces who questions on this topic later today for the decided to take charge of their motive Minister of Health. Thank you. fuel sites problem by regulating their fuels. Why? Because they care about MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. their citizens. For example, as I have Dolynny. The honourable Member for said before, New Brunswick began to Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins. regulate their fuel prices back in 2006. They regulate the ceiling price to help MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON protect their consumers. Retail is MOTIVE FUEL PRICING required by law to show how much they REGULATION are paying at their pumps. Why? To MR. HAWKINS: Thank you, Mr. spur on healthy competition. That does Speaker. Northerners continue to be not exist here in the North. Many held hostage. This is a reality and it is northern residents will agree that we far too common to hear this question. need a strong regulated system. Why isn’t our government standing up Collectively we’re collecting signatures for our northern people? The on the Government of the Northwest government would tell you they are Territories Legislative Assembly’s on- fighting and working hard on the cost of line petition site because we need to living problem. Talk is certainly cheap. I hear Northerners’ voices. This can tell, from looking around here, that it government will continue to watch this must have been on sale too. issue float by. Why? Because they want We live in a time of ever increasing to do nothing. energy costs. Last week Northerners May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 16

So, later today, I will be asking the with privacy issues around medical Minister of Municipal and Community records. During my time here at the Affairs what is he prepared to do on fuel Ledge, there’s been talk of legislation, a price regulation. It may not be known as new act, a Health Information Act to the perfect solution, but it definitely deal with just this problem, but to date shows Northerners we’re fighting back we have nothing more to show than against big oil and we care about our that: talk and an idea hanging in the residents. That’s why. wind. There’s still no indication from the MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Department of Health and Social Hawkins. The Member for Frame Lake, Services as to when the legislation Ms. Bisaro. might be introduced. The Access to Information and MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON Protection of Privacy Act, ATIPP, does ELECTRONIC MEDICAL not go far enough in the provision of RECORDS privacy around health records. Too PRIVACY ISSUES many health situations cannot be MS. BISARO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. addressed through ATIPP. It’s well past The 2011-2012 report of the NWT the time for NWT legislation, which Information and Privacy Commissioner recognizes the right of the individual to was recently tabled in the House, and I informational privacy, privacy as defined was particularly struck by the references by the Supreme Court of Canada and within the report to complaints about the enshrined as a right in our Charter of lack of privacy of our medical records. Rights. A Health Information Act can Not a new problem, as many people ensure and enforce that privacy and it know. Only this time the problem was really must be made a priority. not with faxed records but with I fully support the new technology in use electronic medical records. in the NWT health system. Electronic The Information and Privacy medical records, properly managed, can Commissioner reported on her very significantly improve health services for comprehensive investigation of a our residents, but any access to complaint about access to electronic electronic medical records must ensure, medical records by health authority staff, as stated by the Information and Privacy a situation which was especially Commissioner, the patient’s right to troubling for her. As a result, the 2011- determine for himself when, how and to 12 report contains recommendations what extent he will release personal made with a view to improving access to information about himself. Not every the electronic medical records system to employee in a health clinic needs ensure that it works to allow better access, nor should they have access to integration of services, at the same time a patient’s full medical file. allowing the individual client or the Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent patient the right to control access to his to conclude my statement. or her most sensitive, personal ---Unanimous consent granted information. MS. BISARO: Only some staff should The Commissioner recommends that have full access to medical records, legislation be put in place to better deal May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 17 doctors and nurse practitioners for competing to attract individuals with instance. There is a demonstrated need strong qualifications. Even within our for legislation to address privacy own government we are, and still will be, protection around health records, yet in competition for these individuals. there’s been no progress on this act In order for companies to reach the th since the 16 Assembly. targets in socio-economic agreements, I have to ask the Health Minister: When the Northwest Territories needs a will Members see a Health Information healthy, educated and strong workforce Act presented in the House? Thank you. which includes training in trades in our MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Ms. communities where people already Bisaro. The Member for Sahtu, Mr. make their lives and where the Yakeleya. economics has huge potential for long- lasting and sustainable prosperity. MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON For example, training in workforce SAHTU REGIONAL TRADES preparation was a major component of CENTRE pipeline readiness when we talked MR. YAKELEYA: Thank you, Mr. about the Mackenzie Gas Project. It Speaker. Over the last month I’ve been doesn’t look like the pipeline is to the Aurora College grad ceremony in happening in the near future, yet there Fort Smith and I’ve been to the one here are things that are there. Workforce in Yellowknife, and my hat’s off to the training has a very high profile when you graduates, the instructors and to the talk about the oil and gas readiness in Aurora College institution for graduating the Sahtu. We want the same a fine round of people who are going to opportunities we see in mining activities make a difference in their lives in the in this area, no more and no less. Northwest Territories. The Sahtu needs a training centre now As I sat there in the graduation, I was because as oil and gas development just imagining what it would be like to starts to pick up, we need to be ready. have a graduation at that type of For example, the school in Tulita offered magnitude in the Sahtu region for our a welding class this year. Students got own people. This is what I want to talk to learn basic welding techniques and about. make simple projects. Courses like this could be offered in all the Sahtu schools The Sahtu needs a training centre now in conjunction with a trade training because of the excitement that I saw, centre. Students will be motivated when feelings that I felt, and the words of the they have the opportunity to become families and friends when they got up qualified for trades at a local training and received their diplomas. centre. Careers in trades offer a wealth of Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent opportunities to people in these fields. to conclude my statement. As mineral and oil and gas development picks up across the North, the demand ---Unanimous consent granted for skilled workers increases. Already MR. YAKELEYA: Can you imagine a there’s a shortage of skilled trades community that is self-sustaining and workers across Canada. Companies are self-determining in its own right? May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 18

Anything is possible when we believe in arm and a leg to heat their homes and our people. live comfortably when our winters are Our people are ready. We need to be getting a lot colder. ready. There are some great As a result, what I have seen in Inuvik is opportunities in the North. We’ve got to a lot of homes going up for sale. I’m get a trade centre in the Sahtu now seeing a lot more leasing spaces. We because we support our vision, a vision are actually seeing that people who of the territory where strong individuals, have these high fuel bills are actually families and communities share the being put on a payment plan to pay their benefits and responsibilities of a unified, fuel bills. That is ridiculous. Not in this environmentally sustaining and day and age; not in the community of prosperous territory. Thank you, Mr. Inuvik. This needs to be addressed and Speaker. needs to be changed and the sooner we MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. can do it, the better. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Over the summer, I see no doubt that Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses. after the experience of January, February and March, there are going to MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON be people who don’t want to live in INUVIK GAS SITUATION Inuvik and are going to be wanting to MR. MOSES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. move, which will result in the prices of Since the last time we sat in this House, whatever gas we’re on, we’re going to I’ve had a lot of meetings with our have to find those prices to offset the constituents back home in Inuvik and storage and transportation costs. So we also other organizations in the NWT. As do need to find a solution, like I said, much as all of the concerns that were sooner than later. brought to my attention were very In the budget address made by the important, there’s one that’s always Minister of Finance for the 2013-14 going to be very important to me and the budget, he did mention that there was constituents and residents of the $100,000 that was being put towards a community I reside in, Inuvik, and that’s feasibility study on liquid natural gas. I the situation we are dealing with right will be asking the Minister of Finance now, and that’s the gas situation. questions on the status of that, where In January, February and March, we we are, and what we can do moving saw really high fuel prices for those that forward. are on the synthetic natural gas system. We talk about devolution; we talk about In fact, in some cases their fuel bills decentralization. Nobody’s going to be doubled. As a result, it affected their wanting to come to live in Inuvik, daily lives; it affected their mental working in those jobs with the high cost health; it affected their family lives as of living already and the high gas prices. well. This is something that needs to be They need to be addressed. We need to addressed and we need to find a let people know that we are working on solution, a short-term and long-term finding a solution and that that solution solution that will put the residents of will come, hopefully, before the winter Inuvik at ease in the upcoming winter months and the cold months. that they’re not going to be paying an May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 19

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. earth’s most majestic rivers, and now Moses. The Member for Mackenzie we have a completed bridge. Delta, Mr. Blake. However, the potential of the Deh Cho area remains underdeveloped. The MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON unemployment rate in Fort Providence MACKENZIE DELTA FUEL was 30 percent in 2009, while the PRICES average for the NWT was closer to 10 MR. BLAKE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. percent. NWT residents are consistently I’d like to welcome everyone back to this among the highest wage earners in spring session. Back home in the Canada, but at the same time, 32 Mackenzie Delta right now we have a lot percent of households in the Deh Cho of people out harvesting. Over the last report incomes of no more than $15,000 month people have been out trapping per year. muskrat, beaver and also hunting Seasonal employment is more common geese, swans and ducks. than in any other parts of the territory. I wish everyone a very safe season this Jobs remain concentrated in Yellowknife spring. I know we have high water in where the employment rate is around 80 Fort McPherson right now, and the percent, while higher in other community of Aklavik is preparing for a communities, and even compared to the flood this spring. With the increased national average, suggesting things in amount of snow that we’ve had this the NWT are way out of proportion. winter, the community is preparing. These trends are not sustainable. Also, the community of Tsiigehtchic is Quality of life suffers in our small very concerned with the fuel prices communities where there are limited we’ve had since May 24th. The opportunities for employment and the community is paying $1.92 per litre for people feel increasingly forced away one litre of gasoline. We’re not from traditional ways of life. Youth look supposed to use pennies anymore. I’m for jobs and education elsewhere, and not sure if this government is aware of more times than not permanently leave that, but we might as well say $1.95 a their home communities. Too often we litre. But this needs to be addressed, look to rapid-paced, large-scale and I will have questions for the Minister industrial development as a quick fix to of petroleum products later today. some of these problems, but we see MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Blake. how that can only lead to boom and bust The Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Nadli. in areas and more unsustainability. Fortunately, these trends are reversible. MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON Many resourceful individuals throughout LOW EMPLOYMENT RATES IN the Deh Cho and the NWT are DEH CHO COMMUNITIES dedicated to making the most of MR. NADLI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. opportunities available to them. Already [Microphone turned off] …among the we are seeing grassroots initiatives in most scenic, accessible, promising areas such as local biomass, tourism, regions of the NWT. It is rich in agriculture and small business. The resources, home to a world-renowned GNWT should do all it can to motivate national park and named for one of the and encourage these efforts and control May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 20 the pace and scale of industrial MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. development. Moses. Mr. Miltenberger. Devolution presents a once-in-a-lifetime HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: It opportunity to take charge of our lands gives me great pleasure to stand and and resources, put government jobs into recognize Mr. Paul Currie and his wife regions and collect some of the wealth Jennifer. Mr. Currie is here to receive from non-renewable resource the St. John Ambulance Member of the development. I look forward to the ways Order Medal. He is also a recipient of the GNWT can support the conclusion Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Medal of the Deh Cho process. Also, at the and NWT Fire Service Merit Award, and same time, I will look with optimism that the you’ll notice he as well has a chest eventually the Canadian Zinc will one full of medals because he is a 20-year day become an operational mine. veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces I seek unanimous consent to conclude with service in Croatia, Rwanda, Bosnia my statement. and the Persian Gulf, currently back in Fort Smith, returned home and he is ---Unanimous consent granted now working in the community. I would MR. NADLI: With cooperation, like to thank him for all of his years of collaboration and sustained effort from service. He is an outstanding volunteer, all sides, the Deh Cho will become one and his wife, Jennifer. Thank you. of the most prosperous and attractive MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. regions of the NWT. Thank you. Miltenberger. Mr. Abernethy. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Nadli. HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Thank you, Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize recognition of visitors in the gallery. The two people. First I would l like to honourable Premier. recognize a constituent of the Great 5) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Slave riding, Mr. Brandon Albert. I would also like to recognize my father in the HON. BOB MCLEOD: Thank you, Mr. gallery, Dick Abernethy. Speaker. I’m very pleased to recognize MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. my wife, Melody. We have been Abernethy. Mr. Robert McLeod. together for a long time. Thank you. HON. ROBERT MCLEOD: Thank you, MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker. I would also like to McLeod. Mr. Moses. recognize Mr. Winston Moses, who I MR. MOSES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. had the opportunity to apprentice with I would like to recognize a wise and back in 1980. I worked with him. I had knowledgeable constituent from Inuvik an opportunity to work with Alfred. I whose support and dedication to his won’t tell them about the driving lessons family is one of high standard, a strong nobody wanted to give you back in role model, community leader and an 1980. elder and a leader in his own way, my ---Laughter father, Mr. Winston John Moses. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Welcome. McLeod. Mr. Hawkins. May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 21

MR. HAWKINS: Thank you, Mr. MRS. GROENEWEGEN: I would like to Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to recognize a delegation of senior recognize and acknowledge a few management in our public service. It people in the gallery. You can never looks like a group of deputy ministers recognize one of our favourite and assistant deputy ministers who Yellowknife people, who is Mr. Anthony have joined us here today. Having been W.J. Whitford. When you read out his in this Legislature for 18 years, there are bio earlier, I think it alone could have some days we have a hard time just been a Member’s statement for how understanding the briefings until we are many titles he has had, but I think you very happy to see the deputies walk in missed one where he is a marriage the room. Thank you. commissioner as well. MR. SPEAKER: I would like to As well, I would like to acknowledge Ms. welcome my daughter here today, Lydia Bardak. She is the executive Kirstin. It is always good to have one of director of the John Howard Society. I my children taking care of me. Thank would also like to acknowledge, as well you. as the Premier has, Melody McLeod. I Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral have known her so long she once was questions. The honourable Member for described as a den mother to some of Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche. us, superintendent to others and certainly warden of Akaitcho Hall as we 6) Oral Questions went there. I think Mr. Lafferty will remember those memories fondly. In all QUESTION 251-17(4): seriousness, she is a wonderful lady. MEDEVAC RESPONSE TIMES Finally, the last person I would like to MR. MENICOCHE: Thank you, Mr. recognize, sitting in the very front, is Speaker. This is a follow-up on my Sean Hougan. She is my summer Member’s statement about the tragedy student. She will be working around and non-response about our medevac here at the Legislative Assembly. It is plane into Trout Lake. I would like to ask great to have her here on board. Thank a question to the Minister of Health and you very much. Social Services. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. I would assume that there are targets for Hawkins. Ms. Bisaro. response times for medevac flights to MS. BISARO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. each community. What is or would be It is my pleasure to recognize a Frame the emergency response time target for Lake constituent, Barb Wyness, who is the community of Trout Lake? Thank here today. She is the public relations you. and research officer with UNW. She MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. attends most of our beginning sessions Menicoche. The Minister of Health and to try and get the scoop on where we Social Services, Mr. Beaulieu. are going. Thank you. HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Mahsi cho, Mr. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Ms. Speaker. The response time would Bisaro. Mrs. Groenewegen. depend upon what type of craft would be needed. In this case, they determined, after contacting the medical May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 22 people in the Deh Cho, that a Twin Otter the response time, that’s not enough for was needed. So a Twin Otter was our people that want a safe and reliable configured as quickly as that can medevac system and the comfort to happen to get to the site would be the believe in our health care system. response time. So, once again, maybe I can ask MR. MENICOCHE: I agree with the specifically: Is there a standard or what Minister that when they get there would standard are we using to ensure that all be the response time, but what I am residents of the Northwest Territories really after here is we should have set are taken care of when we’re using our targets, that if there is an emergency in medevac system? Thank you. the community of Trout Lake or any of HON. TOM BEAULIEU: All of the our communities in the Northwest standards for the medevacs are laid out Territories, once that call is made, there in the contracts between Stanton and should be a specific plan and time frame the people that provide medevac to get that medevac plane there. services. Again, it would be difficult to It seems to me that there really is no put an actual time period in any specific targeted response times or standards community because it would depend for medevac or getting to our largely on what type of craft would be communities or responding to medical needed. emergencies. Will the Minister make In this specific case, the plane that sure that there are emergency response would be ready under normal time targets and standards for each circumstances to pick up a medevac community that ensures that failure to was not suitable to go into Trout Lake. meet these times are documented? This They had to reconfigure a different seems critical to improving our systems plane. That took some time. in the future. Mahsi. I agree with the Member that there was HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Again, too much time at the outset contacting depending on what type of craft is the medical people, and we are working needed, what type of vehicle would be between ourselves, Stanton Health needed for the medevac would depend Authority, and Deh Cho Health and upon the response time. What I can Social Services to determine what had advise the Member is we can ensure occurred there and why there was that when the call is received, that the nobody available to take the call medevac people are out as quickly as immediately. We are debriefing to find possible, as soon as they can get into out what exactly happened, and we will the air. That is supposed to be the be addressing those issues. Thank you. standard. As soon as the people are mobilized and the plane can be in the air MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. is the time we’re trying to achieve. Beaulieu. Final, short supplementary, Thank you. Mr. Menicoche. MR. MENICOCHE: It hardly seems MR. MENICOCHE: Thank you very professional to have a medevac system much, Mr. Speaker. The medevac such as this where it’s almost like a roll system has to know what type of airport of the dice. If you put in your call and was at Trout Lake. I’m not too sure then say when they get there, that that’s what’s going on there. May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 23

My final, short supplementary, Mr. goal and in fact have improved the Speaker, is to ask the Minister to quality of patient care.” investigate the medical travel system’s Can the Minister please explain to this response to the recent emergency in House, how is adding over 35 minutes Trout Lake and publicly report its of patient transfer time, in any way, findings not only to this House but also shape or form, an improvement of to the community of Trout Lake, who is quality patient care? Thank you. still extremely upset about this whole ordeal. Thank you very much. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. The Minister of Health and HON. TOM BEAULIEU: I can commit Social Services, Mr. Beaulieu. to doing that. I will commit to doing that. Thank you. HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The fact that the Edmonton MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Centre Airport closed down was not a Beaulieu. The Member for Range Lake, decision that laid with this government. Mr. Dolynny. The fact that there is more time to fly to the International Airport is because it QUESTION 252-17(4): happens to be further away than the EDMONTON MEDEVAC Municipal Airport. However, what I was AMBULANCE FACILITY referring to was the care once the MR. DOLYNNY: Thank you, Mr. person arrived. We are able to move the Speaker. Earlier today I spoke about the person that is being medevaced to many shortcomings of the recent Edmonton into an ambulance service changes in our GNWT medevac that would take them through the city program in which our family and friends and we are able to hand them over at are now being dropped off and the airport instead of outside, or having orphaned at the new Air Operations a contractor that we were contracting Centre at the Edmonton International from here pick them up outside of the Airport. Admittedly, like many of you, I Municipal Airport and bringing them to was led to believe that in preparation of the hospital. We’re using that service this new service all was good, that that all of Alberta is using, the patient care was paramount and that full ambulatory service that all of Alberta is communication would be shared with using, we’re tying into that and we figure Regular Members of this House and it’s a good service and we figure that’s residents of the NWT during its process. an improvement. Thank you. Well, with little advanced notice and only MR. DOLYNNY: On the subject of two weeks into this new program we are handing over our patients to a now seeing the exposed results of this contractor, we’ve all heard that this new new secretive investment, which is now Air Operations Centre is in the same begging some serious questions that hangar space of the so-called STARS need to be asked of our Minister of helicopter. So can the Minister indicate Health and Social Services. to this House how many times has this During a recent press release, the STARS helicopter been used in the last Minister of Health and Social Services two weeks to transport our NWT critical stated, “I believe we have achieved our care patients to Edmonton hospital emergency wards? May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 24

HON. TOM BEAULIEU: I don’t have MR. DOLYNNY: Thank you, Mr. that information, but the Member did Speaker. I can assure you that the rest mention that it was not used. So I’m of Alberta is having the same concerns assuming that there was no requirement as many NWT residents have in terms for a STARS helicopter to be used to of the quality of the care in this transfer transport patients from the Edmonton program. It’s not just the NWT. International to the hospital. So likely it Finally, we have the issue of contract hasn’t been used at this point. Thank and cost, with this new Alberta Health you. Service’s offering. Can the Minister MR. DOLYNNY: In my statement indicate what the so-called new, earlier today, I spoke about the new improved drop-off services is costing barriers of effective patient transfer that NWT taxpayers and how long is this we’re now exposed to. Many of these contract? barriers dealt with the lack of continuity HON. TOM BEAULIEU: There is no of patient care, increased contract. They are doing this under an communication errors potential with intergovernmental agreement with multiple patient or practitioner Alberta and it’s costing $600,000 a year. interventions and the patient’s undue stress with these new imposed drop-off MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. services. Can the Minister indicate how Beaulieu. The Member for Frame Lake, his department is dealing with all of Ms. Bisaro. these shortfalls? Thank you. QUESTION 253-17(4): HON. TOM BEAULIEU: If we thought ELECTRONIC MEDICAL there were shortfalls, we wouldn’t be RECORDS putting in such a system. We feel that PRIVACY ISSUES this is an improvement. We’re handing a MS. BISARO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. patient over the same way that all of I’m going to keep the Minister of Health Alberta that medevac people into and Social Services jumping up and Edmonton hand their patients over. We down from sitting to standing and ask think we’re handing them over to the him some questions. Alberta Health Services at that point and we think that the patient is getting good I spoke about the need for a Health care, excellent care from the time that Information Act in my statement, and I’d they arrive. They’re able to go into the like to ask the Minister, considering that terminal, they’re able to turn the plane we are increasingly using electronic around quicker, the medevac plane can medical records within the NWT, and have a patient waiting there, delivered considering we have an increasing there by Alberta Health Services and the number of complaints around the transfer can be done in the hangar at privacy of patients’ info regarding the International Airport and the plane medical records, whether or not… I feel bringing back the patient can be turned that this government does not recognize around a lot quicker. Thank you. the importance of adopting legislation to protect residents’ privacy relative to MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. health records. I’d like to ask the Beaulieu. Final, short supplementary, Minister what priority does a Health Mr. Dolynny. May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 25

Information Act have in the department’s I’d like to know from the Minister legislative agenda. whether the work that we are doing on MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Ms. our Health Information Act is looking at Bisaro. The Minister of Health and what’s going on in other jurisdictions Social Services, Mr. Beaulieu. and trying not to reinvent the wheel. HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Thank you, Mr. HON. TOM BEAULIEU: I will assume Speaker. The Health Information Act is that the Territorial Electronic Medical top priority for the Department of Health Record Project Team will be looking at and Social Services, and we would be best practices across the Territories and hoping that the bill will be ready for then put the information together for the introduction in the 2013 fall session. act, and also that they had also reviewed all of the Privacy MS. BISARO: Thanks to the Minister Commissioner’s recommendations, and for that update. I guess I would like to through the review they have addressed ask the Minister, he says he hopes that the concerns of the Privacy it’s going to be ready by the fall. Commissioner pertaining to this area. Normally committee receives some indication of what the bill is going to MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. contain in advance, so can the Minister Beaulieu. Final, short supplementary, advise when committee is going to get Ms. Bisaro. some indication of the content of this MS. BISARO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. new act? To the Minister, that’s a great segue into HON. TOM BEAULIEU: The act will go my next question. I was going to ask through the regular process. We are about the recommendations in the targeting the fall 2013 session. I did say Information and Privacy Commissioner's hopefully that will happen. Provided report, and the Minister has advised that nothing goes sideways, we’re expecting these have been considered. But the that the bill will be provided to Commissioner also advised committee committee prior to that, at the when we met with her that the health appropriate time prior to the time that it’s authority has not accepted all of her introduced in the House in 2013, the fall. recommendations and has not made the changes that she recommended. Can I MS. BISARO: Thanks to the Minister. I ask the Minister why not? Thank you. guess I’m having trouble. The Minister of Health and Social Services is starting HON. TOM BEAULIEU: Yellowknife to sound like Minister Miltenberger and Health and Social Services has talking about the fullness of time. responded to the information, the Commissioner, of privacy concerns. If Committee will have to wait with bated certain recommendations in the report breath for this information, which may or that the health authority did not agree may not come in the fall, and I do hope with, that may have been the reason that it does. that they have not responded to every A number of jurisdictions within Canada concern, but every concern that was put do or are currently now… They’ve either out there where the health authority felt gone through a review or they are that required a response or a change, currently going through a review of that has been made. Thank you. health, of health information acts. May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 26

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. The HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Before we honourable Member for Hay River can say anything concrete, we do have South, Mrs. Groenewegen. to wait for the report to come in, but anecdotally, the response that we are QUESTION 254-17(4): getting back is quite positive, so much DOMESTIC VIOLENCE so that the courts have actually TREATMENT OPTION COURT indicated that they’d like to expand this PROGRAM program and move outside of MRS. GROENEWEGEN: Thank you, Yellowknife to Inuvik and Hay River, Mr. Speaker. In follow-up to my which is something we are interested in Member’s statement today, I had some doing. We want to wait until we see the questions for the Minister of Justice. I July 31st report so that we have concrete would like to ask the Minister, how is the information. We are looking and Department of Justice measuring the considering moving this court outside of results of the Domestic Violence Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Treatment Option court program that MRS. GROENEWEGEN: Mr. Speaker, currently exists in Yellowknife. Thank I appreciate that. It is very good news to you. hear this. There are a lot of things we MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mrs. want in Hay River. This is one of them, Groenewegen. The honourable Minister just one on a long list. of Justice, Mr. Abernethy. What resources are needed to expand HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Thank you, the DVTO program to the regional Mr. Speaker. The DVTO court has been centres? What kinds of resources, other in place since March 24, 2011. Since than money, are required to be in place that time we have had 22 participants go in the community in order for this through the program – 17 male, 6 program to work? Thank you. female – who have successfully HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Mr. completed the program. When we first Speaker, part of the program is that we put the program in, we indicated that we require some expertise on the partner were going to do a review and we are program that goes along with the DVTO actually in the process of signing a courts. Now, in Hay River I believe that contract right now to have a review those resources and that expertise done. That review is anticipated to be exists. So it is going to be money. completed by July 31st of this year. Basically we need money to make this Thank you, Mr. Speaker. happen outside of the Yellowknife MRS. GROENEWEGEN: Mr. Speaker, centre. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister what kind MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. of results has the DVTO court achieved Abernethy. Final supplementary, Mrs. so far. Until such time as this review is Groenewegen. done, perhaps he doesn’t have concrete MRS. GROENEWEGEN: Thank you, answers, but perhaps he could tell us Mr. Speaker. After the July 31st report what the department’s general feeling is has been delivered and has been on the success of this program. Thank reviewed, could the Minister put some you. kind of a time frame on when we can May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 27 conceivably see something like this in as well, to identify the training needs of operation in Hay River, perhaps by the the Sahtu region. We also have the fall? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. college involved in the process of our HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Mr. discussion. Just recently I also delivered Speaker, I would like to say the fall, but the interesting, high-profile Sahtu when we do need to go through an O and M it comes to training, how the college can budgetary process to identify the get involved so it can be a training resources that are needed to deliver this centre for the Sahtu region. Those are court. It will be part of the normal budget the discussions we are currently having, process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. and I will inform the Member as we move forward on a progression plan. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Mahsi. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya. MR. YAKELEYA: Husky is building an all-weather road for $30 million/$45 QUESTION 255-17(4): million. The application for Conoco SAHTU REGIONAL TRADES through the hydraulic fracking is going CENTRE for a review, and if that application is approved, certainly you’re going to see MR. YAKELEYA: Thank you, Mr. an increase in employment activities in Speaker. In my Member’s statement I the Sahtu. talked about the Sahtu being at a critical point in training its workforce. I want to If that continues with the potential of ask the Minister of Education, Culture billions of barrels of oil that needs to be and Employment about the opportunity extracted from the Sahtu lands, in light to get a Sahtu training centre in our of this, can the Minister give me a region, due to the increase of oil and commitment to say that yes, we will start gas exploration. Last year there were working on a capital plan infrastructure 150 workers that were hired outside of so at the end of this Assembly we our communities to come in and do work should be looking at the training needs there, and also there are more and more assessment, the requirements, the people now taking advantage of these program, and we can start putting training opportunities. something together that would say we can have a Sahtu trade centre in the Can we have something like a larger year 2018 or ‘19, something like that? centre like Smith, Yellowknife and Can the Minister provide me with that Inuvik, where now we can have a type of commitment? training centre in our region? HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: This is MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. the very reason why we need to reach Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of out to the community representatives, Education, Culture and Employment, so they can provide us feedback on Mr. Lafferty. what is required at the regional level. HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: Mahsi, Part of the discussion involved the local Mr. Speaker. The Sahtu region training leadership as well. The chiefs made centre has been a topic of discussion for remarks on Trades on Wheels, mobile a few meetings we have been to. We trades training similar to Beaufort-Delta. have regional training representatives, How can we integrate that into our May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 28 discussion for the Sahtu region? So we how industries can take part in that, are talking about partnerships. That’s whether it is the centre or training what it comes down to. programming. It will be based on There have been various partnerships industry standards as well. They have driven by the community of Inuvik and done that with the diamond industry. It’s also surrounding communities in the been very successful. If we can get Beaufort-Delta. So we’re going to be them on board, I would encourage the having similar discussions with the Member and we will do the same with Sahtu region and other regions, as well, our department as political leaders about the high-profile training demands around the table, to push that forward that will be happening. with the leaders and also the industry leaders as well. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. MR. YAKELEYA: The Sahtu has been committed to spend over $635 million, MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. close to $700 million. This year there’s Lafferty. Last supplementary, Mr. more lands coming up, and we decided Yakeleya. on September 17th there will possibly be MR. YAKELEYA: Thank you, Mr. more money spent in there. So this is Speaker. How is his department working telling us that this government needs to with the oil companies to identify and look at a trades centre. We need to get meet the training needs for local these learning centres into more than workers? I have been voicing with the oil upgrading. We have to have cooking, companies. Unfortunately, I am not in welding, carpentry. the position to make that kind of final Can the Minister give a commitment to decision to say yes, we will commit. The say we are in competition with maybe Minister can do that. He’s in that the Yellowknife Campus here for position. So I want to ask the Minister schooling? We have to look outside the for his direction and leadership. How box. I want to ask the Minister, can he can you tell me you’re working with the provide an overview as to what it will oil companies and they can commit to a take to get this into the capital planning Sahtu needs training centre? process for a Sahtu trades centre. HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: Mahsi. Thank you. That’s the very thing we’re doing right HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: I would now with the committee representatives. see this as an opportunity as opposed to I do believe there are industry a competition with the college. The representatives. I can double-check on college is on board and they want to do that. Those are discussions we are as much as they can, even beyond what currently having with the leadership in they currently deliver at the college the Sahtu region. I’ll provide the campuses, whether it be Inuvik, Member with the latest update on our Yellowknife or Fort Smith and now the discussions and we’ll continue to drive Sahtu region. At the same time, I would that with industry because they need to encourage the Member to voice, as well, be on board. The whole economic boom with the industry. that is happening, they need to be part of that as we are. So we’ll continue to We understand that there is upwards of push that forward. Mahsi. $700 million going into the region and May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 29

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. time we should have something up and Lafferty. The Member for Inuvik Boot ready. Lake, Mr. Moses. In terms of storage, I think we had about 20-some days where the road was QUESTION 256-17(4): closed during the wintertime. I’d like to INUVIK GAS SITUATION ask the Minister, with this liquid natural MR. MOSES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. gas in terms of storage, what is the plan Following up on my Member’s statement on putting to storage and how many earlier today about the situation that days can we see this LNG be stored for we’re dealing with in Inuvik, my should we have a road closure? How questions today are for the Minister many days will we have a supply of responsible for the NWT Power liquid natural gas to the community of Corporation, or the Minister of Finance. Inuvik? Thank you. He made a statement in his budget HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: address for the ‘13-14 fiscal year, and The requirement for storage is going to he had mentioned that there was be minimized partially by the extension $100,000 that was allocated to advance of ferry service in Inuvik, which is going the liquid natural gas solution for the to keep the ferries open much longer community of Inuvik with the situation than what has normally been the that they find themselves in right now. practice up until now, because of the I’d like to get an update on how that improved equipment that’s going to be $100,000 has been spent and where we used there. We also have full are in terms of where we are in finding a redundancy with diesel. So, once again, solution to that. Thank you. the requirements for expensive storage MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. of liquid natural gas are somewhat Moses. The Minister of Finance, Mr. mitigated by those two factors. We’re Miltenberger. looking at storage of up to a month, if HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: necessary. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are on MR. MOSES: A lot of really good track to have liquid natural gas in the answers there and very positive. The community of Inuvik by this fall, running situation, as I mentioned, January, the electrical requirements through the February, March were almost disastrous Power Corporation, and all the pieces to some of the families that have to deal are in place for various contracts. with the high costs that they There’s some construction work to do. experienced. I guess my next question LNG contracts have been signed. So is the timeline. The Minister did mention we’re on track to provide that through the fall time, but for any residents, we NTPC. As well, we’re working with the want to put them at ease. Is there an town to see if there’s an opportunity to exact date? Are we looking at August, piggyback in terms of supply, should the September, October that we’ll have this community itself want to look at type of system in place before it gets changing from synthetic natural gas to cold and we start experiencing the cold liquid natural gas. Thank you. of the winter months? Thank you. MR. MOSES: I think that’s great news HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: for the residents of Inuvik that in the fall The Power Corporation intends to be May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 30 on-line with liquid natural gas by out to all of the provinces to see how October, providing everything rolls out successful or how well they’re doing smoothly and it looks like all the pieces with regulating the prices. I think that we and planning are proceeding at a pace always feel that, let the private sector do to hit that date. Thank you. it; the private sector can do a better job. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. We don’t want to get in a situation Miltenberger. The Member for where we regulate industry and then Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins. government is going to have to operate all of the service stations. We’re QUESTION 257-17(4): checking to see how well other MOTIVE FUEL PRICING provinces are doing or if there is REGULATION something there that we can emulate. MR. HAWKINS: Thank you, Mr. MR. HAWKINS: When I hear the Speaker. On February 28th this House Premier how he feels about this issue, I passed a motion regarding fuel price mean, to be quite frank, I don’t care how regulation, to investigate and evaluate he personally feels. But it sounds as if the possibilities of gas price regulation the decision has already been made on here in the Northwest Territories. that biasness, and there are five provinces who already regulate as very My question to the Premier of our good and simple models. Assembly here is: What has this government done to date in preparing What type of public input has the for the 120-day response over gas price Premier gone to beyond his personal regulation for the people of the feelings, or the government’s feelings, of Northwest Territories? price regulation? What type of public input on what the people would like on MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. this issue? That’s ultimately the question Hawkins. The honourable Premier, Mr. here is: Is price regulation needed in the McLeod. Northwest Territories, and is it wanted HON. BOB MCLEOD: Thank you, Mr. by citizens? Speaker. This is a very sensitive area. HON. BOB MCLEOD: We haven’t gone We are working to find solutions, and out with a survey or… I would imagine we’re trying to find out why a carbon tax that everybody wants lower prices, so I is embedded in the high prices for think it’s a given that the people of the gasoline. Northwest Territories want lower prices. MR. HAWKINS: I’m not sure what The MLA from Tsiigehtchic indicated carbon tax has to do with anything on they’re paying $1.99 for gas, so this. My question for the Premier, once obviously, that’s something. We want to again, is: What work has been done to find a way to reduce the cost of living in date preparing for the official response all of the communities in the Territories. to the House on gas price regulation, When you look at some of the prices which the request was to investigate that are regulated – I think PEI is one of and evaluate that possibility? the places – and the last time I checked, HON. BOB MCLEOD: As usual, we’re it was something in the neighbourhood doing our due diligence. We’re going out of $1.31 a litre for gasoline, and that’s a to look at best practices. We’re going regulated price in Prince Edward Island. May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 31

We are looking at different approaches, MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Blake. and as part of our business planning, we The honourable Minister of Public will see what we can propose to try to Works and Services, Mr. Abernethy. find a way to reduce gasoline prices. HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: The MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Department of Public Works, through Premier. Final, short supplementary, Mr. the petroleum products division, does Hawkins. not subsidize fuel. In fact, through the MR. HAWKINS: Thank you, Mr. Petroleum Products Revolving Fund Speaker. I think even our own economic Act, we are required to recover full opportunities group that was doing a operating costs from the retail sale of study on creating a robust environment our fuel products. So there is no for business cited concerns about the subsidy, but there is also no profit added difficulty in prices around fuel in every on. region. When fuel prices are calculated and Would the Premier provide an determined, it is based on the actual opportunity for the public to provide product cost to the GNWT, some public input on their feelings on transportation costs to the GNWT, a this particular issue? Will he reach out to slight sales commission that goes to the the public as they build a government local provider, O and M expenses, some position? As the Premier knows, I have evaporation loss, and taxes. But under an on-line petition. Will the Premier be the act we have an obligation to do a full willing to help promote that to ensure we cost recovery, no profit. Thank you, Mr. get public input on this issue that’s so Speaker. important? MR. BLAKE: Mr. Speaker, there has to HON. BOB MCLEOD: I thought the be some profit there. The community of Member didn’t care how I felt. Definitely, Fort McPherson, which is 57 kilometres we will find a way to get public input. away, is paying $1.65. There is a big difference there. How is that price MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. difference of 57 kilometres roughly 30 McLeod. The Member for Mackenzie cents more? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Delta, Mr. Blake. HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Mr. QUESTION 258-17(4): Speaker, I am not currently familiar with MACKENZIE DELTA FUEL the actual price of fuel in the community PRICES of Fort McPherson. There are a couple of things to consider. Often, when MR. BLAKE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I people come to us and express mentioned briefly in my Member’s concerns about the fuel prices, they are statement that residents of Tsiigehtchic referring to the price of regular fuel. We are now paying $1.92 per litre for do not purchase regular fuel in PPD. We gasoline and also $1.87 for diesel and purchase mid-grain, which is usually $1.73 for heating oil. I thought our fuel three to four cents higher than the prices are supposed to be subsidized. regular. How is the department subsidizing the fuel prices for Tsiigehtchic? Thank you, With respect to the prices in Fort Mr. Speaker. McPherson, they are a for-profit May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 32 organization. We don’t know any of the materials have piled up on the new criteria they use to price their fuel, but lease site with a busy construction ours are based on actual purchase price season in store on leases that are for the GNWT, the actual transportation temporary leases for five years of casual costs, sales commission which goes occupation. straight to the provider in the The MACA Minister has described a community, as well as some close and consultative relationship with evaporation loss and taxes. We don’t the feds over land permitting. At my have any profit margin on the fuel that urging, he wrote to the federal Minister we are providing. Thank you, Mr. in 2012 to stress the need for Speaker. information sharing, co-operative action, MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. and enforcement to discourage Abernethy. The honourable Member for squatting. Despite glowing descriptions Weledeh, Mr. Bromley. of consultations to keep both sides in MR. BROMLEY: Thank you, Mr. the loop, our government was Speaker. I request unanimous consent apparently blindsided by constituent to return to item 3 on the orders of the report of the new leases, 85 new leases day. across the NWT with many more applications in this area, a federal track ---Unanimous consent granted record of zero enforcement on squatting 7) Members’ Statements and compliance with lease conditions. (Reversion) What is the point of our new plan when the feds throw in a highly suspect game- MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON changing lease rampage? FEDERAL LAND LEASES ON Along with the residents of Walsh and WALSH AND BANTING LAKES Banting, I’m fed up, Mr. Speaker. MR. BROMLEY: Thank you, Coming up to devolution, this colleagues. I appreciate the opportunity government is afraid to breathe on land to give my Member’s statement here issues such as Protected Areas today. For the past four years, I pushed Strategy. On the federal side, there is for sound recreational land use planning disregard and apparently even contempt in the Yellowknife block of land transfer for our efforts at responsible land area surrounding Walsh and Banting management. The Minister says the lakes and beyond. We had a premature feds knew we had a new recreational draft plan released by MACA and a lease management plan in the wings, promise for a completed policy yet they toss off new leases in the exact framework by this March 31st, but thanks area where we’re trying to manage to recent and outrageous action by our responsibly. federal land management partners, we Just as our plan was to be finalized, the can forget about that document or any Minister now acknowledges we need yet worthwhile plan for now. a new density study. With the Walsh and Banting lease holders are Yellowknives Dene First Nation, this steaming over AANDC’s recent granting continuing alienation of land rights in the of both hunting and fishing leases on the absence of a claims settlement is lakes. According to reports, building insulting, arrogant, and crippling to the May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 33 prospects of a just settlement. Enough to ensure that we begin at some is enough. moment in time to enjoy the benefits of I ask the MACA Minister: How could the the investments that we’ve made and at feds have so contemptuously least enjoy the major infrastructure costs disregarded our announced actions and of the bridge. saddled us with these unplanned So my question to the Minister of ITI is: tenures in the months leading up to land What are some of the plans that the management transfer? department is working on to try to Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent capitalize on the Deh Cho Bridge as a to conclude my statement. Mahsi. major tourist attraction? Mahsi. ---Unanimous consent granted MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The honourable Minister of Industry, MR. BROMLEY: With my colleagues’ Tourism and Investment, Mr. Ramsay. co-operation again for returning to the next item on the orders, I will be asking HON. DAVID RAMSAY: Thank you, Mr. the Minister’s assurance that he will Speaker. We had started out working make clear that come devolution day, with the community on plans for a every hunting and fishing leaseholder community celebration for the Deh Cho will be rigorously held to conditions for Bridge. We hope to be involved in that no creation of permanent structures. ceremony this summer. We had talked Mahsi. to NWT Tourism about promoting the bridge in their literature, and we want to MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. continue to work with the community of Bromley. The honourable Member for Fort Providence in advancing tourism Deh Cho, Mr. Nadli. initiatives in the area. 8) Oral Questions We believe that there is a lot of potential (Reversion) there with the bridge, and I’ve mentioned previously as a Regular QUESTION 259-17(4): Member and as Minister, it would be a POTENTIAL EMPLOYMENT IN good idea for us to work toward some DEH CHO COMMUNITIES type of bison interpretative centre close MR. NADLI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. to the community of Fort Providence to Earlier I made the comment regarding take advantage of the new traffic that’s the employment rates in Fort going to be coming across the Deh Cho Providence. My question is to the Bridge. Thank you. Minister of ITI. MR. NADLI: Following up on that, there In the Deh Cho riding – of course we are are three other communities, including located in the southwestern part of the Enterprise, Hay River Reserve, Kakisa, NWT – we pride ourselves on being and my riding. I want to get an indication located to the gateway to the North, from the Minister, what are some other gateway to Denendeh. The big thing ways the department is working to that we come across when we drive the ensure we develop a capacity for highway, of course, is the iconic Deh promoting tourism? Also at the same Cho Bridge. This government has time, there are some opportunities that invested millions of dollars, and we need some entrepreneurs are beginning to May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 34 raise interest in, and I wanted to know communities that are basically how the department is planning to categorized as have-nots. One of the support capacity. Mahsi. recent initiatives that have come about HON. DAVID RAMSAY: We are is the initiative to establish a wood pellet working very hard on an Economic plant in my riding. What kind of support Opportunities Strategy. We have been capacity is the department undertaking working toward that. We have to to ensure that it does come to a establish an action plan by this fall. I successful reality and is one day hear the Member. We have to tackle the operational? Mahsi. high unemployment rates in some of our HON. DAVID RAMSAY: We certainly smaller communities. The communities look forward to the day where we can in the Member’s riding are of particular have a biomass facility in the Member’s concern. riding. We are supportive of that We have lots of opportunity here if you happening. We’ve worked with the look at forestry, tourism, agriculture, and proponent there for, I believe, close to we’ve also got, as the Member two years. We’re hopeful that at some mentioned, Canadian Zinc mine. We’ve point in time we will see that plant go got the recent significant discovery by ahead so that we can harvest some Lone Pine near Fort Liard. biomass in the Member’s region and other regions around the Northwest So there are opportunities there, and we Territories and produce biomass here in have to work in partnership with the the NWT. So we continue to work communities in the Deh Cho region to toward that. advance those types of opportunities. We also have to work with Education, At the end of the day, investment Culture and Employment on training decisions will have to be made by the opportunities for residents there to take proponent. There are a number of advantage of the jobs that are coming. agreements that the proponent would There are going to be opportunities. have to come up with with the various community groups. It is all about When we were out at Prairie Creek Mine partnerships and building solid last summer with the Premier and a relationships. I think they’ve worked couple of other Ministers, we saw hard at doing that, and we’ve worked firsthand some of the young people from alongside them on trying to see this the communities in the riding working at proposal come to fruition. Thank you. Prairie Creek getting that type of training, and it was really nice to see. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. We need to see much more of that Ramsay. Final, short supplementary, around the Territories to address the Mr. Nadli. high unemployment rates in our small MR. NADLI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It communities. Thank you. is encouraging to hear from the Minister MR. NADLI: I wanted to ask a question that one of the steps that he begins to in terms of partnership and working with perhaps contemplate is an immediate communities. I think it’s essential to step of an action plan to ensure that the ensure that lays the basis of the Economic Development Strategy moves relationship, especially with forward. I want to see if there could be assurances from the Minister that he’ll May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 35 commit to ensure that some initiatives QUESTION 260-17(4): that are badly needed in the have-not FEDERAL LAND LEASES ON communities, like the communities that I WALSH AND BANTING LAKES represent in the riding, will happen. MR. BROMLEY: Thank you, Mr. Would the Minister commit to ensure Speaker. I’d like to follow up on my that the partnership will continue, Member’s statement with some especially with the wood pellet industry questions on the Recreational Leasing initiative that’s ongoing? Mahsi. Policy. First of all I want to clarify who HON. DAVID RAMSAY: I give the knew what on the issue of the many so- Member and other Members the called hunting and fishing leases assurance that the Economic granted by AANDC, particularly those Opportunities Strategy is built on solid on Walsh and Banting lakes. relationships and establishing those Can the Minister confirm whether his relationships and ensuring that the department was informed by our federal Northwest Territories economy is going land management partner of its intention to be one that is diversified. to grant new leases in the exact areas We will have big projects and and lakes where we are trying to opportunities like we do in the Sahtu introduce comprehensive land use and perhaps on the offshore, but we management? And really, for that can’t lose sight of the smaller things, the matter, can the Minister confirm whether things that are more important, and that any public process providing equal is small business, tourism, agriculture, opportunity to applicants was carried forestry, and fishing. Those I think will out, or if these leases were a total be key as we move the Economic surprise to everyone except the chosen Opportunities Strategy forward because few? In other words, what do we know those smaller things have much more about both the internal government-to- opportunity to get people employed in government business and the external the smaller communities. reaching out to the public process? At ITI we continue to support the MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. traditional economy. We think there’s a Bromley. The Minister of Municipal and future in trapping. We support programs Community Affairs, Mr. McLeod. like Take a Kid Trapping and the HON. ROBERT MCLEOD: Thank you, Harvesters Assistance Program, and we Mr. Speaker. We were unaware that continue to do that. Fur continues to they were going to be putting these fetch high prices at market, and that’s leases out. Of course, we were quite money and jobs that get right back into concerned with all the work that we the smaller communities here in the were doing, as far as the density study NWT. Thank you. goes, around those areas. As far as the MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. public process, I mean, I can’t speak to Ramsay. The Member for Weledeh, Mr. how AANDC does their business, but I Bromley. think we would have all known in this building today if there was a public process as to the leasing of their lots. I can’t speak to what they were doing. I May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 36 can only speak to what we knew and MR. BROMLEY: Thanks to the Minister what we didn’t know. for that response. The information that I MR. BROMLEY: Obviously, that’s not received from our Minister indicates that good. A government-to-government AANDC has a heap of applications on relationship you’d expect a lot better file, so the potential is large for a lot than that, and I think we also have a more of these to be happening in the responsibility to try and be aware of area that we’re trying to manage what our residents are being exposed to responsibly. or not. I appreciate hearing that the Minister As the Minister’s December 2012 letter has been in touch with the federal to AANDC Minister John Duncan said, government on this and let him know with the signing of the Devolution AIP, that we’d like no further leases. I it’s more important now than ever before understand there is no response yet, but that our two organizations work does the Minister agree that the next together, and I appreciate the Minister recreational leases granted on lands saying that. should, in fact, be decided by this government and not the federal The Minister’s letter briefed the federal government, given the pending Minister on the work underway to devolution situation? develop the recreational leasing policy framework. But what is the explanation HON. ROBERT MCLEOD: We were from the federal government on why doing all the work because we knew that these leases were granted in the very devolution was coming and we would area we are trying to bring order to? have to have responsibility for all Crown land that is transferred over to HON. ROBERT MCLEOD: In a letter Commissioner’s land. We had updated received back from Minister Duncan at our regulations. We had done a lot of the time, he reinforced our need to work good density study work, and our together. That’s why we were quite regulations would have applied to any surprised at the number of leases that new leases that may be coming. were letting out. I followed that up with a letter to the new minister, Minister I do tend to agree with the Member that Valcourt, explaining to him our with devolution coming we would have disappointment and the fact that all assumed that they would have put any these leases were let while we were new leases on hold until after doing all this work and how we thought devolution, and then those applications that might undermine the work that could then come to the Commissioner we’re doing. and be regulated under our Commissioner’s Land Act. Again, we’ve I have not received a response back expressed our disappointment with the from Minister Valcourt. The letter just fact that they let all these leases, and went out recently. We have asked the are eagerly waiting for the response to Minister to cease any applications that see if they will discontinue any lease are being taken for federal land until we applications. can do our work. I am waiting for a response. Once I get that, I will share it MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. with Members of the House. McLeod. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Bromley. May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 37

MR. BROMLEY: Thank you, Mr. QUESTION 261-17(4): Speaker. Thanks again for that ROLE OF YELLOWKNIVES DENE response. My constituents include the IN Yellowknives Dene First Nation and FEDERAL LAND LEASES many of the Akaitcho people. Every new MR. HAWKINS: Thank you, Mr. land alienation in the Chief Drygeese Speaker. I want to thank Mr. Bromley for territory makes it more complex and raising this issue. I certainly wanted to difficult to finally conclude a just land give a first shot at it. I think he did it very settlement for the Yellowknives Dene well. This problem out there on the First Nation. The federal government Ingraham Trail is not just a problem here seems to interpret their fiduciary role in Yellowknife, it is certainly a problem in here in a very strange way. I am other regions. The bigger issue here is surprised YKDFN hasn’t thrown up their that it is affecting this region quite hard. hands and told the federal government One of the issues raised here today was they will see them in court. about the relationship with the YK Dene If YKDFN does decide to go to legal and certainly that this new issue has action to halt this erosion of their land fallen on their lap. base, will this government voice its I want to know what the MACA Minister support for their assertion of rights? is doing to help maybe build a Mahsi. relationship with the YK Dene on this HON. ROBERT MCLEOD: It’s up to the particular issue. Like the old saying YKDFN to use whatever avenues that goes, there is strength in numbers. That are available to them. If that includes may draw better attention to this issue to court action, then that would be a Minister Valcourt, if we are working with decision they would have to make. the YK Dene who may eventually be the We as a government and as a final stewards of this land and the department will use the avenues that GNWT may be temporary stewards of are available to us. We have tried to this land until their land claim is done. It work very close with the YKDFN in would be a great benefit if we work as a identifying some of their traditional areas relationship, fight together, strength in out there too. They have been very numbers. Will the Minister reach out and receptive to working with us. They were lead this initiative? Thank you. just made aware recently, I think, of the MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. federal leases that were being let on Hawkins. The honourable Minister of Crown land in their territory. Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. It was a difficult question for me to McLeod. answer. I’m not going to try. They use HON. ROBERT MCLEOD: Thank you, whatever avenues are available to them. Mr. Speaker. The Minister has reached We use the avenues that are available out to take the lead in this. We, as I to us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. mentioned to Member Bromley, have MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. had good discussions with the YKDFN. McLeod. The honourable Member for We met with them out in Detah. The Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins. Member makes a good point that there is strength in numbers, if we can all relay our concerns to the federal May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 38 government as to the number of leases Again, we were quite surprised when we that were let out there. The majority of started getting calls on the activity that them, there are 122 and I think 35 of was going out on Crown land. So we will them are here in the capital. There are a continue to try and work with AANDC few out in the other areas of the and the YKDFN, because this is an Northwest Territories, but the issue is issue that I think we need to resolve not as problematic there as it is here quickly before devolution takes place because there is a lot of private land up because we are going to be inheriting all there that people that want cabin leases the leases on Crown land. Thank you, go through. We have reached out to the Mr. Speaker. YKDFN and we are looking forward to MR. HAWKINS: If I understand the working with them as we move this process correctly, the feds, in allowing forward. Thank you. these leases, at present it’s outside of MR. HAWKINS: Mr. Speaker, if I heard our control and they are following the the Minister correctly, and from what I process until they wish to. They are have heard on the ground, through the steamrolling until theoretically April 1st land advisory relationship process, the when we take this over. YK Dene were caught by surprise. Even I am wondering if the MACA Minister the GNWT was caught by surprise. If it sees this as a potential problem for wasn’t for some of the screaming, well- enforcement. I’ve even heard rumours tuned-in public, most of us probably that people are building two-storey would have been caught by surprise cabins or whatever the case may be. even worse than what has been Who knows what they are building out happening now. there? So I guess there’s going to be From the Minister’s perspective through an enforcement type of issue that is process only, obviously, were there any going to fall on the shoulders of the gaps here? Why wasn’t there proper NWT government, as well as their long- feedback from the feds on a relationship term devolution partners, the Akaitcho of the land advisory process? I believe region or the Yellowknives, in particular. the GNWT is party to this. I believe the So, what is the MACA Minister going to YK Dene are somewhat party to this. propose to help strategize to get ahead Did the feds make a mistake? Did the of this problem that I can already process fall off the wheels? What can foresee as going to be a major problem? we do to get it back on track so these Thank you. things, if we have disputes, we can get them on the record and slow them down HON. ROBERT MCLEOD: I’m not quite where necessary? Thank you. sure what the conditions of the federal leases are. I believe it’s a 100-square HON. ROBERT MCLEOD: We had metre building. It could be one or two attempted to form a working group, and storeys. the YKDFN were going to join us on the working group. We extended an To the Member’s question, we are trying invitation for AANDC to be part of this to update our regulations. We are going working group as we were doing our to have good regulations in place, good density study. density studies in place. More May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 39 importantly, we are going to have good Resources, Transportation, and enforcement in place. Education, Culture and Employment I have directed the department, through plan to work together to meet the the proper business planning process, people’s training needs in the Sahtu to come forward with a request to region? possibly bring on more enforcement 3. Would the Minister provide the final people, knowing that as of April 1st we copy of the skilled workforce needs are going to be inheriting the assessment in the Sahtu region? enforcement of all Commissioner’s land. 4. Would the Minister provide a plan to These leases, the hunting and fishing show how the departments of leases, are good for five years. So at the Education, Culture and Employment end of five years, my understanding is and Industry, Tourism and Investment those leases will then become are working together to effectively Commissioner’s land leases, so they will meet the training needs of Sahtu have to abide by our regulations and residents and industry? Thank you. we’ll have all the proper enforcement in place. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Item 9, returns to written MR. SPEAKER: Mr. Hawkins, that was questions. Mr. Clerk. your final, short supplementary. I just forgot to tell you. 10) Returns to Written Questions ---Laughter RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 15- I checked with the Clerk. Thank you 17(4): very much. HOUSING FOR ADULTS WITH ---Laughter DISABILITIES So sorry. Order! Item 8, written CLERK OF THE HOUSE (Mr. Mercer): questions. Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Ms. Bisaro on 9) Written Questions February 25, 2013 to the Honourable Tom Beaulieu, Minister of Health and WRITTEN QUESTION 26-17(4): Social Services regarding Housing SAHTU REGIONAL TRAINING Audits for Adults with Disabilities. REQUIREMENTS The numbers listed below provide the MR. YAKELEYA: Mr. Speaker, my number of residents currently on a written questions are directed to the waitlist for supported or independent Minister of Education, Culture and living, according to the most recent data Employment. from the Yellowknife Health and Social 1. Would the Minister provide the Sahtu Services Authority, the Beaufort-Delta Regional Training Partnership five- Health and Social Services Authority year plan and the milestones that and the Territorial Admissions have been accomplished to date? Committee. Please note that the 2. Would the Minister provide details on numbers could not be broken down how the senior officials from the further, to protect the privacy of the departments of Industry, Tourism and clients. Investment, Environment and Natural May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 40

The number of clients currently on a  seniors or persons with disabilities waitlist for a supported living placement living in public housing, their own is as follows: home, or seniors residences and that  total of 19 clients on waitlist from the require some supports from home following communities: care. 1. Yellowknife Home care is provided to individuals in 2. Behchoko their homes who need assistance with 3. Fort Simpson daily activities including individuals 4. Fort Resolution requiring supported living. Assisted 5. Nahanni Butte activities may include, but are not limited 6. Fort Providence to: 7. Fort Good Hope  foot care 8. Lutselk’e  personal care  total of six clients on waitlist from  mobilizing Inuvik region  management of medications, and/or  total of six clients on waitlist from Hay  monitoring of chronic diseases. River region. Unlike independent living, supported The number of clients currently on a living provides 24 hour support and waitlist for an independent living supervision for vulnerable individuals placement is as follows: who generally do not have medical needs or require nursing care.  total of eight clients on waitlist from the following communities: RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 16- 1. Yellowknife 17(4): 2. Behchoko LOCATION OF HIGHWAY 4 3. Fort Simpson REALIGNMENT OVER 4. Fort Resolution UNDERGROUND 5. Nahanni Butte ARSENIC STORAGE CHAMBER 6. Fort Providence Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written 7. Fort Good Hope question asked by Mr. Bromley on 8. Lutselk’e February 26, 2013, regarding the  total of three clients on waitlist from location of Highway 4 realignment over Inuvik region underground arsenic storage chamber.  no clients on waitlist from Hay River In his first question, Mr. Bromley asked region. what the purpose of the highway realignment was and what issues or Independent living is defined as: concerns the highway is being realigned  seniors or persons with disabilities to address. living in public housing or their own The section of Highway No. 4 that has homes and that do not require been scheduled for realignment has supports. needed to be changed for safety In contrast, supported living is defined reasons that predate and are separate as: to the closure of Giant Mine. Between kilometre 2 and kilometre 5.2, the May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 41 highway is being aligned for safety the highway corridor in its present reasons to address issues of sharp location. curves with limited visibility, steep In his final question, Mr. Bromley asked roadway slopes, and narrow shoulders how the safety of routing the highway for cyclists and pedestrians. over the underground arsenic chamber The highway near kilometre 4 is being labeled Reach 6 is assured. realigned to accommodate the surface GNWT and AANDC have worked on infrastructure for freezing the identifying potential constraint areas underground arsenic storage vaults during the highway realignment process related to Giant Mine. The Government for the past three years, and the of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) realignment was selected based on the and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern most suitable alignment that would Development Canada (AANDC) avoid as many of the constraint areas as continue to coordinate activities to possible, which included the rock and ensure that any realignment has geotechnical assessment of the crown minimal impact on the Giant Mine pillar over the UBC stope. AANDC has Remediation Project (GMRP). approved the highway corridor through In his second question, Mr. Bromley the Giant Mine lease as proposed and asked how the road alignment route was under construction. The GNWT is not chosen so as not to interfere with the aware of any further constraint areas or remediation project and to avoid areas where the alignment crosses over damage to underlying arsenic storage top existing or potential arsenic storage chambers. vaults that have any potential safety The GNWT Department of issues. It should be noted that the Transportation and the GMRP team existing highway currently crosses over have worked close to ensure that any arsenic storage vaults. realignment options would not impact on the remediation activities and, if RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 17- possible, would complement the 17(4): remediation goals. Given the surface BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT and underground workings of the mine INVESTMENT CORPORATION site, however, it is almost impossible to ACTIVITIES avoid all constraint areas. Constraint Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written areas include open pit areas, tailing question asked by Ms. Bisaro on ponds, mine shafts and adits, proposed February 26, 2013, regarding Business underground arsenic storage vaults, Development Investment Corporation areas for surface freezing infrastructure, activities. and proximity or depth of crown pillars Later today, at the appropriate time, I for underground stopes and travel ways. will table a document entitled “Business The GNWT has undertaken Development and Investment assessments of the risks and has Corporation Activities.” provided AANDC with the results of the assessments. Using this information, AANDC approved the establishment of May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 42

RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 18- cannot be addressed by alternative 17(4): means. GNWT DEPARTMENTAL 2. On the basis of a thorough analysis, TRAVEL EXPENDITURES including a review of controls used in Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written other jurisdictions, what policy and question asked by Mr. Bromley on procedural improvements could be February 27, 2013, regarding GNWT introduced to ensure that travel is departmental travel expenditures. approved only after verification that I would like to provide the following other communication means have information: been considered and determined to be impractical? 1. What factors are taken into account in managerial review for approval of We examined travel policies and travel requests to ensure managers procedures in 10 of 13 provinces and determine with certainty that travel is territories and the federal government. required and that businesses cannot There was no indication that any be carried out by alternative means jurisdiction implemented any before travel is approved? extraordinary internal procedural controls to verify that other In approving duty travel, a manager communications means have been requires written justification for the need considered and determined to be for the duty travel. In deciding upon impractical. whether or not to approve, the manager will consider the reason for travel; the Only two jurisdictions make specific cost of the travel; the benefit in references to alternatives to travel. The undertaking the travel; and an federal government and the assessment of whether the travel is Government of British Columbia provide necessary, in the GNWT interest, and if some policy direction. the business need cannot be addressed From the federal government: by alternative means. Once this has “ Departments have effective oversight been assessed, a manager decides on mechanisms and controls in place to whether to approve or reject the travel. ensure that travel, hospitality, In the case of international travel, conferences and associated justification has to be provided to the expenditures are managed in an responsible Minister for their effective, efficient and economic consideration. For other travel outside of manner. the NWT, the responsible department Travel, hospitality and conference head is provided with justification for the expenditures incurred are necessary to travel. achieve departmental mandates and In addition to the managerial review, priorities. employees consider the need to travel; The most economic and efficient consider the reason for travel; the cost alternatives for travel, hospitality, of the travel; the benefit in undertaking conferences and associated the travel; and an assessment of expenditures have been considered.” whether the travel is necessary, in the GNWT interest, and the business need May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 43

From the Government of British a) What is the proportion of full fare Columbia: versus excursion fare tickets? 10.3.2 Travel Approval It is not possible to answer this question The means of travel chosen need to be based upon the ticketing regime that operationally feasible, cost-effective and currently exists. Airline seat costs are consider travel methods that will now very fluid, and fares change almost mitigate the production of greenhouse daily. They also vary depending upon gas emissions. how far in advance the ticket is bookended. Therefore, there is no The relevant GNWT policy is FAM 2001: longer the ability to compare ticket costs 4.2 Authorization for Duty Travel against a published fare. and Related Expenses In addition, fares may vary depending 4.2.1 A duty traveller shall use the upon the particular flights that are most direct, practical, and cost- booked. The lowest cost on a particular effective mode of travel. A duty day and route may not be the best traveller who uses extra travel choice as it is at a time that impairs the time during normal working traveller’s ability to perform their work or hours shall record it as vacation may result in the need to overnight, leave or leave without pay (not incurring additional travel costs and loss sick leave) unless the extra time of time. is practical or cost effective for In addition, the “fare class” information the government. is not provided on invoices/receipts 4.3 Responsibilities of Duty Travel provided by travel agents or airlines. Approving Officers and Duty Therefore, it is not possible to review Travellers travel claims and determine what fare 4.3.1 Unless permitted otherwise in class was purchased. this policy, the approving officer b) What is the frequency of ticket shall do the following before changes incurring additional costs? duty travel begins: We examined 144 travel claims and a. Determine that duty travel is noted 10 where a change fee had necessary and, in writing on incurred. This represents a rate of 6.9 the specified form, authorize percent. The additional cost attributed to the travel plan and the mode the change was the change fee itself, and class of transportation. and there was no additional cost of the It is implicit in 4.3.1 (a) that alternatives airline ticket. In all but one case, the to duty travel have been considered and change free was $50. The one deemed impractical. That particular exception was a $100 free which was section could be made more explicit in attributed to the original travel terms of specific factor that have to be arrangements which required the taken into account. change of two tickets. 3. On the basis of a random sample of The reasons for the change were for the several hundred travel claims from following general reasons: across departments:  postponement of travel May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 44

 meetings ended sooner than Under Section 18 of the Mental Health anticipated Act, the number of certifications of  meetings extended involuntary admission that have been completed in Northwest Territories Public Works and Services had the hospitals and health centres is as largest incidence of ticket changes; follows: however, these are attributed to the activities related to project inspections  2011-2012: 87 which can be delayed if contractors’  2012-2013: 99 work is not ready for inspection. Under Section 18.1(1) of the Mental We did perform a high level analysis of Health Act, the number of patients that travel by GNWT employees for the had to be transferred outside of the 2012-13 fiscal year. During the year, NWT is as follows: there were 1,522 individual employees  2011-2012: 4 that undertook 8,907 trips.  2012-2013: 5 A significant number of trips which These numbers only reflect involuntary occurred in the NWT were undertaken patients. In order to determine the total by road and therefore attracted no number of patients that went outside of airfare costs. Similarly, for the most part, the NWT, individual patient files would air charter costs are not included. These have to be reviewed. figures do not present travel related to At this time, the Department of Health recruitment or employee medical travel and Social Services is unable to identify benefits. the number of times that substitute Later today I will table a report consent has been given on behalf of a “Government of the Northwest voluntary or involuntary patient under Territories Departmental Travel Sections 19.2(1) (a), (c), (d), (e), (f), and Expenditures.” (g) of the Mental Health Act. Furthermore, the department can only RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 20- provide information for 2011-12 and 17(4): 2012-13. Form collections from previous NWT MENTAL HEALTH ACT years would have to be extrapolated TREATMENT DATA manually from all the health and social Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written services authorities, which would take question asked by Mr. Alfred Moses on approximately six months to collect. March 4, 2013, regarding Northwest Territories Mental Health Act treatment RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 21- data. 17(4): RE-PROFILED FUNDING FOR The number of times that ministerial EARLY CHILDHOOD approval was provided for an extension DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES of time for involuntary patient period of 2012-2013 detection applications is as follows: Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written  2011-12: 34 question asked by Ms. Bisaro on March  2012-13: 30 4, 2013, regarding re-profiled funding for May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 45 early childhood development initiatives not collected in the emergency 2012-2013. departments. However, patients in need The Early Childhood Development will not be denied admittance to a (ECD) funding includes the $1 million hospital due to lack of space. funding re-profiled from the inclusive In accordance with Section 8.(1) of the schooling budget as well as $250,000 Mental Health Act, the number of cases re-profiled from the closure of the in which a medical practitioner had to Western Arctic Leadership Program. make an order for the detention of a Later today, at the appropriate time, I patient for a psychiatric assessment is will table “Re-Profiled Funding for Early as follows: Childhood Development Actual  2011-2012: 128 Expenditures 2012-2013.” This  2012-2013: 188 document lists the initiatives completed In accordance with Section 8.(3) of the in 2012-2013, including engagements Mental Health Act, the number of such as the elders sharing circle and the reports received by the Minister’s mental ECD roundtable, which informed the health delegates and the department is renewal of the Early Childhood as follows: Development Framework, the two pilot child and family resources centres,  2011-2012: 128 phase one of the ECD public awareness  2012-2013: 188 campaign, and the implementation of In accordance with Section 15.(1) of the the reviewed NWT Child Day Care Mental Health Act, the number of times Standards Regulations. a medical practitioner applied to admit an involuntary patient is as follows: RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 22- 17(4):  2011-2012: 87 NWT MENTAL HEALTH ACT  2012-2013: 99 TREATMENT DATA – PART TWO Under Section 16.(1) and (2) of the Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written Mental Health Act, all applications question asked by Mr. Alfred Moses on examined by the mental health March 5, 2013, regarding Northwest delegates were approved. The number Territories Mental Health Act treatment of applications examined is as follows: data.  2011-2012: 87 At this time the Department of Health  2012-2013: 99 and Social Services can only provide information for 2011-2012 and 2012- RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 23- 2013. Form collections from previous 17(4): years would have to be extrapolated INCARCERATION RATES FOR manually from all the health and social NWT CORRECTIONAL services authorities, which would take FACILITIES approximately six months to collect. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written Data for voluntary patients that apply for question asked by Mr. Moses on March hospital admittance in the Northwest 7, 2013, regarding incarceration rates Territories, in accordance with Section for NWT correctional facilities. 6.(1) and (b) of the Mental Health Act, is May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 46

The Member asked about incarceration Later today, at the appropriate time, I rates of inmates who were sentenced will table “Income Assistance Distinct with alcohol and/or drug-related crimes Cases and Expenditures,” which lists in the NWT from the 2011-12 fiscal year the number of approved applicants, also to present. From April 1, 2011, to known as distinct cases, who received February 28, 2013, there were 889 income assistance, by community, in sentenced offenders admitted to fiscal years 2010-11, 2011-12, and custody. Two hundred of those 2012-13. offenders had committed offences 2. Number of income assistance related to alcohol or drugs. Of the 200, applications that were declined for 130 inmates had alcohol-related each community during fiscal years offences while 70 had drug-related 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13. offences. Offences referred to as alcohol and drug related are impaired Currently the department tracks only driving, liquor offences, and drug those applications approved for offences under the Controlled Drugs assistance. The number of declined and Substances Act. We do not always applications is not available. know if alcohol or drug use was a factor 3. Total amount of Income Assistance in an offence, likely resulting in the Payments per community for fiscal underreporting of this information. years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012- The Member also asked for statistics 13. about incarceration rates of inmates for The document “Income Assistance the 2012-13 fiscal year to present on a Distinct Cases and Expenditures” month-to-month basis for all NWT referred to earlier also provides income correctional facilities. Later today, at the assistance expenditures by community appropriate time, I will table historical for fiscal years 2010-11, 2011-12, and data on the monthly average and peak 2012-13. counts for the 2011-12 fiscal year and 4. Number of appeals by community for the number of inmates who have fiscal years 2010-11, 2011-12, and participated in an alcohol and/or drug- 2012-13. related prevention program from the Later today, at the appropriate time, I 2011-12 fiscal year to present. will table “Income Assistance Appeals,” RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 24- which provides the number of income 17(4): assistance appeals held in the NWT, by INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAM community, in fiscal years 2010-11, APPLICATIONS AND PAYMENTS 2011-12, and 2012-13. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written RETURN TO WRITTEN QUESTION 25- question asked by Mr. Moses on March 17(4): 12, 2013, regarding Income Support SINGLE PARENTS RECEIVING Program applications and payments. INCOME SUPPORT 1. Number of approved income Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written assistance applications for each question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on community during fiscal years 2010- March 14, 2013, regarding single 11, 2011-12, and 2012-13. parents receiving income support. May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 47

1. Provide the total number of single 4. Provide a breakdown by constituency parents receiving assistance under of the number of single parents the Income Support Program. receiving assistance under the The total number of single parent family Income Support Program. distinct cases who received income The department tracks income assistance in fiscal year 2012-2013 is assistance single parent distinct cases 726. by community. Later today, at the 2. Provide the various ranges that single appropriate time, I will table “Single parent clients receive under the Parent Families Receiving Income Income Support Program. Assistance in 2012-2013,” which provides the number of single parent One of the main principles of all income distinct cases who received income security programs is to target benefits to assistance in 2012-2013 by community those most in need. By assessing and associated constituency. overall need and providing adequate benefits, the Income Assistance Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Program encourages single parents to MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. become self-reliant, participate fully in Item 10, replies to opening address. society and, in turn, improve their quality Item 11, petitions. Item 12, reports of of life. standing and special committees. Item Currently the Income Assistance 13, reports of committees on the review Program provides set amounts for basic of bills. Item 14, tabling of documents. and enhanced benefits based on an Mr. Ramsay. individual’s overall needs, household 11) Tabling of Documents income, family size and community of residence. The full range of amounts is TABLED DOCUMENT 62-17(4): included in the Income Assistance BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND Policy Manual, which is available on the INVESTMENT CORPORATION Department of Education, Culture and ACTIVITIES Employment website. 3. Provide details on the support single TABLED DOCUMENT 63-17(4): parents are eligible for under the GNWT RESPONSE TO MOTION Income Support Program. 8-17(4), The Income Assistance Program SECONDARY DIAMOND provides financial supports for food, INDUSTRY shelter, utilities, and enhanced needs HON. DAVID RAMSAY: Thank you, Mr. such as incidentals, clothing, child care, Speaker. Further to my Return to furniture and educational assistance. Written Question 17-17(4), I wish to In addition, income assistance can also table the following document, entitled assist with expenses related to “Business Development and Investment education and training such as school Corporation Activities.” supplies, textbooks, bus passes, special I also wish to table the following clothing or musical instruments when document, entitled “Government of the required as part of the school Northwest Territories Response to curriculum. May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 48

Motion 8-17(4), Secondary Diamond Further to my Return to Written Industry.” Thank you. Question 24-17(4), I wish to table the MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. Mr. following two documents, entitled Ramsay. Mr. Miltenberger. “Income Assistance Distinct Cases and Expenditures” and “Income Assistance TABLED DOCUMENT 64-17(4): Appeals.” GNWT DEPARTMENTAL Lastly, further to my Return to Written TRAVEL EXPENDITURES Question 25-17(4), I wish to table the HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: following document, entitled “Single Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to my Parent Families Receiving Income Return to Written Question 18-17(4), I Assistance, 2012-2013.” Mahsi. wish to table the following document, MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. entitled “Government of the Northwest Lafferty. Mr. Abernethy. Territories Departmental Travel Expenditures.” Thank you. TABLED DOCUMENT 69-17(4): MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. CORRECTIONS STATISTICS Miltenberger. Mr. Lafferty. 2011-2013 HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Thank you, TABLED DOCUMENT 65-17(4): Mr. Speaker. Further to Return to RE-PROFILED FUNDING Written Question 23-17(4), I wish to EARLY CHILDHOOD table the following document, entitled DEVELOPMENT “Corrections Statistics 2011-2013.” ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 2012- Thank you. 13 TABLED DOCUMENT 70-17(4): TABLED DOCUMENT 66-17(4): ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES INCOME ASSISTANCE DISTINCT COMMISSION, FINAL REPORT, CASES MAY 2013 AND EXPENDITURES MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Pursuant to Section 10 of TABLED DOCUMENT 67-17(4): the Electoral Boundaries Commission INCOME ASSISTANCE APPEALS Act, I wish to table the document, “2012- TABLED DOCUMENT 68-17(4): 2013 Final Report, Electoral Boundaries SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES Commission. Thank you. Mr. Clerk. RECEIVING TABLED DOCUMENT 71-17(4): INCOME ASSISTANCE IN 2012- RESPONSE TO PETITION 1- 13 17(4), MR. LAFFERTY: Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. CREATION OF A TERRITORIAL Further to my Return to Written ORGAN Question 21-17(4), I wish to table the AND TISSUE DONOR REGISTER following document, entitled “Re-profiled CLERK OF THE HOUSE (Mr. Mercer): Funding Early Childhood Development Mr. Speaker, I would like to table a Actual Expenditures 2012-2013.” response to a petition provided by the Honourable Tom Beaulieu, Minister of May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 49

Health and Social Services, in response MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. to a petition tabled by Mr. Daryl Dolynny Yakeleya. Item 16, notices of motion for on March 11, 2013. Thank you. first reading of bills. Mr. Miltenberger. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. 13) Notices of Motion for Item 15, notices of motion. Mr. First Reading of Bills Yakeleya. BILL 11: 12) Notices of Motion FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION AND MOTION 13-17(4): PUBLIC AGENCY STATUTES APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY (BORROWING PROVISIONS) CHAIRPERSON AMENDMENT ACT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HON. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER: Mr. MR. YAKELEYA: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, Speaker. I give notice that on Friday, May 31, 2013, I will move that Bill 11, May 31, 2013, I will move the following Financial Administration and Public motion: Now therefore I move, Agency Statutes (Borrowing Provisions) seconded by the honourable Member Amendment Act, be read for the first for Thebacha, that the honourable time. Member for Hay River North, Mr. Robert Bouchard, be appointed as a deputy MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. chairperson of Committee of the Whole. Miltenberger. Mr. Lafferty. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. BILL 12: Yakeleya. Mr. Yakeleya. AN ACT TO AMEND THE EDUCATION ACT MOTION 14-17(4): PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE HON. JACKSON LAFFERTY: Mahsi, NUTRITION NORTH CANADA Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on PROGRAM Friday, May 31, 2013, I will move that Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Education MR. YAKELEYA: Mr. Speaker, I give Act, be read for the first time. notice that on Friday, May 31, 2013, I will move the following motion: Now MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. therefore I move, seconded by the Lafferty. Mr. McLeod. honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that the Legislative Assembly BILL 13: calls on the Auditor General of Canada AN ACT TO REPEAL THE to undertake a comprehensive CURFEW ACT performance audit of the Nutrition North HON. ROBERT MCLEOD: Thank you, Canada Program, and to report his Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on office’s findings and recommendations Friday, May 31, 2013, I will move that to the Parliament of Canada and the Bill 13, An Act to Repeal the Curfew Act, Legislative Assembly of the Northwest be read for the first time. Territories. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. McLeod. May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 50

BILL 14: May 31, 2013, I will move that Bill 17, AN ACT TO REPEAL THE An Act to Amend the Protection Against PAWNBROKERS Family Violence Act, be read for the first AND SECOND-HAND DEALERS time. ACT MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Mr. Abernethy. HON. ROBERT MCLEOD: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on BILL 18: Friday, May 31, 2013, I will move that APOLOGY ACT Bill 14, An Act to Repeal the HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Mr. Pawnbrokers and Second-Hand Dealers Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, Act, be read for the first time. May 31, 2013, I will move that Bill 18, MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Apology Act, be read for the first time. McLeod. The Minister of Justice, MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. Mr. Minister Abernethy. Abernethy. Mr. Abernethy.

BILL 15: BILL 19: GUNSHOT AND STAB WOUND MISCELLANEOUS STATUTES MANDATORY DISCLOSURE ACT LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2013 HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Mr. HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, May 31, 2013, I will move that Bill 15, May 31, 2013, I will move that Bill 19, Gunshot and Stab Wound Mandatory Miscellaneous Statutes Law Disclosure Act, be read for the first time. Amendment Act, 2013, be read for the MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. first time. Abernethy. Mr. Abernethy. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Item 17, motions. Mr. BILL 16: Yakeleya. AN ACT TO AMEND THE MR. YAKELEYA: Thank you, Mr. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE ACT Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Mr. deal with the deputy chair of Committee Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, of the Whole motion I gave notice of May 31, 2013, I will move that Bill 16, earlier today. An Act to Amend the Justices of the ---Unanimous consent granted Peace Act, be read for the first time. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Mr. Abernethy.

BILL 17: AN ACT TO AMEND THE PROTECTION AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE ACT HON. GLEN ABERNETHY: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 51

14) Motions 15) Orders of the Day

MOTION 13-17(4): CLERK OF THE HOUSE (Mr. Mercer): APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY Orders of the day for Thursday, May 30, CHAIRPERSON 2013, 1:30 p.m.: OF COMMITTEE OF THE 1. Prayer WHOLE, CARRIED 2. Ministers’ Statements MR. YAKELEYA: Thank you, Mr. 3. Members’ Statements Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. 4. Reports of Standing and Special WHEREAS there is a requirement of the Committees naming of two Members to hold the 5. Returns to Oral Questions positions of deputy chairpersons of 6. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Committee of the Whole; 7. Acknowledgements AND WHEREAS the honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Wendy 8. Oral Questions Bisaro, has resigned from her 9. Written Questions appointment as deputy chairperson of 10. Returns to Written Questions Committee of the Whole to assume the role of chair of the Standing Committee 11. Replies to Opening Address on Priorities and Planning. 12. Petitions NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded 13. Reports of Committees on the by the Member for Thebacha, that the Review of Bills honourable Member for Hay River 14. Tabling of Documents North, Mr. Robert Bouchard, be 15. Notices of Motion appointed as deputy chairperson of Committee of the Whole. 16. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. 17. Motions SOME HON. MEMBERS: Question. 18. First Reading of Bills MR. SPEAKER: Question has been 19. Second Reading of Bills called. 20. Consideration in Committee of ---Carried the Whole of Bills and Other Matters MR. SPEAKER: Congratulations, Mr. 21. Report of Committee of the Bouchard. Item 18, first reading of bills. Whole Item 19, second reading of bills. Item 22. Third Reading of Bills 20, consideration in Committee of the 23. Orders of the Day Whole of bills and other matters. Item 21, report of Committee of the Whole. MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Accordingly, this House stands Item 22, third reading of bills. Mr. Clerk, th orders of the day. adjourned until Thursday, May 30 , at 1:30 p.m. ---ADJOURNMENT The House adjourned at 3:45 p.m. May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 52 May 29, 2013 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HANSARD Page 53

Load more

  53

Copy Link