November 17, 2011

Caucus Identifies Priorities for the 17th Legislative Assembly

YELLOWKNIFE (November 17, 2011) The Caucus of the 17th Legislative Assembly concluded a significant phase of its strategic planning exercise today by reaching agreement on its vision, goals, and priorities for action under the theme of Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners; however, the caucus cautions that expectations must be tempered in light of the Government’s fiscal reality.
 
“We have taken a different approach to strategic planning from past Assemblies,” said Deputy Chair of Caucus Alfred Moses. “We recognize that the vision and goals set by the 16th Assembly are broad and long term and we did not see a need to make major changes to them. Instead we wanted to focus on setting a small number of priorities that we think we can achieve or make progress on during our four-year mandate, provided we can find the resources needed. This is going to be a challenge.”

“People should not be alarmed that they do not see everything in this strategic plan that we have included in past strategic plans,” said Chair of the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning Kevin Menicoche. “In the past we have set out a job description for government, including many activities like education and land claims and self-government negotiations that are part of the core business of government and are ongoing. We want to reassure people that core government programs and services will continue. At the same time, we realize that if everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority, and we need to focus our efforts in a few key areas to make our time here count. We are going to be challenged to achieve even this smaller set of priorities given our fiscal reality, and will have some tough decisions ahead of us.”

The achievement of some priorities, in particular large infrastructure projects, will be contingent on federal government support and private sector involvement. Many of the other major investments identified will have to be delayed or may not be able to proceed at all if additional funds cannot be found. “We have rolled up our sleeves and tried to come up with the priority areas where we can make the most impact. At the same time, we do not have the resources to allocate to new strategic initiatives that we did in the past,” said Government House Leader Michael Miltenberger.  “We all need to temper our expectations in keeping with the fiscal situation.”

The Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners document will form the basis for the government business plans and budgets that will be prepared over the course of the Assembly. The Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committees anticipate reviewing the first draft of the four year business plan in March 2012.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Alfred Moses, Deputy Chair of Caucus
MLA Inuvik Boot Lake
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2282 or 1-800-661-0784
E: alfred_moses@gov.nt.ca

BELIEVING IN PEOPLE AND BUILDING ON THE STRENGTHS OF NORTHERNERS
Our Vision
Strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories

Our Goals
A strong and independent north built on partnerships
An environment that will sustain present and future generations
Healthy, educated people free from poverty
A diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices
Sustainable, vibrant, safe communities
Effective and efficient government

Our Priorities

Build a strong and sustainable future for our Territory by strengthening our relationships with Aboriginal and other northern governments, negotiating and implementing a devolution final agreement, achieving an increase to our borrowing limit, and working with our partners to ensure responsible stewardship through our land and resource management regime

Increase employment opportunities where they are most needed by decentralizing more GNWT positions, reducing dependency on government by encouraging people who are able to enter or remain in the workforce, and supporting child care programs to help parents become or stay employed

Strengthen and diversify our economy by making strategic infrastructure investments such as the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk highway, the Mackenzie Fiberoptic Link, and hydro initiatives, supporting the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline project, developing a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable economic development and mining strategy, supporting the traditional economy, and improving our regulatory processes

Address housing needs by completing and implementing the Shelter Policy Review including fair and sustainable public housing rent scales, selling our public housing stock where this makes sense, and putting higher density housing units in small communities

Ensure a fair and sustainable health care system by investing in prevention, education and awareness and early childhood development, enhancing addictions treatment programs using existing infrastructure, and addressing our health facilities deficit




Novemeber 2, 2011

Regular Members Pleased with Ministerial Portfolio Assignments

(Yellowknife) November 2, 2011 – Members of the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning, which consists of the 11 Regular Members, are pleased with the Ministerial portfolio assignments that Premier Bob McLeod announced earlier today.

Mr. Kevin Menicoche, Chair of the Committee and MLA for Nahendeh stated “The Regular Members of the 17th Legislative Assembly are pleased that Premier McLeod acted quickly and decisively in making his assignments.  We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting straight to work on the many issues and challenges that are facing all of our government departments and agencies.  We wish to foster a positive working relationship with all Cabinet Ministers in their new and challenging roles.”

“There is much knowledge and experience in the Regular Member ranks and we trust the new Cabinet will feel comfortable in calling upon us to assist them in their duties as we move forward together on behalf of all people of the Northwest Territories” added Deputy Chair and MLA for Range Lake, Daryl Dolynny.

“Meaningful participation by all 19 Members in decision making is essential to good governance and is one of the stated principles of consensus government.  I am sure our new Cabinet colleagues will respect this principle as we collectively serve our constituents,” said Mr. Menicoche.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Kevin Menicoche, MLA Nahendeh
Chair, Standing Committee on Priorities
and Planning
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 1-867-695-3780
E: kevin_menicoche@gov.nt.ca

Mr. Daryl Dolynny, MLA Range Lake
Deputy Chair, Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 1-800-661-0784 or 1-867-669-2200
E: daryl_dolynny@gov.nt.ca

October 26, 2011

Executive Council Members selected by the 17th Legislative Assembly

 (Yellowknife)  October 26, 2011 - Members of the 17th Legislative Assembly have chosen the six Members who, in concert with Premier-elect Bob McLeod, will form the Executive Council of the Northwest Territories. The Territorial Leadership Committee held the vote in the Assembly Chamber earlier today.

The following Members, once formally sworn in at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2011, will join Premier-elect Bob McLeod on the Executive Council: 

Mr. Glen Abernethy, MLA Great Slave
Mr.Tom Beaulieu, MLA Tu Nedhe
Mr. Jackson Lafferty, MLA Monfwi
Mr. Robert C. McLeod, MLA Inuvik Twin Lakes
Mr. J. Michael Miltenberger, MLA Thebacha
Mr. David Ramsay, MLA Kam Lake

The Executive Council selection process followed the established practice whereby a regional balance was maintained by selecting two Members from the northern constituencies, two from southern constituencies, and two from Yellowknife. 

Formal motions to ratify the appointments to the Executive Council will be brought forward when the 17th Legislative Assembly convenes on Thursday, October 27, at 1:30 p.m. The Premier will assign cabinet portfolios at a later date.

For more information, please contact:

Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2299 or 1-800-661-0784
Email: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca

Honourable Jackie Jacobson, Speaker-elect
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2200 or 1-800-661-0784
E: jackie_jacobson@gov.nt.ca

Honourable Bob McLeod, Premier-elect
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2200 or 1-800-661-0784
E: bob_mcleod@gov.nt.ca

October 25, 2011

Process for the Territorial Leadership Committee Confirmed

(Yellowknife) October 25, 2011 – Members of the 17th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories have confirmed the process to be used to elect the Speaker, Premier and Executive Council during the Territorial Leadership Committee (TLC) meetings being held tomorrow in Yellowknife.

The 19 Members of Caucus have agreed that the first order of business at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 will be the election of the Speaker. Candidates for the Speaker’s position will have five minutes to deliver a speech to Members of the Assembly regarding their suitability for the role of Speaker. After the speeches have concluded, a secret ballot vote will be held, and the results released. Once the Speaker-elect has been chosen, he/she will assume the Chair of the Territorial Leadership Committee meeting.

The TLC will select the Premier from among the 18 remaining Members. Each candidate nominated for Premier will be given 20 minutes to deliver a speech and will answer a maximum of two questions from each Member.

The Executive Council selection process, which gets underway at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, will follow past practice whereby a total of six Ministers will be chosen. The regional balance of two Ministers from the northern constituencies, two from southern constituencies, and two from Yellowknife will be maintained.

The public is invited to observe the Territorial Leadership Committee meetings, which will be held in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly building. Formal motions to ratify the TLC selections will be brought forward when the 17th Legislative Assembly convenes on Thursday, October 27th, at 1:30 p.m.

Copies of the processes used for the selection of the Speaker, Premier and Executive Council are attached to this news release.

For more information, please contact:

Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2299 or 1-800-661-0784
Email: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca

All Members
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2200 or 1-800-661-0784

October 20, 2011

Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya Withdrawing from the Selection Process for NWT Premier.

(YELLOWKNIFE) October 20, 2011 – Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya has withdrawn from the selection process for NWT Premier.

“After much reflection and discussion with my wife, colleagues, and respected individuals in the community, I have decided I will be supporting a Premier that aligns their aspirations with mine. This Legislature needs to renew and commit to a consensus approach of governing.”

A Sahtu Dene from Tulita, Norman Yakeleya has been the Sahtu MLA since 2003. This is his third term representing the communities of Norman Wells, Fort Good Hope, Colville Lake, Tulita, and Deline in the NWT Legislative Assembly. Educated at residential school in Inuvik, at Aurora College, and through the Nehchi Institute, Mr. Yakeleya brings a wealth of education and experience to his role as MLA. In addition to his early career in health and wellness, Mr. Yakeleya earned the confidence of his region to represent it through progressively responsible roles as Chief Negotiator for the Sahtu Dene and Metis Land Claim and the Tulita self-government agreement and the Tulita Dene and also Chairman of the Sahtu Tribal Council.


For more information, contact:


Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2299 or 1-800-661-0784
Email: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca

October 4, 2011

Members-elect of the 17th Legislative Assembly

(Yellowknife) October 4, 2011 – The polls closed at 8:00 pm Monday, October 3rd and the votes were tallied up to reveal the Members-elect of the 17th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. The Member-elect, from Inuvik Boot Lake constituency will be subject to a recount. New Assembly Members-elect will be in office starting October 12th but will not be officially sworn in until the middle of October.

The Members-elect, by constituency, are as follows:

Deh Cho – Michael Nadli                        Frame Lake – Wendy Bisaro
Great Slave – Glen Abernethy                 Hay River North – Robert Bouchard
Hay River South - Jane Groenwegen        Inuvik Boot Lake – Alfred Moses
Inuvik Twin Lakes – Robert C. McLeod     Kam Lake – David Ramsay
Mackenzie Delta – Frederick Blake          Monfwi – Jackson Lafferty
Nahendeh – Kevin Menicoche                 Nunakput – Jackie Jacobson
Range Lake – Daryl Dolynny                   Sahtu – Norman Yakeleya
Thebacha – J. Michael Miltenberger         Tu Nedhe – Tom Beaulieu
Weledeh – Bob Bromley                        Yellowknife Centre – Robert Hawkins
Yellowknife South – Bob McLeod

For information on results statistics visit the Elections NWT website at: www.electionsnwt.ca and for further information on rules and procedures contact:

Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P:  867-669-2299 or 1-800-661-0784
Email:  tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca

July 6, 2011

Canol Trail Youth Leadership Hike at Risk
 
(YELLOWKNIFE) July 6, 2011 – For the last five years, youth from the Sahtu region of the NWT have travelled along the Canol Trail with business and political leaders. That may be about to end on short notice because the federal government has reneged on funding support previously committed for this year.

“There is a terrible environmental mess in the Mackenzie Mountains left over from the Second World War. The Government of Canada has a legal obligation to clean this up. At the moment, they are at least pretending they intend to do so,” says Norman Yakeleya, MLA Sahtu. In 2010 the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development wanted to get the perspective of youth from the region on what ‘a culturally sensitive clean-up’ would look like.

For the first four years of the youth hike, organized by Mr. Yakeleya and others, the Government of the NWT and private industry provided necessary funding. Last year the federal government saw the value in the youth hike and provided the majority of the needed funding with the commitment that the funding would continue into the future.

“In January, 2011 the feds told the leaders of the youth hike that there was a $25 000 commitment for the current year. In May that was reduced to $20 000 and today, July 6th, not much more than one week before the hike, they advised that they have no money for the youth. Meanwhile they have been stringing us along with questions to us, we were told, to make our funding proposal fit within their new guidelines,” says Mr. Yakeleya.

“We are committed to the youth and to the hike. We believe we can make the hike happen next week. We call on the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs to step up and provide the funding as committed to by his staff. Can we trust the word of the Government of Canada or not? That is a question we are asking today,” says Mr. Yakeleya.

For more information, contact:
Norman Yakeleya, MLA Sahtu
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-920-7856 or 867-446-2366
Email: norman_yakeleya@gov.nt.ca



July 6, 2011

Sahtu MLA Pleased with Oil and Gas Companies’ Recent Interest in the Sahtu

(YELLOWKNIFE) July 6, 2011 – Norman Yakeleya, MLA Sahtu, is very pleased with the recent announcement from the federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development of the winning bids for oil and gas exploration in the Sahtu.

Eleven parcels of land in the Sahtu garnered bids from five companies promising to spend over $500 million over the next four years. Husky Oil won a bid for $376 million on two parcels of land between Norman Wells and Tulita.

Norman Yakeleya, MLA Sahtu, believes it is a good thing that the major oil and gas companies of the world have confidence in the Sahtu and that the Sahtu is in a good position to reap the benefits from these projects. Mr. Yakeleya says, “There is still plenty of work to do for any one of these projects to proceed, as the Sahtu Dene and Métis will be major players in going forward with this. It is my hope that the agreement will be done in a timely manner with industry, that our people can go to work, and that our land will receive the highest protection against any negative impacts.”

For more information, contact:

Norman Yakeleya, MLA Sahtu
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-920-7856 or 867-446-2366
Email: norman_yakeleya@gov.nt.ca




June 27, 2011

 Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Visit Legislative Assembly

(YELLOWKNIFE)  June 27, 2011 – Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will observe and participate in a meeting of the 2011 Youth Parliament as part of the Northwest Territories portion of the 2011 Royal Tour.  They will also meet with Members of the Legislative Assembly and participants in the inaugural Elders Parliament hosted by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in May of 2010. 

The 2011 Youth Parliament was hosted by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Paul Delorey, in May of 2011.  Youth representing the nineteen electoral districts of the Northwest Territories spent a week in Yellowknife learning about consensus government, meeting with their MLAs and debating various issues of interest to them including zero tolerance for bullying, promotion of sexual health among youth and increased investment in youth programs and facilities.  The participants in this year’s Youth Parliament have been invited to select an additional issue of importance to them to debate in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses commencing at 1:05 pm on July 5, 2011 on the floor of the Chamber of Legislative Assembly.

Following the Youth Parliament debate, Their Royal Highnesses will view the Mace of the Northwest Territories and learn about the unique system of consensus government that is practiced in the Northwest Territories.  A brief reception will follow in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly where the Duke and Duchess will meet with the Youth Parliamentarians and their families, Members of the Legislative Assembly and participants in the 2010 Elders Parliament.  Prior to departing the Legislative Assembly, Their Royal Highnesses will sign the Legislative Assembly Guest Book and receive the official gift from the Government of the Northwest Territories.  Entertainment during the reception will be provided by youth fiddlers of the Kole Crook Fiddle Association and the student choir of École JH Sissons.  

“In 1994 Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II dedicated the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly to the people of the North, to the wisdom of the elders and to the vision of their children,” said Speaker Delorey.  “On the occasion of their first official visit to the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, I am very pleased to highlight not only the service of our current MLAs, but also our elders and youth from across the Territories.  These and other legislative outreach programs have been very successful in terms of bringing the work of the Legislative Assembly closer to the people we serve.  I’m thrilled that the Royal Visit will provide the participants with the profile and recognition they deserve.”

 For more information, contact:

Honourable Paul Delorey, Speaker    
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2234 or 1-800-661-0784
E: paul_delorey@gov.nt.ca

Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2299 or 1-800-661-0784
F: 867-920-4735
E: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca

June 9, 2011

MLAs Visit Enbridge Pipeline Leak

(YELLOWKNIFE) June 9, 2011 – Yesterday, Kevin Menicoche, MLA for Nahendeh, Norman Yakeleya, MLA for Sahtu and Bob Bromley, MLA for Weledeh visited the Enbridge oil spill site. The leak occurred near Willow River which, for residents of the community of Wrigley, was a pristine traditional hunting ground.

The crude oil spill was first reported by Chief Timothy Lennie of Wrigley in early May. The first estimate from Enbridge indicated only four barrels of oil had been spilled, but as of Monday, June 6th, the company now said it is possible that up to 1500 barrels of crude oil may have leaked from a pinhole in the pipeline.

MLA Kevin Menicoche is very concerned that the early estimates were based on visible oil and do not take into account subsurface volumes. While efforts were focused on the leak site, “Enbridge could have had a better public information strategy to inform the communities and the public on the progress of the leak and the clean up,” said Mr. Menicoche.

MLA Norman Yakeleya strongly encourages the National Energy Board, which regulates pipelines, “to take a more proactive approach to monitoring pipeline companies with recovery and remediation action plans during an oil spill.”

Given that it was only a pinhole leak that caused the spill, MLA Bob Bromley questioned the leak detection system. “Somebody was short about a thousand barrels of oil, so why didn’t the company know – and how will things be improved?” said Mr. Bromley.

The MLAs recognize that Enbridge Pipeline staff and contractors are striving towards containing the spill and achieving full recovery. Enbridge provided transportation and a tour of the site for MLA’s and the media.

For more information, contact:


Kevin Menicoche, MLA Nahendeh
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2294
Email: kevin_menicoche@gov.nt.ca

Bob Bromley, MLA Weledeh
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2272
Email: bob_bromley@gov.nt.ca

Norman Yakeleya, MLA Sahtu
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2270
Email: norman_yakeleya@gov.nt.ca

May 10, 2011

MLA Nahendeh Concerned About Enbridge Pipeline Leak

(YELLOWKNIFE) May 11, 2011 – The Member for Nahendeh, Kevin Menicoche, is concerned with the recent leak from an Enbridge Pipeline near Willowlake River, north of Fort Simpson. The leak was reported earlier this week by Chief Timothy Lennie of Wrigley. He found that there were approximately four barrels of oil leaked on the ground.

“There have been a few big oil leaks in the world recently. The most current is the leak in northern Alberta. This always provokes concern for our water, our animals and for the safety of the public. Chief Lennie has reported that the leak has affected his health, his eyes are burning and his throat is sore. It is my hope that the leak is addressed as safely and as expeditiously as possible,” says Mr. Menicoche.

The leak has been contained, but it is not known how long it will take to clean up the site.


For more information, contact:

Kevin Menicoche, MLA Nahendeh
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2294
Email: kevin_menicoche@gov.nt.ca  

April 29, 2011

Legislative Assembly to Welcome Youth Parliamentarians

(YELLOWKNIFE, NT) April 29, 2011 – Nineteen high school students from across the North will take part in Youth Parliament 2011 beginning on Monday, May 2 at the Legislative Assembly building in Yellowknife. The students will participate in three days of meetings and briefings in preparation for the Youth Parliament Session during which they assume the roles of their respective Member of the Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Paul Delorey says, “For over a decade, Youth Parliament has been a proud Northern tradition among high school students; it is an excellent program that develops student awareness of Northern civics. At the same time, it builds on a student’s natural leadership skills and provides opportunity for personal growth in areas such as public speaking, writing, research, and interpersonal skills.”

Youth Parliament is one of several educational outreach programs offered at the Legislative Assembly through the Office of the Speaker. The program is aimed at educating Northern youth about consensus government, with an emphasis on the Assembly operations, its function and history, and the important role the institution holds in the NWT.

The participants, by constituency, are:

Deh Cho – Mr. Spencer Bonnetrouge            
Frame Lake – Mr. Matt Nguyen Ha
Great Slave – Mr. Robert Doak                   
Hay River North – Ms. Chelsea Larkin
Hay River South – Mr. Patrick Smith
Inuvik Boot Lake – Ms. Euodia Mutua
Inuvik Twin Lakes – Ms. Alison McDonald
Kam Lake – Ms. Kassidy Blampied
Mackenzie Delta – Ms. Alannis McKee
Monfwi – Ms. Magdalene Steinwand
Nahendeh – Mr. Timothy Gargan-Lacasse
Nunakput - Ms. Rhea Klengenberg
Range Lake – Mr. Steve Norbert Gomes
Sahtu – Ms. Michelle Krutko
Thebacha – Ms. Emily Sturgeon
Tu Nedhe – Ms. Annika Olesen
Weledeh – Mr. Jarette Crookedhand
Yellowknife Centre – Ms. Kendall Tecsy
Yellowknife South – Ms. Emily Bevan

The Youth Parliament 2011 session is taking place on Thursday, May 5th, at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to come watch the Session from the Public Gallery. Media are encouraged to arrange interviews with the students prior to the sitting day.

For more information, please contact:

Jessica Fournier
Public Affairs Intern
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2218 or 1-800-661-0784
Email: jessica_fournier@gov.nt.ca  

April 28, 2011

MLA Robert Hawkins believes that Federal Party position’s regarding northern issues is key information for our residents

(YELLOWKNIFE, NT) April 28, 2011 – Robert Hawkins, MLA Yellowknife Centre would like to acknowledge and thank Premier Floyd Roland for ensuring that the Federal Leaders and candidates had a chance to responded to questions posed by our government which in turn help northerners better understand the individual positions held by parties with respect to their northern platforms.

As stated by MLA Robert Hawkins in the Legislative Assembly on March 4, 2011, “this is an opportunity to get northern issues on the table for discussion and certainly commitments”.

“With an election only days away, clearly the Liberal, NDP and Green Party’s have taken an interest in northern issues by taking the time to acknowledge and respond to the Premier’s questions. At the same time, I’m disappointed not all parties have made an effort to take the time to comment on issues important to all northerners”, said MLA Robert Hawkins.

MLA Robert Hawkins also stated, “it is my belief that the Western Arctic seat is a much coveted seat by all the parties and it should be earned. By responding to questions from our Premier, this shows that they respect and acknowledge northern issues. It’s not up to me to pick or even suggest one candidate over another. However this is an opportunity for northern residents to see the responses and even the lack of responses which is critical for informing our northern residents”.

To see the Premier’s questions and responses posed to all Federal Parties: http://www.premier.gov.nt.ca/federal2008/  

For further information:

Robert Hawkins
MLA - Yellowknife Centre
robert_hawkins@gov.nt.ca  
Phone: 867.669.2265
Fax: 867.873.0276
www.twitter.com/YK_Centre  




April 7, 2011

Legislative Assembly Speaker Rescinds Recall Notice

(YELLOWKIFE) April 7, 2011 – The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Paul Delorey, has rescinded the recall order which was issued March 30, 2011 to reconvene the Sixth Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly, scheduled for Friday, April 8, 2011.

The Speaker, acting on the advice of Cabinet and Regular Members of the Legislative Assembly, scheduled a meeting of the Territorial Leadership Committee to fill the vacancy on the Executive Council due to the recent resignation of the Member for Range Lake. Formal recall of the House would have been necessary to ratify any decision of the Territorial Leadership Committee.

Caucus, meeting today for the first time since the Members resignation, has determined that it will not be necessary to fill the vacant position at this late date in the life of the 16th Legislative Assembly. After consideration and consultation with all Members, the Speaker has directed that the recall of the House for April 8, 2011 be rescinded as it is no longer necessary for the House to meet at that time.

Accordingly, the Legislative Assembly will reconvene as previously scheduled on May 11, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact:

Honourable Paul Delorey, Speaker
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2234 or 1-800-661-0784
E: paul_delorey@gov.nt.ca  

Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2299 or 1-800-661-0784
F: 867-920-4735
E: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca  

April 7, 2011

Cabinet Seat to Remain Vacant

(YELLOWKIFE) April 7, 2011 – At a meeting of the Caucus held earlier today, Members of the 16th Legislative Assembly decided not to fill the vacancy left on Cabinet by the resignation of the Member for Range Lake, Sandy Lee. Accordingly, the Territorial Leadership Committee to be held this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. has been cancelled.

Caucus’ decision was based on the costs associated with selecting, swearing in and briefing a new minister with less than four months remaining in the term of the current Legislative Assembly. Wendy Bisaro, Caucus Chair and MLA Frame Lake says, “today was the first opportunity that the full Caucus has had to meet since the resignation of Ms. Lee on March 26. Members agreed that the costs of filling the vacant cabinet seat and a potential cabinet shuffle were too great given the remaining life of this legislative assembly.”

Caucus has agreed to a number of measures to ensure that all members have an active role to play in cabinet decision making for the remainder of this Assembly. A protocol has been agreed upon whereby Cabinet will identify and consult with Regular Members on any major decisions that may be required in the lead up to the general election and during the election period. Caucus has also scheduled a three day meeting in Norman Wells from May 30 to June 1 to discuss transition issues for the remainder of the 16th Legislative Assembly. The ministerial portfolios that are now vacant will be shared by the existing ministers on the Executive Council. Premier Roland will make an announcement to that effect in the coming days.

A seven-Member Cabinet is a political convention and can be changed at any time by the direction of the Caucus. The decision to continue with a six member cabinet is an interim measure that will expire after the current Assembly is dissolved. As usual, the Caucus of the 17th Legislative Assembly will re-visit this convention following the upcoming general election in October.

For more information, please contact:

Wendy Bisaro, Caucus Chair
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2274 or 1-800-661-0784
E: wendy_bisaro@gov.nt.ca  

Tim Mercer, Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2299 or 1-800-661-0784
F: 867-920-4735
E: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca

March 31, 2011

MLA Great Slave Launches Online Poll Regarding Devolution

(YELLOWKNIFE) March 31, 2011 – In response to suggestions from constituents, the Member for Great Slave, Glen Abernethy, has created a poll regarding devolution.

“During my last constituency meeting (February 2, 2011) a number of constituents asked that I survey residents of the Great Slave Riding on how they feel with respect to devolution. As a result, I have established a poll on my website at: www.glenabernethy.ca. I encourage constituents to go to the website and respond to the survey questions,” Mr. Abernethy said.

Results from the poll will be presented in the House during the Spring Session in May.

For more information, contact:

Glen Abernethy, MLA Great Slave
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2290
Email: glen_abernethy@gov.nt.ca  

March 30, 2011

Territorial leadership Committee Meets and Legislative Assembly Reconvenes

(YELLOWKNIFE) March 30, 2011 – The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Paul Delorey, has called a meeting of the Territorial Leadership Committee for Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories will then reconvene on Friday, April 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

These meetings have been called for the purpose of selecting a Member to serve on the Executive Council after Sandy Lee, MLA for Range Lake and Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities, Minister Responsible for the Homeless, and Minister Responsible for Seniors, officially resigned on March 26, 2011.

A secret ballot vote will be held and the results will be released to the public. The appointment will subsequently be ratified by way of a final motion of the House. The public is welcome to view the proceedings from the Public Gallery.

The public can also watch the proceedings live on the regular session channels and rebroadcasted at regular Session times. There will be no rebroadcast in Yellowknife on Thursday, April 7, 2011.

For more information, contact:

Paul Delorey, Speaker
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2234
F: 867-873-0273
E: paul_delorey@gov.nt.ca

Colette Langlois, Acting Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2299
F: 867-920-4735
E: colette_langlois@gov.nt.ca

March 28, 2011

MLA for Range Lake Resigns

(YELLOWKNIFE) March 28, 2011 – Sandy Lee, MLA for Range Lake, tendered her resignation to the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly on Saturday, March 26, 2011.

In accordance with the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, Ms. Lee sent a letter to the Office of the Clerk stating her resignation of her seat as the Member for Range Lake effective immediately.

Because the vacancy occurs within six months of the expiry of the 16th Assembly (September 4, 2011), there is no requirement for a by-election to fill the seat prior to the general territorial election, which is scheduled for October 2011.
For more information, contact:

Colette Langlois, Acting Clerk
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2213
Email: colette_langlois@gov.nt.ca  

March 15, 2011

MLA Hay River South Pleased with Infrastructure Announcement

(YELLOWKNIFE) March 15, 2011 – The member for Hay River South, Jane Groenewegen, is pleased with the infrastructure announcement made today by Municipal and Community Affairs Minister, Robert C. McLeod. The announcement focused on the investment of over $40 million toward important infrastructure initiatives across the Northwest Territories, which is part of the 2010-11 Annual Capital Plan.

Included among the initiatives is the replacement of a fire hall in Hay River. “This is great news for the town of Hay River; a new fire hall is long overdue. Our volunteer fire department has been in need of a proper location to operate from for years and this will, in turn, enhance emergency services in Hay River,” says Mrs. Groenewegen.

Mrs. Groenewegen says, “I would like to congratulate the town of Hay River and also like to thank the department of Municipal and Community Affairs for working together to see this much needed facility come to fruition.”

For more information, contact:

Jane Groenewegen, MLA Hay River South
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2292
Email: jane_groenewegen@gov.nt.ca 

March 2, 2011

The Member for Kam Lake, David Ramsay, Welcomes Auditor General’s Review of the Deh Cho Bridge Project

(YELLOWKNIFE) March 2, 2011 - The Member for Kam Lake, David Ramsay, is pleased with the report of the Auditor General for Canada on the Deh Cho Bridge Project that was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on March 1, 2011. “The Auditor General’s report confirms, clearly and concisely, that all of the concerns I have expressed on the decision to proceed with this project, and its subsequent management are legitimate and real,” said Mr. Ramsay. Paragraph 46 of the report states:

“What began as a proposal for a sole-sourced self-financing private project, with a focus on community economic development and with no anticipated additional costs to the GNWT, became a publically funded project with additional costs and significant risks to the GNWT.”

The Report of the Auditor General confirms the following points:
• The Deh Cho Bridge Project was never a true Public Private Partnership where risks and rewards are shared among the various parties. The bridge was, since the signing of the Concession Agreement, a GNWT project that has only recently been added to its balance sheet.

• The so-called partnership with the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation was created by the GNWT to proceed with a project that was beyond its fiscal means; It was also an effort to provide an economic development opportunity to the community of Fort Providence. It failed on both counts.

• The GNWT failed to adequately manage the risks associated with a project of this scale prior to entering into a Concession Agreement in the dying days of the 15th Legislative Assembly. This failure has contributed to the serious difficulties experienced by the project since.

• The Department of Transportation, since assuming responsibility for the project and at the time of the audit, has failed to adequately address the significant risks that remain with the schedule, scope and costs of the Deh Cho Bridge Project.

• The failure to complete the design of the bridge prior to signing a Concession Agreement in September of 2007 and the contract documents in February of 2008 have contributed to the serious difficulties affecting the project between 2008 and 2010, most notably a delay of more than a year and significant cost overruns.

• The risk to the project was significantly increased when the current government waived its requirement to approve the design of the bridge in an effort to allow construction to begin. This waiver was approved by the current government despite concerns that the bridge design had not been fully developed and checked.

• The inability to produce a revised design within a specified time period resulted in the lenders declaring that the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation was in default and the assumption of the project debt by the GNWT.

• Key recommendations from independent engineers, most notably those related to the completion of a quality management plan, were not implemented.

• The general contractor initially retained to complete the project was found by an independent reviewer to lack basic project management procedures. Deficiencies with the quality of the work in phase 1 were found as were gaps in quality assurance documentation. Not all proposed actions in response to these findings have been actioned.

• It is unclear who will ultimately accept the responsibility and liability of certifying that the design and the construction of the bridge meets the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code.

• The Department does not have a plan to overcome potential delays to the scheduled November 2011 opening of the bridge. The Department is relying solely on the inclusion of a delivery date in the contract with the general contractor. There is a real risk that the target completion date will not be met.

• The current budget does not account for certain costs such as remediation and repair work on phase 1 of the project, the cost of resolving claims, fish habitat remediation, toll infrastructure and the disposal and cleanup of contaminants. There is a real risk that the project will require more resources than have already been approved.

• On September 27, 2007, four days before the general election, the outgoing Cabinet of the 15th Legislative Assembly drafted and approved amendments to its Regulations that circumvented the requirement to give the Legislative Assembly 14 days notice of the GNWT’s intention to assume the full financial risk of the project within the text of the Concession Agreement.

“The Auditor General’s findings offer clear, unequivocal and objective affirmation of the concerns I’ve raised in the Legislative Assembly about this project,” stated Mr. Ramsay. “The outgoing cabinet of the 15th Legislative Assembly, in a desperate effort to approve this mega project in its dying days, failed to take the necessary steps to manage the known and significant risks or to properly notify the Legislative Assembly of its intention to do so. As a result, the original objectives of the project have failed and the current Assembly is left holding the bag. The current Department of Transportation, at the time of the audit, has not appropriately identified measures to manage the remaining risks associated with the cost, scheduling and scope of this project. I am pleased that the Department has agreed with the Auditor General’s findings and has and continues to make efforts to respond appropriately to them. Time will tell how this will play out.”

Mr. Ramsay looks forward to the opportunity to participate in public hearings on the Auditor General’s findings scheduled for late April.

For more information, contact:

David Ramsay, MLA Kam Lake
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2296
Email: dave_ramsay@gov.nt.ca 

February 18, 2011

MLA Great Slave urges Federal Government to continue the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnerships Program

(YELLOWKNIFE) February 18, 2011 – The member for Great Slave, Glen Abernethy, today presented a motion in collaboration with the Minister for Education, Culture and Employment, Jackson Lafferty, regarding the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnerships program (ASEP).

The ASEP program was created in 2003 by the Federal Government to increase aboriginal participation in the workplace. Since its creation, ASEP has resulted in over 900 aboriginal northerners obtaining full-time northern employment in the mining, transportation, construction and petroleum exploration sectors. The Federal Government plans on discontinuing the ASEP program on March 31, 2012.

“We urge the Federal Government to continue with the ASEP program. This program has had, and will continue to have, a significant, positive impact on the economic development of the NWT. I am very happy that cabinet members and regular members were able to come together as an entire assembly and work towards the greater good of the people of the NWT,” says Mr. Abernethy.

For more information, contact:

Glen Abernethy, MLA Great Slave
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2290
Email: glen_abernethy@gov.nt.ca  

January 20, 2011

Canadian Zinc and Nahanni Butte Sign Impact and Benefit Agreement

(YELLOWKNIFE) January 20, 2011 – Canadian Zinc, the mineral exploration company that is working 90 km southeast of Nahanni Butte, and the community of Nahanni Butte will be signing an impact and benefit agreement (IBA) for work that will be done at the Canadian Zinc mine.

Kevin Menicoche, MLA Nahendeh, is pleased that Canadian Zinc and Nahanni Butte have agreed to sign the IBA, “I am pleased that Nahanni Butte is willing to move forward with this agreement. There will be positive economic and social impacts seen with this project through the participation of local labour and business in Nahanni Butte.”

“I hear every day about the struggles of small communities with high unemployment and lack of economic devevelopment opportunities. Nahanni Butte is willing to work with industry to address this,” says Mr. Menicoche.

For more information, contact:

Kevin Menicoche, MLA Nahendeh
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-669-2294
Email: kevin_menicoche@gov.nt.ca  




January 12, 2011

Sahtu MLA Concerned About Southern Company Arranging Medical Travel

(YELLOWKNIFE) January 12, 2011 – Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya, has deep concerns about the fact that a southern company won the bid to provide medical travel for northerners.

Mr. Yakeleya says, “I am appalled that the Stanton Territorial Health Authority would contract with a southern company to make travel arrangements for northerners traveling for medical reasons. The savings will be $20,000 per year over the lowest, BIP adjusted northern bid. That works out to fifty cents per resident for the year.”

Staff at the Health Authority have explained that they are simply following the GNWT’s guidelines.

Mr. Yakeleya has recent personal experience with medical travel and says, “This is such an important part of life for northerners: why would the government want to put extra stress on ill citizens by forcing them to deal with someone in Toronto? Those folks may be good at booking travel for the 90% of Canadians who live within 100 miles of the US border but I have to wonder how effective they will be when they are booking travel out of our small remote communities. A lot of our elders, the people who tend to travel the most for medical reasons, speak very little or no English. We see it all the time here: southerners often just don’t understand the north. Some southern airlines that have been operating in the north for the last couple of years don’t even have airplanes that can fly at 40 below.”
Mr. Yakeleya says, “If ever there was a time when the government ought to step in and exercise discretion to go with the best northern supplier, this has to be it.”

For more information, contact:

Norman Yakeleya, MLA Sahtu
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
Phone: 867-920-7856 or 867-446-2366
Email: norman_yakeleya@gov.nt.ca