101 Hansard
Whitehorse, Yukon
Monday, May 12, 2008 — 1:00 p.m.
Speaker: I will now call the House to order. At this time, we will proceed with prayers.
Prayers
Withdrawal of motions
Speaker: The Chair wishes to inform the House of a change that has been made to the Order Paper.
Motion No. 449, standing in the name of the Leader of the Official Opposition, has been removed from the Order Paper as it was dealt with as Motion of Urgent and Pressing Necessity (No. 1) on May 8, 2008.
We will proceed with the Order Paper.
DAILY ROUTINE
Speaker: Are there any tributes?
TRIBUTES
In recognition of Police Week
Hon. Ms. Horne: I rise today to pay tribute to Police Week in Canada. This year, Canadians will honour those who serve to protect the community and ensure safety from crime by celebrating Police Week from May 11 to May 17.
Police Week is dedicated to increasing community awareness and recognition of policing services while strengthening police community ties.
Police Week encourages community involvement and initiation of activities through media awareness and community-sponsored events.
Police Week is governed by four specific objectives: to act as a vehicle in which to reinforce ties with the community; to honour police officers for the public safety and security they provide to our communities; to promote the work police do in our communities; and to inform the community about the police role in public safety and security.
I personally want to thank the police for their dedication to Yukoners. Currently, there are 172 full-time employees in Yukon M Division. These consist of 118 regular RCMP members, four special constables, 17 civilian members and 33 employees in the public sector.
The work of the RCMP is aided by close to 100 community volunteers. This is a true partnership between the police and the public, whether it is volunteering to help young people through coaching and mentoring, or whether it is assisting people involved in accidents or helping victims of crime. Yukoners know the RCMP is there to help. Our government is proud to partner with M Division in fighting crime through the street crime reduction team.
This team is dedicated to street-level drug- and alcohol-related enforcement and prevention. It consists of six police officers, a criminal analyst and a communication strategist. The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting Yukoners and the RCMP in their efforts to make our communities, neighbourhoods and homes safe and healthy.
I ask all members of this Legislature to join me in expressing our sincere appreciation to all the police officers and support staff at RCMP M Division.
Günilschish. Merci. Thank you.
In recognition of International Nurses Day and Canada Health Day
Mr. Edzerza: I rise on behalf of the Assembly to pay tribute to International Nurses Day and Canada Health Day, both celebrated on May 12. Canada Health Day is a joint event coordinated by the Canadian Healthcare Association, in partnership with the Canadian Public Health Association. It is an opportunity to recognize the contribution of public health to the everyday lives of Canadians. For over 100 years, public health care workers have been active in initiatives such as vaccine production, clear water, pasteurization and better living conditions.
May 12 is the birthday of the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale. She would be amazed to see how her efforts have expanded to include a wide range of professionals, including registered nurses, nurse practitioners, certified nursing aides and licensed practical nurses.
Both public health and nursing professionals are at the forefront of primary health care around the world and play a central role in this country’s health care system. Primary health care includes first contact services provided by physicians and nurses, and includes prevention, diagnosis and referrals to more specialized treatment or hospitals.
Primary health care is also an approach to health care services beyond the traditional health care systems and can encompass all services that play a part in health, such as income, housing, education and the environment. The International Council of Nurses believes that equity is a key to improving the health and well-being of all people. It advocates nationally and internationally, collaborating with government and non-government organizations to ensure more effective implementation of primary health care.
Worldwide, populations face a future that may adversely affect health without immediate action being taken. Rapid advancements in technology, the depletion of natural resources, environmental degradation, population growth and the impact of new health problems face growing demands on health and social services. Nurses are the main group of health professionals providing care and maintaining links between health care systems. We salute the dedication, commitment and excellence of Canadian and international nurses, whose leadership and compassion are evident everywhere.
Thank you.
In recognition of National Nursing Week
Hon. Mr. Cathers: I rise on behalf of the government members to pay tribute to National Nursing Week and recognize the important contributions made by the men and women who are on the front lines providing health care to Canadians, as well as around the world.
I am speaking, of course, of our nurses throughout the Yukon during this National Nursing Week. This year in particular is a special celebration for nurses across the north and across the country, as this is the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Nursing Association. The national celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the unique contributions of nurses throughout the Yukon, whether they are working in a hospital, a health centre, continuing care, mental health, emergency services, jail, addiction services, communicable disease units, or elsewhere in helping us administer the health care system. These are amazing men and women who, because of their contributions to their communities, impact the lives of Yukoners in many different ways.
Nurses today must mix together knowledge and technology as they work in an increasingly complex health care system. Patient needs are continuing to evolve and to change. Medical technology is expanding, and yet our nurses are continuing to demonstrate their flexibility, teamwork and willingness to learn, as well as continuing their compassion for those to whom they are providing care.
We have worked hard with our health care providers, including nurses, to build a telehealth system that will support nurses and the work they do with their patients, and this was of course put in place in all nursing stations in the Yukon in January.
We have also worked with the Yukon Registered Nurses Association to regulate nurse practitioners in the Yukon, allowing those nurse practitioners to be recognized formally for the work that they do and have involved them in the drafting of the discussion paper on the legislation that will be going out over the next few months.
We value our nurses not only for the services that they provide to patients, but for the work they undertake that is outside of their scope of practice, such as working on this legislation and working with a variety of partners on the issues of violence in the workplace, working with the government on the creation of bursary and education programs, such as the ones developed under the health and human resources strategy, and encouraging young people to move into the field of nursing, and supporting them once they are there to obtain additional education.
In 2007, the theme for National Nursing Week was “Think You Know Nursing? Take A Closer Look.” That theme was so popular and spoke so clearly to what nursing is about that it is being used again this year. It is a theme that is challenging Canadians to look at their perception of the nursing profession and to recognize that it is not often what they perceive it to be, and the fact that nurses do so much more than the limited view that many have of them.
Nurses are vital in creating a health care system that is responsive and sustainable. They strengthen our system and it’s a pleasure to honour them today.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Mitchell: I also rise today on behalf of the Official Opposition to pay tribute to National Nursing Week. National Nursing Week runs from May 12 to 18, and always includes May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday and International Nurses Day.
The Canadian Nurses Association theme for 2008 is “Think you know nursing? Take a closer look”, which is a continuation of last year’s theme, as they celebrate the 100th anniversary.
National Nursing Week helps us to honour our local nurses and raise awareness of the nursing profession and recognize the crucial role that nurses provide. It also acknowledges the positive contributions that nurses make every day and their commitment to improving the health system for Canadians. It allows us an opportunity to draw attention to the significant contributions that nurses play in the health and well-being of all Yukoners.
Nurses across Canada work in a wide variety of roles, including health administration, community and public health, research and ethics and the delivery of health services from rural and urban settings to northern and remote communities.
We recognize and value all our nursing professionals from all levels of health care: registered nurses, nurse practitioners, certified nursing aids, licensed practical nurses, community health nurses, flight nurses, public health nurses, long-term facility nurses and home care nurses.
Nurses fight the battle of safe staffing ratios every day, as there is a tremendous shortage or nurses throughout the world. These shortages are only going to worsen as the population grows and ages, making even more demands on our health care system.
We need a national effort to address the health provider shortage, including retaining the nurses we have in Canada in order to help compensate for the shortage of approximately 78,000 nurses that is predicted to occur by 2011.
We need the collaboration of health care professionals to redesign a system that fully utilizes the high level of education and skills of the nursing profession.
We have to increase the number of nurse practitioners as they will help ease access to the health system in the future and can function as a first point of care.
We hope by bringing attention to the nursing profession during Nursing Day and Nursing Week, that more young people will consider nursing careers. The nursing profession is a cornerstone of our health care system. It is challenging, emotionally demanding and yet one of the most rewarding.
Nurses are the backbone of every respectable health care facility, and therefore essential to the health care system. We value nurses’ compassion and commitment to their profession and their continued efforts to promote health and wellness and their role in primary health care.
On behalf of all Yukoners, please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your dedication, your contribution to our health, our families and our communities. You make the difference in people’s lives every day. You deserve recognition and our thanks not only during National Nursing Week but every day of the year. Thanks for being there.
Speaker: Are there any further tributes?
Introduction of visitors.
INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS
Mr. Cardiff: I would ask all Members of the Legislative Assembly to join me in welcoming Colleen O’Brien and the grade 5 class from Golden Horn Elementary School. As well, we have a few parents as chaperones in the Legislature today.
Applause
Speaker: Are there any further introduction of visitors?
Are there returns or documents for tabling?
TABLING RETURNS AND DOCUMENTS
Hon. Mr. Fentie: I have for tabling the draft Yukon government climate change action plan.
I also have for tabling the latest instalment of the Yukon State of the Environment Report.
Hon. Mr. Lang: I have for tabling an energy strategy for Yukon — draft for public consultation, May 2008.
Speaker: Are there any further documents for tabling?
Reports of committees.
Petitions.
Are there any bills to be introduced?
Are there any notices of motion?
NOTICES OF MOTION
Mr. Nordick: I rise today to give notice of the following motion:
THAT this House urges the Government of Yukon through its programs and services to work with the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths that is dedicated to:
(1) promoting high-quality and innovative research into the causes of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and its effects on families;
(2) conducting public education and awareness programs about issues relating to infant death; and
(3) providing current and accurate information and emotional support to families that have suffered the devastating experience of an infant death.
Mr. Edzerza: I give notice of the following motion:
THAT this House urges the Yukon government to relay the deep concern of members of the Yukon Legislative Assembly to the federal government that, if passed without amendment, Canada’s Bill C-51 will:
(1) give new powers to government agents, bypassing elected officials;
(2) fast-track new drugs that may not have been thoroughly tested for safety;
(3) reduce safety measures for drugs;
(4) make many beneficial natural health products illegal;
(5) restrict research and development of safe natural alternatives to high-risk drugs; and
(6) allow inspectors to:
(a) enter private property without a warrant;
(b) seize and detain products and equipment;
(c) dispose of private property at the expense of the owner;
(d) seize bank accounts without a warrant; and
(e) levy fines up to $5 million.
Mr. Cardiff: I give notice of the following motion:
THAT this House urges the Yukon government to ensure that the territory’s public school system devotes more resources to increasing knowledge about our parliamentary and legislative systems so that our children are better informed about the democratic processes that govern so much of their lives.
Mr. Hardy: I give notice of the following motion:
THAT this House:
(1) supports the private member’s bill before the House of Commons, entitled C-474, An Act to require the development and implementation of a National Sustainable Development Strategy, the reporting of progress against a standard set of environmental indicators and the appointment of an independent Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development accountable to Parliament, and to adopt specific goals with respect to sustainable development in Canada, and to make consequential amendments to another Act; and
(2) urges the Yukon government to develop a Yukon sustainable development strategy.
Speaker: Are there any further notices of motion?
Hearing none, is there a statements by a minister?
MOTION OF URGENT AND PRESSING NECESSITY (NO. 2)
(Standing Order No. 28)
Extending sitting of the Legislative Assembly
Mr. Hardy: Mr. Speaker, I rise pursuant to Standing Order 28 to request unanimous consent to debate as a matter of urgent and pressing necessity, Motion No. 461, which reads as follows:
THAT this House extend the 2008 Spring Sitting of the Legislative Assembly until at least May 22, to give members more opportunity to attend to important public business, including completing their review of the 2008-09 main estimates and other outstanding matters, such as the proposed amendments to the Liquor Act, as well as conducting detailed scrutiny of the Yukon government’s long-awaited climate change action plan.
Mr. Speaker, we have before us 11 departments left to debate. We have four days. I should expand on that — 11 departments and corporations. You know, I wish the members on the Yukon government side wouldn’t laugh, because —
Speaker’s statement
Speaker: Order. Sit down, please. The purpose of a motion of urgent and pressing necessity is to inform the House why there should be an urgent and pressing debate on this motion, not the rationale behind it, please.
Has the member had adequate say on why he wanted to present it to this House?
Mr. Hardy: I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker. If I can’t present the rationale then I will have to sit down.
Speaker: Thank you. Is there unanimous consent?
Some Hon. Member: Disagree.
Speaker: Unanimous consent has not been granted.
This then brings us to Question Period.
QUESTION PERIOD
Question re: Whitehorse city transit, free rides
Mr. Mitchell: I have a question for the Minister of Environment.
I know the minister has finally announced his long-delayed climate change action plan, but there are some things we can take action on right now.
Probably the largest contributing factor to greenhouse gas emissions in Yukon is from cars and trucks, and a large majority is from Whitehorse.
I proposed a notice of motion on May 8 asking for the Yukon government to undertake a pilot project with the City of Whitehorse, to offer free and expanded bus service. Yukoners want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. This initiative would be a positive and substantial move in the right direction.
Will the minister consider funding such a venture in cooperation with the city?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Actually, much of what we do in interaction with the City of Whitehorse that relates to the public transit system here is handled by the Department of Community Services. However, I will respond to the member opposite by pointing out that the action plan, as presented today to go out for public consultation, is certainly not one that’s delayed. In fact, it’s the first action plan on climate change in the history of this territory. Our point in going forward with the climate change action plan is to address all matters and issues of climate change, including mitigation and the issues of adaptation on the impacts we north of 60 are today experiencing because of this global phenomenon.
We’re not averse to discussing options and other matters with the City of Whitehorse, but we’re pleased to say that at this time the Yukon government has invested another $466,000, with the City of Whitehorse, for the purchase of another bus to increase public transit capacity here in Whitehorse.
Mr. Mitchell: The purchase of another bus is a good start, but at that rate it will take some eight or nine years for the City of Whitehorse to be able to provide the kind of service that people are asking for. It would be great if we could talk this problem into oblivion but that, as we know, is not an option. Here in Canada’s north, more than anywhere else, we are seeing the beginning of what environmental scientists have been predicting for many years, as we see the effects of global warming first-hand.
I cannot say it any more simply than that now is the time for action, not just action plans. The minister has the resources, the Yukon has the need and Whitehorse provides the opportunity for a proactive project. This would be a win-win for all. The minister unfortunately has been lacking in any real and substantive leadership on this matter, despite his assertions to the contrary. More than anywhere else in Canada, the northern regions will bear the price of the impending changes. We must display to the rest of Canada our concern and our determination to combat this impending ecological crisis.
Will the minister use some of this government’s cash reserves to take this definitive step?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Well, we are taking definitive steps. When it comes to the question of leadership, I must point out to the Leader of the Official Opposition that adaptation as part of climate change as a national initiative wasn’t even on the radar screen. The Yukon, in demonstrating leadership, made sure that our national government and our partners — the provinces and our sister territories — moved adaptation front and centre to the climate change plans and initiatives across this country.
We are leading, Mr. Speaker. We are leading a climate change strategy as one of the first northern jurisdictions to publicly present one. We are leading in the goals that the strategy lays out in enhancing our understanding and awareness of climate change. It is a fundamental prerequisite for us to be able to deal with climate change. We are leading in another goal of improving our ability to adapt to climate change. The Yukon has demonstrated leadership and once again is demonstrating leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
There are major investments in increasing our hydro capacity here and the connectivity of the Whitehorse-Aishihik-Faro grid system, on which, by the way, the Official Opposition demonstrated a lack of leadership when they roundly criticized and opposed this. We are leading in establishing the Yukon as a northern leader for climate change research and innovation.
Mr. Mitchell: Well, more words, but not answers.
There are other jurisdictions in North America that are making attempts at doing just the kind of thing we’re talking about. Some have offered free transportation on some of their routes, others have reduced fares and some have similar plans on the drawing board. This is an opportunity for the Yukon to become a national, if not international, leader in reducing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions.
Jurisdictions across Canada and the United States are recognizing the positive impact that efficient and affordable mass transportation can have on the environment. Yukon is projecting a surplus of $108 million. The federal government has programs that can reduce our costs if we can obtain federal contributions. As long as we continue to say that we can’t do it, it won’t happen.
Will the minister at least commit to looking into this proposal?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Mr. Speaker, I can say that we will look into any and all initiatives that will ensure that the Yukon can deal with the adaptation to this global phenomenon, but we will also ensure that we are reducing our contribution to global warming or climate change, and we are doing that in many ways, Mr. Speaker.
The member opposite just stated the issue of the federal government’s contribution. Well, those members opposed a $5-million investment in the third wheel at Aishihik, reducing thousands of tonnes of CO2 emission in this territory by increasing hydro capacity.
The members opposite conveniently ignore the tremendous number of initiatives coming out of Yukon Housing for building efficiencies: zero-interest loans to improve efficiencies on homes; the work that the territorial government is doing in purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles, thereby reducing further emissions.
I just mentioned the contribution for more buses for the City of Whitehorse, enhancing and increasing their capacity to provide public transit. I would encourage all Yukoners who are riding buses in the territory and those who may consider it that it is a contribution we can all make personally by accessing public transit.
Question re: Teacher staffing, Golden Horn Elementary School
Mr. Mitchell: Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Education got a letter last week from the chair of the Golden Horn School Council. The school council is not happy with the minister, and for good reason: this minister is cutting funding to public schools and cutting a teacher from Golden Horn for next year.
The letter says that the council is “dismayed and disappointed by the minister’s lack of interest and willingness to become involved in this issue and to be an advocate on behalf of Golden Horn children.”
I will ask the minister to do the right thing: reinstate this unnecessary position cut at Golden Horn School. Will he do that?
Hon. Mr. Rouble: I see we have a new critic for Education. I see the Liberal leader has taken over that responsibility. They’ve also demonstrated what their strategy would be, should they ever take power. That would be to politically interfere with the operational decisions made by the Department of Education.
Under this government’s watch, we’ve seen a tremendous increase in the amount invested in education, from $100 million a year to $130 million a year. The number of teachers has increased, the number of education assistants has increased and the number of students has decreased.
We’ve also seen changes in populations and demographics, and the Department of Education has to respond fairly and equitably to all schools to ensure that schools are able to provide a fair and equitable level of education to all Yukon students.
We’re going to continue to work with all our partners in education to ensure we have the best education system possible for all Yukoners.
Mr. Mitchell: For the minister’s benefit, all Liberal caucus members are concerned about education. I happen to be asking the questions today.
Let’s go back to the letter from the council. It says the minister is responsible for securing adequate funds for schools. It says the minister cannot avoid responsibility by saying this is an operational issue. I agree with the council. The minister should be taking responsibility for the decision instead of trying to pass it off on the department.
He has the authority to ensure the teaching position is not cut. The letter concludes with this sentence and it speaks for itself: “Further failure to act will cause us to conclude that you do not have much interest in the future of our children.”
I’m asking the minister to prove them wrong. All he needs to do is reinstate the one teaching position. Will he do that?
Hon. Mr. Rouble: As Minister of Education, I have a responsibility to all Yukon students to ensure that we have a fair and equitable system, one that doesn’t play favourites, one that looks at the interests of all Yukon students.
One only has to take a look at the investments that this government has made in education and take a look at the student/teacher ratio. Across Canada, it’s about 16:1. Here in the Yukon, it’s about 11:1. When we take a look at the O&M expenditures per student, in Yukon we invest over $15,000 a year per student. In other jurisdictions, it’s not even half of that.
We have seen the increase in the Department of Education’s annual budgets. We have seen changes in curriculum. We have seen changes in teaching practices. We have seen innovative and creative programs, like the Wilson Reading program, full day kindergarten and the Individual Learning Centre. We are continuing to work through the New Horizons project and through the other vehicles we have for consultation with our partners in education to ensure that we have the best education system and one that is fair to all Yukon students.
Mr. Mitchell: Another member of the school council did an interview last week. He said that the council was assured that there would be no teacher cut this year; instead, Golden Horn is slated to lose one full-time equivalent teacher for next year. The council member met with the minister last month about the possibility of cuts. The council member said that in “the meeting we had with the minister, he came across as dishonest.”
Unparliamentary language
Speaker: Order please.
The member cannot do indirectly what he cannot do directly. I want you to withdraw that immediately. Stand up, please.
Withdrawal of remark
Mr. Mitchell: I will withdraw that, Mr. Speaker.
I think he already knew that they were going to cut another position out of Golden Horn school. He says that the quality of education will be greatly diminished with one less educator. He said, “If we have to go to a scenario of split classes, you know, is the quality of education improving? Our argument is that it’s probably going to be going down, because there isn’t going to be the time spent or the teacher is not going to have the —”
Speaker: Ask the question, please.
Mr. Mitchell: Why is the minister forcing this change on Golden Horn Elementary School?
Hon. Mr. Rouble: Mr. Speaker, I have been very proud to be part of the government that has seen significant increases in the Department of Education. Yes, we’ve seen increases in how the money is allocated in this budget, with the shift of the Property Management Agency. I’m very proud to see the significant investments we have on a per capita basis and the programming that goes on.
We also have to recognize that changes have happened in our schools. We’ve seen some schools go from populations as high as 240 down to 170 students.
We’ve seen other schools where there have been population increases. We’re certainly not advocating going back to the “good old days” of 1997 where the student/teacher ratio at the school the member opposite should be familiar with was about 19:1. Instead, next year at that school, we’ll see about a 12:1 student/teacher ratio.
Question re: Mining acts, review and consultation
Mr. Edzerza: Mr. Speaker, on April 1, 2003, the Yukon took over responsibility for managing lands and resources from the federal government. Since that time, the Placer Mining Act has been revised. Now the Quartz Mining Act is under review. In both cases, the reviews were done in a very low-key manner without much public debate.
Will the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources make a commitment to broaden the scope of the current review and extend the process so that Yukoners can have more meaningful input into the future of mining in the territory?
Hon. Mr. Lang: In answering the question from the member opposite, with our obligation to successor legislation, we have to do just that. It is public consultation and it is laid out.
Mr. Edzerza: The minister didn’t answer the question. I think the main focus of the wording was the low-key manner. There’s no question the Yukon’s mining regime needs to be modernized. The rules have been essentially unchanged since 1922. Unfortunately, the government seems to be focused more on making the royalty regime competitive in order to attract even more mining investment to the territory.
The question that’s not being asked is if Yukoners are getting what they deserve from their non-renewable resources or if the environmental and other costs outweigh the benefits.
Now that the government has signalled its intention to limit public discussion by eliminating the Yukon Council on the Economy and the Environment, how does the minister plan to ensure that Yukon people have an opportunity to debate the role they want mining to play?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: I’m compelled to enter the debate on this line of questioning, because it’s obvious the third party has forgotten about the devolution transfer agreement and the obligation of Yukon to mirror existing federal legislation, which we’ve done.
The second part of that obligation is to proceed with successor legislation on such things as the Quartz Mining Act. That’s what we’re doing; we’ve formed a joint working group with First Nations on the matter for successor legislation and, by obligation, there will be public consultation.
Furthermore, the member’s question about what the Yukon intends to do about assessing mining came right out of the land claims. It’s called the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act, and that’s the instrument that passed federal Parliament, is in place here in the Yukon today and that assesses all mining initiatives that come forward in the territory.
It’s a product of the land claim agreements; it is a product that is Yukon made and it is certainly serving Yukon well.
Mr. Edzerza: Again, review in a very low-key manner. On Saturday, the New Democratic Party’s annual convention passed a unanimous resolution calling for public discussion on the true cost and benefits of mineral resource activity.
We believe that discussion needs to take place, and it needs to address a wide variety of issues, including the royalty regime and even the basic questions of free entry staking.
Yukon people need a chance to say if they want uranium mining, for example. They need a chance to debate ethical implications of allowing significant investment from countries or companies that have bad track records when it comes to the environment, labour standards or human rights.
Will the Premier agree to direct the Yukon Council on the Economy and the Environment to conduct a broad public consultation on the future of mining in the Yukon? Or will he continue to treat —
Speaker: Thank you. The member is done.
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Mr. Speaker, I am astounded that a member of the third party would stand in this House and put on the record that these initiatives — which come from land claims, the final agreements here in the territory, from the Umbrella Final Agreement, from self-government agreements, from the devolution agreement — are “low key”.
This is one of a kind in the country. Yukon stands apart from other jurisdictions in how we have been able to manage our affairs. The instrument I spoke of moments ago, the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act, is the instrument that we all agreed to here, through these very high profile processes of land claims and devolution. The member has got it wrong.
We understand the NDP’s view of mining. That’s not the view this Yukon Party government shares.
Question re: Dawson City sewage disposal
Mr. Cardiff: I have a question for the Premier. The citizens of Dawson City are finding themselves between a rock and the permafrost. The town is under a court order to build a sewage treatment facility by 2011 and the clock is ticking. In a recent referendum, the majority of voters opposed the construction of an aerated sewage lagoon on land near the entrance to the town. Several other possible sites were previously suggested but there was no plan B in place when the matter came back to court earlier this month.
Given the likelihood the referendum would go against the government’s proposed location, why wasn’t an alternative site identified long before this?
Hon. Mr. Hart: The site being proposed for the sewage facility was one that was chosen in conjunction with the city council. It was one of the two sites considered as a likely prospect. We went ahead with that process following all the procedures necessary to go through the YESAA process.
Unfortunately for us, a referendum was brought up and the citizens of Dawson City voted against it.
Mr. Cardiff: In other words, the government wasn’t prepared for a plan B.
The judge was quite pointed in his comments earlier this month. By the next court date, he wants to see plans for other options, including a sequencing batch reactor plant that could cost as much as $20 million, with an annual operating cost of $750,000. There’s a good possibility that’s beyond Dawson City’s means, but there’s no question that something has to be done to end this environmental black eye for the Yukon.
Will the Premier ensure that Dawson will have what it needs to get the job or does he simply intend to beg Ottawa to cut the town some slack for another 30 years?
Hon. Mr. Hart: I thank the member opposite for answering the question. I will indicate what I have provided previously in the House.
This government will back the citizens of Dawson regardless of the situation. We are working with the mayor and council on this particular issue. We are investigating our options as a result of the referendum. We can’t just pick an item off the shelf, put it in there and make it work. It doesn’t work that way. If it worked that way, the solution would have been found 10 or 15 years ago.
We are in the process. We have an obligation to meet with regard to getting the information to the court and working with the mayor and council, and we are going to go through that process.
Mr. Cardiff: Well, the government has had the responsibility since they appointed the trustee. There is no excuse for any city in Canada to be dumping raw sewage into an international waterway in this day and age. This problem can be solved and Dawson can come into compliance with the law. This government has a responsibility and needs to make it happen.
Now, the government has earmarked $30 million to upgrade the Robert Campbell Highway over the next three years for a mine that isn’t even in production yet, so we have to question the government’s priorities. The court is not going to tolerate this government’s endless excuses, and it shouldn’t.
If a lagoon site acceptable to Dawson residents isn’t found by this September, will the Premier make sure that the capital and operating funding for a mechanical plant will be set aside in the supplementary budget this fall?
Hon. Mr. Hart: I can recall probably a couple of years ago the member opposite chastising this side of the House, including this minister, for not dealing with the citizens of Dawson properly and not working with them on the solution and the process.
Mr. Speaker, democracy was allowed to take place; a referendum was called; we are abiding by the results of that referendum. That’s what this government is doing. We’re abiding by the results provided by the citizens of Dawson. We’re not just going to run out there and pound it into the ground. We’re going to work with the mayor and council and the citizens of Dawson on a solution to their problem. Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, we’re going to go out and deal with the situation because, despite what the member opposite said, there are several jurisdictions in Canada that dump their sewage right out there and they’re not being charged at all.
Question re: Hamilton Boulevard extension
Mr. McRobb: I’d like to follow up with the Minister of Community Services on questions asked last week regarding the blasting incident on the Hamilton Boulevard extension construction project.
Of course our main concern was the issue of public safety resulting from the shower of rocks on the Lobird Trailer Court. I’m sure we can all agree it’s truly fortunate that nobody was seriously injured, but it seems Lobird residents are still getting short shrift from their own government. When they call with questions or concerns about the blasting, repairs, or related matters, they’re redirected to the contractor. However, people aren’t getting much satisfaction there either.
Can the minister confirm whether he’s aware of this communications failure?
Hon. Mr. Hart: As I stated previously in the House on this question, we are very concerned with the situation that occurred in Lobird Trailer Park and we have been in consultation with the contractor. The contractor is working with our Occupational Health and Safety people and they are also working with members who have been directly affected. From what I’ve been led to believe, many of the repairs have already commenced. Anything that is incomplete is just awaiting material — for example, tin for the roof and/or siding supplies.
Mr. McRobb: This is the territorial government’s own contract; therefore, the government must assume ultimate responsibility. In all fairness, the minister should be equally prepared when things go wrong as he is when cutting ribbons and eating cake.
Residents need to be assured that there’s someone to hear their concerns and answer their questions. There’s reason to believe that people aren’t satisfied and they’re looking to their own government to assume some responsibility and show some leadership.
I, too, think the government needs to step up to the plate. Is the Minister of Community Services prepared to at least offer up a contact person from within his department?
Hon. Mr. Hart: Since the blasting resulted in damage to facilities in Lobird, as a government we have ceased all action with regard to blasting on the Hamilton Boulevard extension. We have worked with Occupational Health and Safety. In fact, nothing will take place with regard to blasting until such time as a third independent party comes up to inspect the facility and provides us with recommendations on how to move forward and what processes have to be put into place to assure all the residents of Lobird that this situation will not arise in the future.
In addition, I indicated to members opposite that, once the report is complete and the recommendations are provided, we will have a public consultation with the Lobird residents on the results.
Mr. McRobb: Mr. Speaker, the minister is not quite on the same page. I am asking about communications. A smooth process should be in place to deal with the concerns and questions from residents. It should be handled by the same department that oversees the performance of the contract; for instance, when motorists have issues with a construction zone on the Alaska Highway, they don’t call the contractor. They call the Highways and Public Works department and officials deal with it. Why is this situation any different? The government should be onside with residents from Lobird and be willing to do whatever it takes to resolve outstanding concerns and issues. The government shouldn’t be redirecting people to the contractor. That is what government is for — to be there for its citizens.
Can the minister now tell us who from within his department people can call?
Hon. Mr. Hart: I thank the member opposite for the question. I think it’s important that all members of the House understand that this side of the House feels that this is a very tragic situation. We are taking every action necessary to alleviate the concerns of the citizens of Lobird, and in addition those of residents adjacent to the area. We are working with the contractor.
This is, as the member opposite indicated, a government project, but it is not managed by the government. The contractor is in control of his contract. He has obligations that he must meet in terms of concerns about the actual project. We are working closely with him and, as I indicated, also with Occupational Health and Safety on the issue of the work on the Hamilton Boulevard extension. We will do our utmost to ensure that concern for the safety of the general public is provided.
Question re: Whitehorse city transit, free rides
Mr. Mitchell: Mr. Speaker, I would like to return to the issue of public transportation.
Last week, a Yukoner told me that it used to cost him $115 to fill his truck — now it costs $160. That’s a whopping 39-percent increase, and it’s going higher — much higher. Predictions for Yukoners suggest that $2 a litre is possible within a year. Mr. Speaker, very few families can afford that kind of a price hit.
Many Yukoners must take their vehicle to work. Many families require two vehicles to get to work. An efficient and free bus service in the City of Whitehorse could save many Yukon families thousands of dollars. It’s not enough to sit here and say, “Isn’t the price of fuel awful”, and then do nothing about it. That’s not leadership.
Will the Minister of Finance commence discussions with the City of Whitehorse to look further into the feasibility of a pilot project to be funded by the Yukon government to provide enhanced busing service?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Mr. Speaker, I don’t know if the member listened to his own question, but it’s obvious that he might have missed the point. The member is suggesting that the cost of fuel is extremely high. It’s very high across the country. So if individuals in the City of Whitehorse believe that that price is beyond what they are willing to pay, I am sure that they will start riding the public transit system.
Mr. Mitchell: Mr. Speaker, the system has to be able to accommodate the users, and the City of Whitehorse does not have the resources to do that on their own, but this government does.
Let’s be clear, Mr. Speaker. I am talking about modern, energy efficient buses, running at 15- to 20-minute intervals in the morning and late afternoon, a continuous downtown loop, running on 15-minute schedules throughout the day and more frequent service on weekends and evenings. Many Yukoners we have spoken with said they would use such a service. Just look at the Canada Winter Games a year ago if you need convincing.
Will the minister dip into the $108-million surplus and help the hundreds of Yukon families struggling to keep the tank filled by assisting the City of Whitehorse to do this?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: The member’s comments are somewhat suspect given the fact that citizens continue to need transportation, especially around our territory. When you look at the member’s argument, he’s specific to the City of Whitehorse, which has already a significant public transit system in place — which, by the way, the government is investing in now. It’s the second time we’ve invested in new buses with the City of Whitehorse.
Secondly, the City of Whitehorse has not come forward with any such proposal. We’re not averse to discussing matters with the City of Whitehorse, as we would with any other community regarding their issues. However, I must say categorically that the government is much more focused in other measures, reducing literally thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions into our atmosphere, initiatives that those members oppose.
Let’s recap: the Yukon government is investing in hydro, investing in infrastructure for more efficient transportation. We unanimously passed a motion in this House regarding the GST levies. We have gone forward with energy efficiency programs and the list goes on. The only thing the Liberals come forward with is a free bus ride.
Mr. Mitchell: Well, Mr. Speaker, if the Finance minister could only think back as recently as last Wednesday, in general debate, I also asked him about methods of facilitating public transportation to and from the rural communities. Now, 70 percent of the territory’s population lives in the City of Whitehorse. That’s obviously where we can have the biggest effect on climate change.
Young people just getting started might not have to buy a vehicle quite so soon. Seniors would definitely benefit from improved service. There are hundreds of Yukoners who can’t afford to buy a car at all who would benefit.
It’s a win-win for all Yukoners. There is no single group that would be a loser here. We need a vision, Mr. Speaker, not excuses. We need action, not more rhetoric. We need this government to put its hand in its bulging pockets and do something for our environment and for Yukoners, not just publish plans; do something.
Will the minister meet with the City of Whitehorse to discuss the cost? I believe the city is willing. Will he do that?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: I am going to take issue with the member’s comments that the government is doing nothing. We just went over this earlier today in Question Period. I listed a plethora of initiatives that this government has undertaken to deal with climate change.
The member opposite obviously has a different approach. The member does not agree with investing in hydro. The member does not agree with buying fuel-efficient vehicles for government use. The member does not agree with zero-interest loans for home improvements to increase energy efficiency. The member does not agree with the pioneer utility grant. All this member has to offer is a free bus ride. I think Yukoners expect more than that.
Speaker: The time for Question Period has now elapsed. We will proceed to Orders of the Day.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
Hon. Mr. Cathers: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Speaker do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve into Committee of the Whole.
Speaker: It has been moved by the Government House Leader that the Speaker do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve into Committee of the Whole.
Motion agreed to
Speaker leaves the Chair
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Chair (Mr. Nordick): Committee of the Whole will now come to order. Committee will consider Bill No. 11, First Appropriation Act, 2008-09, Department of Environment. Do members wish to take a brief recess?
All Hon. Members: Agreed.
Chair: Committee of the Whole will recess for 15 minutes.
Recess
Chair: Committee of the Whole will now come to order. The matter before the Committee is Bill No. 11, First Appropriation Act, 2008-09, Department of Environment.
Bill No. 11 — First Appropriation Act, 2008-09 — continued
Department of Environment
Hon. Mr. Fentie: It is with great pleasure that I rise today to report on the very important work being carried out by the Yukon Department of Environment. It is to maintain and enhance the quality of Yukon’s environment for present and future generations.
In this vote the department is seeking a total of $26,232,000, of which $24,420,000 is dedicated or profiled for operation and maintenance and $1,812,000 is for capital. As projected, there is an increase of $700,000 over last fiscal year.
I want to add a few other comments as I begin my opening remarks for the department. There’s an additional $505,000 that will be used for our resource management inventory work, which is critical to much of what the department is doing; $428,000 will go to new site assessment and remediation programming, which is required; another $353,000 will go to northern strategy projects.
I’d like now to delve into the climate change initiatives.
As I pointed out last month, Mr. Chair, the Yukon government’s overall commitment to climate change is occurring in many Yukon departments and agencies and goes beyond the excellent work within the Department of Environment.
For example, the Executive Council Office is indeed a major player in its work with the International Polar Year and the northern strategy initiatives. This is to bring researchers and communities together to work on projects that may help us adapt to climate change in the years ahead.
We have also signed a new intergovernmental accord with the State of Alaska that will help us address our respective concerns for climate change adaptation, for example.
We have spoken to all the premiers and the Prime Minister about our position on climate change adaptation. We have been successful nationally to in engaging with our colleagues at the provincial, territorial and federal levels to ensure that adaptation is now very much a part of the climate change strategy in Canada.
We attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali last fall. Establishing contacts and relationships are important to us as they relate to Yukon as a member of the global community and its contributions around the world.
We know that many of the activities that may help this planet adapt to climate change will be started by individuals taking action within their local community so that they can have an impact on the global picture. Those individuals are — here in Yukon and in countries around the world — developing and fostering contacts through initiatives such as the United Nations conference, which helps everyone.
Mr. Chair, the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, in conjunction with the Department of Environment, is going out to the public on a proposed energy strategy that will contribute to our efforts to adapt to climate change. There is great synergy between climate change action and an energy strategy.
The agriculture branch in the department is delivering programs that will help us adapt to climate change, and the forestry section is working on a number of initiatives related to this global phenomenon.
Also, the Department of Economic Development is working on a proposed cold climate innovation centre and cluster that will identify industry-based technologies and new solutions to our efforts to adapt to cold climate environments.
The Council of Yukon First Nations, Yukon College and this government, represented through officials in Environment Yukon, are working on a plan to establish a Yukon research centre of excellence that will benefit people across the north — not only Yukoners — and indeed around the world.
You will recall that we held a very successful and productive workshop in Whitehorse this past winter in which there was significant support from the academic community across the country to pursue this very initiative.
We are now moving to our next phase to bring this vision of a centre to reality at the Yukon College campus here in Whitehorse. We are in discussions with the federal government, First Nations and the academic community to address interests and the project work necessary to support the establishment of the centre.
We are also starting a very important task of identifying research projects that could be delivered out of the Yukon research centre of excellence and we will be able to report progress on this initiative later this year. We are providing investment to the Northern Climate Exchange at Yukon College. Our contribution helps the centre to access federal contributions, deliver climate change public education programs and initiatives, and coordinate the scientific work on impacts and climate change adaptation.
The Yukon Housing Corporation programs contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to adapting to climate change effects. The Mayo-to-Dawson and Carmacks-to-Stewart transmission line projects and the construction of the third turbine at the Aishihik hydro power plant are indeed ways in which the Yukon Energy Corporation is delivering solutions to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and our overall reliance on fossil fuels, such as diesel.
The Department of Highways and Public Works is working on several fronts to improve our fleet vehicles for energy efficiency and climate change adaptation. The department is also the contract administrator overseeing the new Tombstone Territorial Park visitor reception centre on the Dempster Highway.
I will provide more information shortly, but I do want to point out that this new building meets the goals set out in the Yukon government’s climate change strategy by supporting the design and implementation of energy conservation measures appropriate for construction in the north.
That is a brief overview of what is going on in conjunction with the Department of Environment within the corporate structure of the Yukon government in relation to our environment and climate change. When it comes to climate change and wildlife, I must delve into some current affairs. There was a disturbing report issued out of Washington, D.C., on April 11 that warned of the dire consequences of climate change on wildlife populations over the coming years.
The report suggests that in the United States more than 40 percent of the salmon and trout habitat could be gone by the end of the century. The Prairie Pothole Region could lose up to 90 percent of its duck-rich wetlands, and rising temperatures in forests could threaten bighorn and other mountain sheep habitat.
The study was prepared by the Wildlife Management Institute and released with the support of eight hunting and fishing organizations. The report examined the potential impact of global warming from coast to coast and concluded that waterfowl, big game, upland birds and saltwater and freshwater fish will face severe declines in multiple regions of the country.
We may want to believe that changes predicted over the Lower 48 will not happen here; but we have consistently stated that climate change is expected to have an impact on Yukon’s wildlife populations.
Several of the topics at the Environmental Forum that we are hosting later this month will cover concerns about climate change and how it relates to wildlife management. This year’s forum will be held at Yukon College and we anticipate that more than 200 people from across the territory will be meeting to discuss environmental trends that all of us will have to consider in the years to come.
Proposed topics will cover the changing Yukon landscape and wildlife with discussion ranging from the community-based approach to environmental monitoring, to emerging water issues in the north, to tracking invasive species such as ticks and the spruce bark beetle. The agenda includes presentations and discussions on how climate change may affect our future — a very important forum in the days ahead.
The Yukon government’s investment in Yukon’s fish and wildlife inventory work is critically important to the way in which we will respond to climate change challenges that threaten our biodiversity. This investment is being spent under the fish and wildlife branch in support of the climate change program. The branch is increasing its efforts to face some of the climate change challenges by ramping up efforts to address key gaps in our knowledge of the impact that climate change may have on biodiversity and species of concern to Yukoners. We will be working with local communities and other experts to develop an ecological monitoring framework for the Yukon aimed at monitoring key indicators of climate change and other landscape changes.
We will be tracking and conducting research to predict the movements of relatively new species to the Yukon, such as mule deer and cougars. Work is also underway to assess the potential impacts of changes to the landscape on biodiversity, including work on moose and other indicator species like bats and smaller animals.
The branch is working with the community of Old Crow, for example, and other experts to understand the impact of climate change on moose and muskrats in Old Crow Flats. A continuing initiative from Environment Yukon’s climate change program is the work to deliver a climate change action plan that outlines the many initiatives the Yukon government should consider and implement in the years to come.
You’ll recall, Mr. Chair, that we adopted a Yukon climate change strategy in September 2006 and then made a commitment to implement that strategy. We are now taking that commitment further and we’ll be announcing the details of the draft Yukon climate change action plan in the coming weeks.
Many Yukoners helped to draft the action plan through meetings and workshops over the past year. Input and contributions have come from young people, First Nations, municipal governments, non-governmental organizations and other government agencies and departments, as well as thoughts and ideas from individuals. We will be taking that draft action plan out to the public and asking everyone to review the document and provide comments. From there, we begin work on bringing in new initiatives that will help us all adapt to the climate change challenges ahead.
By now, I trust that we can see that there is more to the Yukon government’s efforts to deal with the most significant environmental concern in history than a one-line item in the budget. Much is being done and much has yet to be done.
With regard to the continuing commitment to Yukon’s biodiversity, I would like to go through a very important commitment this government has made to wildlife management, habitat protection and resource development. We undertook and have followed through on our commitment to develop and implement management programs that maintain our biological diversity. Our major commitment last year was to improve the department’s budget so that it could undertake new resource inventory studies. We noted then — and this rings true today — that sound decisions on land use planning and development require up-to-date information on fish and wildlife populations and, of course, the availability of suitable habitat.
We are making it possible for the department to expand its inventory survey program and are allocating an additional $500,000 to the $1.2 million that was made available last year. The additional funding will allow for more areas and species to be assessed. Work so far has resulted in answers to community concerns and knowledge gaps in more geographical areas than had been possible in the past. During the past year, the department worked with many partners to carry out 12 different species surveys through 32 different projects.
Our partners, Mr. Chair, included Yukon First Nations and renewable resource councils, the Government of Northwest Territories, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service and Parks Canada.
There were six moose habitat area studies; four studies on barren ground caribou, nine woodland caribou herds were surveyed and three Dall sheep populations were looked at.
There were fish studies, while other survey work was conducted on grizzly bears, goats, bats, beaver, small mammals, elks and indeed plants.
The information can be used to support efforts to manage for sustainable populations and to set harvest levels. The information also can assist land use planning commissions, renewable resource councils, resources development companies and government agencies and decision-making bodies in their consideration of the land resource management interests.
Mr. Chair, we have been working on a new Southern Lakes initiative with six First Nations, the B.C. provincial government and the Canadian Wildlife Service, to establish the Southern Lakes Wildlife Coordinating Committee in response to commitments under the Kwanlin Dun and the Carcross-Tagish First Nations final agreements.
This government has increased funding for wildlife management programs and will assist in the assessment of wildlife populations that this committee is mandated to undertake. The committee is now in place and will be dealing with a coordinated approach to the management of moose, caribou, sheep and other wildlife populations to ensure diversity and sustainable harvest.
This new committee can be considered an evolution from the work that had been undertaken by the Southern Lakes caribou recovery program steering committee over the last 16 years.
Another excellent example of how Environment Yukon works with its many partners is addressing the question of elk ticks, and we now have 125 elk in a pen. They will be held until the ticks drop off and they are cleared to be released back into the wild.
I know there is much more to be said, but my time is drawing near. I will stand down and allow members opposite to engage in debate and endeavour, throughout the course of debate, to provide further information of which there is quite a significant amount.
Thank you.
Mr. Fairclough: I thank the minister for that overview. I would also like to thank the department staff for providing the briefing. We’ve taken notes and many of our issues were answered during the briefing debate.
I’m hoping to go fairly quickly with this department. Like many other Yukoners, I feel the Yukon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We take the time to spend much of our summer out there with our families, and I believe this happens throughout the territory. Many of our tourists also try to capture some of that experience.
I was just in my riding and I’m already seeing the tourist traffic on the highway. Most are the locally rented RVs, and it’s the German tourists. I know this is not the Department of Tourism but people do want to see our beautiful environment. This is what I’m getting at.
I want the Minister of Environment to take a message back to the Minister of Highways and Public Works. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve noticed a huge change in the condition of our highways. It’s Mother Nature who is doing the damage to the road. There are a lot of frost heaves and so on that are really breaking up the road. It would be nice for the people who are coming into our territory to see a bit of the beauty we do have. A lot of this is north of Carmacks.
We also took note of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who brought up the topic of the salmon overfishing to the public. It immediately caught the ears of First Nations as to what could happen here. We also know that Alaska has been overfishing our Yukon River species, particular salmon. We’d like to know what effort the Yukon government is putting in to giving our messages to Alaska in regard to fishing. What information campaign is this department giving to the general public with regard to the problems that were listed down in the States about salmon overfishing and the possible effects in the Yukon?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: We are certainly part of a process that is involved in this very area; however, I must point out that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans leads the initiative, as they should. Much of what we’re grappling with right now, as I understand it — and I’m certainly not a journeyman in this area —relates to peripheral fisheries involved in the open ocean and the impacts those fisheries are having on fish stocks in the open ocean. I think that the committee is undertaking work here to try to address that. We certainly are at the table, encouraging a process that will lead to an understanding and an agreement.
An example is the pollock fishery in open ocean that is having this type of an impact on salmon stocks. I can assure the member that all involved are working on the issue. It is now up to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to demonstrate the leadership in managing the fishery appropriately when dealing with these matters.
Mr. Fairclough: This has an impact in the Yukon and that is why I am asking the minister what steps he may take to help the Yukon’s voice be louder and be heard.
The Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee is probably dealing with this issue. I know some of the members who sit on that committee, and that is why I am bringing this forward. They certainly could use a lot of help from the government if, in fact, there is someone who is appointed to oversee this.
One of the questions we have came out of the briefing and was with regard to the Marwell tarpits. We were told that there are still talks with Canada and discussions are in the final phase. We would like to know when things are going to be finalized, what the costs are and when we will see this tarpit cleaned up.
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Mr. Chair, with respect to the cost — and this is important because it’s a contaminated site bequeathed to us — it is in the millions, of course. It’s somewhere in the range of $1 million to $7 million. There’s no final or definite number on that at this time. It’s an approximation as close to that final number as we can possibly get.
The issue with Canada is simply this: the Yukon believes that this is a contamination bequeathed to us and that the federal government has a significant obligation and responsibility. However, we are willing to partner with the federal government to clean up the site and that’s the process we’re into now. I cannot give an end date in that process. We’re prepared to move quickly. The issue right now is with the federal government and the timeline is in their hands at this time.
Mr. Fairclough: I think the public would really like to know when work can start on this end. I appreciate the discussions that are back and forth between Yukon and Canada on this matter.
What is Canada’s big issue? Is it now just a matter of finalizing the costs and timelines and so on? The minister said that Yukon is willing to share in the costs of the cleanup. I suppose that issue has been taken care of. Will we soon be seeing a final direction cost and all the details to the final phase of putting together a plan? I’m just wondering, what is the holdup with the federal government?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: At this time, the government cannot put its finger explicitly on an issue with the federal government. We are awaiting a response from the department that is the lead in this matter and bears the obligation and responsibility to Yukon, and that is the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
We’re hopeful the response will be coming as soon as possible so we understand where the federal government is going with this. Of course, our objective is to quickly move to remediation of the site.
Mr. Fairclough: I thank the minister for that. I’d like to move on to another issue that has been raised time and time again in regard to the North Yukon Land Use Plan. Much work, time and effort have gone into putting this plan together. I’d like to know what the Department of Environment’s plans are. Will they adopt this North Yukon Land Use Plan? Where are we with that?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: To the member’s point, although the Department of Environment certainly has a role to play, this would be an overall government responsibility. I believe the plan is out for public consumption now between the First Nation and the Yukon governments. The plan has been worked on extensively over the last couple of years and we’re very pleased to say that, for the first time since the first four First Nations signed off on land claims, there’s actually a land claim at this point of progress.
The status is encouraging. It’s out in the public domain now and we look forward to proceeding with it as soon as possible so we can get on with other regional land use planning that’s required.
Mr. Fairclough: I take it that, once it comes back to government, they will assess it and look at what areas in the land use plan the government can adopt.
There was a pot of money put in place for land use planning in the territory. It’s federal money. I believe that it was $7 million. Those monies that have not been used get sent back, if there is no action on land use planning.
North Yukon land use planning has been going on for quite a number of years now. I am wondering how much money so far has been spent on a north Yukon land use plan and how much is left of this federal money for other regions to put together their land use plans.
Hon. Mr. Fentie: This is actually within the purview of Energy, Mines and Resources. All I can say is that the federal investment, as required, is accounted for. We will continue to work with the federal government for further investment as we continue land use planning — as we are obligated to do here in the Yukon.
Mr. Fairclough: Obviously, the Department of Environment plays a big role in putting together this land use plan. I am hoping that any information that I have been asking for here, if it is gathered by the department, can be sent over by legislative return.
I would like to ask a question that my colleague from the Vuntut Gwitchin riding has been asking of the minister for quite some time now; that is, the tabling of the state of the environment report. When can we expect the latest one to be tabled or made public?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Actually, that was done today during the order of the business of the House and during tabling of documents and returns. The Yukon’s state of the environment report was tabled — the latest and most updated version of the state of the environment report.
Mr. Fairclough: The minister is quick on that one. I thank the minister for that.
The other question my colleague has been asking is in regard to ANWR and the fight for the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd. I know the minister says he will let the First Nation take the lead role in this long fight for the protection of the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd. The Chief of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has definitely taken on that challenge, along with other members of his community. They have gone out; other MLAs have gone travelling to Washington to help bring this issue to the attention of the government there, the senators and so on.
We’re just wondering when we can expect the Premier to go to Washington and voice Yukon’s concerns and give a stronger voice, and help the First Nations with this issue. It does make a difference. The Yukon Premier speaking on behalf of Yukon First Nations with and in conjunction with the chief does make for a stronger voice. I’m just wondering if the minister can answer that question.
Hon. Mr. Fentie: This is not a question of the government “letting” — I repeat, “letting” — the Government of the Vuntut Gwitchin lead the initiative to protect the critical habitat of the Porcupine caribou herd — in fact, quite the contrary. It has been a request by that government of this government to allow that to evolve under their leadership and to support them, which we are doing. We support them annually, for example.
Secondly, the government has voiced its position on many occasions, including directly with the now-President of the United States. I don’t recall any former Yukoner who sat down or had been in discussions with the President of the United States in relation to ANWR. We brought this up in Washington, for example, at the Canadian Embassy to make sure our national government is furthering this initiative, based on the 1987 agreement reached between Ottawa and Washington. We bring this issue up continually with our Alaskan neighbours and we voice our position consistently on an ongoing basis with respect to the protection of the critical habitat. Now we’re doing more. We’re working with the relative First Nations on the development of a harvest management plan, for example, for the Porcupine caribou herd. We are working with Alaska to get a modern updated count of the herd to better understand the overall impacts on the herd itself. But we stay very staunch in our position of the protection of the critical habitat for the herd.
Mr. Fairclough: Okay, I guess the minister is satisfied with how things have been going. I would have thought the minister would have been more than happy to lend a helping hand. If it means a trip to Washington with the chief and members of Vuntut Gwitchin then, it would have been — in my view anyway — a more powerful presentation, knowing that the Yukon government is onside, sitting side by side with the chief on this matter.
I will just let that one be for now.
I have a question in regard to some of what the minister’s remarks were at the beginning of the department overview. The Southern Lakes Wildlife Coordinating Committee is doing an assessment on the population of moose. When will that be completed and in how many other places in the territory are we doing a moose assessment?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: The Southern Lakes initiative is predicated on both the Kwanlin Dun and Carcross-Tagish agreements. However, I can delve into work to date on surveys on not just on moose. There’s an extensive program, as I articulated, of an increased investment by this government to modernize or update our biophysical database.
I’ll run through the list. The elk survey has been done; caribou rut counts, for example, for Clear Creek, Ethel Lake, Tatchun, Logan Mountains, Ibex, Carcross, Aishihik, Kluane, Chisana — all done; the Hart River herd, fall and winter telemetry surveys have been done; the Forty Mile caribou distribution survey has been done; the Carcross/Ibex caribou herd census has been done; the Porcupine caribou body condition monitoring is done and more radio collaring is underway for the Porcupine caribou herd.
For ground-based moose surveys, using the knowledge of hunters, trappers, outfitters, First Nations, miners, loggers, and prospectors in Mayo, Selkirk, Carmacks, southeast Yukon — all done; the moose survey in the Carmacks west area is done; the moose stratification survey in the Dawson gold fields is done; the moose composition survey in Nisutlin River is done; the moose survey in Red Mountain is done.
The sheep survey in Ruby Range is done; the sheep survey on Pelly Mountain is done; and the grizzly bear census in the Kluane region has been done; collars and other communications have been completed and study design has been developed.
The Old Crow freshwater fish survey is done; the fish inventory in the Peel and Wernecke regions are done; the Braeburn whitefish status survey is done; small mesh sampling of several lakes throughout the Yukon has been done; the Aishihik index survey in support of Yukon Energy Corporation’s water licence application has been done; the creel census, which I understand is a major indicator of our water systems, in Marsh Lake and Lake Laberge is done; the species-at-risk biodiversity for bats and small animals is done; bird banding and support inventory of songbirds is done; the bison census is done; and the falcon inventory in the coast mountains is done.
The Dawson land use planning, for example, and the inventory support for data gathering and ground truth verification are done. A late winter moose survey should be complete shortly and the Southern Lakes regional assessment will be done within 24 months.
That is a fairly extensive list of all the areas of inventory and data collection that is underway by the Department of Environment across the Yukon.
Mr. Fairclough: Were these surveys done this past year? There is an update being done by the department every year in different sections of the territory. I am just wondering which ones were done over this past year. Some of the communities have been asking for moose surveys, for example, to take place, and they have not.
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Mr. Chair, this began with an increased investment in last year’s budget. The Department of Environment has come forward. It was clear that one of the things we needed to do was modernize and update our biophysical database. The government agreed with the department’s recommendations in that regard and we increased the investment last year and are continuing it this year.
Without breaking down each of these initiatives by date, I can say to the member opposite that it began last year and it continues this year, as we continue to modernize and collect data for our biophysical database.
Mr. Fairclough: I thank the minister for that answer.
I would like to move on now to bison. I can remember the time when the department said that when the numbers reach 450 — and then it was 500 not too long after that — the herd would become manageable, and few permits were given out at the time.
I believe well over a thousand have been counted this year, and some people say that it could be quite a bit higher than 1089 or whatever that number is. It is close to 1089. I am just wondering what the plans are. What does the government have in mind for managing the bison to a reasonable number, and does the department also feel that it’s starting to become a problem or an issue in regard to other wildlife in the area?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: The department is concerned about the numbers of the bison because, as we know, they are a transplant to the Yukon; however, the ongoing work has shown clearly that there is a significant number of bison now in the Yukon. They have thrived very well in this environment. The government has proceeded with what we call an “adaptive management plan for bison”, which will include through adaptive management — since we have got the census done and it shows around 1,000 to 1,100 animals in the herd — such things as options for opening up or increasing the hunt.
We are working with a technical committee; we are working with First Nations that are impacted, of course, and others, to nail this down, and we hope to proceed this year with some of those options, such as a more open hunt or increased harvest numbers through adaptive management of bison.
Mr. Fairclough: From the way it’s going, we can only see this number rise even higher. If people out there really feel that maybe all the bison have not been accounted for, then we could be in a number quite a bit higher. Here’s a number that was thrown out to me. Around 1,400 or 1,500 is the number I’ve been told. This is coming from people who are out there on the land and some who have been involved in the survey as well.
I would just like to know if the minister can explain what he means by “opening up hunting?”
What does that entail?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Given the healthy numbers of the herd, opening up hunting would mean, of course, as one option — increased numbers for harvest of the herd itself and how we do that. But adaptive management dictates that we also recognize we have to strike a balance so there are no negative impacts from an influx, for example, of hunters out in the wilderness, which may impact trapping and traplines. So adaptive management is intended to address these kinds of issues upfront, but it’s clear we are going to need to do something. Of course one of the options in adaptive management is to increase the numbers of bison that we harvest.
Mr. Fairclough: Well, when you go into the communities, this is something that is often talked about. Those who have taken a bison always have a story to tell. It’s usually with a friend or many friends when they do go out.
Those who do not hunt bison, but are out there hunting moose or enjoying the outdoors, do feel there is quite an impact. One of them is in the wintertime, particularly around the two areas where people have the most access to bison — the one I’m most familiar with, which is around the Mount Nansen area where the bison corral is. In the wintertime, that valley is packed right down by snow machines. It’s incredible just to see that people don’t actually follow a trail but are all over the place and all over the buckbrush and throughout. The snow is packed down. They really do feel there is an impact there. Not only that, but it’s becoming quite a familiar place to a lot of people. They are now visiting the area during the off-season of bison hunting, which again, for a lot of local people like myself, does have a negative impact.
Here’s the question that is largely asked when it comes to bison hunting: why can’t we hunt them during moose hunting season? If someone were to take a bison, for example, they may not take a moose or caribou, so I ask the minister to consider that. Perhaps he can have the information package about the new numbers more available to the public, because many are asking questions and a lot of times I don’t have the answer.
This is the first I’ve heard about the adaptive management plan that looks at the negative impact. I would ask the minister if he would make that information more available. I think people are cognizant of the numbers that have been released by the department.
The other question I was asking in regard to the hunting of bison is why is it only limited to certain sections? Some people can almost see them from the highway, but they can’t take them. I am talking about around the Braeburn area.
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Well, there are a number of questions there. First of all, the information, once it is ready for the public, is on the Web. Secondly, we did open it up last year. Part of the adaptive management in our work with the technical committee, First Nations and others was to further this whole initiative in managing the bison herd.
Also, the member spoke of certain times in the season for hunting, such as in conjunction with moose hunts. The problem with that is, during that time of the year when we allow for moose hunting, hunting bison at that time would result in orphan calves. I am not sure that we want to take that kind of a severe step when we can do other things at different times of the year that will result in the same objectives in harvesting the animals.
I hope that clears it up for the member opposite. Information is always made available on the Web. As soon as it is in their hands, the department will post it.
Mr. Fairclough: Thank you. Just one more question before I leave this issue.
We are well over 1,000 — close to 1,100 have been counted by the department. At one time, 500 was a manageable number for government. Has that number now moved? Is the department going to work to try to bring the numbers down to something that is more manageable, and what is that number — is it 500? Is it higher than that now?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Yes, that’s exactly what the initiative we have undertaken is all about: reduce the numbers and bring it back down to what is deemed to be a manageable number for the herd, in the 500 range.
Mr. Fairclough: Then, I have to say to the department that you have quite a challenge on your hands, because the numbers are growing; the wolves are not finding a way to take down the bison yet at the numbers that we expected, or the government expected at the beginning.
I have to say it’s quite a challenge, and I’d like to see this new open hunt come up soon. I think the public may be quite interested in that.
Now, moving on to elk and ticks, and this has been quite an issue throughout the year. I know the minister says he leaves it in the hands of the professionals to try to get rid of the ticks off the elk. Unfortunately, I think we have missed the boat this year. The time to do it was definitely in the month of March, and we will possibly be faced with the same issue again next year.
There is a bit of a scare out there in the public that this is going to get into the wildlife population. I know the department is doing what they can by putting the elk in a corral, and I believe what is going to take place next is the calving — if it is not already taking place.
Hopefully the next step is to burn the surrounding areas to try to get rid of the ticks that have fallen on to the ground.
What can we expect from the department throughout the summer and in the fall in trying to manage this? I think we have another window of opportunity in the fall to do this again. What can we expect from the department and what messages are there out there? I will ask the next question after.
Hon. Mr. Fentie: We are very concerned about this issue. It was deemed, however, in the past under former governments that the climate here and the cold weather in the winter would address the issue. Obviously, that wasn’t the case, considering the number of other factors that impact this particular situation. On a first step of trying to deal with this issue, 125 elk have been penned. The ticks do drop off. Because of the confined area and controlled situation, we can then deal with that matter after release of the elk that are now free from the ticks. This is in the Takhini herd. We will move on next to the Braeburn herd.
We are also going to be holding a risk assessment and planning workshop for the long-term strategy for this infestation, given the fact that cold winters appear not to be a matter of fact any more. Without that environmental element, our long-term strategy is to deal with this particular issue.
This process is slated for May 21 and 22. It will include First Nations, other working group members, tick experts and entomologists, who are the experts we require to further advance our ability to manage tick infestation and do everything we can to the extent possible to ensure that we can mitigate the possibility of further spread. That is what is happening now. We are very concerned, as I said. A tremendous amount of emphasis has been placed on this by the department and those responsible within the department. We are also soliciting input from other experts to assist the Yukon in this matter.
Mr. Fairclough: None of these ticks have been medicated, so we went to the next plan, to keep the elk corralled until such time as all the ticks do fall off, and at least the Takhini herd can move on. Some of the concerns raised in the public were these elk are held in a bison corral, which is obviously used for bison. I see a discussion on that. I may be wrong, but I thought I had read that somewhere in a government document. Other animals such as bison are hosts to ticks. That is a bit of a concern.
The Braeburn herd was not medicated at all; they were fed hay, or left hay to feed on. I don’t think the elk even came around. I have a friend who walked through the Braeburn area just looking for antlers and came upon the hay but didn’t see any corn for the medication there. They were fed hay but they didn’t even come to the hay.
I think what the department wanted to do was, for example, to see if they could bring them in and, if so, maybe keep better track of exactly where the elk are. It’s a bit of a concern to the public out there.
If there was any medicated food out for the elk, it would be a concern to local hunters simply because we don’t know what the medication can do to humans, if this medication were to be consumed by moose, and so on. A lot of issues have been raised to me on the Braeburn herd because they weren’t taken care of at this point.
I hear from the minister that the next challenge is to work on the Braeburn herd. Is it to corral them in the same manner as the Takhini herd and try the medication at the proper time in different ways?
If not that way, is there something new that the department can do on this? Or are they going to work with the committee to try to address this?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: Well, we’re working with experts and others, of course, on an ongoing basis. First off, the pen that’s being used: the reason it is being used for this particular issue is because it wasn’t being used for anything else. Therefore, it was a logical choice.
Secondly, the ticks do fall off and, without a host to transport them any distance, they’re not capable of travelling any distance and they will die. Then we will essentially incinerate the area that was confined to make sure that there is no danger of spread.
With the Braeburn herd, they put out medicated feed. It was monitored 24 hours a day to ensure nothing else got into it. It was taken back in but, unfortunately, sometimes animals decide what they want to eat and what they don’t want to eat. I don’t think the elk really wanted to eat medicated corn, so we’ll have to address that going forward.
One of the options is — given the fact that the Takhini herd was dealt with to a level of success in penning them — that we can always herd up or round up the Braeburn herd and apply the same strategy to that herd. But this is not something we approach singularly. Given the concern here, we will look at options on an ongoing basis and certainly, as I said, solicit the advice of experts on how we can deal with this, given the fact that the weather conditions are no longer a contributing factor in terms of getting rid of ticks, as was the case in the past. The long, cold winters certainly addressed the spread. That’s not the case today, so we’re looking at all other possible measures, including what we did with the Takhini herd: penning them, allowing the ticks to drop off and then, in an isolated fashion, once the elk herd is released, we can deal with the site appropriately.
Mr. Fairclough: I thank the minister for the answers to my questions. I didn’t realize the feed left for the Braeburn herd was medicated feed. I thought it was just hay. I had a friend walk through on this ridge. It wasn’t monitored; there was nobody around for him to even talk to, whether on the highway or not. I’m just wondering what kind of monitoring did take place with the department.
I’d like to move on. The ticks on elk are a continuing issue in the Yukon.
In regard to the spruce bark beetle, the spread is tremendous. It’s being felt in Carmacks, Pelly Crossing, right in the community, and so on, although it’s not as hard hit as the southern part of Yukon, around the Aishihik area. We did have a pretty cool winter, particularly in the Carmacks area where we experienced minus 60 degrees Celsius for a good couple of weeks. Does the department see a slowdown in the spread of the spruce bark beetle? Has the weather taken care of a lot of what needed to be done? What action plan can we expect from the department on this issue?
Hon. Mr. Fentie: I have to go back to the tick issue. There was hay provided for elk; it was not medicated — only corn, which was brought in on a sleigh and, because the elk didn’t like it or didn’t want to eat it, it was taken back on the sleigh. The monitoring took place when the medicated corn was on-site. There was no medication in the hay; therefore, we just left them to eat at their will.
As far as the spruce bark beetle, unfortunately, whe