Bell slams feds
Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Feb 21/01) - Yellowknife South MLA Brendan Bell described the federal government's recent funding commitment to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome as "pathetic."
Noting that FAS/FAE "isn't as big a problem in southern jurisdictions as it is here," Bell said that NWT was going to have to, "take the bull by the horns."
Ottawa has pledged $1.7 million nationwide for FAS/FAE education over the next two years.
McLeod takes seat
Deh Cho MLA Michael McLeod took his seat in the legislature Monday for the first time since the new session began.
McLeod thanked "all members who took time out of their busy schedules," to offer their condolences on the recent death of his father.
Angus McLeod was one of five respected elders who have passed away in the region in the last two weeks. Most recently, Celine "Granny" Lafferty, a beloved resident of Fort Simpson, died at the age of 100.
In his opening statement to the legislature, McLeod told MLAs that "the North has lost a wealth of knowledge."
NWT retains program
Health Minister Jane Groenewegen announced that the government would not attempt to have administration of the non-insured health benefits program returned to the federal government.
The program, funded by Health Canada, provides specific benefits for status Indians and Inuit.
The GNWT agreed to administer the program for the federal government in 1988.
In the last few years, Health Canada has begun to disallow a number of claims submitted by the territory, prompting the health department to consider stopping the program.
Health Canada has since agreed to compensate the department for $800,000 in disputed billings.
A further $700,000 in rejected claims are being reconsidered by Health Canada.
Open to public
The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development is holding a public review of Bill 16.
In addition to clarifying provisions relating to seat belts and child restraints, the proposed bill removes exemptions allowing persons to ride in the box of a truck.
The review of the bill takes place Thursday at 6 p.m. in Committee Room A of the legislative assembly.
