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Energy plan needs careful consideration NWT News/North - Monday, Nov 5, 2012
Taltson is designed to generate 18 megawatts of electricity, enough to service 6,000 homes. Presently it only supplies power to approximately 2,400 homes, plus businesses and industry, in Hay River, K'atlodeeche First Nation, Fort Smith, Fort Resolution and Enterprise. Taltson power costs about nine cents per kilowatt hour to produce. That's a base price before transmission costs are added in. Selling the unused portion of the full 18 megawatts could bring the cost down to five cents per kilowatt hour. One way of accomplishing this goal would be to connect the NWT power system to the continental grid and export power to the southern market. That would require more than 300 kilometres of powerlines to either Alberta, British Columbia or Saskatchewan. The energy plan will determine the cost of extending the power lines. If such a plan went ahead, the power corp. believes two things would happen. First, Northern access to the continental power grid would replace costly diesel back-up generation in the larger communities on hydro generation. Second, it would potentially reduce power costs to Taltson customers. "NTPC could purchase power from Alberta while its power is priced below NTPC's own cost to generate, saving the water for high-cost periods when NTPC would then use its own hydro. Overall, this would allow NTPC to operate like any other utility connected to the grid and operate more efficiently than it can today, ultimately lowering the cost of power to its customers," a statement from the power corp. reads. So, if it proves to be feasible, such a plan could lead to cheaper energy and more reliability, a very worthwhile goal. We hope, however, the power corporation moves forward more openly and prudently than with the previous proposal to expand the Taltson dam and sell power to the diamond mines. Former premier Floyd Roland often touted the benefits, but the mines, as everyone suspected and as it was later revealed, had no interest in being customers. A lot of money and even more staff time was wasted, much like Talston's excess power. If this new energy plan offers significant savings and benefits for NWT customers as promised, then it is worth pursuing. But we hope enthusiasm doesn't cloud unworkable economics. In the end, federal help may be required for stringing transmission lines south.
Minister without integrity Nunavut News/North - Monday, Nov 5, 2012 Acting naive just doesn't cut it anymore. South Baffin MLA Fred Schell has attempted to defend a series of serious Integrity Act violations levied against him by saying he wasn't clear on the rules and it's "human nature" to lie. Schell has only proven it's within his nature. The controversial MLA used his position as minister of Human Resources to single out two government employees, with whom he has historical personal issues, and attempt to affect their livelihoods, according to the integrity commissioner. Schell also lied under oath, and made several other violations of the basic tenets of the Integrity Act, such as failing to conduct his affairs in a manner as to maintain public confidence and trust in his integrity, objectivity and impartiality. Schell had already been chastised in October 2011 for sending an intimidating e-mail to a bureaucrat in June 2009 while he was a regular MLA, to further his Polar Supplies business activity. Lo and behold, when Schell was given more power and authority, through a cabinet seat and three portfolios, he wasted no time in throwing his weight around. During his first meeting with his deputy minister of human resources, the same month he was chastised for his previous integrity violation, he asked about an employee whom he had a grudge against. He would also single out another individual with whom he'd had a problematic personal history, and tried to assert that it should be his decision, as minister of human resources, whether that individual, a territorial government staff member, should be able to run for hamlet council. Schell did not express any interest in the 12 other GN employees who had been given blessing to serve on their hamlet councils. Then, in perhaps the most egregious transgression of them all, he lied under oath when addressing one of those allegations. There is still one year left before the next territorial election. If Schell doesn't step down, the MLAs can and must make a motion to kick him out. Why they haven't already made a motion to remove him from cabinet is a mystery, as he's been collecting cabinet pay without cabinet responsibilities since March. Integrity commissioner Norman Pickell left his recommended punishment at a $10,000 fine and a forced apology, saying Schell's departure would leave Kimmirut and Cape Dorset without territorial representation. A hastily-arranged byelection would be better than leaving him as a representative in the legislature. Schell has abused the powers given to him as an elected official, and did so for his own gain. It would be unfair for his constituents to be stuck with an MLA who's proven himself to be corrupt and dishonest, without the chance to elect another.
Lots of power, no disclosure Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, Nov 2, 2012
That was the question raised by Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins in the legislative assembly last week, who suggested if a GNWT worker makes more than $75,000 it should not be kept secret. In some provinces, such as Ontario, Manitoba, B.C. and Nova Scotia, the discussion has essentially been over for some time. Salaries for senior employees in these provinces have been made publicly available, although in Manitoba legislators are debating whether its disclosure requirements - at $50,000 a year, which encompasses 40 per cent of the government's workforce - are too broad. Manitobans might be interested in how much money the province's comptroller makes but probably not so much her administrative assistant. The same rationale applies in the NWT. Many of the territorial government's deputy and assistant deputy ministers have been with the government for many years and have filled several different portfolios over that time. Everyone knows the deputy minister's office is where the real seat of power is but compensation for individual deputy ministers - very generous for sure - remains hidden from taxpayers. Most, if not all, deputy ministers make more money than cabinet ministers, and some salaries would certainly be comparable to what territorial court judges make, who must endure a public vetting of their salaries every four years. Senior management salaries at the GNWT range from $84,708 to $245,486 - that figure is available on the Department of Human Resources website. What we can't tell you is who is earning the maximum rates, or what their bonuses are on top of that. Salary ranges for entry and mid-level GNWT employees and teachers are also publicly available. That we have an idea of what they earn ought to suffice. Deputy ministers and assistant deputy ministers have more responsibilities - and more perks - and thus their salaries should be made public like many other jurisdictions in Canada are already doing. Keeping those figures hidden only reinforces they idea that the GNWT prefers to operate in secrecy.
Unveil donors next time Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, Nov 2, 2012 Speaking of the need for transparency (see above editorial), outgoing city councillor Paul Falvo did not win his mayoral bid in last month's municipal election, but by voluntarily disclosing his campaign expenses to the public he has led by example. Residents deserve to know where campaign money comes from. Such transparency inspires confidence in the system and also lessens perceived opportunities for political favours. Mayoral and council candidates are not legally compelled to reveal how much their campaigns cost and they do not have to publish the names of those who footed the bill. That can easily change, however, if council has the political will to amend a three-page municipal election bylaw passed in August. The bylaw contains provisions that would allow the incoming council to enact regulations requiring donors to be made public. Council should embrace the same strict regulations laid out in the Canada Election Act, which requires federal candidates to record the name of anyone who donates $20 or more to a campaign. Donor lists are made public in a timely fashion following the election. MLA candidates should also disclose their donors. Mayor-elect Mark Heyck said he is prepared to reveal his donor list and campaign expenses at a future date. Because campaign donors in the latest council election did not do so with the full knowledge their names could be made public, it would arguably be unfair to push candidates to reveal donors' names this time around. Nonetheless, councillors and the mayor-elect should reveal their overall campaign expenses in the interest of transparency. Council should then move quickly to make full disclosure mandatory for all municipal candidates running in 2015.
Speak more Slavey Editorial Comment Miranda Scotland Deh Cho Drum - Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012 There is no denying the importance of preserving and revitalizing aboriginal languages in the NWT. There is so much history attached to every word and if languages are lost, then so is that knowledge and unique cultural heritage. More than that, knowing one's own language enhances social cohesion, self-esteem and personal identity. For these reasons and many more we cannot stand around and let aboriginal languages die. That said, the GNWT has taken great steps to ensure it doesn't happen. Last year the GNWT brought together leaders, elders, youth and educators from across the Deh Cho region to discuss ways to improve educational achievements among aboriginal youth. Part of the forum addressed aboriginal languages in schools. Participants suggested that schools need to communicate that it is OK to speak the Dene language, language and culture should be connected through hands-on activities, that community members should be included in the process, and technology should be embraced to improve teaching of the language. According to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, the recommendations from that forum helped guide the aboriginal student achievement education plan. Within the plan, 23 action items have been identified and are now being completed, initiated or still require funding. A number of other initiatives and funding opportunities exist to encourage the revitalization of aboriginal languages in the NWT. The GNWT is doing enough to keep aboriginal languages alive. I think the government needs to finish carrying out the goals that have been identified and continue the programs already in place. But the rest of the job ultimately falls to the community. The education system cannot be alone in preserving aboriginal languages. According to the 2011 Statistics Canada report on aboriginal languages in Canada, 213,500 people reported an aboriginal mother tongue while nearly 213,400 people reported speaking an aboriginal language most often or regularly at home. This indicates the importance of being able to practise speaking a language at home. As the old adage says, if you don't use it you lose it. This idea was echoed in the suggestions made during the Deh Cho education forum. Youth said they needed community members to speak to them in Slavey and suggested it would be a good idea for there to be weekly community gatherings with storytelling in Slavey, hand games and opportunities to cook traditional foods. If communities want to see aboriginal languages flourish, they need to do more hands-on work, because currently the GNWT is doing its part. Comforting the community Editorial Comment Danielle Sachs Inuvik Drum - Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012 There has been an outpouring of grief from the community. But with the grief came empathy. The true spirit of a community going through troubled times became apparent. In a short time, the community mobilized to make sure Ittungna's loved ones know they have the community's support. A luncheon, pancake breakfast and 50/50 draws are just some of the events being organized to raise money for Ittungna's funeral expenses. One morning of selling 50/50 tickets raised more than $1,000, with a few people saying they wouldn't want to claim their share, they would just donate it back. Family members need to fly in and funeral arrangements made. And through all these arrangements, people are still grieving. People may talk about all the problems in the North, but those people have never seen how one person can affect so many people in such a short time. There aren't enough words to describe who Ittungna was to the people who knew and loved him and how he will be remembered. A gifted athlete with the best music always ready to go, Kings of Leon and LMFAO being two recent favourites according to one of his friends. After calling shotgun for a car ride, Ittungna would plug in his iPad, always loaded with fresh beats and tunes, his friend recalled earlier this week. He is being remembered as someone who never judged people and who didn't have a bad bone in his body. He couldn't say no to any sporting opportunity and came back from the Arctic Winter Games without a single piece of Team NWT gear because he traded NWT garments for souvenirs from other teams. Losing someone at any age and for any reason is hard. But this community is sharing stories and focusing on good memories together. Through sharing memories, people support each other and gain strength for the days ahead. It won't be easy, but if anyone can come together, Inuvik can. Leading by example Yellowknifer - Wednesday, Oct 31, 2012
Hache, a co-founder of the centre which opened its doors in 1990, has led the facility through successes and weathered many challenges for more than 20 years. She has long been a strong proponent of social activism in the community. She was inspirational in launching and sustaining valuable services such as shelter for women fleeing violence; a community centre operating a variety of programs from daycare to prenatal classes; a medical clinic; and youth and mental health programs that are open to the community. Hache has led the centre through financial distress, and fought for more funding from the GNWT. Last year, a consultant hired by the GNWT to carry out a financial review of the Centre for Northern Families did not finish the job because the centre denied him access to its general accounting information - instead he was provided with responses to specific financial questions by shelter staff. Hache knew the centre's services were essential to women in the North and that it was worth the battle to keep the doors open. She put the needs of the centre's clients at the forefront instead of putting the priority on satisfying the accountants. She has developed a space where women and children can get a better grasp on life, feel strong and start to rebuild a healthy life for themselves. It is through this dedication to the cause that Hache earned an NWT Wise Woman Award, membership with the Order of Canada and a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal. As she departs to pursue a masters degree in leadership - something that will only sharpen skills Hache already has - the Centre for Northern Families will forge on under new management. It must maintain a safe haven for its clients and help the most disadvantaged people regain control of their lives. Although Hache is leaving one role in the community, she will continue to be a mentor, a mother and an advocate for women's rights and we wish her luck in her future endeavors.
No one will miss long waits Wednesday, Oct 31, 2012 Anyone who owns a vehicle in Yellowknife is well accustomed to the sometimes mind-numbingly long wait times they must endure at the motor vehicle licensing office. Long waits are inevitable with close to 18,700 vehicle registrations, not to mention 3,000 driver's licence renewals, all being funneled through three kiosks at the Laing Building issuing office on Franklin Avenue each year. It's such an inconvenience that the Department of Transportation has added a page on its website showing drivers how long they can expect to wait at any given time during the day. This is in addition to the estimated queue times people see when they walk into the licensing office itself. News that the territorial government is contemplating a plan that would make some of these services just a mouse click away is bound to be sweet music to the ears of motorists everywhere in this city. It really is about time since most vehicle licensing services are going online elsewhere in Canada. Getting a driver's licence will obviously require people to continue showing up in person but there is no need to be waiting in the office every time a person needs a vehicle or trailer registered. It should be as simple as filling out a form on the Internet and waiting for the registration card to appear in the mail. This is the way many routine government transactions are heading, such as obtaining a birth certificate or a firearms acquisition certificate after completing the required course. Some people may balk at the dwindling levels of face-to-face customer service at government departments now that many of them are heading to the Internet. That said, few are going to miss the long waits at the motor vehicle office.
Crunch time Darrell Greer Kivalliq News - Wednesday, Oct 31, 2012 "The more you tighten your grip, the more of us will slip through your fingers." It's hard to believe it's been 35 years since Princess Leia spat that famous line to Darth Vader in the original Star Wars release. Yet, it rings as true today towards wouldbe oppressors as it did all those years ago. Today, as more and more democratic governments tighten their grip on information they decide the public doesn't need to know, slowly, but surely, the demand for transparency and accountability is growing. The Government of Nunavut (GN) began on a positive note where openness and accountability are concerned, and, for the first few years under former premier Paul Okalik, the GN hid very little of its business from the eyes of Nunavummiut. But it wasn't long before our politicians realized their lives were a lot easier when they conducted their affairs behind closed doors. In fact, the GN caught on to the concept of the coneofsilence approach in almost record time. That was one southern approach that didn't require any form of madeinNunavut branding. Our leaders were quick to understand the less people knew about what was going on, the less explaining they had to do in public. Of course, that led to a few years of some of our politicians getting a little carried away with the idea, which led to criminal charges, conflicts of interest and the always popular minister-without-portfolio title. Now our ministers resign when they don't get their own way and we only have the odd case of one of them not being able to tell the difference between public office and personal holdings. They still guard their information closely, but that's more to keep nests feathered than anything else. Nunavut, like the rest of the free world, spends vast amounts of money on programs nobody has a clue about. Our committees often have committees, and the vast majority of the public has no idea what they do or what benefits, if any, they produce. We send low-risk offenders to the elders and their committee members, but no one knows how many reoffend. Various studies in Canada and the United States are showing the majority of social programs have sunk to the point where they only help those who administer them. Data keeping is almost non-existent and, when evident, is compiled by those whose jobs depend upon it. Much has been written on that ironic little quirk recently. We have already seen the start of funding cuts by the feds and they're only going to go deeper in the coming years. It's imperative the GN makes future program-funding decisions based on effectiveness that's supported by accurately-compiled data. Social programs have to benefit those they're aimed at, not those administering them. There are going to be some tough funding choices ahead for the GN and, if all Nunavummiut are to grow and prosper, clear pictures have to be painted of programs actually producing positive results. The GN can paint those pictures behind closed doors if it likes, as long as they're put out for public display before the cheques are cashed.
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