On Friday, Dehcho MLA Sheryl Yakeleya raised the longstanding issue of cell reception dead zones along major highways, especially the busy stretch between Fort Providence-Behchokǫ̀-Yellowkife.
“People have safety concerns regarding the inability to call for help if something were to happen while travelling on our highways,” said Yakeleya.
“Some people have told me that this is an issue that affects them so much that they feel driving alone, especially to do business in other communities or to visit family. This issue affects all residents and businesses as well, and it must be improved.
“The volume of traffic continues to increase, and this is a serious safety issue.”
Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek said the GNWT is dependent on Northwestel, the main provider of cell services. But Wawzonek noted while erecting cell towers to cover the hundreds of kilometres of highways not covered, there is also a problem when it comes to powering the transceivers.
The Minister noted that cell phone technology is improving, with some makers including emergency connections via satellite.
Meanwhile on Friday, it was announced the new Community Government funding allocations do not introduce new cash for community governments, but instead will adjust distribution models that have remained unchanged for 15 years.
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Vince McKay told the NWT Assembly (and later Friday, the NWT Association of Communities AGM in Yellowknife), that in years past, some community governments have received funding levels exceeding over 100-per-cent of standard costs.
“When the new allocations are implemented on April 1, some community governments will experience an increase of their funding, while others will receive a decrease,” McKay said, without providing details.
“Some community governments welcome these changes, while others have concerns. We took these perspectives seriously, made changes to the policies based on our consultation, and are now moving forward with the implementation to allow for a smooth transition.”
These funding policies will uphold the decision-making authority of elected community councils, allowing them to prioritize programs and services that best meet the needs of their residents, stated the GNWT in a release.
MACA distributes over $110 million annually to support community government programs and services as well as $18 million from the Canada Community-Building Fund
The GNWT’s funding is based on costs of core municipal infrastructure and services, which include clean drinking water, sewage and garbage, fire protection, road maintenance and recreation, to name a few.
The costs required to maintain services and infrastructure beyond what is required for core services is the responsibility of community governments.
Yellowknife North MLA Shauna Morgan speaks in the NWT Assembly on Friday, February 28th. (Photo courtesy of Assembly livestream)
The GNWT will undertake further analysis of water and sewer rates with community governments to ensure this core service remains affordable to residents, meaning no immediate changes to water rates will be required at this time.
And on Friday, another MLA filed a complaint with Speaker Shane Thompson for a perceived slight from one of their peers.
Following concerns raised Thursday by Minister Wawzonek about Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart, on Friday morning, Yellowknife North MLA Shauna Morgan was irked by something said off-microphone by Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins.
“A few minutes ago in the House, when you mixed up the member for Yellowknife South (Wawzonek) with the member from Yellowknife North, myself, there was a comment from the member for Yellowknife Centre stating, ‘Well, it’s just the same thing from our perspective,’ implying that I am somehow the same person as the member for Yellowknife South, which is clearly not the case.
“I think what was meant by this implication is that somehow we are inappropriately aligned. I think people know that I am an independent member. I have my own positions. I speak for myself. I make my own decisions based on what is best for my constituents. I feel it’s inappropriate for the member to imply that I’m somehow the same, or just following the lead or following the will of a member of cabinet.”
Speaker Thompson said he would make a ruling on Monday.
