Kieron Testart

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today on the occasion of Commonwealth Day, the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, observed by roughly 2.4 billion people in 53 countries around the world, spread over every continent and ocean.

The day will be celebrated with a broad range of activities, including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag raising ceremonies, street parties, cultural events, and a multicultural, multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey, where the head of the Commonwealth, the sovereign Her Majesty the Queen, will deliver an...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is one of several motions involving the front-line workers and actors who are engaged in the system who might not necessarily be government employees. The committee recognizes the enormous role that foster families and extended families play in support for children in care and that their experience is crucial to making the system work. We made a number of recommendations. This one is the first that calls for strengthening the working relationship with these community stakeholders.

Many of our committee members come from or have experience with traditional backgrounds...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think that my colleague, the honourable Member for Tu NedheWiilideh, spoke about the complex nature of some of the root causes that cause the intervention of Child and Family Services. There is really not a single solution; I agree. It is not in the Auditor General's report, what is going to fix the problem. It is not expending millions of dollars without a plan. It is, really, working with communities and figuring out where the strengths of those communities are and applying those strengths holistically so that we can ensure that communities feel supported.

With an...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am just trying to find my paperwork here. The Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to report on its review of Bill 31, Northwest Territories 911 Act.

The committee read their substantive report into the House on February 26, 2019, giving details on our consultation on Bill 31. To commence its review of Bill 31, the Standing Committee on Government Operations sent letters inviting input from an extensive list of stakeholders, including all municipal and Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories and a number of non-governmental organizations.

The...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We spoke to many municipalities around their concerns with the implementation of 911 and how best the government can support the implementation in a way that everyone can meaningfully participate and have adequate resources. To capture that, the committee has made this recommendation to ensure that municipalities are ready and prepared for the role of 911, that it doesn't impact their existing provision of emergency services, and that everyone moves to a smooth transition after the 911 service goes live.

This motion contemplates it being the responsibility of the...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The committee has read its report into the record, so I won't go into the full details, but sufficient to say, a number of concerns raised by the public in our consultations and from Members representing their constituencies were very clear that the bill alone could not address many of the issues that will be required for 911 coverage to be a success in the program.

The committee feels very strongly that this is a life-saving program that is going to make a big difference in the lives of Northerners, but to ensure that, this motion, in particular, addresses the need for...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On February 26, 2019, the Standing Committee on Government Operations presented its report on the review of Bill 31, Northwest Territories 911 Act. The committee report included three recommendations, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the report and the recommendations in Committee of the Whole later today. Members of the committee may have individual comments. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is March 8th, and that means it is International Women's Day, which gives us a clear opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women. As an ally, I do not wish to put words in the mouths of others, but wish to stand behind and support the actions, initiatives, and fights that are being led by women leaders from coast to coast to coast and around the world. Our society, cultures, country, and lives are enriched daily by the tireless efforts of women with whom we co-exist. Today is a chance for all of us to celebrate the achievements of the all-too-often unsung...

I move that the Chair rise and report progress. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this Assembly recommends that the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs provides a response to the recommendations contained in this report within 120 days. Thank you, Mr. Chair.