Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to address a topic that is fundamental to the well-being of all workers across the Northwest Territories; the critical importance of improving workplace safety. Ensuring that our workplaces are safe is essential for the health, productivity, and prosperity of our communities.
When workplaces are safe, everybody benefits. Safe workplaces result in fewer injuries and improved productivity. Most importantly, making the safety of workers a top priority helps to preserve lives and protect families, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Workers' Protection Fund. As Members know, the Worker's Protection Fund, ensures coverage of current and future claims costs and stable assessment rates for employers.
As part of efforts to improve safety outcomes across the territory, I am pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission's Safety Planning Guide for employers, which will be launched this May during Safety and Heath Week. While each workplace has unique needs and challenges when it comes to safety planning; there is no one size fits all approach; there are key elements that every workplace safety program must include by law. This guide will provide clear, practical tools and resources to assist employers to create or improve their safety programs, ensuring they meet the required standards for:
Documenting inspections and incident investigations;
Establishing safe work procedures that protect workers from job-specific risks; and,
Conducting hazard assessments to evaluate and mitigate potential dangers in the workplace.
Additionally, I am pleased to announce that this summer, the occupational health and safety funding program will open for applications. Through this new program, the WSCC will provide funding opportunities for providers of occupational health and safety services whose work aims to improve access to safety education and supports employers in complying with occupational health and safety legislation.
As part of supporting WSCC's commitment to improving workplace safety through strengthening regulations, I recently appointed 14 members to the Safety Advisory Committee and the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Legislative Committee. These committees provide industry expertise about the frontline impacts and applications of the Safety Act and Mine Health and Safety Act. I look forward in 2025 and 2026 to seeing the recommendations of these committees to ensure the Northwest Territories is a safer place for workers, and ensure our legislation aligns with good practices and standards of safety across Canada. This will help address emerging risks and break down barriers for industries across provincial and territorial borders.
Mr. Speaker, improving workplace safety is a shared responsibility. As we approach the National Day of Mourning on April 28, let us all reflect on our collective responsibility to protect the lives of those who work in the communities and renew our resolve to prevent further workplace tragedies and ensure that all workers return home safely at the end of each day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for WSCC. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Housing NWT's successful partnerships. Housing NWT works with Indigenous governments, the federal government, non-governmental organizations, municipal and community governments, and industry, to support more homes for Northerners across the Northwest Territories.
Today, I want to highlight Housing NWT's relationship with an important, but often overlooked group of frontline workers, who deserve recognition: The dedicated staff of our local housing organizations.
If you are from a small community, you already know who they are and what they do. Local housing organizations are the property managers and skilled tradespeople who ensure tenants have a safe and secure place to live. Across the Northwest Territories, 24 of the 33 communities have local housing organizations. While local housing organizations are agents of Housing NWT, they are governed by their own board of directors. This allows the LHOs to make decisions that best serve their communities, as they have a deep understanding of their community's needs and challenges. Yet, their role involves so much more.
Increasingly, local housing organizations are playing a vital role in community safety. Not only do their staff ensure that housing units meet safety standards, including fire regulations and structural integrity, They also collaborate with the RCMP to address illegal activities in public housing and expedite the related eviction process when necessary.
This partnership helps manage illegal activities and ensures tenant safety, emphasizing a shared commitment to community well-being. While evictions are always a last resort, they are sometimes necessary. Additionally, local housing organizations play a vital role in emergency preparedness as demonstrated during the unprecedented and devastating floods, fires, and the pandemic of the past five years.
Mr. Speaker, the health and well-being of our residents is paramount to the work we do in this House. I have set a goal to work towards eliminating smoking in Housing NWT owned homes, which has received broad support from the housing forum and the 19th Legislative Assembly's Standing Committee on Social Development.
Eliminating smoking in our owned units will have positive health outcome for our residents and reduce asset damage. Smoking will not be permitted in all new buildings and in any new or amended leases for existing public housing and market rentals. This week, Housing NWT will begin engaging with LHOs on how this work can be implemented in a staged approach across all Housing NWT owned units, including public housing and market rentals. It is time for us to join all the other jurisdictions in Canada by eliminating smoking in our owned social housing units.
Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize that Housing NWT and LHOs serve vulnerable populations. Ensuring that our residents have access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing is a fundamental aspect of reconciliation and social justice. The LHOs work diligently within their means, and it is up to Housing NWT and our partners to deliver the infrastructure that their communities need. I am grateful for the dedicated staff of our local housing organizations and want to recognize their challenging and critical work. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for housing NWT. Ministers' statements. Minister for Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to making long-term care accessible for seniors and elders whose needs can no longer be met at home. We recognize the importance of helping residents remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. However, when home and community care services are no longer enough, long-term care plays an important role in providing necessary support.
We continue to enhance home and community care services so Northwest Territories residents receive the support they need to stay safe and as healthy as possible at home. At the same time, we must also plan for the future of long-term care in the Northwest Territories. That is why we are aligning our capital investments in new long-term care facilities with updated bed projections from the Northwest Territories bureau of statistics that are expected this spring. These projections will help meet the needs of our aging population now and in the years ahead.
Mr. Speaker, we have taken significant steps to improve long-term care capacity in the territory. The opening of Liwego'ati Building in Yellowknife is a major achievement. This modern, integrated health and social services facility strengthens our ability to provide high quality care to Northerners. It includes a primary care clinic, outpatient rehabilitation services, extended care, and long-term care beds, creating a campus of care that better meets the needs of residents.
Liwego'ati provides 16 extended care beds and 74 long-term care beds which will be opened in a phased approach. In January of this year, we began admitting individuals to the 17 beds opened in phase one. These beds are helping to reduce wait times and improve access to care for those who need it most.
Mr. Speaker, as we expand long-term care, we must also invest in our workforce. Investments in Aurora College's personal support worker and practical nurse programs are critical to developing a workforce of skilled health professionals to meet the needs of long-term care facilities across the territory.
We are also strengthening the admission process. We continue to use the territorial admissions committee, which reviews all long-term care applications to promote fair and consistent access. The Department of Health and Social Services manages the long-term care wait list and works closely with all health and social services authorities to support smooth transitions for residents.
To further improve quality, we have introduced new long-term care standards last month. These standards reflect the best practices from across Canada and promote culturally safe, dignified, and respectful care.
Mr. Speaker, supporting seniors as they age is a responsibility we take seriously. By aligning our investments with future needs, expanding long-term care capacity, strengthening the workforce, and maintaining high standards of care, we are building a system that will support our aging population for years to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Ministers' statements. Minister of ITI.
Mr. Speaker, we have great rocks. The global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, and the Northwest Territories is well-positioned to play a key role in supplying these essential resources to Canada and its allies. With over two-thirds of the critical minerals listed by Canada, and almost half identified by the United States, our territory is a significant contributor to securing a stable and responsible supply of materials vital to clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.
Recognizing the opportunity before us, the Government of the Northwest Territories outlined four key priority areas for critical minerals development:
First, increasing public awareness about the importance of critical minerals. By incorporating critical minerals into educational programs and industry outreach initiatives, like NWT Mining Week and Mining Matters, we are ensuring that residents, including youth, understand the opportunities this sector presents.
Second, attracting investors and industry leaders through participation in key industry events like the Yellowknife Geoscience Forum, Roundup in Vancouver, and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto, and our targeted promotional campaigns such as the newly announced federal investment of up to $420,000 to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to support Invest North of 60.
Invest North of 60 is a collaborative project between the territorial governments to attract investment and strengthen the growth of the mining sector in the North through strategic promotional activities at leading industry events to actively position the NWT as a premier jurisdiction for responsible resource development.
Third, investing in geoscience and regulatory improvements to provide investors with the certainty they need to move projects forward. By applying new technologies to unexplored or under-mapped areas, we are strengthening our knowledge base and improving our ability to support mineral exploration and development. In addition, we are exploring the concept of a collaboration office; a place where GNWT departments, land and water boards, and the federal government could offer a one-stop shop so proponents can have better wrap-around support to pathfinding through our regulatory processes.
Finally, building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous governments, industry, and the federal government. Through initiatives like the regional energy and resource table, the Mackenzie Valley operation dialogue, and the collaborative efforts at key mining events, we are working collaboratively to streamline regulatory processes, develop infrastructure, and create an environment where responsible development can thrive.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to highlight several advanced critical minerals projects in the Northwest Territories that are making impressive strides.
The Pine Point Project has the cleanest zinc concentrate globally and is moving closer to becoming a reality, with investors showing strong interest. This project represents a significant opportunity to supply vital materials for clean energy and other industries.
The Prairie Creek Project stands out as the highest-grade unmined zinc deposit that has already attracted substantial federal investment in transportation infrastructure. This investment represents a big win for our economy and Canada's critical minerals strategy.
The NICO Project, which has the largest primary cobalt deposit in the western world, as well as one million ounces of gold, is another prime example of our mineral potential. With financial support from both Canada and the United States, this project will put the Northwest Territories front and center in North America's critical minerals supply chain.
The Nechalacho Project is putting the Northwest Territories on the map as Canada's first rare earth mine. These rare earth elements are key to defence, electronics, and clean energy technology technologies.
Lastly, the Mactung Project is one of the largest and highest-grade known tungsten deposits on the planet. With funding secured through the U.S. Defence Production Act, this project underscores how important the Northwest Territories is for supporting supply chains in North America.
Mr. Speaker, these projects, along with growing exploration for lithium and other critical minerals, show that the NWT is an attractive destination for responsible resource development. But to make the most of these opportunities, we must tackle a few challenges. Improving regulatory efficiency, expanding strategic infrastructure, and ensuring our workforce has the skills to support this industry are essential. That is why our government continues to work closely with our federal partners, Indigenous governments, and industry leaders to push for more geoscience funding, closing the infrastructure gap with southern Canada, and targeted incentives such as the North of 60 mineral exploration tax credit.
Mr. Speaker, critical minerals are more than an economic opportunity for the Northwest Territories; they are key to Canada's national security and long-term prosperity. By attracting investment, strengthening partnerships, and promoting responsible development, we are creating new opportunities for a strong future for our residents, our economy, and the generations to come.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, collective bargaining often ends up being a big fight. It pits employer against employee. It's seen as a zero-sum game where one side wins and one side loses. It's assumed that what the employer wants, in this case the GNWT, is to pay its staff as little as possible and get away with treating them badly. This assumption results in a very adversarial and confrontational process of collective bargaining. But what if we didn't assume that what the GNWT wants and what employees want is so different or so far apart? What if the GNWT and staff both have strong common interests, like effectively recruiting and retaining staff?
There's a different less adversarial model of collective bargaining called interest-based negotiation, and it's currently one of the key asks of the NWT Medical Association. The idea is to start bargaining discussions by finding all the areas of common ground and by focusing on the outcomes that everyone wants - ultimately a better health care system. Many doctors are not interested in simply getting paid more if it comes at the cost of patient safety or if it requires cutting corners in terms of quality of care.
The NWT Medical Association is also proposing that Indigenous leadership be included at the negotiation table with the physicians and the health authority, and that would be a first in Canada, in order to keep the focus on what kind of care NWT communities need and deserve. And this is coming from a group of essential workers who do not have the option of going on strike. Clearly, they see that their bargaining power comes from a focus on the public's best interest. I'm curious as to whether the Union of Northern Workers or the NWT Teachers' Association would similarly consider the interest-based negotiation model. This has already been used successfully to negotiate physician contracts in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia where it was reportedly a profoundly healing process leading to better collaboration between government and physicians overall.
The NWTNA believes that interest-based negotiation is the best way to keep patients at the heart of the process, find efficiencies, drive costs lower, and heal the relationship between physicians and the health authority. I call on the GNWT and the health authority to agree to meet physicians and Indigenous leaders at the table using this progressive approach in a spirit of reconciliation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, member from Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member from Range Lake.
Mr. Speaker, the RCMP is a key partner in keeping our North safe and secure because the role they play in our territory is incredibly different than how they operate in southern jurisdictions. We rely on the RCMP for many services they would not offer in any province because for most communities, they're the only police around thus they play a greater role here as first responders, search and rescue personnel, and are essential to fighting drug crime. So embedded are RCMP officers in our communities that they serve, they're always warmly welcomed and adopted as one of our own.
The pivotal role RCMP plays in our territory is longstanding because the RCMP was established specifically to operate across Canada's frontier to enforce sovereignty against encroaching American interests and the early settlers who disregarded treaty provisions and disrupted hunting and trapping practices of individual communities. In fact, the RCMP were initially designated as a Northwest Mounted Police, reflecting their responsibilities over the vast stretches of Canada's west which were once a part of the modernday NWT. Later, they turned their focus towards bootleggers and outlaws evolving from horseback to snowmobile and to familiar vehicles we see around driving on our streets today.
This week, we learned that the outgoing Prime Minister is suddenly looking to dramatically reform the RCMP away from day-to-day policing towards high-level crime such as intelligence gathering and national security. These proposed reforms could put an end to the crucial work the RCMP provide in the NWT and Canada's North by limiting their resources and scaling back the services they provide to our territory. The RCMP has indicated that if these changes go through, as service agreements expire in the coming years the NWT may have to switch to a new policing model, but it's very unclear what that will look like and how our territory will have the capacity to take on a greater policing responsibility.
I hope that the Premier is as alarmed as I am and, indeed, the RCMP is, because they don't want to pull back from the work that they've done to keep us safe. Now that we've been underfunding the RCMP for years, changing their mandate isn't going to work for the North. We need a united front to keep the RCMP in our communities, in our territories, and in Canada's North to protect our communities, ensure our sovereignty, and fight violent predators that are encroaching in our communities, Mr. Speaker. And this new mandate threatens to undo that, and I hope the Premier agrees with me that it cannot stand. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Member’s Statement 607-20(1):
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the visitor of Canadian Space Agency astronaut Colonel Jeremy Hansen to Yellowknife and celebrate both his work to advance Canada's contribution to space exploration and his dedication to inspiring our youth, our educators, and all, indeed, northerners who dream of technology, science, and innovation.
Colonel Hansen is a highly respected astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency, will make history as the first Canadian set to participate in a lunar mission. His role is the Artemis II mission which will take humans around the moon for the first time in 50 years, demonstrates Canada leadership in space exploration. Yet, despite all his hard work, he still makes time to meet with youth across the country and all this week, I'm excited to say that he stopped by several of my communities as well.
During his visit, Colonel Hansen has visited with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and presented at the school in Dettah and N'dilo as well the high school in Yellowknife. Today he's just wrapped up a visit to Lutselk'e Dene First Nation and will conclude his tour with a public event at the Prince of Wales Heritage Centre this evening at 6 p.m.
Certainly alongside his passion for space exploration, Colonel Hansen's personal mission is to share his experience in aerospace, science, and leadership with students and educators and community members across Canada. He emphasizes the importance of STEM education as a pathway to exciting careers, including those in space exploration. I know his message to our youth will prove to them that with dedication and perseverance, even the most ambitious dreams are possible.
Mr. Speaker, our youth in the North have limited potential but they need role models and opportunities to help them reach their goals. Colonel Hansen's visit is a reminder that the sky is not the limit; it's just the beginning.
On behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories and my colleagues, I want to thank Colonel Jeremy Hansen and the Canadian Space Agency for visiting our communities and inspiring the next generation of leaders in science and exploration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the winter snowfall has not been at levels we had hoped. I fear the Sahtu will suffer the same disastrous low water levels that forced Marine Transport Services to halt all shipping to Sahtu like previous summers.
The communities of the Sahtu rely heavily on our winter road system and summer marine transportation for essential supplies. When either of these critical transportation networks fail, our communities face costly consequences. Mr. Speaker, what happens if we cannot complete all scheduled deliveries before the winter road closes? What happens if winter water levels this summer prevent barges from reaching our communities? Airlift of fuel and goods last year was not a plan. It was a last resort which came with astronomical costs.
Mr. Speaker, I am calling on the Minister of Infrastructure to present a detailed contingency plan for the Sahtu region that addresses potential summer marine transportation challenges. The correspondence between community leaders, government officials, and myself highlights the urgent need for proactive measures. Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, this brings us to the Sahtu region and the Mackenzie Valley Highway. Inspirationally, 2025 will see the complete completion of the Mackenzie Valley Highway business case and conclusion of the environmental assessment.
Mr. Speaker, with integrity, the people of the Sahtu deserve more than reactive crisis management. They deserve a government that plans ahead, that recognizes the unique challenges of northern transportation, and works proactively to ensure the Sahtu communities have reliable, affordable, access to essential supplies. Mr. Speaker, I will not have any questions to the Minister of Infrastructure as I have confidence of support from previous deliberations. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Mackenzie Delta.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow up on my Member's statement from Tuesday, March 11th, 2025. In my Member's statement, I referred to the illegal drug trade within the community of Tetlit Zheh and other small communities throughout the Northwest Territories.
The Voice of Denendeh met is one of their stories, and it was placed on social media. I've received a lot of feedback from people throughout the NWT in my efforts to find ways to combat this criminal activity that is happening right within our backyard.
Mr. Speaker, people from all walks of life gave me feedback on what they are witnesses within their own communities and what struggles they are facing in trying to combat this crisis that we are facing. One young lady in particular, who has all the potential in the world to pursue anything she wants to and has a lot to offer her community, has reached out and expressed the hardship that she is enduring in trying to overcome her addiction to this drug. This young lady is looking to take a treatment program to overcome her addictions, and she has my full support.
Mr. Speaker, the RCMP, the local housing authority, and other agencies that are in place to protect our residents, cannot protect us because of policies and procedures. When a person tries to call the local RCMP, they are directed to the Yellowknife detachment and has to go through numerous questions before they hear the complaint. By this time, the individual who is trying to give the authority a tip feels frustrated and hangs up.
Mr. Speaker, the local housing authority has absolutely no authority to what is happening within their own public housing units. The public housing units are being used as a place to conduct these illegal drug activities. The local housing authority has been approached to assist in combatting this activity but, again, there are policies and procedures that are in place to seemingly protect the criminal. The communities' hands are tied. They are fighting a losing battle.
Mr. Speaker, going back to the young lady who wants to see the community heal from this crisis states that more local community resources have to be made available. Mr. Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement, please.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, going back to the young lady who wants to see the community heal from this crisis states that more local community resources have to be made available. Those resources are our own people, not people with fancy degrees. The local residents of our community know who needs help so we, as a government, should provide financial support to the smaller communities to help heal themselves. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for the last two months. It has been a grueling session but also rewarding. I also want to wish them safe travels to their home communities where celebrations are gearing up for the spring that is starting to unfold. I also want to take some time to highlight some wonderful local events that are coming up between now and the next sitting.
Mr. Speaker, we have an absolutely amazing local burlesque and drag scene in Yellowknife right now with monthly shows becoming the norm, Thunder Normz one could say. On April 3rd, the Northern Mosaic Network will be holding another community dinner at the Baker Centre, and I hope to see as many folks as possible at the event. And in late April, we will see Ecology North's always fantastic Earth Week celebrations this year from April 22nd to 30th. In 2024, there was 24 events and 1100 participants, Mr. Speaker. Events in 2025 will see a bike tune-up, clothing swap, medicine walk, DIY workshops, and an open mic night and more. Mr. Speaker, Yellowknife comes alive at this time of year, and I'm looking forward to coming out of my post-session hibernation to enjoy all our city has to offer. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from Monfwi.
Masi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to send a positive message to our youth so that they stay away from the dangerous path some people are taking.
Mr. Speaker, drugs are still affecting communities in the Tlicho region. On Tuesday, RCMP in Whati were told about drugs being sold out of a home with children. An Alberta youth was arrested for suspected crack cocaine trafficking and possessing a restricted handgun. In Behchoko, one of my constituents said there has been a pandemic of overdoses recently.
Mr. Speaker, we are seeing more young people using their income support payments, which are intended for essential needs, to buy drugs and fuel destructive behaviour. This money is meant to help, not harm. In response, the Tlicho region is taking steps to offer support and recovery options. The Tlicho Addiction Recovery Project received a $1.9 million commitment from Ottawa and will help people. The program is led by the Tlicho Friendship Centre. The money will help fund much needed counselling, recovery, coaching, and aftercare services for individuals to start healing.
Mr. Speaker, I want young people in all Tlicho communities to go down a path of recovery and wellness. We must continue to empower our youth with traditional knowledge, resources, and family support that they need to make positive choices. Maybe make a good career choice to be a Tlicho astronaut. I hope together we can guide young people in the territory towards a brighter, healthier future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to rise to recognize the dedicated volunteers of the therapy dog program in the Northwest Territories.
The therapy dog program, overseen by St. John Ambulance, provides comfort, companionship, and emotional support to individuals in need. Certified therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers visit various community settings. These furry friends offer unconditional love and attention, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress. In particular, the therapy dogs can offer a calming presence and companionship, especially for those who may feel isolated or lonely. The gentle nature of therapy dogs can help to lower stress levels and promote relaxation. Interacting with a friendly therapy dog can boost mood and increase feelings of happiness and well-being, and therapy dogs can serve as a catalyst for social interaction helping people to connect with others and build relationships.
In less than a year, this program in the Northwest Territories has grown from two volunteers to 21, with teams that have joined, provided support, have been tested, trained, and placed in various facilities. People may see therapy dogs doing their great work at locations such as the Avens, Yellowknife Education District No. 1 schools, Home Base Youth Centre, North Slave Correctional Centre, the City of Yellowknife Public Library, Aurora College, Yellowknife Airport, the courthouse, legal aid, or the RCMP, and many other businesses, groups, organizations and community centres. The therapy dog program still has ambitions to grow the number of volunteers and to start placements in Stanton Territorial Hospital, the long-term care facility, and other healthcare facilities this year.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the successful relaunch of the reinvigorated therapy dog program. This program stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment of dedicated volunteers who generously provide invaluable services significantly enhancing the well-being of our community members. The dedication and compassion exhibited by both the volunteers and their cherished furry companions have undoubtedly brought immeasurable comfort and joy to countless individuals in our community. We wish you all the best for continued growth and keep those tails wagging. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member from the Deh Cho.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Before I begin, I would like to wish my number one supporter a very Happy Birthday, my husband Norman. He's at home. Happy Birthday, Norman.
Today I'd like to talk about how climate change is impacting our important infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, last year, three of the government's four territorial-run ferries caused service disruptions because of mechanical issues and the timing of territorial and federal inspections. The Merv Hardie Ferry was retired in Fort Providence in 2012. It could be time to consider bringing the ferry back into services and creating more jobs in the Deh Cho region.
Mr. Speaker, we need to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The last several years have seen more fires, floods, and fluctuating water levels than I can remember. When the Merv Hardie Ferry was retired, there was considerable discussion in this House about repurposing it, finding alternative uses for it elsewhere on the river. But, Mr. Speaker, those discussions did not lead to any concrete actions and now there is pressure on our transportation system due to climate change and aging infrastructure. Disruptive travel harms businesses and makes it more difficult for essential services to operate. I want to do something about this, the vulnerabilities we face with our current systems.
I would like to know what the plans are for the Merv Hardie Ferry moving forward. Is it salvageable? How much will it cost to repair? Mr. Speaker, breakup will happen in a few months. We need to ensure transportation runs smoothly. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker
Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we're coming to the end of a very long session. But it's been interesting to say the least. We've had some interesting discussions in this House, and we've had some interesting discussions in our committees as well. But oftentimes we forget the backbone of what allows us to do this work, and that's our staff and I'd like just to stand today and to recognize the hardworking staff both on with Cabinet, I'm sure, but certainly from our AOC side, from our committee side, all our committee clerks, and the staff that work behind the scenes to ensure that we get the information that we need to do the job that we do. And they do just an amazing job, Mr. Speaker. And I know I can't name them here in the House but certainly they know who they are, and I just want to say a big congrats to them and a thanks to them as we cue up and get ready for our next spring setting. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. And I couldn't echo your Member's statement any better.
Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
All right, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about the Scientists Act, including its regulations. Now, it isn't necessarily the most exciting topic for most people. Now even though we have millions of subscribers over social media, and the press may not even care about this story, I can tell you right now it is the foundation of some of the work we do in terms of respect and ability for Northerners to grow.
Mr. Speaker, we get people from all over the world coming here to study climate change, permafrost, flora, even Santa Claus is tuning in on this. Maybe that's Rudolph, Mr. Speaker; I don't know. Mr. Speaker, we get people from all over the place coming here. But the challenge here, I find, is there's minimal collaboration with our northern scientists or experts, Mr. Speaker. I would say it's ideas, concepts of regs and guidelines. It says collaboration at best? Nah, it doesn't even suggest that.
Mr. Speaker, where we're going wrong here is the fact that we're not working with our local talented scientists and experts in these fields. Mr. Speaker, our research is important. We need the money; we need the collaboration. Mr. Speaker, did I mention we need the money and the knowledge?
Mr. Speaker, with that money and knowledge, we can grow strengths of Northerners, skills, and even interest youth in the future.
You raised your hand? (audio) that's twice. That was a thumb, right?
Mr. Speaker, the important part here is I'm trying to talk about we have important information and work going on here in the North, but it's not being collaborated in a meaningful way. Mr. Speaker, when I talk about partnerships, I look to the guidelines, it doesn't really do anything other than creating general suggestions about working with people. Where I see is here, we've missed opportunities of sharing information, sharing areas of study, sharing areas of concerns that have previously been studied and we can work further on.
Mr. Speaker, what I'm getting down to is respect for our science community so we can do more. So when we have one group coming from who know where, Germany, whether the Netherlands, or other friendly nations of course, wanting to do work up North here, you know, they may be overlapping and we're missing the great opportunity of our talented people of being able to work together to get a common end and strengthen. Furthermore, the concepts and concerns outlined about IG, or Indigenous government collaboration, again, is thin at best.
Here is the opportunity as I summarize, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we must have expectations in the guidelines that they share the raw data in real time, Mr. Speaker. There must be collaborations with northern sciences and or experts in our fields, in our departments, Mr. Speaker. And finally, we must at this moment recognize the important work and then celebrate what our northern scientists do for our northern youth and our northern careers and our northern future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements.
Colleagues, this past weekend, February 28th to March 2nd, was a very busy weekend for me. As you are all aware, the King Charles III Coronation Medal presentation happened Friday evening with the Premier, Commissioner, Senator and MP and recipients that were in Yellowknife. I would like to recognize the people that were nominated from the Nahendeh Riding.
Nominated by the Premier: Deneze James Nakehk'o, Lucy Jane Simon, and Soham Srimani
Nominated by the Senator: Chief Kele Antoine, Gilbert Cazon, and our own Mary Jane Cazon
I would like to thank the Premier for allowing me the pleasure of handing out the medals to Lucy and Soham.
Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of attending the NWTAC interactive sessions, the AGM and the closing banquet and awards ceremony. Much to my surprise, the Nahendeh riding did well receiving three awards:
Margaret Ireland received the 2025 Community Service Award;
Sambaa K'e First Nation received the 2025 Community Builder Award; and
Jean Marie River received the 2025 Climate Change Resilience Award.
As well, a good friend of mine, Ms. Eleanor Young, won the Evelyn Krutko Mighty Warrior Award, and I was honored to see her get this award.
Colleagues, at both events, each presenter provided a speech and it was given to me, and I have attached them to the end of my statement, which I would like them deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.
Overcoming obstacles in life and working to understand his own trauma responses, Dëneze takes responsibility for his own wellness and carries with him good lessons that have allowed him to do what his people have done for so long - change the world, not because he wanted to, but because it was needed. Creating cultural connections, organizing for Idle No More, a journalist telling the stories of his people, Dëneze is making a difference in the lives of all northerners, especially the youth.
The Community Service Award recognizes an individual, an organization, or a business that has made a significant contribution to improving the well-being of an NWT Community and its residents.
It is with great pleasure that we present the 2025 Community Service Award to Margaret Ireland. Margaret is an elected Councillor and has worked for many years as the Resource Management Coordinator for Tthets’éhk’edélı First Nation (Tthets keh dahyli), or Jean Marie River First Nation.
Margaret Ireland is widely known for her long-standing commitment to her community. She has been a trailblazer in tackling climate change and supporting community-led research. Most of her career has focused on helping Jean Marie River First Nation build resilience to the effects of a changing climate.
Margaret first heard her community’s concerns about changes to the land as a teenager in the 1970s. In the early 2000s, when the Mackenzie Valley Gas Pipeline proposal was developing, Margaret advocated for the inclusion of Indigenous voices. She worked with Elders and researchers to complete a Traditional Knowledge baseline study. This was the start of a series of collaborations led by Margaret lasting over 20 years.
Under Margaret’s direction, the community has forged strong relationships with several research partners over the years. With their support, Margaret guided studies to identify how climate change was affecting the landscape, understand the implications for the community's wellbeing, and identify strategies for adaptation. Margaret always ensured the community leads these studies and that the results come back to the community. Community engagement and communication have been central features of all her initiatives.
Over the past three years, Margaret has collaborated with Wilfrid Laurier University researchers and a consultant to consolidate the learnings from an incredible two decades of climate work. She aims to harness this accumulated knowledge to inform the development of a climate change adaptation strategy for Jean Marie River First Nation.
Margaret continues to seek new partnerships that can support her vision to integrate climate change adaptation into the way community members care for each other and for the land. After leading the change on climate change for all these years, Margaret has determined that to meet the challenges ahead the community must build adaptation thinking and approaches into all the work they do. To mobilize this vision, she has launched an initiative to build leadership and climate change adaptation skills within Jean Marie River First Nation’s Chief and Council, and staff.
In addition to her tireless efforts on climate change, Margaret has continued to represent Jean Marie River First Nation on the Dehcho Health and Wellness Working Group, the Edéhzhíe Management Board, and the Dehcho Protected Areas Communities Working Group.
Congratulations Margaret! You are an inspiration for us all. Thank you for your long-standing service to Jean Marie River First Nation and the NWT.
Our next award is the Evelyn Krutko Mighty Warrior Award. This award embodies everything Evelyn Krutko stood for. Hard-working, honest, never giving up, a leader, strong and one that goes the extra mile.
The recipient of our next award truly does embody the intent of this award. Her life’s work has been a journey and a career marked by dedication, hard work, long hours and unwavering commitment. Her dedication was not just about putting the hours in. It was also her belief in the work she did for the people of the NWT. It was about understanding what decisions she made at her job and how it affected the NWT that made her stand out.
The recipient of this award has worked in the NWT since 1987, 15 of those years spent on the community level. She came to the north as a cooperative student placement in 1987 and returned to the North in 1988 to continue working on regional land use planning initiatives, particularly in the Beaufort Delta Region. Some of that early work formed the basis for the Community Conservation Plans adopted by each of the Inuvialuit communities. Moving to Ulukhaktok in 1990, she worked as the Housing Manager, and then as part of a community transfer initiative. She became the Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) with the Hamlet of Ulukhaktok. She also brought the local housing operations under the authority of community government council. She served a number of terms as President and Board member for the Association of Municipal Administrators (AMANWT). She worked briefly for the NWT Association of Communities and the Local Government Administrators of the Northwest Territories (formerly AMANWT) in 2003/2004 when she first left Ulukhaktok and before joining the GNWT.
The NWTAC has had the pleasure of working very closely with this lady as prior Deputy Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs for 5 years, and before that as Deputy Minister of Regional Operations. She joined Housing NWT as President and CEO May 17, 2021.
She has spent many years of her life attending the NWTAC meetings and has made many close friends along the way.
As she steps into her well-earned years of retirement, we look back on how she has made an impact on the NWT and our lives.
In your retirement we wish you well, and much happiness and much deserved time spent with your family and doing the things you love.
Thank you for your commitment to the NWT and the NWTAC over the years. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to award the 2025 Evelyn Krutko Mighty Warrior Award to Ms. Eleanor Young.
The Community Builder Award recognizes exemplary leadership and innovation in how the council or community government operates. We are pleased to present the 2025 Community Builder Award to Sambaa K’e First Nation.
For many years Sambaa K’e First Nation has been building partnerships and pioneering innovative approaches to protect the land and water, strengthen food security, spur economic development, and adapt to a changing climate. Here are a few examples of their efforts along this remarkable journey.
Back in 2010, they took a bold step forward by teaming up with various partners to assess their water resources and identify vulnerabilities. This was the beginning of a series of proactive initiatives that have truly made a difference. From crafting a community-based source water protection plan to improving their solid waste facility—which included removing a substantial amount of hazardous waste—they have shown us what it means to care for our environment. Today they continue to monitor local fisheries, habitats, and water quality as part of the AAROM program.
Years ago, the community made a firm commitment to building food security. As a fly-in community, there are very real challenges to access fresh produce. They created an agriculture development plan, partnered with experts, and integrated Dene protocols into their food-growing initiatives. Their efforts have blossomed into one of the largest community gardens in the Northwest Territories, complete with a greenhouse, a large growing field, and even a compost station. Youth are engaged in the garden program and produce is shared through the community store and cooking circles. Building on this success, SKFN is exploring innovative ways to grow food in firebreaks and preserve their harvest for year-round enjoyment.
In addition to food growing, SKFN has redoubled efforts to support intergenerational on-the land activities including youth and elder trapping programs and seasonal community harvesting initiatives. They restored an older culture camp facility, and now it is used for community programs including healing camps, youth activities, and on the land camps.
The community store is a good example of SKFN’s creative approach to solving challenges. Owned and operated by the First Nation’s development corporation, it’s run like a social enterprise, focusing on providing a service and positive impacts for the community. They have the power to choose what products to bring in and set fair prices. Profits are reinvested to ease the rising cost of living for everyone. It’s a creative and compassionate approach that reflects their commitment to community well-being.
Sambaa K’e has also been at the forefront of climate change adaptation initiatives. Through an innovative partnership with Ka’agee Tu First Nation and researchers from Wilfrid Laurier University, the communities came together to learn from each other and reflect on their work to date. This process culminated in adaptation plans, with priorities and strategies for each community. This kind of collaboration is what we need more of in the NWT.
SKFN is a long-standing leader in Indigenous-led conservation work. For years Samba K’e has been pursuing the establishment of a legally protected conservation area that aligns with their environmental and cultural values. This is not just about protecting the land; it’s about weaving Indigenous-led conservation into the very fabric of economic development and the wider Dene economy.
Congratulations to Sambaa K’e First Nation for your many accomplishments. Thank you for your unwavering service and dedication to building a brighter future for your community. Your hard work inspires us all, and we look forward to seeing what more you will accomplish in the years to come.
The GNWT Department of Environment and Climate Change sponsors the Climate Change Resilience Award to recognize the key role community governments play in building resilience and adapting to a changing climate. Communities in the NWT are on the front lines of climate change. Our communities are gaining momentum as they create plans and develop partnerships to chart a course for their futures in an increasingly uncertain environment.
The Climate Change Resilience Award recognizes leadership in climate change adaptation. This award honours a community that is taking a pro-active approach to the challenges caused by climate change and has strengthened community resilience through their actions. The award includes $5,000 to support on-going climate change adaptation work being completed by the recipient.
Our award winner is a great example of how communities can take a leading role in overcoming climate change challenges. Tthets’éhk’édélı̨ First Nation, also known as Jean Marie River First Nation, has demonstrated consistent leadership in climate change research and adaptation planning and action over many years demonstrates this vision and determination.
For more than two decades Jean Marie River First Nation has been studying and documenting the changing climate and its impacts on the land, the water, and the health and wellness of residents. Throughout these studies they have prioritized community engagement and involvement. At the same time, they have built strong and enduring partnerships with researchers from universities and other organizations. Jean Marie River First Nation has used an approach that combines traditional knowledge and western science to ensure that the steps they take to adapt help build resilience in ways that recognize and respect the culture and values of the community.
With direct and dramatic experience of flooding and wildfires in recent years, Jean Marie River continues to demonstrate commitment to learning and improving their preparedness and resilience. Amongst their many initiatives completed and ongoing, here are some highlights:
The community has led major studies to better understand the impacts of the changing climate and the risks these changes pose to health and wellness. They worked with researchers to conduct a permafrost vulnerability assessment and created a map of permafrost around the community. The results of this study were used to determine how permafrost thaw may impact vegetation, wildlife, and traditional practices, and ultimately the food security of community residents into the future.
These studies have led to more informed planning, and a host of other projects to tackle community concerns.
A community-based participatory planning process was used to consider all the climate risks and impacts as well as the community’s values and vision for the future. This process led to the creation of a community-wide adaptation plan and implementation framework.
Climate change has significantly increased the number and urgency of issues competing for community government time and resources. What Jean Marie River’s adaptation plan has done has really helped the community define and prioritize the climate impacts and the steps they want to take. Adaptation planning has also been helpful in finding funding to implement actions. Coming out of the adaptation plan several projects have happened including:
Improving the safety of those travelling on the land by developing best practices for travel that consider the uncertainty and additional risks due to climate change.
Integrating climate adaptation as a core practice across all community programs, services, operations, and governance. For example, job descriptions have been updated to include climate change responsibilities.
All these studies and implementation projects have featured extensive community engagement. A community-based Climate Change Working Group has been established and is currently leading a project.
Looking to the future, the community is doing succession planning, preparing for a younger generation to take on community government roles and keep the momentum going on climate change adaptation. This includes supporting trainees to participate in the Northern Leadership Development Program through Aurora College.
We encourage you to go talk to tonight’s winner about the incredible work they are doing to strengthen resilience in their community. The Department of Environment and Climate Change is proud to present the 2025 Climate Change Resilience Award to Jean Marie River First Nation. We congratulate them on their achievement and wish them continued success! Councillor Margaret Ireland please come forward and accept this award on behalf of Jean Marie River First Nation.
Sunday, I attended the NWT Speed Skating Championship to watch athletes from Fort Simpson participate. I am proud to say that the team from Fort Simpson was the second largest team at the competition. When I spoke to some of the athletes, they were very happy with their results, the organizers and coaches for a special weekend. I have attached the list of the athletes and coaches, and I would like them deemed as read and printed in the Hansards.
Congratulations to all these residents of the Nahendeh representing us proudly. Thank you very much.
Payton Bennett
Ember Sibbeston
Mia Hardisty- Atkins
Kaiya Williams-Snider
Wren Tsetso
Navalyn Okrainec-Burrill
Sarah Wright
Serena Hanna
Jayde Allen
Ray-Anne Erasmus
Avery Blyth
Hunter Cazon
Val Gendron
Ava Erasmus
Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife South.
