Mr. Speaker, the 18th Legislative Assembly has made it a priority to strengthen relationships with Northwest Territories Indigenous governments. We have focused on fostering government-to-government relationships and advancing, finalizing, and implementing land, resource, and self-government agreements. Together we have charted a vision for the economic future of the Northwest Territories, and we have come together to make the case for greater investment and decision-making in our territory.
Our government understands that strong relationships are built on the principles of respect, recognition, and shared responsibility. With this foundation, the Government of the Northwest Territories and NWT Indigenous governments can advance our shared goal of a strong and sustainable future. This includes concluding agreements in order to bring increased certainty to land and resource management in the Northwest Territories and economic opportunities for communities and regions.
In support of this strong and prosperous vision of the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to report that the Government of the Northwest Territories currently has nine signed intergovernmental memorandums of understanding with Indigenous governments, with the most recent signed on June 7th with the Deline Got'ine Government. This collaboration also takes place at the intergovernmental council, where we are working together to promote the harmonization of legislation, policy, and program areas of common interest related to lands and resource management.
Significant collaboration has occurred during the life of this Legislative Assembly, made possible through the Devolution Agreement and the willingness of the Government of the Northwest Territories and Indigenous governments to work together on a government-to-government basis.
Mr. Speaker, this type of collaboration and coordination on lands, resources, and water management is becoming standard operating process amongst our governments and identifying more "made-in-the-North" solutions. We have also made good progress in the finalization of land, resources, and self-government agreements. The Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells have reached a self-government agreement-in-principle. Significant progress has been made towards the conclusion of a consultation draft of the Inuvialuit Self-Government Final Agreement. We are also optimistic about the prospect of being able to conclude negotiations on a draft of a land, resource, and self-government agreement-in-principle with the Akaitcho Dene First Nations in the near future.
Meeting treaty obligations and honouring the spirit and intent of settled agreements is not only a legal obligation, but also an important part of our overall relationship with Indigenous governments. This work requires a shared commitment by all involved, and implementation committees are an important part of how we advance this work together.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories participates in five implementation committees that oversee the implementation of both land claims and self-government agreements.
Capturing the progress on implementation efforts helps advance future work and is the reason that Implementation Committees publish annual or comprehensive reports on their efforts. Later today, at the appropriate time, I will be tabling reports from the territory's five Implementation Committees. I am pleased to note that, for the first time ever, several of these reports have been translated and published in Indigenous languages. Language is an important part of the cultural identity, and I am hopeful to see this trend continue.
Implementing agreements in an evolving landscape of reconciliation and indigenous governance requires the Government of the Northwest Territories to be adaptable and open to change. This is the reason that the Government of the Northwest Territories is also working with its treaty partners on new and reasonable approaches to better support the implementation of the spirit and intent of previously signed agreements.
Experience has shown that we are stronger and more successful when we work together as partners, and this government remains committed to working with Canada and Indigenous governments throughout the negotiation and implementation of agreements.
Partnership and mutual respect has been the key to success for our territory and has resulted in positive outcomes. The foundation for working together has been nurtured and strengthened by the 18th Legislative Assembly, and this work will continue to advance shared territorial social, environmental, and economic priorities for years to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.
Mr. Speaker, on June 4th, I tabled the final report of the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in this House. The report, entitled "Reclaiming Power and Place," outlines the systemic causes of the violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people in this country. The inquiry's report also presents 231 recommendations as Calls for Justice.
The Calls for Justice cover many areas of public and private activity, including, among others, the justice system and police services, health and wellness programs, human security, and extractive industries. The Government of the Northwest Territories has now completed a high-level review of the report and prepared an initial response to the thematic areas presented in the Calls for Justice. I will be tabling this response later today, at the appropriate time.
In undertaking our review, we were mindful of the upcoming territorial election and conscious that a new government will be carrying this work forward. Once the new government is in place, a more in-depth analysis will be completed, with a view to better understanding the steps necessary to make the response meaningful and effect real change.
As the inquiry began, we recognized that this would be an ongoing project. When the inquiry concluded and the final report was released, we understood that it was not the end of the work, but just the beginning. This initial Government of the Northwest Territories response, called "Doing Our Part," is a signal of our jurisdiction's commitment to keep working, to continue the dialogue, and to keep paying attention to the stories of the families and survivors and to the Calls for Justice.
Mr. Speaker, this is a national issue and some of the solutions have to be national as well. We are encouraged by the Prime Minister of Canada's public announcement that they will be working on developing the National Action Plan called for in the Calls for Justice. We have communicated our jurisdiction's commitment to participate in this national discussion.
Working together on the implementation of the Calls for Justice not only creates the potential for sharing of resources but also builds upon the successes we have had to date. Working together also means bringing many perspectives to the table. To ensure a fair and equitable approach in how we work together with other jurisdictions, we also need to have a northern discussion on what a northern response will look like.
This discussion must include the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories, who have been strong partners during the inquiry. When they presented their final submission to the national inquiry, they chose to highlight four key areas that speak to acknowledgement, trust, the need for a person-centered approach, and accountability. The Government of the Northwest Territories supports their recommendations, and we are committed to working with them on these four areas.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage the Members of this House, and all residents, to review the final report, especially the Calls for Justice. It is one fundamental way to honour the courage of survivors and family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. To truly understand the impact of this trauma, we need to read the stories that were shared.
Because these stories can be painful to read, I encourage anyone who is triggered to call on the support services available. The number for the toll free national help line is 1-844-413-6649. You can also call Native Women's Association or community victim services coordinators.
I would like to end by saying, again, that violence is not okay. The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to addressing the systemic causes of violence so that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people are able to feel safe and empowered in our country and in our territory. Thank you. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of the 18th Legislative Assembly, our government committed to explore options for renewable and alternative energy sources and to improve our energy conservation efforts. The 2030 Energy Strategy was released in 2018 to provide a long-term vision for energy use and supply in the Northwest Territories. We began implementing the six strategic objectives outlined in the energy strategy last year through initiatives detailed in a three-year Energy Action Plan.
Today, Mr. Speaker, I will provide an update on our government's progress to advance the six objectives of the energy strategy, which will help build an energy system that contributes to the territory's economic, social, and environmental well-being while doing our part in the transition to a lower economy.
The first objective of the strategy is working together to find energy solutions through community engagement, participation, and empowerment. Our government, along with the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, has engaged with many communities on a range of energy projects.
One example is the partnership between the Tulita Land Corporation and Northwest Territories Power Corporation to support a 40-kilowatt solar panel project that will allow the own and operation by the community to reduce the use of diesel in the community. This project shows how communities can lead the way in creating local energy solutions.
Mr. Speaker, the Energy Strategy's second objective involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in diesel communities. After securing up to $30 million from the federal government, the Government of the Northwest Territories is in the final stages of the regulatory process for the Inuvik wind project, which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the NWT's largest diesel community.
We also secured $15 million in federal funding for a new and more effective generator in Sachs Harbour that will use less diesel and allow for the incorporation of wind power. This generator will be almost 20 percent more efficient than the old one and save about 50,000 liters per year of diesel. The Government of the Northwest Territories has also erected a wind-monitoring tower in Norman Wells and continues to collect wind data in Sachs Harbour and Snare Rapids. Yet another example is the Government of the Northwest Territories monitoring a water-gauge station at Gameti to assess the potential for a mini-hydro project in the community.
The energy strategy's third objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. This is a particular challenge in our northern environment. Our government is currently conducting energy-efficiency retrofits on a Marine Transportation Services tug through funding provided by the federal Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, or LCELF. This retrofit will reduce yearly greenhouse gas emission by over 800 tonnes or about 286,000 litres per year of diesel.
Mr. Speaker, the fourth and fifth objectives of the Energy Strategy involve increasing renewable energy used for community heating and increasing commercial building energy efficiency. The Government of the Northwest Territories secured over $7 million from the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund and contributed an additional $2 million over the next four years to provide the Arctic Energy Alliance with new funding to expand rebates, programs, and services. Combined, this additional investment will result in an ongoing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 2,000 tonnes per year.
Through LCELF funding, our government launched the buildings and industry stream of the greenhouse gas grant program this past spring, providing over $2.5 million a year for industry, businesses, and building owners to make energy-efficiency upgrades such as LED lighting and biomass heating.
The Energy Strategy's sixth and final objective is to have a long-term vision for the Northwest Territories' energy systems when developing our energy potential, addressing industry emissions, and doing our part to meet our national and international climate change objectives. Last year, we secured over $10 million from the federal government to upgrade the Snare Forks hydroelectric facility, which will reduce pressure on electricity rates. We also secured $2 million in federal funding to expand the Taltson Hydroelectric System, with a commitment in the 2019 federal budget for an additional $18 million over the next three years.
Connecting the North and South Slave electrical systems would allow the resource sector to access clean, affordable energy and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It would also help to stabilize the cost of living and of doing business in the Northwest Territories. Our government is currently examining the feasibility of transmission options crossing Great Slave Lake, and is working with our Indigenous partners to define the project structure, business case, and future field work.
Later today, Mr. Speaker, I will table the Government of the Northwest Territories' Energy Action Plan Update, which summarizes what we accomplished in 2018-2019 and describes in more detail energy initiatives planned for the next three years. I will also table the Energy Initiatives Report, which presents a high-level review of the Northwest Territories' current energy landscape, provides the Government of the Northwest Territories' energy expenditures and greenhouse gas reductions, and showcases many of last year's energy initiatives. Together, these documents demonstrate our innovative approach to developing energy systems that will grow and diversify our economy while reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Mr. Speaker, these successes demonstrate the Government of the Northwest Territories' ongoing efforts to maintain strong partnerships with the Government of Canada as we continue to work toward enabling the Northwest Territories to transition to a strong, healthy economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels. These investments set the stage to achieve the strategic objectives I outlined today and, in turn, meet our goals to transition the Northwest Territories to a lower carbon economy, and build an energy system that will provide a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy for the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker
Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to talk about the newest park that we have in the Northwest Territories, or the country, I guess. Thaidene Nene means the land of our ancestors. On August 20th, we flew from here to Yellowknife with a group of people from Parks Canada, from the federal government, and from the Government of the Northwest Territories to sign an agreement. I wasn't a signatory, but for the signature to be signed by the NWT Metis Government and NWT Metis Nation in Fort Resolution. It was a very beautiful event.
The people from the Metis Nation arrived in Fort Resolution from both Fort Smith and Hay River to show their support. The presidents were there. The president of the NWT Metis Nation was also there. It was quite an event. They had thanked the people in Lutselk'e who had been working on this file for many years, 50 years, actually. Apparently, the first indication that the government and the people of Lutselk'e wanted to see that area of our country protected was back in 1969. It was a nice event.
The following day, on August 21, 2019, we again flew from here with a group of people. We flew into Lutselk'e. People from the Deninu Ku'e First Nation, the chief, and some of his membership and some of his counsellors were also there to sign with the Lutselk'e First Nation, the Government of the Northwest Territories' represented by the honourable Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes, R.C. McLeod. Also, the federal government had Catherine McKenna there signing. She is the Minister of Environment, Minister responsible for Parks.
Again, it was a beautiful event. After we were coming back to Yellowknife, Minister McLeod and I were having a short discussion. He indicated to me, and I felt the same way. We had no idea of the huge significance of the Thaidene Nene and how hard they have worked it, how long they have worked for it until you are actually there to see all of the people and how happy people were, the cheering. We had a full house. Just about everyone in the community was there to wish the people well who were now going to be responsible for protecting that area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the most exciting opportunities for the future in the NWT is the development of a polytechnic university. I am proud that we are taking steps towards making this a reality.
Earlier this week, the Minister released the Strategic Framework for Post-Secondary Education in the NWT. In that framework, I was happy to see the next steps include a strategic plan for Aurora College and an implementation plan for its transformation plan into a polytechnic university. It recognizes that an effective, sustainable institution will remain the central pillar of our post-secondary system.
Mr. Speaker, the world is changing in many ways, and a polytechnic institution is what we need to keep up. It will provide many opportunities for northerners in the growth of a knowledge economy and the development of a capable and versatile northern labour force.
It will support partnerships with other northern institutions, and create a hub for the creation and exchange of ideas among governments, industry, NGOs, and academia. It will reflect our traditional knowledge to create culturally relevant, academic, and applied learning. This will support our growth in culture and language, Indigenous governance, and land-based learning. It will help the NWT take its place at the forefront of academic, circumpolar research, and innovation. It will provide opportunities for our youth in a variety of streams geared to the needs of the growing northern economy. It will foster a culture of creativity, create new approaches to societal challenges, and create a vibrant conversation across the territory.
A polytechnic university will have many benefits for communities throughout the NWT. As a Yellowknife MLA, I believe that Yellowknife has many of the unique conditions that would allow it to support a polytechnic institution. Yellowknife can support the critical mass of a faculty, research, investment in students that will make a polytechnic institution thrive. It has human and civil infrastructure. It is the centre of all levels of government, and much of our business and industry.
Mr. Speaker, the attention of the world is increasingly on its circumpolar regions. A polytechnic university will help move the NWT into a leadership position, providing the tools we need to meet many of the demands facing us as we move into the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Having a sound and stable fiscal strategy empowers our government to address new challenges while maintaining and improving programs and services delivery in a manner that produces positive outcomes.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories does an excellent job in promoting our diverse cultures, traditions, and natural resources. Strengthening working relationships with our northern stakeholders and federal counterparts is fundamental to better prepare a fiscal position in capturing and enhancing the opportunities that presents itself.
At the beginning of our term, we were faced with many challenges of realigning our fiscal position through making reductions and implementing revenue initiatives in order to be in a position to make investments as an Assembly. Upon our alignment of reductions and the red alert announcement, there was increased attention to the Arctic and, in particular, the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the Minister of Finance announced he will not be seeking re-election. Under his watch, designing and implementing a fiscal-balanced approach during this Assembly leaves me confident it was the right thing to do. Fiscal deliberations continued, mandate expenditures such as establishing an Ombud's office, and labour concessions. This continued fiscal strategy forged on concerns Northerners shared facing challenges, decisions that our fiscal strategic plan have worked as we have been able to make significant investments in programs and infrastructure during this Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, part of the results of these actions have been the development of this coming year's proposed capital plan that will invest $410 million in a variety of capacity-building initiatives and projects. This plan, and all the investments we have made during this Assembly, is something we all should be proud of. Mahsi Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. One of the most remarkable transformations to take place in the life of this Assembly is the approach to post-secondary education, in general, and Aurora College, in particular. Our mandate directed us to expand opportunities for post-secondary education, not to dismiss the Aurora College board, order a foundational review, and make plans to establish a polytechnic university, but that's what has happened and we are better off for it.
The government's decision to cut the college's budget started this transformation. It took weeks of questioning to understand that this was a government decision following a college recommendation. The evidence supporting the cuts shifted several times from the cost of delivery, to the small number of graduates, to the quality of the programs themselves. It's worth remembering the college decided to evaluate the social work program after the decision had been made to chop it. I look forward to the day when it will be reinstated to help meet the objectives of the Child and Family Services Plan introduced this week.
Mr. Speaker, the foundational review was a good idea poorly executed. The consultation was wholly inadequate and, as a result, some of the conclusions were questionable; but it did plant a seed that a polytechnic university is the publicly funded post-secondary institution we both need and want. I want to say that it's unfortunate that the foundational review has caused so much distress in Fort Smith in spite of the Minister's efforts to reassure the community about its continuing importance to post-secondary education.
Since the report came out, many people have taken a turn watering the polytechnic seed, including the City of Yellowknife with its own study of the economic benefits of having a college here in the capital. Meanwhile the department has been busy with the strategic framework tabled this week, setting up an advisory council and preparing for a strategic plan.
Mr. Speaker, this week we passed the Post-Secondary Education Act. This is a solid achievement for everyone who wants to live and learn in the Northwest Territories. It sets us up to establish quality institutions offering transferable credits, and provide for the educated workforce we need now and into the future. It is the foundation of the knowledge economy that we want to continue to develop. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. If anyone had told me all this good would come from all the disruptive and apparently arbitrary decisions made two-and-a-half years ago, I would have had trouble believing it. My hope is that the 19th Assembly will continue on the course now set for a promising future. Mahsi.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. Yesterday was a great day for the people of Lutselk'e, safeguarding our natural legacy for all NWT citizens, and development of the conservation economy. Leaders of the Governments of Canada, the Northwest Territories, and the Lutselk'e Dene First Nation officially signed the establishment agreements for the 26,000-square-kilometre protected area now formally known as Thaidene Nene. Mahsi cho for this important work.
This success came at the end of a long road that began in 1970, when land was set aside, and it was reignited in 2000, with the opening of negotiations towards the creation of a federal national park reserve. In 2004, the Lutselk'e Dene formally approved the boundary, vision, and name for Thaidene Nene, which means "Land of the Ancestors." Post-devolution, negotiations began to include the GNWT, leading to the agreements yesterday.
Continuing operation and management of Thaidene Nene will be through a consensus board shared by the Lutselk'e Dene and public government representatives. Industrial development is not permitted in the area. Infrastructure corridors may be allowed in the 9,000-square-kilometre territorial protected area, but they will require a rigorous process, including public comment and written reasons. A visitor, operations, and heritage centre will be built in Lutselk'e, creating initial direct employment estimated at 18 positions, including eight full-time jobs.
A regional management body including all Akaitcho communities, the Metis Nation, and federal and NWT governments must be set up, providing high-level collaboration on strategic and cooperative issues. In order to achieve the actual protection, the GNWT must now move swiftly to create the required regulations under the Protected Areas Act.
Then there is the money, Mr. Speaker. Canada will invest $40 million towards infrastructure national park reserve operations in the first 12 years, and $3.4 million annually for operations thereafter. Canada has even committed to invest $7.9 million towards the establishment and operation of the GNWT portion of Thaidene Nene. I haven't seen any firm commitments on investment from our government, not even a news release or a Minister's statement announcing this major event. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Merci, Monsieur le President. It's not clear whether there is a territorial vision for protected areas and the conservation economy. Are protected areas going to be paper exercises, or is this government ready to embrace the opportunity to diversify our economy with commensurate investments? I'll have questions for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For seniors and elders, aging in place means having the health, social support, and services needed to live safely and independently in one's home or community for as long as one wishes and is able. There are many benefits for seniors and elders who are able to remain in their home and community as they grow older that helps them maintain as much independence as possible. They can continue to enjoy familiar settings and routines. As well, they can benefit from the friendships and relationships built over the years they have lived in their communities.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday both the Minister of Health and Social Services and the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation talked about the work their departments are doing to help seniors age in place. This work is vital to the health and well-being of our seniors. As the Minister of Health pointed out, our seniors and elders will make up over 20 percent of our territorial population by 2035. We need to put the right supports in place now so we're ready to support our aging population.
I am pleased to see the "What We Heard Report on Continuing Care Facility Legislation" tabled yesterday by the Minister of Health. I support the idea of the legislation 100 percent, and I look forward to having the opportunity to review this report in detail. Many of our elders and seniors, especially those who are very aged or infirm, are among our most vulnerable citizens. We have legislation in place to protect the interests of our children, and I have long believed that we need have the same kind of protection for seniors. The sad fact is that some of the most elderly members of the population suffer financial, physical, and emotional abuse at the hands of family members and relatives. We need to ensure that they are able to access care and support to ensure that they are able to enjoy their senior years comfortably and free from worry.
I believe that members of our elderly population are entitled to a level of care that is set out in legislation, which is designed to have their best interests at heart. As I mentioned in my reply to the Commissioner's opening address, I feel strongly that this legislation should mandate seniors and elders advocate positions in each regional centre. They would be people who seniors could go to for help accessing programs. They would be the eyes and ears for the elders, making sure that they know what supports are available to them and helping them access these programs, especially their family.
I am hopeful that people in Nahendeh will return me to the 19th Assembly, and I will continue to look forward to having input into the continuing care legislation to ensure that the NWT's seniors are served by a seniors and elders advocate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The GNWT has government services officers, or GSOs, working in 22 single-window service centres across the Northwest Territories. These GSOs help people in the smaller communities by helping them to access government programs and services and by putting them in touch with the right people to answer their questions or help them with their problems. I fully support this program, Mr. Speaker, which helps make the GNWT more accessible for my constituents and other communities in the NWT.
In March of 2017 the Premier announced a joint 12-month service delivery pilot project in Fort Providence, Fort Liard, and Tuktoyaktuk. Government service officers in these communities were trained to provide in-person services on behalf of Service Canada, the federal government's single-window service centre, in addition to their duties for the Government of the Northwest Territories. The government service officers were trained to help residents with applications for six federal programs; Apprenticeship Grants, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Guaranteed Income Supplements, Old Age Security, and the Wage Earner Protection Program. Fifteen single-window service centres have now expanded their services to help deliver these federal programs and services.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I am hearing about the frustration that GSOs are experiencing with respect to providing access to the federal programs and services. They are having difficulty with the federal government's computer system. I am hearing that the system shuts down a lot, freezes, and that, even when it is up and running, it is slow to access. Considering that these are GNWT employees, I am wondering if it might not be better to have them stick to helping the people with GNWT programs and services. A lot of time and effort has gone into providing training to our GSOs, and would hate to see anyone leave their jobs because they are frustrated with the federal government's outdated software. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our GSOs have been providing all these programs, federal programs, prior to having to just log into the software, and that's where the issue is. I'll have questions for the Premier later today. Thank you.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.
[Translation] I want to talk in Slavey, my language. It's pretty hard for me to speak it, but it's my language. I want to know that it's good to speak my language if I have to. Many times, I have been in meetings, and we will talk about our government, talk about our leaders, and an elder said that: whoever is the boss of this land, who you call the boss of the land, is he looking after all the land? How come you guys, we don't see them very often? If we speak in Slavey, in our language, we say that we're looking at the land, the boss of the land. All the time, we look at the government that way. When we say something is the boss, he's looking after something. Many times, if you're looking after the House, it's looking at people who are giving you money. In our language, that's how it is. We as Dene people, we should look at saying our own boss, us, we being our own boss; but in the community, the moms, the dads, the elders, all those are the bosses of the community. If you look in the past, whoever is the oldest, the elder, that's the one you talk to.
In the community, the band council, the Metis, the government, you look at this self-government. The council, you look at that, too. Many times they work together. We call them regions. Look at the Deh Cho region, for example. There are about seven communities working together. Over here in the Northwest Territories, we look at this. If we look at who's the boss, they all talk the same language, and when you're the boss for the Dene people, it's you who is the boss. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Translation ends.]
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to speak on the subject of tax incentives. Tax incentives are an effective way to stimulate and encourage certain types of economic behaviour for both the private sector and households alike. In the NWT, we have, on average, a 97-percent tax filing rate for residents, which means that any changes to the tax code will directly affect almost all Northerners, and if we do it right, tax breaks will put more money into the pockets of Northerners.
We, as a territory, need to address the deficiency of investment capital flowing into the jurisdiction, among other issues, if we are to reverse the down ward economic growth that still grips our territory. Appropriately targeted tax credits, if implemented by the next Assembly, can lay the foundation for a prosperous upturn in our economy.
Incentivizing research and development would encourage research institutions to invest and spend here in the NWT, giving the territory useful and long-lasting relationships with educational institutions from all around the world, in turn stimulating made-in-the-North innovations.
Increasing our competitiveness would bring in countless secondary and tertiary effects into our economy, allowing the NWT to stand its own against larger southern jurisdictions. It is expensive to live in the North, and employers will tell you that it can be frighteningly expensive to retain skilled employees.
Properly targeted tax incentives can help alleviate this burden, which, in turn, will pump more money into the local economy, in a way of reinvesting tax dollars into our communities.
Appropriately targeted tax credits can work to benefit investment, family finances, innovation, economic growth, and societal behavioural shifts. We are at a precipice. We, and the next Assembly, must take swift and concrete action to address our shrinking economy; otherwise, we risk seeing further cuts to services, a shrinking population, and an ever-growing higher cost of living, all of which needs to be urgently addressed by the future government.
Mr. Speaker, these issues I raise today in our penultimate session because I have been raising them for a long time, and it doesn't seem like the approach of the GNWT has been to pursue tax credits as a way to incentivize behaviour and to move things along in our economy. It needs to be done. We need to take a different approach, because what we are doing just isn't working. Thank you.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about the long-awaited Arctic Policy Framework that the federal government has been working on for the last two-and-a-half years and should be unveiling any time now.
Mr. Speaker, it has been 10 years since the federal government released its first Arctic Policy Framework, so Canada is long overdue for an updated set of policy directives regarding our Arctic region. I think it is worth noting that among the many differences between our pending framework and last decade's framework is the fact that, this time around, our federal government seems to be much more hands-on in terms of engaging and consulting with Northerners. This time around, Mr. Speaker, I see the feds have reached out not only to territorial governments, but to Indigenous governments, civil society, industry leaders, and the average citizens, as well.
As we wait for the official announcement of this policy framework, I would like to share some of the key points of interest that I personally hope to see in the federal plan. Most of these ideas have already been talked about throughout various draft documents that the Government of the Northwest Territories has published from engagement sessions with stakeholders.
I hope to see a section of the framework address some of the many social issues that Northerners regularly experience, such as food insecurity, housing inadequacy and homelessness, high rates of suicide, and large gaps in education and general health outcomes.
In terms of infrastructure, I hope to see more details on how and when the feds intend to provide high-speed Internet to all Arctic communities, along with ideas on how communities can improve access to affordable and sustainable energy options. I also hope that the framework will provide support options for helping northern businesses grow and retain their wealth within the Arctic while simultaneously helping to foster stronger economic ties with southern Canada.
I encourage our Premier to advocate up to the very last minute of this Assembly on the Arctic Policy Framework. I could go on, as there are many common issues that exist all throughout the Arctic communities and in Canada. I don't know exactly what will be included in the final policy framework, but, Mr. Speaker, looking forward, I hope that all levels of government work together to improve the quality of life in the Northwest Territories and our neighbours around the Arctic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Colleagues, [Translation] I would like to welcome Nora Doig to the hall, and also the chief of Detah, Chief Eddie Sangris. I would like to welcome them. [Translation ends] Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and welcome Rylund Johnson. Rylund is a Yellowknife North constituent and will be a fellow candidate in the upcoming election. Welcome. I also want to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, like you, to welcome friend and chief of Yellowknives Dene and re-elected, I believe, for a fourth term, Chief Ed Sangris. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to take a moment to recognize some visitors in the gallery, Ms. Yvonne Hopkins and Amanda Baton, with the Northwest Territories Native Women's Association; also, Yolanda Chapman, who is with Intergovernmental Affairs; and my one and only power woman, the Minister's advisor for women issues, Ms. Elizabeth, commonly known as Sabet, Biscaye. She rocks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Chief Edward Sangris of the YK Dene First Nations, and I would like to also recognize Pascal Erasmus, who has been my constituency assistant for the last year. Thank you.
