Mr. Speaker, June 3rd marks the twoyear anniversary of the release of the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and its demand for a world where First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families can raise their children in an environment that offers the same level of safety, security, and human rights as nonIndigenous families.
To mark this date, I will be tabling the first annual report addressing the government's actions to respond to the calls for justice.
Mr. Speaker, following the release of the final report by the national inquiry, the GNWT committed to review and analyze the 231 calls for justice and assess the current programs and services they offer. In the past 18 months, we have conducted a careful and thorough review of existing programs and services, and we are currently finalizing the details to carry out preliminary engagement with key stakeholders and partners in advance of the development of the GNWT's action plan to respond to the calls for justice.
While we work towards developing a comprehensive response to the calls for justice scheduled for release in the fall of 2021, the annual report I am tabling later today describes some of the steps already being taken by the GNWT to begin to address these actions that are called for in the calls for justice.
Some of these actions include: increased core funding to the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories and the Northwest Territories Status of Women Council; the establishment of a new gender equity division in the GNWT to expand the work of the women's advisory unit to address gender equity, genderbased violence, family violence, and women's economic empowerment; the creation of a gender equity grant program to complement the women's initiatives grant program, to enhance gender equity across the Northwest Territories; and provide support to communitybased projects that benefit people of all genders; and, the development and implementation of the Indigenous cultural awareness and sensitivity training program which is mandatory for all GNWT employees and is available to the public free of charge.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT has also been collaborating with the Government of Canada, provinces and territories, by providing input into the development of a national action plan on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, as well as on a national action plan to address genderbased violence.
A number of announcements and events commemorating this day will taking place across Canada today, including the release of a national action plan. The level of interest and participation by provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous governments, and Indigenous organizations and communities shows that the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls will not be allowed to gather dust on a shelf. The GNWT commits to, and looks forward to, collaborating on the implementation of the national action plan.
Mr. Speaker, here in the Northwest Territories, we continue to have the second highest rates of violence against women in the country. This violence has, sadly, become normalized in our communities and it often leaves victims and their families to suffer in silence. This is a reality we are not proud of. It is one we have a moral obligation to work to change.
I had the privilege of attending the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and I heard stories of families and survivors from the Northwest Territories who experienced the tragedy of a missing or murdered love one.
At the hearings, many families and survivors not only bravely shared their truths about the loss of their loved ones but also presented recommendations on what they felt could be done so that others do not have to endure through the same pain they endured. It took immense courage to share their stories. We have a duty to honour that by doing all we can, individually and collectively, to create a society where all Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people feel safe, respected, and have equal access to a quality of life.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to acknowledge and remember these women and girls and their families. Survivors and families deserve not only our respect but also our help, and the Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to support them in their healing journey. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Minsters' statements. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker, five years ago the Government of the Northwest Territories took responsibility for the tugs, barges and marine facilities that have served our communities for decades. Since then, Marine Transportation Services, also known as MTS, has evolved and improved and provides reliable and professional marine shipping service while supporting the Northwest Territories' economy and workforce development.
In 2020, MTS delivered more than 6300 tons of cargo and 28 million litres of fuel to the communities on Great Slave Lake, the Mackenzie River, the Beaufort Delta, and the Arctic Coast. Millions of litres of fuel were delivered to 20 coastal north warning radar systems on behalf of the Department of National Defence.
Mr. Speaker, planning for the 2021 sailing season, our fifth season, is on schedule. The first barges are expected to depart Hay River in mid June. This is the first of 16 tows scheduled for the season. With a robust COVID19 mitigation plan in place to protect our communities, residents can ship and receive their cargo safely. Thanks to funding provided by Canada, four new doublehulled barges joined the MTS fleet late last year. These barges will be in service this season, carrying deck cargo and petroleum products to our communities and customers.
For the past two summers, adventurous teenagers from Ndilo, Dettah, Lutselk'e and Yellowknife have joined a unique research expedition to help scientists conduct a bathymetric study of Great Slave Lake, the deepest of any lake in North America, and to install moorings in Christie Bay. These young people worked with researchers using cuttingedge technology and shared traditional knowledge of the water they grew up on. They shadowed the captain and the crew of the vessel, learning about exciting and fulfilling career paths they might never have otherwise considered.
This collaboration between young Northerners and worldclass scientists took place on the MV Nahidik. The MTS vessel is leased to the Arctic Research Foundation, a nongovernment organization that collaborates with northern and Indigenous communities to support scientific research in the North.
I had an opportunity to visit the vessel and meet some of the students when it docked at the end of last season. I toured the vessel, was given a demonstration of some of the equipment they used, and most importantly met some of the students who had just completed this exciting expedition. Our association with the Aurora Arctic Research Foundation supports infrastructure projects and northern youth, and by advancing northern science we may better understand the effect of climate change on northern waters.
MTS also supports the Canadian Coast Guard's navigational aid program in NWT waters, performing annual inspections, overhaul, repair and maintenance to the Canadian Coast Guard's vessels Dumit, Eckaloo, and the GNWT Hay River shipyard. This essential program places and maintains buoys and range markers each year, facilitating the safe passage of commercial marine traffic on the Mackenzie River and the Great Slave Lake.
Through the Marine Training Centre and with the support of Transportation Canada, our partnership with the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium supports marinerelated education and training in the Northwest Territories creating longterm and fulfilling employment opportunities for NWT residents.
Mr. Speaker, through MTS, the GNWT will continue to pursue opportunities with public and private stakeholders, and our hardworking MTS crew will continue to deliver essential supplies to our communities. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Minsters' statements. Minister responsible for Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, like all of us here today, I recognize the importance and value education and its role in creating longterm success for our residents and our territory. I am pleased to say the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, through its apprentice program, also reflects this value while also working hard to improve housing for many Northwest Territories residents.
It is important to highlight providing opportunities like the apprenticeship program does not happen without collaboration. The NWT Housing Corporation works with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment on this initiative, providing an opportunity to highlight successes that can be achieved.
Mr. Speaker, the NWT Housing Corporation aims to hire 12 apprenticeship positions to work with the local housing organizations across the NWT. These apprentices are obtaining valuable classroom training while also being mentored by certified trades professionals. These apprentices are already making valuable contributions to the people of the NWT. They are working diligently to learn and build up their skills.
In addition to supporting apprenticeships, assignments at the local housing authority organizations, the corporation is also asking general contractors bidding on new housing contracts to support at least one apprenticeship over the lifetime of that project. From April 2020 to May 2021, this approach has already supported 13 apprentices working on a variety of construction projects throughout the Northwest Territories.
I am a firm believer in the work these apprentices do and I have seen the impact of their work firsthand in many small communities across our territory.
Being an apprentice is often one of the first steps in a lifetime of work in the trades. Since 2007, 19 apprentices that have worked with local housing organizations are now journey certified. This includes a plumber in Behchoko, an oil burner mechanic in Deline, a carpenter in Fort Smith, and a housing maintenance serviceperson in Paulatuk.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the role the Housing Corporation has played in the careers of these journeypersons. I want to see more of this important work, I am pleased to note that under the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation fouryear business plan, we intend to increase the number of Northwest Territories journeycertified apprentices by ten through the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation continued partnerships with ECE, our general contractors and others.
I look forward to coming back to the House and providing an update on the apprenticeship program to further highlight the successes of this program. I am confident that we will continue to increase the number of certified apprentices and celebrate the skilled tradespersons of the Northwest Territories. I also want to thank the staff in the local housing authorities and associations of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation who have worked diligently to develop and insure the certification is acquired and the maintenance of these programs to further extend the lifetime of our public housing units. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to discuss pandemic anxiety. Mr. Speaker, I have been receiving numerous calls from constituents who are feeling overwhelmed by the pandemic, are tired of selfisolation, tired of the relaxation of public health orders that appear to benefit others but not them, those that are in extended care that are feeling isolated and alone, grandparents and children and grandchildren feeling the anxiety of not being able to visit family outside the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, anxiety, tension, apprehension, concern, fear, change and hope are all aspects of this pandemic that need to be recognized and dealt with in a manner that allows one to continue on with living. It is difficult when one finds that what was once predictable is not any more, what was once controllable by each of us is not any more; and, what is important and accessible to each of us is just out of reach now.
Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of this pandemic, fear set in and most of the world agreed action had to be taken as people were being hospitalized and dying. Our CPHO and this government took swift action by limiting travel in the NWT and providing public health orders that were there to protect us all, and we praised her for that.
Mr. Speaker, now Northerners watch the news and hear that southern Canada is planning to loosen restrictions and provide more freedoms. Sentiment is now changing on how our CPHO and government is handling this phase of the pandemic. Many of our residents, who have been vigilant throughout, want to see further relaxation of restrictions. The people in the northern part of the NWT now have access to the Yukon while people in the southern NWT, who have done their part and who are fully vaccinated, continue to feel the impact of the restrictions and want to know why not us?
Mr. Speaker, we are at a moment in time where we have to look at our legislation and ask if we are reaching a point where we may be subjecting this government to potential court challenges now that a vaccine is available, data is available, and the majority of people are conscious of safety protocols.
Relevant wording we have to look at in the Public Health Act states that a public health emergency means the occurrence of imminent threat or a public health hazard or disease that presents a significant risk to the public health. It further states that the public health officer may take reasonable measures as he or she considers necessary.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The questions this government has to ask are based on the fact that a majority of people in Canada and the NWT are vaccinated and restrictions in many parts of southern Canada are being lifted. These two questions are:
Do COVID19 and known variants pose a significant risk? Do the orders continue to provide reasonable measures based on the current risk? Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. On March 4th, 2021 during the review of the ITI main estimates, I asked questions about the core funding received by the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines. The ITI deputy minister said “we meet with the Chamber every two weeks in a working group. We are working on our competitiveness. We are looking at actions. They are contributing to the critical metals action plan. There is a lot of good work.”
This got me thinking. What could the Chamber of Mines and ITI senior staff possibly be talking about that requires meetings every couple of weeks? I'm not aware of any other economic sector that has that kind of privileged access to this department. So I filed an Access to Information request to find out what was happening.
What I got back appears to be an incomplete set of GNWTChamber of Mines COVID19 recovery working group meeting summaries with numerous redactions that I tabled in the House yesterday. I encourage all of my colleagues, the media, and the public to review these meeting summaries. What was supposed to be a working group focused on economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID pandemic has transitioned into a highlevel bimonthly lobbying campaign behind closed doors.
Notes reveal ITI taking actions well beyond economic recovery, or COVID. The economic and financial interests of the mining industry appear to be driving actions by ITI. Regular MLAs don't get this kind of access.
Working group members have been reviewing and editing ministerial correspondence, including letters to comanagement boards, reviewing and changing work contracted through public procurement processes, and pushing for land withdrawals that support land rights' negotiations to be lifted or stopped. Political advice in dealing with the federal government is freely shared and exchanged. Efforts are being coordinated on a federal minerals plan with GNWT pushing to have diamonds and arsenic considered critical. Nothing seems to be off limits in these lobbying meetings.
This is not about whether mining is good or criticism of the Chamber of Mines. The chamber does a very good job representing its interest. However, these interests are not the same as the public interest. This is about the appropriateness of these meetings, held behind closed doors, that have expanded well beyond economic recovery. I will have questions later today for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, call me biased but I believe the community of Great Slave is lucky to have some of the most beautiful spots in all of Yellowknife. Residents of Great Slave enjoy an abundance of nature at our doorstep. Tin Can Hill, Rotary Park, and the former Con Mine site are all great places to walk your dog, launch your canoe, go skiing, or just allow nature's beauty to soothe your soul.
Over the past few months, I have been trying to get information on what is happening at the former mine site and, specifically, at the dock. I've approached different levels of government, as well as different departments, and from what I've been able to ascertain is that there will be no building developments happening on the mine site proper in the short term. However, there appears to be a lot of interest in what is going on at the end of Robertson Drive; in particular, by the Department of ITI as part of their Great Slave fisheries revitalization program.
Once the snow had melted, I visited the dock to see what my constituents had been contacting me about. The dock is badly in need of repair and ongoing maintenance. Rebar tieoffs are twisted, sinkholes are forming, and sediment is eroding into the lake, something that could lead to environmental damage. The approach down to the dock is steep and rutted, also showing signs of sediment migration into the lake.
It is clear that the dock is routinely used by the public as a boat launch, for my constituents accessing their houseboats, and as an entry point onto the lake for recreational enjoyment yearround.
If plans are being made to change this site, it's imperative that area residents be given a say and their needs be incorporated into any design. Will there be energized stalls and parking available for the houseboaters? Will the dock be widened and commerce areas set up for farmers markets or the like? Will there be areas for picnicking or trails established? What I'm really getting at, Mr. Speaker, is will the public be able to continue to utilize and enjoy this area unfettered and will the final design meet their needs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, graduation's across the territory and my communities in Nunakput. With the end of the school year approaching I would like to extend congratulations to Nunakput's class of 2021 graduates in our communities. I'd also like to give a special thanks to the teachers and the school staff and our local DEAs, family members, and other role models in our communities who assist our youth to succeed and achieve their goals.
Graduating is a monumental achievement and dedication to study and perseverance in graduation in the North. This year is a bigger deal because we had to deal with so much in our small communities, such as COVID19. Through the pandemic, they had such a to go through quite the process. But they did it.
Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk has seven graduates this year: Cassandra Kuptana, Brennan Wolki,, Savannah Beaulieu, Janelle Pokiak, Medric Lavallee, Natasha Ross, and my daughter Mikayla Jacobson. I'm really proud today, in regards to that. She did it.
Applause
Yeah, my daughter, she's really special to me, because that's my youngest daughter. Now I only got one more to go.
Laughter
He's eight years old but I got a few more years.
Mr. Speaker, in Ulukhaktok at Helen Kalvak Elihakvik School in Ulu, we have one graduate, Tyrell Kuptana. His graduation ceremony will be held on June 11th.
Angik School in Paulatuk is celebrating their graduation. We would like to congratulate Figgues Krengnektak, Grace Nakimayak, Shannon Green, and Jorgan Ruben.
Graduation is a significant milestone in a young person's life and it marks their entire entry into the adult world to pursue bigger dreams and pursuing trades, move to postsecondary education and entering the workforce. The sky's the limit, Mr. Speaker.
Our grads represent the future leaders in our communities and address the complex challenges we face as a territory. To all graduates across the territory, we are all very proud of you and we wish you the best in your future endeavors. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.
Mr. Speaker, I've spoken several times about the importance of what the Taltson Hydro Expansion represents for the future of the NWT. I speak passionately and frequently about this issue for a number of reasons. Primarily, it is a great opportunity for the NWT economy and all people of the NWT. This project is of great importance because it will bring the NWT into a prime state of development for the future growth of the diamond industry, mineral industry, nonrenewable and renewable industry, and is a green energy project at the highest level.
Mr. Speaker, in the eyes of some, this project is either considered too big or not good enough to address our territory's needs. Well, that all depends on which needs we're addressing first. For me, my focus is the economy and helping people to better themselves and not just to survive, but to thrive. Right now businesses are hurting which means that people are hurting. I want to see people with stable jobs, a steady income, and that people are fed and housed appropriately. However, in order to achieve those things, we need to have a strong economic base with a variety of jobs available for people to work.
Mr. Speaker, I know the Taltson Expansion has the potential to spur further economic growth for the people of the NWT. I'm confident that this project can and will create spinoff industries within the NWT. Let's also address the elephant in the room. This project is crucial if the NWT has any intention to advance any future mining exploration projects. We all know the cost of living is going up every year for everything we buy but so is the cost of doing business in the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, we need to start creating the right conditions to attract and retain business and investments in the NWT once again. Our economy is on life support right now and is in dire need of a kick start. For example, in January, Statistics Canada published a report on economic activity in Canada for 2020, which found out that NWT experienced a decline of economic activity by 12 percent in 2020. Moreover, another recent Stats Canada report from last month states that the NWT experienced the highest decline in gross domestic product of any jurisdiction in Canada for 2020. In total, GDP fell by 10.4 percent in the NWT for 2020, amounting to the most severe economic decline for the NWT in 40 years.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, as our territory and country moves toward an economic recovery in the postpandemic world, our government needs to seize this moment and secure permanent funding for the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project. The federal government has been investing hundreds of millions of dollars in programs, services, and in key economic sectors hardest hit by the pandemic. This is a ripe time to work with the levels of government to finally get this project off the ground with permanent funding.
In times of economic decline, we must think big and long term, and the Taltson Hydro Expansion must be included with that discussion. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Applause
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Mr. Speaker, given the GNWT's strategic potential to the rest of Canada, our infrastructure deficit is truly shocking. We sit on top of some of the country's most valuable resources, but many can barely put food on the table, and our assets from roads to ports to community social infrastructure, do not reflect the needs of the 21st century economy or of the quality of life we aspire to.
In this House, one of the infrastructure deficits we speak of the most is housing. Housing needs bold leadership as it struggles between affording its legacy while figuring out how to pay for its future. Declining CMHC contributions make the government's need for real action imperative. By 2038, CMHC's contribution to the operations of public housing will be zero, and the value of today's GNWT contribution to the Housing Corporation will barely cover the operations and maintenance of NWT public housing, let alone fund new housing stock in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, the world is in the crosshairs of crisis pandemic crisis, mental health crisis, and climate crisis. We need to transition to greater resilience in our economic systems, social institutions, modern wellness practices, and industrial technologies. The transition we face is a trillion dollar economic opportunity for northern and Indigenous businesses or a relapse to obsolete ways of solving problems. In short, Mr. Speaker, we are at a point of transformative opportunity.
The federal government is doing its first nationwide infrastructure assessment called Building the Canada we Want in 2050. The national engagement sets out three main priorities: assessing Canada's infrastructure needs and establishing a long term vision, improving coordination among infrastructure owners and funders, and determining the best ways to fund and finance infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker, there isn't only a potential to, again, signal desperate need for housing infrastructure; it is an opportunity to transform the definition of nation building infrastructure to include forwardlooking social infrastructure that the North needs. This includes public transit, high speed broadband, freedom from diesel dependancy using clean energy to power homes and businesses, waste management, child care, community, cultural, and recreational centres that build more inclusive and liveable communities, and housing that supports and empower a meaningful life.
This is an opportunity for stable, predictable, longterm infrastructure investments that train people in 21st century skills, create jobs, grow the economy, and build cleaner, more equitable inclusive communities.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like the Yellowknife department of motor vehicles to be open a few extra hours a week on either evenings or weekends. I believe this would make life a little easier for those who can't get time off to make an appointment.
Mr. Speaker, I brought this up in this House before. I made statements and questions. I made statements to two different Infrastructure Ministers through two different deputy ministers. Let's see if today is the day.
Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, two of the communities from the Nahendeh Region are hurting right now. Our people are heartbroken and displaced, and many have lost everything they own. While we are dealing with the flood, I was amazed and awed of the residents and businesses inside and outside of our two communities who made donations of funding, food and services, cleaning supplies, and clothing during this difficult time.
Mr. Speaker, this is my way of reaching out to those who helped us in their own way. I want to tell you how much we appreciate your kindness and willingness to come to our aide, so please accept this Member's statement from all of us in these two communities as I say "thank you”.
Mr. Speaker, I am going to try to keep my thank you short. There will be appendixes in the statement which I would like to have deemed as read.
On Sunday, May 9th, I received a call from a friend in Yellowknife saying that he had spoke to Walmart and Walmart Canada, both Independent grocery stores (Rochi and Glen), YK Motors, Shoppers Drug Mart and Northern Food Services. Working with a logistics coordinator, there were four planes of food and water during the flood period. The two airlines, Air Tindi and Buffalo, helped get the food and supplies to Fort Simpson.
The Gwich'in Tribal Council purchased four brand new 14cubic foot freezers and stocked them with meat supplies for the residents of Jean Marie and a similar amount to the community of Fort Simpson. The community of Deline had a fishing derby and shipped the caught fish to Fort Simpson for the residents of Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River to enjoy. As well, they provided two deep freezers, tarps and four coolers.
We had over 800 pounds of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pepsi and chips shipped to Fort Simpson. Talk about lifting the spirits of the community. 101 buckets of chicken fed over 300 families.
We saw groups, such as the Jean Marie River support group and the Fort Simpson support group formed to hold auctions to help raise funds. Thanks to the businesses and individuals who donated products to bid on. There was GoFundMe page that was also set up. We saw an anonymous donor donate 55,000 pounds of food and water for the community of Fort Simpson. The Dene Nation provided supplies to both communities as well as other communities.
I realize I have missed businesses and individuals, and I am sorry for this. However, please realize my praise goes out to all of you and I thank all donors for their generosity and kindness that was shown to both communities. God bless you all.
Merci, Monsieur le President. My question is for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Yesterday, I tabled meeting summaries from the GNWTChamber of Mines COVID19 recovery working group. Can the Minister tell us whether she was aware of and authorized the full scope of discussions being held between senior ITI officials and the Chamber of Mines throughout these meetings. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for FrameLake. Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this group was set up, if you can think back now a long 12 months back to June, when we were still just fresh coming out of the lockdown and we were still a long way from having the Business Advisory Council or Emerging Stronger or any other type of document, when the Department of ITI then reached out to the industry representatives that represent almost a third of our GDP to start to talk about COVID recovery, COVID relief, and, really, economic recovery and economic relief more generally.
So I can't take credit for the decision to get that going at that time and to get that work moving, but I've certainly have been aware that that working group exists. And I have often asked, you know, what the reaction of the group has been and what work they're at. I have certainly received briefing notes, which I think were included in this somehundred page document that I received yesterday. And, again, you know, certainly well aware that that work is ongoing and intended to look at where industry and private industry can come together with government to find overlap to discuss efforts for economic recovery and regrowth of the mineral resource sector in keeping with the mandate of this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that. The records of these meetings show that the chamber, and even ITI staff, are been pushing to stop or remove land withdrawals, most of which support good faith negotiations of Indigenous land rights. Can the Minister explain why her department is pushing to stop or remove land withdrawals in light of Cabinet's commitments and mandate to settle and implement Indigenous rights? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no one department has a position or an opinion about land withdrawals. There is a position of the Government of the Northwest Territories on land withdrawals, and that alone is the position, not one offs or, you know, statements made out of context, perhaps in these notes. Although on that note, Mr. Speaker, I received this only yesterday. I have also gone through it. I've gone through the unredacted version.
Mr. Speaker, it is clear to me and it shouldn't be any surprise industry, indeed municipalities, have long said that the lack of certainty around land is a real barrier in the Northwest Territories. And it should be no surprise that solving and land claims, resolving the land claims and moving those negotiations forward is a mandate of this government for a very good reason. There's nothing new there. That is very clear to every department, and it's clear to the Department of ITI. It is also not a surprise that industry continues to ask what is being done on that and they advocate for a solution to that challenge, but the solution is going to be a wholeofgovernment one. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that. She may need to discuss this matter further with her staff.
But the summary seemed to indicate that the Chamber of Mines is having direct input into ministerial correspondence in changing the work done by a consultant hired through a public procurement process. Can the Minister tell us how much access the Chamber of Mines has been given to ministerial correspondence and the draft work of publicly hired and funded consultants. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there's no impropriety in the sharing of information that again, I've reviewed both of the redacted and unredacted versions and I spoke to the department. And it's very clear that when there's correspondence going between levels of government, between governments, between government officials, while we may well want to share the efforts and the work that we are doing, for example in a remediation economy, a number of letters were I believe tabled here in the House in order to put forward the kind of advocacy that is happening between governments. That correspondence and that sharing is just that, it's sharing. They're certainly not going to be editing any materials. Or if they are writing, if industry is writing on their own lobbying efforts, it may well be to their benefit to share that with the government. And that's a benefit of having working groups like this, whether it's in the mineral resource sector, the fisheries sector, in the remediation economy, that is the kind of work ITI does, and it's the same level of access that's being provided here.
With respect to the work of consultants, I think I have a hunch as to what exactly the Member is speaking to. You know, and, again, at this point, it's I suspect, Mr. Speaker, although I haven't had an opportunity to speak to the Member about this document that was tabled, there is a study that was commissioned. It involved all three territories and CanNor around how to increase investment in the Northwest Territories in the mineral resources sector. And that work indeed did look at the position of the Chamber of Mines, because they represent the industry that we are trying to increase investment in accordance with the mandate.
I'm happy to speak to the Member further about that work, but where it's at, it is progressing. Again, it's triterritorial, Mr. Speaker. And as triterritorial but knowing that we are looking to increase investment in private sector. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Frame Lake.
What, if anything, is the Minister prepared to do about these GNWTChamber of Mines COVID19 recovery working group meetings that have moved well beyond their original purpose? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think as I said at the beginning, this is an industry that contributes one third of the GDP of the Northwest Territories, over 1300 direct jobs in 2019, not to mention indirect jobs, over $813 million is spent in procurement. That's supporting all the other industries. If the Department of ITI wasn't having regular meetings with the industry representation, I would be facing very difficult questions in the House to explain why we aren't. There are regular working group meetings with the fisheries sector right now. I have regular meetings with Northwest Territories tourism, as is the department working often very closely with them.
The list of options that the Member has proposed, I have not seen. I don't have it in front of me. But every industry should have access to the Department of ITI. That is exactly the role of ITI, and certainly the sector that is the size of the mineral resource sector should have a role with the Department of ITI. It should always be focused on the wellbeing of the Northwest Territories, on the economy of the wellbeing the wellbeing of the economy of the Northwest Territories, and always in keeping that there is work that can be done in the private sector and work that must be done in the public sector. And where we can find common ground we move forward and where we cannot, so be it, both parties still need to advance, because, again, I think at the end of the day, we're all working for the same thing, which is really the growth of the Northwest Territories and our betterment of our economy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Thebacha.
Mr. Speaker, the Taltson Hydro Expansion is setting the groundwork for future development of industry and ensuring that the power rates across the territory are more reasonable. Therefore, this is probably the number one mandate item for development in our list of priorities. Does the Minister agree with that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
