Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Since we have moved on to the orders of the day, I'd like to call a point of privilege, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you. The Member's calling a point of privilege. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
I'd like to call a point of privilege on the Member for Frame Lake. When he was speaking, he did mention my lawyer, Mr. Steven Copper, as we met an agreement earlier that we would wouldn't speak about third parties at all because they're not here to defend themselves. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, it seems to me that you are raising a point of order, not a point of privilege with respect to the Member making reference to a person who is not a Member of this House. I believe this rule is 24(h): The Member shall not make allegations against another Member, a House officer, a witness, or a Member of the public.
Please proceed, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sorry, it's difficult to hear you. So from what I'm understanding, this is not a point of order, then.
It's not a point of privilege; it's a point of order. So to the point of order.
Okay, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Okay, yeah, point of order, my apologies.
Just going back to what I was saying, the Member for Frame Lake mentioned my lawyer, and he can't be here to defend himself. So I'd ask that he retract what he said about that.
Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. The Member has called a point of order. He just read out his point of order. The Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh has called a point of order. Does the Member for Frame Lake wish to explain.
Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak. Of course, this has caught me certainly off guard. The point that I was trying to make, Mr. Speaker, in speaking to the point of privilege earlier was that there were actions taken by individuals, at least one individual, outside of this House that I perceived to have infringed upon my privilege in the House to not be intimidated. And that's the context in which I made my remarks. And all I did was simply quote remarks made by the MLA for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh comments that his legal counsel made at a news conference that was actually under auspices of this Legislative Assembly. So I should be able to reference remarks made by someone outside of this Assembly. There's nothing in the rules that I can see that distinguish between whether a Member's privilege has been infringed upon by someone within the House or, in fact, outside of the House. So that's the context in which I made my remarks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Does anyone else wish to speak to the point of order? I see none.
Thank you, Members. I will rule at a later date. I'll take this under advisement. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, I welcome my colleagues back to the House for the resumption of the second session of the 19th Legislative Assembly. Despite this sitting being delayed as a result of the recent outbreak of COVID19 in the territory, I expect this has been a busy time for all of us as we focus on the important work that we have been elected to do by the people of the Northwest Territories.
It was almost 20 months ago that the World Health Organization declared the COVID19 pandemic, and since that time we have been able to limit the spread of the virus and protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and communities. Mr. Speaker, it has, and continues to be, our top priority. However, the last three months have put our great territory, its residents, communities, and healthcare system, to the ultimate test.
When we released Emerging Wisely 2021, we understood that there would be a risk associated with easing restrictions, and that we also need to transition to a world where COVID19 is part of everyday life. Mr. Speaker, we knew there was a likelihood we would see an increase in cases. What Emerging Wisely 2021 allows us to do is effectively manage our risk, to prevent and respond to outbreaks. We have eased restrictions as conditions and information has allowed. It also allows us to enhance restrictions where required and target restrictions as necessary.
While we continue to manage cases of the virus in the Northwest Territories, we have seen the success of targeted measures and how they have worked to ensure that we are able to protect residents and limit spread. During this current outbreak, we have put in place containment orders in Tuktoyaktuk, Fort Good Hope, Norman Wells, Colville Lake, Behchoko, Whati, and K'atl'odeeche First Nation, and put increased measures and restrictions in Yellowknife, N'dilo, Dettah, Inuvik, and Hay River. They have been effective in stopping the spread of the virus.
While we have been largely successful, Mr. Speaker, together we have done our part to protect residents and our communities, especially those who are most vulnerable such as children who, up until recently, haven't been able to get vaccinated. We have also done what we can to protect the integrity of our health care system. It is welcomed news that the federal government has approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine in children aged 5 to 11, and we will be rolling out our plans for this part of the vaccination program in the very near future.
Mr. Speaker, this outbreak has had a significant impact on our territory but we could have found ourselves in a much worse situation if it were not for the targeted measures we took and the actions of residents, Indigenous governments, community governments and the business community to curb the spread of COVID19. This has been a difficult period for the Northwest Territories. But as we have in the past, we have stepped up and done our part when it was needed most.
This outbreak has not been without tragedy. I want to take a moment to remember the residents who lost their lives to COVID19. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Members of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I want to extend our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and communities of those the pandemic has taken from us. The COVID19 pandemic has been unpredictable, and unforgiving. My heart goes out to all that have passed away and the people close to them who now grieve. We grieve with you.
Mr. Speaker, the work we do is for the people of the Northwest Territories. A strong territory needs a strong society. All residents of the Northwest Territories should have the chance to enjoy the benefits of living in a prosperous, wellgoverned territory, and to participate fully in a healthy, just society. Our government is committed to helping residents achieve their aspirations for themselves, their families, and their communities.
While navigating the challenges we faced as a territory because of the global pandemic, Cabinet has continued to advance the priorities and commitments outlined in the mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The mandate of the 19th Legislative Assembly reflects the 22 priorities set by all members. It guides and focuses our actions to advance those priorities, Mr. Speaker. Despite the time and energy our government has focused on the pandemic, issues such as the lack of housing, climate change, and the infrastructure gap did not go away. If anything, the issues that impact our residents most have only been exacerbated by the pandemic. They continue to be important to our government, and we are focused on showing progress on those important and urgent issues.
Mr. Speaker, considering the impacts of the COVID19 pandemic, the Government of the Northwest Territories tabled a social and economic recovery plan for the Northwest Territories titled Emerging Stronger: Planning the NWT's Social and Economic Recovery Together, in the Legislative Assembly in May. Building on the commitments of the mandate, Emerging Stronger presents a set of actions the Government of the Northwest Territories will take to support longterm social and economic recovery in the territory. The Government of the Northwest Territories has committed to report on the status of the actions identified in the plan and to update the plan annually.
We continue to make progress in the right direction. Of the 149 actions identified in the mandate, we have more than doubled our fulfilled commitments, reduced our commitments in planning by a third, and reduced our delayed commitments. With Emerging Stronger, 21 percent of the commitments are fulfilled, 78 percent are in progress, and one percent is in planning. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with all Members toward fulfilling the government's commitments during the remainder of the term of the 19th Legislative Assembly and undertaking a more thorough review of our progress in the coming February to March sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, we want to create a secure, sustainable, and prosperous future for the territory and its people. We remain committed to working in every sector to advance the priorities of this Legislative Assembly in a way that will provide for current and future needs and create a foundation for the longterm success of all Northerners. A big part of how we achieve this is by working together. We have always known the importance of this, and the partnership and collaborative spirit that has helped us get through the COVID19 pandemic has revealed we can do so much more together, rather than alone.
We all want the same thing, Mr. Speaker. We all want to see residents succeed, communities and businesses to thrive, and governments at all levels to work together for the common good of the Northwest Territories.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to finding ways to make things better for our residents, Mr. Speaker. In order to achieve this, we need to continue to build on the strong partnerships we have developed with the Government of Canada. Collectively, we need to be able to take action on priority areas where Northerners have said that more needs to be done.
We are committed to addressing the gap between the north and southern Canada that has existed for decades but has been made even more apparent because of COVID19. We need a supportive federal government partner that acknowledges our residents are important members of Canadian society who should experience the same level of services and opportunities compared to the rest of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the weeks after the federal election. Our discussion focused on the need to continue to advance our partnership and the shared priorities that will have a positive impact on the Northwest Territories. The Prime Minister confirmed reconciliation is a priority for his government, and I am encouraged by this.
When we marked the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we spent September 30th reflecting on the impact of the residential school system on Indigenous people in the NWT and across Canada. We honoured the survivors, their families and communities, and the thousands of children who never made it home. The number of unmarked graves across the country in recent months is now in the thousands. We cannot ignore this tragedy, and we are committed to working with Indigenous governments and organizations in the Northwest Territories on this issue.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is determined to advance reconciliation, Mr. Speaker. We met with the Northwest Territories Council Leaders and Modern Treaty SelfGovernment Partners Forum last week. We had thoughtful discussions on how our government can best support Indigenous governments and organizations in their efforts to address the residential school legacy in our territory.
The federal government committed $320 million in new money for programs to help Indigenous communities search burial sites at former residential schools and to support survivors and their communities. The Government of the Northwest Territories can support Indigenous communities in developing strategies for recording unmarked burial sites at residential schools including leveraging federal funding and resources. To help support the work of reconciliation and healing, the Government of the Northwest Territories is examining its own files to identify any information that can help communities study and document their own residential school history.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister also said in our discussion that the relationship with our government goes beyond the portfolio of northern affairs. I agree.
The Northwest Territories requires investments in strategic infrastructure that can help to unlock our natural resource potential, transition us to a lower carbon economy, and better connect people to opportunities and each other.
Mr. Speaker, new infrastructure stimulus funding is key to Canada's recovery from COVID19. Take the Tlicho allseason road as an example. It connects residents to new social and employment opportunities, reduces the cost of living in the territory, increases our resiliency and our ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change, and provides better access to natural resources. It created economic and business opportunities for small communities and helped put people to work.
The Government of the Northwest Territories continues to work with Canada on building infrastructure and adapting to climate change, lessening the everwidening northern infrastructure deficit and supporting implementation of Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. We know that we need Canada's help, and we will be seeking additional support in the coming years.
On the issue of climate change, we are the canary in the coal mine. Our region is living with the rapidly accelerating effects of a changing climate. The Government of the Northwest Territories' recent presence at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland earlier this month sent a strong and pointed message: Canada's Arctic cannot fight this battle alone. We need climate action across the globe to secure a healthy and safe future for our residents and communities. We must also ensure that we have the means to transition to a lower carbon future.
Mr. Speaker, significant investments and supports are needed to reach climate goals. Investments in climate action are investments in the future of the Arctic, our communities, our businesses, and the people living here. Through partnerships we can green our economy, lower our greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt our communities and critical infrastructure for the future.
We have the blueprint ready for action to reduce the impact of climate change and climaterelated disasters, and to make our communities safer and more resilient. Our 2030 Climate Change Strategic Framework was developed by and for Northwest Territories residents including Indigenous governments. This session we will report on the progress under the action plans associated with the framework.
Mr. Speaker, as I said we need federal support. We need federal support to enhance climate adaptation and resilience efforts, facilitate greater understanding of climate change impacts, and adaptation options through monitoring and research; and support Indigenousled and communitybased approaches to planning and adaptation.
Mr. Speaker, the resource sector accounts for nearly a third of the NWT's gross domestic product, directly employs over 3000 people in the NWT and contributes over $800 million in spending each year. A healthy and vibrant mineral exploration and development sector is critical for the NWT, its people, and our future prosperity. Critical and strategic minerals that play a key role in modern technology are an important part of future resource and economic development for the Northwest Territories.
Earlier this month, the Government of the Northwest Territories held workshops with resource sector stakeholders and rights holders to gather input to help in the development of a new critical minerals action plan for the NWT. Critical minerals are important for existing and new technologies that support the transition to a sustainable lowcarbon economy. The NWT can potentially benefit from the growing interest and increasing demand for these minerals by positioning itself for this socioeconomic transition, both in a Canadian context and with respect to emerging global trends and needs.
In collaboration with Canada, Indigenous governments, and industry, we can improve mineral security, strengthen the competitiveness of North American critical mineral industries, and support the development of secure and reliable supply chains.
The NWT has substantial energy resources that can help the world transition to a lowcarbon economy, from natural gas that can displace higher carbon, and more polluting coal and oil, to future opportunities in hydropower, hydrogen and geothermal energy.
Mr. Speaker, realizing the territory's resource opportunities will require an investment partnership with Canada, particularly in transportation, energy, and communications infrastructure and building the capacity of Indigenous businesses and communities to fully participate and benefit from development projects.
Securing investments and support from federal partners is critical to our future success of the Northwest Territories and the future success of Canada. Residents, community governments, businesses, and Indigenous governments have made it clear this is necessary to their success and wellbeing, and I look forward to continuing to build a strong relationship with the federal government for a better future for the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, while we continue to manage a significant outbreak of COVID19, we are focused on getting on with the business of government. Residents expect us to continue to deliver high quality programs and services and advance the priorities they have set for us to ensure a better future for all residents and communities. We are committed to this work, and I look forward to continued collaboration with regular Members to advance the priorities we have been entrusted with. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the residents of the NWT have stepped up when it comes to protecting each other from the serious and deadly effects of the COVID19 virus. Our vaccination rate, as it stands now, is about 80 percent for those over the age of 12 years.
Mr. Speaker, I have been healthy all my life. I have resisted taking medication. I only just received my second ever flu shot along with my during the 19th Moderna vaccine booster. I did this for the protection of my family, my friends, and those who I come in contact with. In making my decision to be vaccinated, I had to rely on the experience and knowledge of the medical and scientific community.
Mr. Speaker, this government has asked the residents of the NWT to get vaccinated for their own protection and for the protection of their families and those who they come into contact with. Can we do more? Or have we reached the ceiling with vaccinations?
I hear from constituents who are eager to take the vaccine but I also hear from those who are hesitant and from some that say they will not and may never take it.
This is a decision each of those people will have to make for themselves, but it should not stop us from continuing to provide all residents with updated and accurate information on vaccines so informed decisions can be made.
Mr. Speaker, I know of residents that will not take the MNRA vaccine but may consider a viral vectorbased vaccine as an alternative. We need to provide choice when it comes to vaccines.
Mr. Speaker, this has been a daunting year and a half. It has pitted members of our community against each other, family members against each other. It has impacted workers, employment options, forced businesses to close down, increased mental health issues, limited access to sports activities, and contributed to medical staff burnout.
Mr. Speaker, I believe our vaccination numbers have reached a threshold where we will not see any significant change or uptake. The question is, Where do we go from here. Do we tell people we cannot fully protect them? Tell workers they cannot make a living for their family? Tell children they cannot participate in sports activities with their friends? Tell students they cannot go to school? And tell those in care homes they will continue to be locked up even though vaccinated?
Mr. Speaker, I do encourage people to get vaccinated. And I will have questions for the Minister of Finance. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have now entered the third year of the 19th Assembly, signifying the halfway point of our mandate. As we begin this winter session, I'd like to welcome our colleagues back from the sixmonthlong break since our last session.
Mr. Speaker, I first want to take a moment to acknowledge all the staff of the Legislative Assembly. Our staff are important to our work as legislators here in this Assembly, and I want to thank them for their service.
In addition I would like to thank, as always, the amazing constituents of Fort Smith for their continued support of their MLA for Thebacha. It is an honour to serve and represent my community in this Chamber.
Mr. Speaker, I want my constituents to know that everything I do here at the Legislative Assembly is to serve the people of the NWT, along with the interests of Fort Smith and the broader South Slave region. I take my job seriously, and I'm very mindful with what I say and how I conduct myself because I always want to be respectful of the office that I hold.
Mr. Speaker, I'm someone who speaks my mind and who stands up for what's right. I am true to my convictions. I'm not afraid to stand alone if I know in my heart it is the right thing to do. Leadership requires strength, heart, trust, and willpower to get things done. And those are the qualities which I strive to accomplish every day in my elected leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I want the people of the NWT to succeed and to have good representation in the Legislative Assembly. For these reasons, I will do whatever I can within my position to ensure that good governance is always done in the name of the people of the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. Like many on this planet, I was very disappointed with the lack of concrete progress and agreement at the recent Conference of the Parties 26 or United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. I was happy that the NWT had a delegation there.
What I've heard so far from our government is that we need federal assistance, more Indigenous representation in our delegation, and work with our circumpolar neighbours. Mr. Speaker, that's just not good enough or going to get us where we should and need to be. I'm going to make it easy for my Cabinet colleagues and lay out a path forward on the climate crisis.
One, we need a reorganization of this government to clearly set the climate crisis as a priority and to establish the authority to deal with it. There should be a new department of environment, natural resources and climate crisis. Take the energy projects and mandate out of infrastructure and even bring in the NWT Power Corporation, have one Minister responsible for all of this. This would address the failures identified by the auditor general of Canada in her climate change audit.
Two, make a clear and unequivocal commitment to drop the climate change approach from the last Cabinet, ditch the 2030 energy strategy, the Climate Change Strategic Framework and elements of the carbon tax, develop a real and focused climate crisis response that includes adaptation and mitigation for the widelyaccepted carbon neutral target of net zero 2050 or even sooner, if you dare, and you should.
Three, face the crisis at the NWT Power Corporation and its entities head on. We have a crumbling set of antiquated assets and grids designed for an infinite planet and old technology, develop a real and just transition plan that builds community and household energy selfreliance, not bigger grids and mega projects like the Taltson expansion.
Four, stop pretending big petroleum development is ever going to come back to the Northwest Territories; wind down the socalled petroleum resources strategy, local transitional use of fossil fuels is okay, but plans for export are inconsistent with life on this planet as we know it.
There you have it, Mr. Speaker, the elements of a real plan to finally start realistically to recognize and address the climate crisis and establish necessary leadership that NWT residents deserve. I'll have questions for the Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Crisis later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North. Forgot to switch places.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, a new seating plan. Mr. Speaker, as I've spoken about before in this House, there is a rental monopoly by Northview in our town, our city of Yellowknife. Going back to the history, this is largely something that was created by the GNWT. In fact, the original founders of Northview were former GNWT civil servants who took advantage of government contracts. In time, as with many of these REITS, they got bought up and became larger and larger to a point where approximately 50 percent, as Northview advertises of the rental space in our town, is owned by one company, and our government gives them over $20 million every single year, most of which does not go out for tender and, in fact, often the leases are renewed without competition. We inherited quite a few of these leases from the federal government at devolution.
Mr. Speaker, the real question is what are we going to do about it. And I want to speak today to some of the solutions and some of the barriers.
Firstly, I believe some of the hesitancy to do something about this is because, under our contractual obligations, we actually have $186 million in leasing obligations going forward in the next couple of years. As we well know, our fiscal situation is tight and to enter into longer term leases will exponentially increase that number. I believe that both departments and the Department of Finance like to keep our leasing to shorter terms to keep that contractual obligation off of our books.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, when building the new government building, or the Tatsaotine Building, it was said that that building would save the GNWT a hundred million dollars over 40 years. This was set out in a general purpose office space review that said it is much cheaper for the GNWT to own their buildings outright as opposed to lease them. I've asked multiple times for that document and for some reason, the Department of Infrastructure will not save it. But I'll take them at its word that it saves us money to own our buildings as opposed to lease them.
However, Mr. Speaker, I believe we need to look at this $20 million with a purpose of divesting it from Northview. I believe we need to approach Indigenous governments and development corps, nonprofits, and local landlords basically anyone we can and offer them favorable lease conditions if they are willing to build a new building or purchase one of the existing assets in Yellowknife, Mr. Speaker. I believe if we went to a nonprofit and offered them some of the public housing leases, they would take that money and get more from the federal government.
I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure about what we are doing with this $20 million a year of public money.
Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.
Mr. Speaker, masi. [Translation] Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. I'd like to ask about housing in Tlicho region. As all of you all in here are aware about housing in all communities but for our region, we know our housing is in crisis, and our homes are not very happy [Translation ends].
[Translation] housing so right now, as a household, we are all know that there's just too many people in one household and it's just too much.
In homes that are not suitable and not adequate. This is a problem, Mr. Speaker. Where we have some of the young people, some of the young children that are in care, they are not in care by their choice. A lot of families, parents, they love their children. Children love their parents too as well. So we are in the situation like this for housing shortage.
A suitable house has enough bedrooms for the size and makeup of family living in it. We're 33.5 percent. The Tlicho has the most household of all of NWT living in homes that are not suitable. This is according to the NWT statistics. Thirty-nine percent of household homes in Behchoko, there's Whatì, Gamèti, and Wekweètì, but Behchoko is the most affected one were not suitable.
About 20 percent of the household has six or more people living in one household and it is a bit too much and crowded condition, and it has very negative impacts on our health and wellbeing. And so that we need immediate longterm help. And so for that reason, we are asking that we need help. [Translation ends].
With 46.7 percent, the Tlicho region has the most household living in homes that are not adequate. This means that almost half of all houses in the Tlicho region are in need of major repair compared to 20 percent of the houses in the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, this means that half of the Tlicho household live in inadequate housing, and one third of household live in unsuitable housing.
Mr. Speaker, [Translation] so, Mr. Speaker, according to the Housing Minister that most homes were going to be repaired and it does not has been addressed for a very long time, and we also have a long list. And the homes that we have from six '50s, '60s, and '70s, all these homes should be handed over to the people because we have a major people on the waiting list right now, at least 200 people on the waiting list so it will not go down. So this is for that reason, this is about ten percent of Tlicho and residents on waiting for a home. So if that's going to be repaired and worked on right away, we would really appreciate that. And so, again so however they do it and give homes to a home, it should be in the ratio of where it is needed more. So that would be also greatly appreciated [Translation Ends].
And social issues and social lives. And we all know this but yet we seem to have real difficulties in giving houses, the priority it holds in the lives of our family, of our community members.
Mr. Speaker, I will have a question for the Minister of Housing after this regarding my Member's statement. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. It's tradition that we don't interrupt the Member on their first Member's statement so that's why we didn't interrupt. But congratulations, once again, on your maiden speech. All the rest should be two minutes and 30 seconds.
Laughter.
Thank you. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of this month I was very fortunate to attend COP26, the United Nations Conference of the Parties on climate change with the Minister of ENR and his delegation. In attendance in Glasgow, were leaders and politicians from around the globe with delegates hailing from all walks of life, including industry, NGOs, and activists.
The message from the conference was clear: The world is not on track to limit global warming to the extent agreed upon at COP21 in Paris in 2015. If we carry on as we are, temperatures will continue to rise and we will experience even more catastrophic events such as flooding, forest fires, extreme precipitation, and a loss of unprecedented number of species.
The world needs to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade and reach net zero carbon emissions in order to limit global temperature rise by one and a half degrees by the middle of this century. So far, the outlook is not very promising.
The four main goals of COP26 were this global net zero by 2050 commitment, to adapt to protect communities and natural habitats, to mobilize finance with a minimum of $1 billion committed for climate financing, and a commitment to work together to deliver on these goals.
Commitments were also made to cut methane emissions, address deforestation, and to develop clean technologies. The five sectors focused on at COP26 were power, road transport, hydrogen, steel, and agriculture as these sectors represent more than half of global emissions.
One only has to look in our own backyard to see the impacts of the changing climate firsthand: coastal erosion in Tuktoyaktuk, the extreme fire season of 2014 or last spring's devastating flooding in Simpson and Jean Marie River.
When we look around at the rest of Canada, we see this repeated elsewhere, such as the current flooding in BC that has led to highway washouts and closures, that has cut the city of Vancouver off from the rest of the country.
We cannot wait for the rest of the world to live up to their promises to curb global emissions, and must begin to look for our own solutions here in the North. It is imperative that our government utilizes all avenues of disaster mitigation and adaptation funding and work towards building our communities' resiliency. This would include assessing our communities and infrastructure for risk and incorporating naturebased solutions such as bank stabilization projects or the reestablishment of wetlands.
This government must take a proactive approach to dealing with climate change as it is no longer an issue for the future but is happening here right now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of my favorite summer activities is fishing. Fishing to me is the quiet lapping of the lake, midnight sun, and family time. We live in a remarkable part of the world where each of our constituencies have access to pristine freshwater fish.
The GNWT is moving forward with the revitalization of the Great Slave Lake commercial fishery so we can share northern fish with the south, and many moving parts are underway. The design and construction of a $13 million fish plant in Hay River, the development of remote community collector stations, training and support for winter fishery, and the development of a marketing strategy.
Central to the plans for commercial fishery growth is the construction of the fish plant. But, Mr. Speaker, I suggest it's equally as important to remove the regulatory requirement for any commercial fisher in the NWT to sell to the freshwater fish marketing corporation.
The NWT is the only remaining participating Canadian jurisdiction still under the authority of the Freshwater Fisheries Marketing Corporation Act. Freshwater holds the exclusive right to export fish from the NWT and all NWT fishers wanting to sell outside the territory must sell their fish to the corporation. For many fishers who only want to sell to the fish plant and leave the marketing to Tu Cho Fishers Cooperative, the current system under Freshwater Works. But for fishers who have made the investment and taken the risk to establish their own certified processing plants, they are limited by this regulation.
The GNWT has created barriers for existing fishers who are business savvy enough to find their own higher value markets down south and have invested in growing this industry alongside the corporation.
To grow the NWT fishing sector, fishers require access to southern markets but right now this is only legally possible if local fishers can obtain an exemption from Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. This process, Mr. Speaker, is arduous, burdensome, and time consuming.
The GNWT needs to ensure that the $13 million investment into a fish processing plant translates into higher compensation for local fishers. Without creating access to new markets and retail channels that empowers certified fishers to sell outside the NWT without being penalized by existing legislation and regulations, fishers will struggle to revitalize this industry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has been two years, and we have passed the halfway mark as our term of MLAs. During the last two years, we've faced many challenges, many issues from our constituents have been raised in this House. Many of the challenges and issues remain with us today, as I read through my Member's statements from the start of this Assembly, from housing to many of our social programs, from jobs to sustainable economy, from the health of our residents, our territory, Mr. Speaker, we continue to face outstanding challenges as well as new ones.
We've been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic six months into our term, and then this past summer, major floods.
Mr. Speaker, I, like my colleagues here today, am up for the challenge and I look forward to continuing to try to find solutions for those challenges.
On that note, Mr. Speaker, housing has continued to be a challenge and is an issue for not only my community but other communities across the north, and we have talked in many of our meetings of this being one of our top priorities as it affects everyone throughout the Northwest Territories. Without housing, we can't even begin to tackle many of the issues our territory is facing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'll have questions for the Minister of Housing, how the department is dealing with this critical issue.
MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to wish everybody back home in Nunakput all the best today. Since our last sitting, we had deceased members of my communities. The loss of Samantha Lucas, our thoughts and prayers are with John and the family. Samantha was a real pillar for the family in Sachs Harbour, and she'll be missed. I give my regards to the Lucas family in Sachs Harbour and to the Pokiak family in Tuk for the loss of their sister.
Mr. Speaker, this -- we had four deaths in Tuk since our last sitting. The first one was my stepfather, Barney Masazumi, and he's really being missed by his other -- his stepson Seth and the rest of the family. And -- not very often.
Mr. Speaker, next was one of my good friends and Elders, Stanley Keevik. Stanley was a respected Elder in our community and a herder back in the day. And he had so many stories and so many good things to say. He'll phone you almost on a daily basis to encourage you to keep moving forward and giving little key advice and stuff. But he'll be really missed. So to the Keevik family of Tuk and the surrounding areas, I'm sorry for the loss of Stanley. He'll be missed.
Also, we had Eva Ratti, a well-respected Elder in our community, a seamstress. To Gary and Bernice and the family, thoughts and prayers are with you.
And to Roland Kikoak, Oats, he's gonna be really missed because I grew up with him and, yeah, did a lot of hunting with him. And just one of the guys that you could always call upon for help and he'll be there for you. And he did that to everybody.
Mr. Speaker, I just wish all the families and whoever's hurting across our territory of loss of loved ones, our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Our thoughts and prayers are with your communities and your family as well. Mahsi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Mary Bonnetrouge known as Bernice was born on September 17, 1957 to Xavier and the late Marie Bonnetrouge. She was the eldest daughter of the family. She passed away on June 2nd, 2021, after a long battle with her sickness.
She grew up in Fort Providence where she attended school and was a very happy child and a favorite among many in the community. She lived in Yellowknife and in Fort Simpson, which became her home for over 20 plus years with her partner Barney Ryan.
Shortly upon her arrival in Fort Simpson, she earned a Slavey nickname which translates to "popcorn." She loved to hear that nickname and felt that it made her at home. She had the honour of representing the community at the 1996 EXPO to showcase her traditional craft in Moose hair tufting. She's always been recognized for her beautiful work in this forum.
Bernice was a valuable medical interpreter and escort for the Elders in Fort Simpson. When she was not doing that work, she loved to work at the camps as cook or cook's helper.
She was known for her contagious and uplifting and unique laugh. Just listening to her would start a chain of laughter from those around her. As well, she was a caring, compassionate, loving, and an understanding person.
Bernice leaves behind two daughters - Veronica and Jessica - grandchildren, siblings, and many other family members and friends.
Bernice will be greatly missed and will be remembered by her family, friends, and many who known her.
The family would like to express gratitude for all the community kindness and generosity at their time of grief. As well, thank you to Fort Simpson and Stanton's medical staff for all their help during this difficult time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the community at this time. Mahsi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I know it's been a very long day. Mr. Speaker, I would like to raise an issue of my First Nations members are having with the Department of Lands regarding riverbank lands. One of those communities, and it is a very small community, is off the main highway and very seldom do people, including tourists, venture into the community.
Mr. Speaker, this probably goes for many other small communities not accessible by highway. In most instances, the river is the only mode of transportation.
Mr. Speaker, the waterways, which includes rivers, are sacred to First Nations peoples, and this provides a means to sustain their livelihood through transportation, hunting, fishing, homesteading, and a host of other activities.
Mr. Speaker, one of the known activities that First Nations people have come to enjoy, as this activity was passed down from one generation to the next and will continue into the next millennia, Mr. Speaker, those activities is having gatherings, meetings, and drum dancing. There are many known places along the riverbanks where people have built homes or cabins near a place where First Nations people have gathered, have camped, shared food, shared stories, and end the day with all night drum dancing.
Currently, First Nations have built arbors which are circular in nature and important spiritually to the people that gather within these structures, and they are built as close as possible to a riverbank to be near a river. Many First Nations people and others have grown accustomed to standing atop a riverbank and watch the river flow, which is soothing, curing, and sacred to all who live along the rivers.
There are many arbors around, including the Papal grounds in Fort Simpson, the meeting arbor at Fort Resolution, and the busiest one at the K'atl'odeeche First Nations. And they are all near a riverbank and a waterway.
Mr. Speaker, First Nations have always asserted their right to hunt, fish, and build homesteads on waterways within their homeland. Mr. Speaker, this homeland is Denendeh, land of the people.
Our First Nations people up and down the valley are struggling with a department that is newly formed, the Department of Lands, in that the Lands people, who are government employees, and are asserting their right to ownership of the lands within Denendeh.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member's statement. Mahsi.
---Unanimous consent granted.
Thank you Mr. Speaker and mahsi, colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, I could go on and on, but I think we get the picture of First Nations' ties to the land and the waterways to sustain their way of life and to practice their cultural activities.
I will have questions for the Minister of Lands at the appropriate time. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the questions are for the Minister of Finance. I'd like to know how is information being disseminated to GNWT management, GNWT employees and contractors, on whether or not they need to be vaccinated or have the option of PPE when on the work site. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Minister responsible for Finance.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, those communications have gone out in a variety of forms. At this point, our website is currently up to date explaining the policy and has a fairly detailed Q and A on it.
One of the next steps though, Mr. Speaker, and I expect it will be out this week, if not early this week, is that each department was asked to look at their specific work site and provide a determination of what appropriate PPE might be. Everyone's individual work site certainly will have individual requirements that allow them to operate safely if the worker is choosing not to submit their proof of vaccine. So that again, I will say I'm expecting it this week, and indeed, may well be out even early this week that will go through each department, to each worker, and every workplace should be able to access that through their supervisors and as it becomes available, it continues to get posted on our website as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
