Please be seated. Good afternoon. Colleagues, welcome back to the House. It is great to be back and that was a great way to open our sitting.
I'd like to thank Ryan Gordon for his wonderful bagpiping today. That's not something we get to enjoy every day. I'd also like to thank elder Jonas Lafferty for his opening blessing. Please join me in thanking them for the wonderful start to this sitting.
I'm also pleased to welcome our pages to the chamber. Our youth are our future, and we are fortunate to have them with us. This week we will have pages from Yellowknife and next week we will also be joined by pages from Hay River and Fort Providence. I thank each of them for joining us here and hope they have a great time and the opportunity to learn about our unique form of consensus government.
For the pages who will be joining us during this sitting, and all youth across the territory, I would like to take a moment to remind you about our upcoming Youth Parliament. This program is open to grade nine and grade ten students and is on an application basis. Applications are due on February 14th if you would like to apply, or just want some more information, please visit our website at www.ntassembly.ca.
Colleagues, February is Indigenous Languages Month. I look forward to hearing our languages spoken each day. When we use our language in this House, and when we have our proceedings interpreted, we are helping to promote and revitalize our language. This is one very important way we can and do show our respect for the language and culture of our people.
I am deeply proud of the work we do to use and grow our languages. The hard work and dedication of our interpreters bring our words to life and brings our messages to residents in their language. We couldn't do it without the interpreters, and we are honoured to work with such a dedicated team.
Colleagues, please remember to speak slowly and clearly for our interpreters and everyone who is watching our proceedings. Please join me in thanking our interpreters and welcoming them back to the Assembly.
---Applause
Before I continue, I am saddened to advise of the passing of two of our interpreters since we last sat in this House. Tom Unka, of Fort Res, passed away in December of 2024. And Ms. Evelyne Parry of Fort McPherson passed away in January of this year.
Mr. Unka was known for his dedication to the interpretation of the Dene Sune and made it possible for constituents near and far to tune in and understand the Assembly's proceedings in their own language. Ms. Parry was a great advocate for her language. Her contribution to preserving the Gwich'in language is celebrated with her strong commitment to providing excellence in her professional interpretation career. Both Mr. Unka and Ms. Parry have been instrumental in the preservation and revitalization of their language. Their passing is one of the great losses to this institution, the people of the Northwest Territories, and to friends and family. Colleagues, in recognition of their service to this Assembly, and to their language culture, please join me in a moment of silence to honour Mr. Unka and Ms. Parry.
Thank you.
Colleagues, I've said this before, but I will repeat myself here:
When I was selected as your Speaker, I called for thoughtful, meaningful, and honest debate. I still expect that from each of you. So do the people we represent in this chamber. We all have different perspectives and have had different experiences to bring us to where we are today. We cannot and will not always see eye-to-eye. And we don't have to; That's not why we are here. It's okay for us to disagree with each other but when we do, we must strive to do so without being disagreeable and disrespectful. When we do not see eye-to-eye, we must choose our words carefully, to show our dignity, our humility, and our respect for each other, this institution, and our residents. We are fortunate to govern and work in this environment and it is our responsibility, as Members of this Legislative Assembly, to uphold the high standards that are expected by our residents and is both deserved and required by this institution.
Consensus government isn't about agreeing all the time; it is about having your say and your opportunity to shape how we govern and care for our residents. It is about doing our best to represent the people who have elected us, representing ourselves and our personal beliefs and convictions. Consensus government is, I believe, about respect.
When you speak in this chamber, you are speaking on behalf of your constituents and you are speaking to me, as your Speaker. I will insist on this. I will insist that you deliver your words and carry yourself with respect and in keeping with our rules.
If you are in this chamber and you do not have the floor to speak, I expect you to listen to our colleagues and not to create a distraction for each other who are speaking and listening to each other.
Colleagues, be respectful of all Members of the Legislative Assembly, both with your words and how you use your time. Please avoid lengthy preambles to your statements, questions and answers. Please refrain from making unnecessary noises or disruptions when somebody else is speaking. Even if you are not listening, others are, and they deserve that opportunity.
As your Speaker, our rules provide me with the tools to ensure that our proceedings take place with the level of respect and decorum that is expected of us. I would prefer not to rely on my authority to ensure this is a respectful workplace, which is why I am reminding you today of my expectations, but please understand that I am both able and willing what it is if it's required.
Colleagues, our behaviour in this House is governed by our rules. If we haven't done so recently, I strongly encourage each of you to review them again. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to me or to one of our table officers; we are here to help and to ensure that our proceedings are effective, efficient, and in keeping with our rules.
I have received the following correspondence from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Gerald w. Kisoun. It states:
Dear Mr. Speaker: I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, the passage of Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2025-2026; Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2024-2025; Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2024-2025, during the February-March sitting of the first session of the 20th Legislative Assembly. Yours Truly, Gerald W. Kisoun.
Before we continue to the orders of the day, I would like to advise Members that I am prepared to provide my ruling on the Point of Privilege that was raised by the Member of Yellowknife Centre on November 1, 2024, the last day we sat together in this chamber.
On November 1, 2024, the Member for Yellowknife Centre rose on a point of privilege. He cited an exchange where the Member for Yellowknife North referred to the Member for Yellowknife Centre's actions as "petty". This occurred outside the chamber.
The Member was correct in raising a point of privilege and not a point of order. The rules of the Legislative Assembly apply to proceedings, whether in the chamber or in the committee. The privilege of the Assembly and of Members apply more broadly. Members must be free from obstruction and intimidation. This privilege safeguards their ability to do their job without fear of undue pressure or influence. The point of privilege raised by the Member from Yellowknife Centre is that the use of the term "petty" to describe his actions was an obstruction or an act of intimidation.
When a point of privilege is raised, two things must be decided. The first is whether the point of privilege was raised at the earliest opportunity. The second is whether on the face of it, there is an issue of privilege to be determined. This is often referred to whether there is a prima facie case of privilege. In this case, the Member from Yellowknife Centre raised the issue within a short enough time period to meet the first part of the test. However, based on my review, as well as past decisions in this House, I am not convinced there is an issue of privilege to be determined. There is no prima facie case of privilege. There is no evidence that the use of the word "petty" obstructed the Member's ability to fulfill his duties. There was no evidence that the comment was part of a broader pattern of intimidation.
In February 2010, the Speaker of the time was faced with a similar point of privilege. The Member from the Mackenzie Delta rose on a point of privilege that when leaving the chamber, he was called a name by the Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes and followed into the bathroom. The Speaker ruled that while name-calling was inappropriate, it did not rise to the level of a breach of privilege. The Speaker noted that a comment may be disrespectful, even inappropriate, but if it does not materially affect a Member's ability to do their job, it is not a matter of privilege. I agree.
In this case, while the use of the word "petty" was inappropriate and should not have been said, it was not a matter of privilege. Members, you are passionate advocates with strong beliefs. You would not be here otherwise. But you must set an example by always being respectful and professional.
Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House I intend to deliver the Budget Address on Thursday, February 6th, 2025. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the honourable Member for Kam Lake, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, will be absent from the House today and tomorrow to attend the Arctic 360 conference in Toronto, Ontario. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Premier. Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.
Mr. Speaker, a year ago, I delivered the first Sessional Statement of the 20th Legislative Assembly. We had not yet established our collective priorities, but we had begun to establish the relationship essential to the work of consensus government, which continue to shape our efforts today.
When I presented my candidacy for Premier, I spoke to a vision of a thriving and prosperous NWT, 50 years in the future, built through partnership and collaborative governance with Indigenous governments. This is the foundation of my hope and of the optimism and positivity I strive to bring to the Office of Premier. We are in times of great global uncertainty, but I remain resolute and absolutely certain of the promise, potential, and bright future of our land and our people.
Mr. Speaker, these are uncertain times, nationally and internationally, marked by challenges that not only define our present but also shape our future that we are working to build. Yet, these challenges are also opportunities for Canada and the NWT to build a stronger, more diverse economy centered on the rights and priorities of Indigenous peoples. We in the North are the frontline in asserting Canada's sovereignty through our presence and use of the land. Any plan for the Arctic must be reflective of Northerners' priorities and perspectives. This renewed national focus, reinforced by the release of Canada's Arctic foreign policy and updated defense strategy, demonstrates an appreciation for the nation-building work needed in Canada's Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, the work of government continues despite the challenges before us. It is guided by the mandate of the Government of Northwest Territories, which was developed and tabled early last year based on the priorities of this 20h Legislative Assembly. The mandate sets out the priorities and commitments for the GNWT, and these are reflected in the business plans and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
One of the priorities we collectively set was addressing the effects of trauma. I believe this to be at the heart of the work we must do. Individual, collective, and intergenerational trauma from colonialism and racism are behind many of the health and social challenges affecting our families and communities. The GNWT is taking steps to support healing through equitable, person-centered, anti-racist and trauma-informed care and services.
This includes the Men's Healing Fund, which supports community-led men's healing programming as a preventative approach to address family, intimate partner, and gender-based violence. Seven communities received full proposal-based funding in 2024-2025 to support activities including on-the-land healing, trauma and addictions programming, narrative therapy intervention strategies, and intensive healing programs.
Through flexible bilateral agreements with the Government of Canada, the $16 million 10-year national action plan to end gender-based violence provided each jurisdiction with the choice to allocate funding for their respective priorities, needs, and challenges. In the NWT, more than 80 percent of this funding flowed directly to NWT communities. The first annual report was released in the fall of 2024.
Mr. Speaker, homelessness is a complex issue and the GNWT's homelessness strategy takes a holistic, interdepartmental approach to address homelessness. In late fall 2024, the GNWT implemented an on the land camp as a temporary intervention and critical step in the GNWT's broader strategy. The closure of the camp in mid-January marks a shift toward more permanent solutions, including the development of additional transitional and supportive housing options.
The GNWT and its partners continue to address mental wellness and addictions recovery through programming in every community. A milestone over the past year was the completion of all 24 action items in the Addictions Prevention and Recovery Services Work Plan. In the coming months, results from this work will include the launch of two transitional housing programs in Yellowknife and Inuvik made possible through federal funding and local partnerships.
Mr. Speaker, we all want safe communities for Northerners. With the NWT having some of the highest crime and victimization rates in Canada, it is critical that we understand and address the root causes of crime.
The GNWT is committed to improving the safety and well-being of NWT Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and has developed Missing Persons legislation that will address some of the barriers that make it difficult to investigate missing persons cases, and create greater certainty about what information police can request in these situations.
Another tangible initiative in the NWT is the implementation of body-worn cameras for frontline RCMP officers across the territory. Body-worn cameras provide an objective view of police interactions, improve evidence gathering, and enhance resolution to public complaints. These cameras have been a national standard for RCMP frontline policing since 2020 and implementation in the NWT began last year, with full implementation expected in six to eight months.
Mr. Speaker, our government is supporting healthy people and communities. It is essential that we take an integrated approach to health care as we provide culturally respectful, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented services within the health and social services system. The GNWT is focusing on increasing access to health care and addressing systemic inequities and inefficiencies. The health care system sustainability unit was created to ensure the NWT's health and social services system is fiscally sustainable and efficient. This federally funded unit will focus on understanding which health and social services are essential for the NWT while maintaining quality and access to these services for residents.
Beyond this important foundational work, our government has prioritized the operational oversight and transformation required for the health and social services authorities to deliver services in a way that are sustainable and flexible and adaptable to community needs and outside pressures. The appointment of a public administrator with experience in leading health system transformation is an investment in this future.
Mr. Speaker, healthy people and communities is about much more than just health services. Climate change is a reality in the NWT, and there are many initiatives underway to help prepare, prevent, and mitigate damage and health issues from natural disasters. This includes a network of air quality monitors across 26 communities to help inform public health decisions during wildfire events. With investments in the NWT Energy Strategy, we are on track to meet our 2030 emissions reduction goals. Engagement on the draft Climate Change action plan is complete and will inform and support implementation of the 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework, positioning the NWT to better adapt to climate challenges while pursuing clean energy opportunities and green jobs for Northerners.
The GNWT is working with the organizations Sport Law and ALIAS to provide an independent reporting mechanism for instances of maltreatment in sport. This function will collect complaints and concerns from employees and other stakeholders, informing a suite of safe sport policies. Territorial and sports organizations will be required to have Safe Sport policies and plans in place to receive program funding and ensure that each organization is safe, welcoming, inclusive, and free from discrimination and harassment.
Mr. Speaker, strong and stable economies and employment opportunities are important for community wellness and vibrancy. To strengthen the economic foundations of the NWT, the GNWT will support the development of private sector and community capacity, encourage a diversity of economic activity across sectors, and reduce the cost of doing business in the NWT. Partnerships make us all stronger, and the work we do with Indigenous governments is critical to building healthy and strong economies through projects around the Northwest Territories and new opportunities for Northerners.
Over the past year, we have worked with Indigenous governments to make progress in expanding Indigenous-led conservation through funding agreements that will support northern conservation. I'm proud of the work we've done together to advance negotiations and legislation to establish the NWT Our Land for the Future Agreement, which provides $375M to support Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship and creates employment opportunities in small communities.
The GNWT is committed to advancing economic reconciliation through improved inclusion of Indigenous peoples in the workforce, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship, and integrating Indigenous businesses into the procurement processes.
One of the ways we are doing this is by preparing a public engagement on a new Indigenous procurement policy, which would include a preference for NWT Indigenous businesses. The results of the engagement will be shared publicly and will ensure fair and transparent processes while respecting treaty obligations and trade agreements.
Mr. Speaker, we're also supporting traditional livelihoods through a range of programs. Hunters and trappers have always been important to NWT communities, and through the Community Harvesters Assistance Program, we continue to provide direct support to help sustain and strengthen traditional practices. The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program helped NWT trappers sell more than 19,000 pelts worth approximately $520,000 last season. Additionally, 93 individuals completed their hunter education program, 136 residents across the territory attended trapper training in 2023 and 2024, and 15 trapping mentorship pairs were supported. Investing in these programs supports the traditional knowledge of hunters and trappers, protects natural resources for future generations, and improves the economic prospects for those who dedicate their lives to this vital work.
Mr. Speaker, we have also achieved significant milestones and results in our strategic infrastructure priorities. Last summer, my home community of Hay River celebrated the completion of two major projects that will provide immediate support to the community and long-term investment for the territory. The opening of Hay River's fish processing plant will allow us to support the growth of the commercial fishing industry by processing up to 1.5 million pounds of fish annually and will help to reinvigorate the fishing sector. The Hay River Harbour was also fully dredged, re-opening a navigable emergency channel and a critical link in the territory's transportation network.
Important milestones were achieved in the development of the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Inuvik Airport. The Mackenzie Valley Highway is currently undergoing environmental assessment and community engagement. Pending a successful assessment, we will begin regulatory authorizations, obtain project funding, advance procurement, and secure land tenure requirements.
The GNWT also completed lengthening the existing Inuvik Airport runway by 1500 feet and widening of the runway safety area. At a time when the national and global focus is on the North, it is important that the Government of Canada continue to invest in the NWT's infrastructure.
We also signed two significant agreements this year that would create new opportunities for Northerners. The first is a memorandum of understanding for collaboration on the Advancement of Economic Corridors with the Government of Alberta. This MOU will help attract new jobs, drive infrastructure development, and leverage the strengths of both Alberta and the NWT. The second is the Canada Community Building Fund renewal agreement which will provide approximately $94.5 million for community government capital projects over the next five years.
Mr. Speaker, one consideration as we advance new capital projects and strategic infrastructure is how they can help mitigate and respond to climate-driven events such as floods and fires.
Following the unprecedented 2023 wildfire season, the GNWT has taken important steps to enhance our wildfire management program to best protect NWT residents and communities. An external review of the 2023 response provided 25 recommendations to improve mitigation, preparedness, and response efforts. While full implementation will take time, the GNWT is acting on these recommendations to strengthen wildfire prevention and emergency management across the territory.
We updated the NWT Emergency Plan in 2024 to clarify roles and responsibilities of community governments as the lead for emergency management, including the need for hosting and evacuation plans and clarity around reimbursable expenses.
The response to the 2024 wildfires in Fort Liard and Fort Good Hope were a first step in testing the investments made and the collaborative efforts from communities, Indigenous governments, and local leadership.
Mr. Speaker, to effectively address the territory's housing crisis and improve the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing options in the NWT, we must work collaboratively with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, Canada, communities, and partners and stakeholders to deliver more homes for Northerners.
Housing NWT is actively advancing major projects in Yellowknife such as Aspen Apartments, a 36-unit building being modernized through a multi-level government partnership focused on key building components, including a new biomass heat plant, which is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.
In the coming months, additional housing units will be ready for move-in across the territory, in the Mackenzie Delta, Monfwi, Nahendeh, Nunakput, Sahtu, and Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh ridings, creating new housing options and more homes for Northerners. Five new seniors' duplexes are under construction in Fort McPherson, Tulita, Fort Simpson, Fort Resolution, and Behchoko, and will include accessible kitchens, washrooms, and entryways, and spaces for traditional food preparation. Initiatives like these enable seniors to age in place in their communities, keeping families together. We have also signed agreements with the Tlicho government, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, Deline Got'ine government and, most recently, the Gwich'in Tribal Council to address housing needs through cooperation and respect.
Homelessness is about more than just housing. The causes are complex, and our approach to addressing it must be multi-faceted. Over the past year, our government has taken steps to tackle homelessness using community-led solutions. In October 2024, the GNWT committed $445,000 annually to the Metis Local 51 to support the operations of the Hay River homeless shelter. To help strengthen shelter operations, we provided specialized training for staff focusing on safety, mental health support, and case management. While we are making progress in building and expanding the availability of housing, we are keenly aware that the need outweighs our ability to provide, so we continue to leverage our partnerships and possibilities.
Mr. Speaker, this is only a snapshot of the good work currently underway. There are many actions in planning and early implementation and more to come. Our mandate commitments span the full four-year term of this government. In this first year, we have taken decisive steps to lay the foundations and build relationships with partners and leaders that will help us as we move forward together.
The world is changing rapidly, and the North is not immune to global challenges. But by working together, we can turn these challenges into opportunities and make the NWT a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families for generations to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to ask the Premier to give residents hope in a tangible way. In his territorial address yesterday, one thing he said caught my ear: We must be bold when the moment demands it.
While I'm happy that we're standing strong with Team Canada, that Canadians have come together to support each other and are committed to buying local and buying Canadian, I'm still concerned. There's so much at stake. I'm watching a US administration strip away protections, supports, and educational materials needed by gender-diverse Americans, low-income Americans, and tear apart funding for legislated responsibilities that provide international aid.
I am watching a US administration say that they will take over Gaza from the Palestinian people. These actions are creating fear and anxiety for many folks. Specifically, I want to say to the trans and nonbinary people in our community, and in my life, that I love and support you.
Shock and awe is being directed against American citizens so much so that social media is awash with coded ways to resist. Once again, uncertainty is gripping our world. This time it isn't a pandemic but rather oligarchs and fascism. I will not back down from calling it what it is. Any historian can draw parallels and actions between now and 90 years ago. I do not wish to fear monger, but I have to call it what it is.
What is under our influence in this Assembly is how we encourage the Premier to work for residents on behalf of Team Canada. Our territory holds vast, resources, not only that of critical minerals but also freshwater. These resources are attractive to external actors. I expect conversations far behind my pay grade and influence are happening, and if they're not, I urge the Premier to insist conversations for smart and sustainable development and trade with respectful partners happens.
The on again/off again tariffs have a feeling of smoke and mirrors of what is to come. We have an exceptional opportunity to strongly advocate for what the people of the territory need and what we have to offer the world. NWT critical minerals can power a Canadian green new deal creating jobs, prosperity, and clean energy for the NWT and beyond. We can demonstrate northern resolve to reach net zero in the face of climate disasters. We can punch above our weight in so many ways.
It's utterly heartbreaking to watch the news and feel powerless knowing that my friends in America are terrified. Focusing on real and tangible ways to untangle ourself is a way to show real leadership, and it is a positive step. I'll have questions for the Premier. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Colleagues, before we continue on with Members' statements, I'd like to recognize Mayor Frank Hope of Norman Wells. He's been the mayor since 2018. He's done a great job, and I had the opportunity to talk to him yesterday for a little bit, and I think some of you Members and Cabinet Ministers had the opportunity to talk with him. And continue your advocacy, Mr. Hope.
Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, these days, we are bombarded with news of doom and war and conflict coming from every corner of our country in the world. There are looming trade wars, military wars where civilians are being bombed, wars between political parties, wars on the street between drug lords and gangs. Everywhere life as we know it life is being torn down. In our own territory, everyone is worried that the government is broke, worried that our whole focus is finding programs and services and jobs to cut. It feels like our world is closing in and it's getting smaller and more fragmented. And with that, our hope and our vision for the future gets smaller too. We see other communities, other leaders as competitors, even enemies, and then we start to give up on our own communities and on ourselves.
Mr. Speaker, no one can thrive with that kind of mentality, and it's no way to lead a government. And I firmly believe that we don't have to operate that way, even with our current fiscal limitations. The only path forward, I'm convinced, is to build up. Yes, we need to be way more careful with our spending, and maybe some old buildings and programs do need to be torn down, but we need to be absolutely clear what better things we're replacing them with.
We are not broke. We need to be more careful with our spending, but cuts are not the goal. They're a means to an end. So what is the end? The point is to focus our limited resources on the things that really matter. A health care system where every resident in every community has access to quality primary care, communities where every resident has access to a safe home that they can take pride in, cultivating a skilled workforce and businesses that are really good at what they do.
Mr. Speaker, these are the priorities we've identified, and yet we failed to lay out any kind of plan to achieve any of them, so no wonder the public has totally lost the plot on what we're actually trying to build up.
Mr. Speaker, this work is too important for us to waste energy fighting and tearing each other down. It's going to take all of us staying focused on our positive vision for the future, opportunities to work together, and letting go of the things that don't matter as much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The town of Norman Wells issued a state of emergency back in October 2024. At the time, I spoke in this House about the Emergency Management Act and suggested that there could be opportunities for territorial and federal support to help mitigate the high cost of living in Norman Wells. Mr. Speaker, now Imperial Oil Resources is discussing shutting down its operations in the community. Mr. Speaker, it has been reported by Imperial and the media that the Norman Wells oil field, which is more than a century old, has at most another five or ten years’ life before closure. This will be shortened without regulatory approval. The transition process, Mr. Speaker, is just beginning and, eventually, 60 employees, as well as visiting contractors, will have to find new opportunities or new work. This closure, Mr. Speaker, will put further economic strain on the community of Norman Wells. Something must be done now to ensure there is hope for the future for the residents.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT must make good on its mandate to build a strong economic foundation. Mr. Speaker, the residents of Norman Wells are starting to think about the town, what the town will look like post closure. They are looking at ways they can transition from being dependent on Imperial for home heating oil/electricity to become a self-supporting community.
Mr. Speaker, later I intend to table documents at the appropriate time with the anticipation to initiate a joint collaboration framework alternatively a sustainable working group for this challenge. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to express concern over potential changes to the quarry permitting process in the Northwest Territories. As it stands, land and water boards established under the land claim agreements already conduct thorough screenings and consultation when reviewing land use permits and project determinations. This system has worked effectively, Mr. Speaker, for years, ensuring proper oversight while allowing projects to proceed in a timely manner.
Now, Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is considering adding an additional consultation requirement at the quarry permit strange. This unnecessary step duplicates existing processes and creates delays and uncertainty for contractors, particularly when project material needs change or contracts are awarded late in the year.
Mr. Speaker, in the Beaufort Delta, we only have a short summer construction season and any added delay could mean lost work and increased costs for businesses.
There's been no clear explanation as to why this change is needed. If the GNWT believes additional consultation is required, we should be looking at solutions that streamline efforts, not complicate them. A protocol agreement with the land and water boards could ensure consultation obligations are met without causing project delays. Mr. Speaker, no changes should be made to the existing process until a clear policy is developed with defined timelines and transition period for contractors. We cannot afford to add more red tape when our industries and communities rely on efficient permitting to support economic growth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'll have questions for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last sitting I raised the issue of respite care in the territory and confirmed with the Minister of health that the department is reviewing its delivery of respite care. I've since met with some constituents and received feedback about some things that we could be doing differently.
Mr. Speaker, currently, the territory is spending a significant amount of money on out-of-territory care. Each individual who is sent south costs anywhere from 30 to $50,000 per, month, or more, which adds up to $600,000 per year per person. In total, the program is costing us $50 million per year.
One question that has come up is could we prevent more people from being sent south for both respite or long-term supported living if we were able to better support families to keep their loved ones at home?
This could take several different forms. One idea is an income support program for at home caregivers if they are able to prevent their loved one from being sent south. Another idea raised by a constituent would be funding for families to hire their own at-home caregiver for full time or respite services. The idea would be to empower people to come up with their own solutions and support them to do so. Considering the significant costs associated with out-of-territory care, even if such programs were quite expensive to deliver per person, I think there's a good change it could be less expensive, potentially even significantly so, than what we're paying now.
More importantly, Mr. Speaker, it would ensure loved ones are kept at home where they belong with their families. Programs such as income support or subsidies for families could be done alongside existing programming and offer additional options, giving families the agency to decide for themselves what works best.
Looking at the potential for this kind of programming is something I think we need to be focusing on in a time of fiscal restraint. I know that we are in the best position to be expanding our own programming at this time. Establishing funding pots like what I've described is one way we might be able to help people without expanding our own services. To that end, I'll have questions for the Minister of health today and also for the Minister of ECC if there's time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member from Deh Cho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take the opportunity, on the first day of this sitting, to wish all of my constituents in the Deh Cho a Happy New Year. To all the residents in the communities of Fort Providence, Kakisa, Enterprise, and K'atlodeeche, I wish you all the best in 2025. I want to congratulate the community of Fort Providence for the excellent Christmas parade and First Night New Year celebrations that happened recently in the new year. These events brought people together to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy each other's company.
A special thanks to Andrew Nunez, the hamlet of Fort Providence, Deh Gah Gotie First Nation, and the dedicated team of volunteers that worked tirelessly to make this celebration a success for the community.
To my colleagues here in the House, Happy New Year. To my husband Norman and family, thank you for supporting me always. May 2025 bring you prosperity and happiness. I look forward to the work we will accomplish together for the people of this beautiful territory we call home. There is value in working together, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Range Lake.
Mr. Speaker, we are in a war, a trade war, and while our efforts have earned a 30-day reprieve, there's still much work to be done towards a resolution. Canadians are still struggling to come to terms with the sudden betrayal of one of our oldest allies that has upended the North American economy. I know Northerners are worried, and by virtue of having the earliest legislative session this year, we get to demonstrate that leadership for the first opportunity to formally address the illegal tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump. Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding our sovereignty and taking all necessary action to support a Team Canada approach against this threat to our communities. [Translation] Mr. Chair, Canadians are proud to say that our country is the second largest in the world with close to 10 10 million square kilometers but eighty percent of our population resides at less than 250 kilometers from the American border. As individuals living in the remote areas of the Arctic and Subarctic a large part of the Canadians -- or Americans can only know where we live by looking at a map. In fact, these -- that other people who have been living on these -- on this land since immemorial times and all the colonizers who defend the sovereignty of Canada. [Translation Ends].
But, Mr. Speaker, we have always had friends and allies who have helped us in this task of keeping our communities safe and strong. Canadians and Americans have stood shoulder to shoulder for over a century, fighting in two world wars, where the resources of the Northwest Territories played a crucial role in ending those conflicts; and thereafter, to defend against the threat of the Soviet Union by building and operating the DEW Line that stretched from Alaska to Nunavut. My father was a civilian contractor on the DEW Line for NORAD, and our relationship with the US is the reason my family is here in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, it is my hopes that none of this trade war comes to pass and that the dumbest trade war in history ends without a shot being fired. But if there is a silver lining to an unpredictable US president, it's that his irrational behaviour proves that it is Canada that must invest in the Northwest Territories. We need to eliminate internal trade barriers, reduce regulatory burdens, and expand our military infrastructure with an ambitious strategy to expand, develop, and open up new markets.
To Canadians, thank you for standing up for your country and against those who would do us harm. To Americans, remember we are your friends and neighbours, not your enemies. And to Northerners, your government will see you through this crisis and keep the True North strong and free. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with 971 days left in this Assembly, time moves along fast. But I say to this government, we need to be relentless and unapologetic for our fight for Northerners for a better tomorrow and certainly much better than yesterday was. Time is ticking away, Mr. Speaker. As our GDP does slip away, we need the government to take a full court press - not the wait and see policy we've lived with over and over and over again. Kind of a Groundhog's Day, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, we need action, boldness, commitment, Mr. Speaker, without apology.
Mr. Speaker, Premier Doug Ford may not be my personal cup of tea, but no one in this country can argue he takes bold action, he believes in the economy, he believes in Ontario, and as a matter of fact, he's putting those words to fight for Canada, Mr. Speaker. We need that energy. We need a play book just like Mr. Ford, Mr. Speaker. I should say Premier Ford. Mr. Speaker, we shouldn't be ashamed to stand our ground as Northerners but find common ground through experience, talent, kindness, and a collective focus. Mr. Speaker, we need a Premier's state of a union like we heard yesterday but with actual energy and deliverable tangibles.
Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully. There were no unicorns or rainbows in that speech of success. Now, my definition may be different than his, but Mr. Speaker, we're not hearing inspiration; we're hearing the bureaucracy is running the show.
Mr. Speaker, all Members can agree, in one form or another, we may not like all the styles of development and opportunity but let us by on the same page we may all agree we hate poverty, and so we have to reach for and grab any opportunity we can.
With Canada's commitment towards the 2 percent NATO spending, Mr. Speaker, time is ticking on that one, including the opportunities to get on board and to be part of those billions of dollars that are being invested and look towards the future of meeting those commitments. Mr. Speaker, I say seize the day, Mr. Premier, with our national interest. Show them we will be the partner to build that Mackenzie Valley Highway for national interest. We will be the partner that will build the Bathurst port road all the way up to the Arctic, Mr. Speaker. We will be the partner to have airports in the NWT for those F35s that will be here to protect our national interests, Mr. Speaker. I say to the Premier opportunity is knocking, don't miss the boat.
Mr. Speaker, I finish with this: I implore the Premier to lead, seize the day, or certainly get out of the way. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements. Member from Hay River South.
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take the opportunity to welcome back all my colleagues to the Legislative Assembly, welcome back all the staff, and welcome back all the interpreters to the Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, Hay River hosted the territorial trials for the Montana's Brier which, by the way, is being held February 28th and March 9th in Kelowna, BC. I'd like to think of this as Hay River's unofficial warmup before we send our champions to Kelowna to battle the best curlers out there. I'm proud to announce that the Hay River team will be representing the Northwest Territories at this prestigious event.
Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the team from Hay River:
Aaron Bartling;
The former Speaker of the House's son, D'arcy Delorey;
Norman Bass of Hay River; and,
Eric Preston, an RCMP officer.
All in Hay River. They managed to take down Team Koe in a 7 to 6 victory in extra ends. That's like an overtime victory in curling for us hockey fans. I was there; I watched it; it was pretty intense, and it came down to the last rock.
I believe this is the first time in Hay River history that a team has represented the NWT at a men's brier and, for that, it's a pretty big deal.
Also, a huge shout out to the curling club in Hay River and the volunteers that made this event a success. Without them, this achievement would have been a little bit more difficult. Congratulations to Team Delorey/Bartling, and I look forward to watching them on TV. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Hay River South. Members' statements.
Good afternoon, Colleagues. I am going to advise you this is going to be a very difficult Celebration of Life to do.
Avery Julianna Burke was born on May 4th, 2018, at the BC Women's Hospital to Maureen Deneron and Preston Burke. She was the third youngest of four siblings. She spent her first two years of her life in Fort Nelson, BC, before moving to Sambaa K'e with her grandmother, Bertha Deneron.
Avery loved being with her grandmother. She was a great help to her grandmother. She loved helping do dishes, folding clothes, all the while singing away to the various songs. Her favorite music was the fiddle, especially when her sister Katrina played the fiddle. She would grab her little brother's hand and they would dance up a storm. Their smiles made the home even brighter.
She was a very outdoor type of person. She loved to put up rabbit snares and cherished when she was successful. Even at a young age, she was able to remove the snares without much trouble thanks to her grandmother teaching. She like to go chicken hunting with her sisters, who was very good shot. Once they got a chicken, she would get right to the task of plucking it. She would be heard saying "we got Grandma's supper' with a big smile.
Avery loved to look for animal track, especially in the winter. She was always curious about the various animals, their tracks, and asked tons of questions about them and their home. Like a true northerner, her favorite food was dry meat, dry fish, bannock, fruit, and moose meat with broth. Her sister Katrina like spending time with her, making endless drawings or letting her be part of whatever her and her other sister were doing. I can tell you she didn't seem to have a bad day. She loved to laugh, dance, sing with her siblings, especially with her cousin Peyton. When it came to school, she had a huge passion for it. She loved her teachers and classmates. She would go to bed Sunday excited because she got to go to school Monday morning. She would get to learn and see her teacher and classmates.
When she had time, she loved spending time with her baby brother. They would enjoy playing together and she would teach him how to do things. As the family said, she was their little ray of sunshine. She was so innocent and intelligent. She was way too precious for this world and had to leave us. I can tell you before she passed away on January 4th, she told her mother she was going to come back as a big tree and look after her baby brother. She was deeply loved and will be terribly missed by all her family and friends.
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize and, more importantly, thank Sheila Nasogaluak, my constituency assistant from Inuvik. Thank you.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Seeing nobody else recognizing visitors. For the others that are here, thank you very much for allowing us to be in your home and welcome to our proceedings. It's great to have visitors here at this time.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the Premier for being part of the Team Canada response to the US tariff threat. And I'd like to ask today what the status of that approach is. Where are Canada's premiers and the Prime Minister on ensuring that we can overcome this challenge to our economic sovereignty in the next 30 days? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Mr. Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'm sure everyone has heard that the Prime Minister spoke with President Trump yesterday -- or sorry, I believe it was Monday. They had a discussion, and President Trump said that he was going to delay the implementation of the tariffs by 30 days. And so that's where we are right now.
Across Canada, governments -- provincial and territorial governments were going to enact measures, just as ours was; for example, removing American products from the liquor stores, stopping procurement of American goods, and any other tariff measures that we can define to help support these efforts. We've paused those efforts, as I believe most jurisdictions have, but we haven't stopped preparing. So we're continuing to prepare, continuing to examine what other non-tariff options that we have, and how we can better support Team Canada. I had a call today with the Prime Minister and all of the premiers. We had one on Saturday. We had one last week. And all of the jurisdictions are doing what they can. I can tell you it's a very cohesive group despite any political differences across party lines. It is a united Team Canada approach from coast to coast to coast. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier. I mean, I'm jealous I'm not a part of those calls because it would be great to call Donald Trump's bluff and beat him at his own game. So thank you for that.
Mr. Speaker, have the Canada's premiers had a discussion about eliminating interprovincial trade barriers, getting, you know -- winning this war is one thing, but we have to build for the future. That's a big part of this. So what progress are we making on eliminating interprovincial trade barriers? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a committee in Canada that is made up of all 13 provinces and territories as well as the federal government. That's the committee on internal trade. Each year a different jurisdiction chairs that committee. Starting in 2025, the NWT is the chair of the committee on internal trade. Last week, Minister Cleveland called an emergency meeting of the committee. They met on Friday, and they brought forward recommendations. They're very high-level recommendations, but they speak to many of the things the Member is talking about. We are looking to reduce internal trade barriers across Canada in a serious way, and we're looking to increase labour mobility. And so work is underway. Both of these are issues that had been long standing in Canada, and there hasn't been the political will to actually get them dealt with. They do take a lot of work. It will take legislative change across every jurisdiction. It will take some jurisdictions giving up a sacred cow that they just don't want to, but if there ever was a political will to make that work happen, now is the time. And if we do that, even if we cut our trade barriers by half, we're going to see an impact on our Canada-wide GDP and so it's a real effort to make real change in Canada, and I'm very hopeful that we're going to see that change soon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is good news as well. Mr. Speaker, another thing that this crisis has prompted is taking a look at energy security in Canada. We're talking about getting oil and gas to market -- or sorry, to ports and to finding new ports. The Northwest Territories is one of the largest supplies of oil and gas in the world. Can the Premier tell us if he is pursuing that opportunity and how we are going to unlock this resource to benefit not only Canada's security but northern security as well? Thank you.
