Caitlin Cleveland

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, overall the initiative is focused on critical minerals and then from there, on mineral resource development and, really, investment attraction in the territory. But our focus is certainly these days on critical minerals given that's where the world is really turning its attention these days. This program is certainly just in its infancy and over our time, we will certainly continue to track, as we already do, exploration in it the territories, projects moving forward in the territories and, of course, GDP from our mineral projects. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Terry's going to feel very special today because we're all fighting over him, but I'd like to say a warm welcome to my constituent, and we might need some proof of residency now to Mr. Terry Testart. Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to acknowledge Steve Loutitt in the House today. I started my journey with the GNWT as an intern for the Department of Transportation, spent many a days on the tarmac with Mr. Loutitt, including the year where a missile hit the golf course. What a time to start in communications. But very much my best memories of him were certainly at...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, this was a soft launch at PDAC where we were able to attract different ambassadors from different countries who have now their own critical mineral funds, their own raw materials funds. We were able to attract different investors, mining companies, exploration companies, and really we're able to start by rolling this out. We do have some collateral, and there will also be a web page that I'd be more than happy to share on social media to ensure that Northerners also have access to it as well. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this program was just recently announced -- the Member is right -- when we were at PDAC, and it's an investment from CanNor, $460,000 between the three territories, to invest in essentially a promotional campaign to attract investment to the three territories specific to critical mineral mining. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, we have great rocks. The global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, and the Northwest Territories is well-positioned to play a key role in supplying these essential resources to Canada and its allies. With over two-thirds of the critical minerals listed by Canada, and almost half identified by the United States, our territory is a significant contributor to securing a stable and responsible supply of materials vital to clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.

Recognizing the opportunity before us, the Government of the Northwest Territories...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I've previously shared with the House, I cannot direct the operations of Aurora College. That would be seen as interference, and I'm prohibited from doing so under the Aurora College's Act. But the commitment that I have made is that, first of all, to acknowledge that this is an issue that needs to be reviewed and that there are other parties within the Northwest Territories who want to be involved in some of this work which is very promising and very good. And so as the Minister of education, I have committed to following up on these programs...

Well, Mr. Speaker, this is the beauty of going last as you get to repeat some people. But I'd like to say a big hello to constituent James William; powerhouse of an athlete, powerhouse of a parent, powerhouse of a coach, and powerhouse of a chair, David Wasylciw, who is the chair of the Yellowknife Education District No. 1, so we get to spend some good time together. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is part of the information that I'm looking to ascertain from the federal government and to understand really what the resource needs would be of the people who would be identified as asylum seekers as part of this program. I know from just listening to interactions on the floor of the House, there's a huge demand, for example mental health supports across the territory, and so what kind of additional supports would we require in order to invite and welcome more asylum seekers in the territory, depending on what their health needs are, what...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Because the federal government hasn't yet told me what is involved in the deal, what it is that they are asking of us, and what it is and how they are supporting residents in return. So that's the information that I'm waiting for. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have no updates today. Thank you.