Oh, God, I ask for your guidance today to give us clarity to help the people we serve to the very best of our ability. I ask that you help us maintain our resolve, no matter what obstacles we may face. I also ask you to keep our wits sharp and that we always keep our loved ones in mind while we do our work, with every keystroke, pen stroke, with every word. Amen.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted every aspect of life in our territory. The Government of the Northwest Territories has responded to the pandemic in a variety of ways. In addition to the measures taken to protect the health and safety of our residents and communities, our government has acted to mitigate the economic impacts of this crisis on our economy and to invest in the economic well-being of Northwest Territories industry and businesses.
Mr. Speaker, we knew that, for our economy to recover, we would need our mines and supporting industries to be operating, small businesses to be open, and our people to be working. That being said, our first priority was to address the health and safety of entrepreneurs, business owners, and their employees. Following that, we acted to ensure that Northwest Territories communities and residents would continue to receive critical supplies. With so many remote and dispersed communities, we are acutely aware of the importance of the supply chain, perhaps more so that our southern counterparts.
Since these initial first steps, Mr. Speaker, the Departments of Infrastructure and Industry, Tourism and Investment have rolled out a sequence of measured and organized steps, in tandem with the federal government, to ensure that funding reliefs are available. Some of these reliefs include waiving fees impacting truckers and air carriers to provide nearly $2.5 million in economic relief. We have also continued to advocate regularly to the federal government on behalf of northern airlines facing unprecedented operating challenges due to the pandemic. Capital loans have also been made available through the Business Development and Investment Corporation to businesses that needed immediate liquidity.
Mr. Speaker, since March 20th, the GNWT has committed over $20 million in offsets and supports for NWT businesses. Collectively, our territory, its governments, business chambers, and stakeholder organizations have been able to deliver the message in Ottawa that we need specific and regionally appropriate support programs for our businesses.
As a supplement to Canada's national business relief plans, CanNor's Northern Business Relief Fund significantly expanded relief options for NWT and Indigenous businesses. On May 8th, the Minister of Finance announced $8.7 million for Northwest Territories airlines; the first of two phases of federal funding to help maintain the critical links that they provide. On May 12th, with support from the federal government, the GNWT then announced a $6.2-million plan to top up wages for workers making less than $18 per hour.
Through all of this Mr. Speaker, we have also worked with our mines and resource companies to ensure their safe and continued operation. We have taken steps to protect mineral tenure in the Northwest Territories by suspending payment and work requirements until the end of June, and will be extending this relief for an additional 90 days.
We will need our resource sector to anchor our recovery. Mining and exploration are the biggest source of private-sector jobs and income for our residents, and, as we get back to business, will be a major buyer of products and services from NWT companies. The Mining Incentive Program has been adapted to support Northwest Territories prospectors and company-led mineral exploration projects, and to ensure that their projects this summer will be in line with orders and conditions of the Chief Public Health Officer.
Mr. Speaker, much has been said about the need for economic stimulus and recovery, but it is only thanks to our investments in relief efforts that we are able now to look forward. As we do, an important component of economic stimulus and recovery will be investment in GNWT infrastructure projects. Not only will these projects inject money into the economy, they will provide business and employment opportunities for our residents.
In 2020/2021 the GNWT is planning to invest over $500 million in infrastructure throughout the Northwest Territories. This will allow us to deliver a total of 152 capital projects in 28 Northwest Territories communities, including schools, long-term care and healthcare facilities, and major transportation projects. Many of these projects are multi-year projects that will begin or continue this year. This investment continues to leverage significant federal infrastructure dollars.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT will continue to advocate and work with the federal government on infrastructure initiatives that lead to jobs, economic growth, and prosperity both in the NWT and Canada. Meanwhile, as Northwest Territories businesses begin to resume operations across the North, we have reintroduced our Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy Program for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. It represents $4 million of potential investment into projects in which community employment is emphasized, and where the bulk of the funding will be spent in our communities.
Similarly, we will inject almost $4.4 million into parks infrastructure, tourism product development, and community infrastructure projects this summer, supporting local suppliers, contractors, and employees as we improve our tourism product for the future.
As we begin to emerge wisely from public health measures, Mr. Speaker, economic recovery will begin within our territory and will depend greatly on what we can do for each other. The importance of the "BuyNorth" or "ShopNWT" message has never been as true as it is today.
Our recovery will also have to be in step with the needs and capacity of our business community. The new Business Advisory Council will be the voice of NWT business in my office. It will ensure that the experience, talent, and resources of the Northwest Territories' private sector are considered in our decision-making, and, as we look ahead, I believe the collective world-wide effort that will be put into economic recovery will bring new opportunities.
If we can position ourselves to learn from the wave of innovation that I believe we will see, we can reimagine our own economy for the future; one that continues to promote our wealth of natural resources, but also encourages a more diversified and resilient economy that builds upon our natural strengths. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, increasing the number of affordable homes and reducing core housing need is a priority of this government. The difficult times that we are emerging from highlight that safe and secure housing is one of our highest needs. The delivery of housing services became more challenging, given our need to stay healthy in preparation of COVID-19 through physical distancing.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the individuals and organizations involved in ensuring that safe housing and affordable shelters are available to our residents. Many of these people work behind the scenes, delivering critical services for housing solutions and emergency repairs.
I am proud and grateful for the work being done by the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation staff and all of our community partners, such as local housing organizations and emergency shelter providers that help us to provide housing and homeless supports. These important front-line workers support approximately 2,800 units under Northwest Territories Housing Corporation programming and five overnight shelters.
Indigenous government partners worked diligently with the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. When faced with the uncertainty of how COVID-19 would impact their communities, the Deline Got'ine Government and the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation had no hesitation in offering to take on the administration of some public housing units for the purposes of self-isolation. While, ultimately, these units were not required to address COVID-19, these communities and their leaders demonstrated to their people that they were prepared to do what it takes to keep their residents safe.
I want also to thank the private industry for their contributions during this time. Many landlords faced their own economic pressures. In the community of Hay River, I want to thank the owners of the North Country Inn, which was utilized to support some residents experiencing homelessness. Large industry also wanted to help out. In Norman Wells, Imperial Oil Limited offered the use of some of its staff housing units should it be required.
I want to recognize the work of staff at the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation who successfully continued to deliver essential services such as emergency repair programming, rent support, and the Homelessness Assistance Fund.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank our partners in delivering housing in the communities. I also want to express my gratitude for their commitment to housing our residents of the Northwest Territories and their professionalism during this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the end of the 2019-2020 school year approaches, planning for how to safely reopen schools in the fall is well under way. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is working diligently with its education partners to create a supportive and effective learning environment for students in the 2020-2021 school year, and beyond.
As we emerge wisely into more relaxed public health restrictions, I want to be clear: the upcoming school year will not be a return to normal. I understand that all of us want desperately to get back into our routines and have this crisis end. That cannot happen this fall, and the number one priority of my office and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has to remain the health and safety of our students and education staff. Schools will be taking strong action to meet the recommendations of the Chief Public Health Officer, while providing junior kindergarten to grade 12 education programs and services starting this fall, and we continue to need the support of all our residents to make this happen.
Mr. Speaker, ECE and education bodies responsible for delivering education are working on a coordinated, system-wide approach for the coming school year, that is based on the detailed criteria provided by the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer on how to safely reopen schools. This approach is focused on achieving the following priorities:
maintaining the health and safety of students, staff, and communities;
starting the school year on time;
maximizing in-person learning, as much as possible;
seeking equity across regions;
maintaining financial supports to schools and the programs they offer; and
supporting continuity of learning.
While details on specific health and safety measures will vary from school to school, Mr. Speaker, there are some general measures that will be enacted in schools across the NWT to help maintain physical distance. These include:
limits on class size;
enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices;
strict hand-washing routines;
designated entrances and exits;
staggered breaks, drop-offs, and dismissals;
use of personal protective equipment by staff and students when physical distance cannot be maintained;
spacing of desks and other furniture;
restricting and managing flow in hallways and common areas through floor markings and/or physical barriers;
encouraging activities to take place outdoors, when possible;
restrictions on assemblies, choir and music classes, drama, team sports, and other gatherings where physical distancing is not possible; and
limited access to schools for parents, guardians, and visitors.
Education will be delivered based on factors such as school size and layout, grade level, the number of students and staff, access to technology, and the unique needs of each student. Individual schools will be making adjustments to student transportation, food programs, and scheduling in order to accommodate public health recommendations.
In our smaller schools, it is likely that students will be safely accommodated within the existing space and will not need to rely as much on distance learning. However, larger schools with more staff and students will have a harder time delivering the full extent of education programming within the school space. In these situations, schools may access space outside of the school, provide a blended learning approach that will prioritize in-person learning, or continue to support at-home distance learning if necessary.
Mr. Speaker, this is a dynamic situation, and plans for the coming school year may need to change as new information or public health and workplace safety requirements are identified. Public bodies are taking a flexible approach to their planning, to account for a potential second wave of COVID-19 in the fall of 2020, to ensure schools are able to open and remain open. The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to providing regular updates to the public as plans move forward for the upcoming school year.
Each school will need to have its reopening plan assessed and approved by the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer and the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission. All schools are working to have their detailed plans submitted before the end of the current school year, and details of these will be made available to students, parents, guardians, and staff once those plans are reviewed and approved. In addition, ECE will be publishing a territorial plan on reopening schools for the 2020-2021 school year later this month.
Mr. Speaker, the health and safety of residents and communities of the NWT is our primary concern. As we near the end of this school year, ECE remains committed to providing support to education leaders, students, parents, guardians, and teachers as we truly work together to meet public health and safety requirements while supporting the critical learning and well-being of all NWT students. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister of Justice.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the Northwest Territories, we entrust the RCMP with the responsibility to support every citizen's rights to safety and security, and we also entrust them with the right to take away a citizen's liberty in response to unlawful activity. That is a tremendous power and responsibility. We are fortunate to have the service of a professional and experienced national police force and an RCMP division dedicated to community policing. However, it remains critically important that we ensure our policing services reflect the unique context of our territory and the diversity of our people, and respect the trust that we are all placing in them every day. The ultimate goal we are all working towards together should be safe communities where our citizens can thrive.
The Minister's Policing Priorities for 2020-2021 have been under development since April, and they were already in their final form when the ongoing challenges of systemic racism within law enforcement took centre stage around the globe.
As we are all acutely aware, the world has changed drastically over the past few months. While it may initially have been a global pandemic that illustrated the need for out-of-the-box thinking as it pertains to our justice and policing systems, it has been society's recent awakening to the reality of racial injustice that has driven this home. It has become apparent that innovation and reform are necessary in these systems and that the status quo is no longer acceptable.
We considered not presenting these priorities today through this statement but decided we cannot shy away from the painful reality of racism and a potentially difficult conversation about policing. I will proceed to present the policing priorities today, and I look forward to engaging in more conversations with the RCMP and with the Members.
For 2020-2021, the four themes of policing priorities are: first, promote confidence in policing services; second, adapt to changing enforcement and community policing landscapes; third, continue to improve the RCMP's response to vulnerable population; and lastly, operational and fiscal innovation.
Regarding the first priority, the need to build confidence and trust in those whom we have trusted with our safety is foundational. Confidence will come from trust; trust requires a relationship and mutual respect. It is also something that must be constantly and consistently nurtured and protected.
To serve communities effectively, it is critical to acknowledge, reflect, and learn from a past that has not always been characterized by mutual respect and to use those lessons to improve understanding, empathy, and cultural safety in how policing is done today. Some progress in establishing trust has been the creation of the Commanding Officer's Aboriginal Advisory. In addition, the NWT has an Aboriginal Policing Services unit within G Division, and the division's commanding officer has directed that all new members to a community must complete a personal biography to be presented to the community. They are required to attend a cultural orientation specific to the community where they have been placed, which includes meeting with local Indigenous organizations and elders. Such steps should be recognized, but that does not mean the work is done, and so promoting confidence in policing remains a priority.
Northwest Territories communities have made it very clear how much harm they witness in their communities, harm from alcohol misuse, drug trafficking, and bootlegging. Bootlegging and substance abuse have been identified on almost every community's community policing plan. In addition to further cracking down on illegal alcohol and drug trafficking, we've also identified the need for more effective enforcement of impaired driving legislation as a means to keeping our communities and streets safe.
The RCMP must continue to foster trust within communities to help residents feel more comfortable reporting illegal alcohol and drug trafficking and impaired driving, which will allow the RCMP to implement more effective crime prevention and enforcement strategies. Although we know that root causes underlying the misuse of alcohol lie in areas beyond the influence of police, their enforcement efforts are integral to the disruption of the illegal networks taking advantage of people who are living with mental health and addictions.
The Department of Justice and the RCMP are a first point of contact for the diversion of suitable matters to local restorative justice options such as the community justice committees. Restorative justice practices and principles have long been linked to more positive outcomes for both offenders and victims. By increasing the use of more restorative practices, the RCMP will play a vital role in identifying matters for youth and adult diversion early in the justice system process.
The second priority, adapting to a changing community landscape, is linked to the third, and this is to improve the RCMP's response to vulnerable populations.
The RCMP play a critical role acting as the first point of contact for many people experiencing family violence, by informing victims of their rights and connecting those victims to community supports. Recognizing that family violence rates remain consistently high in the Northwest Territories, it is essential that RCMP members and victim services workers continue to collaborate so that victims' rights are recognized and respected.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We also recognize the challenges that victims face in reporting sexual assault. We look to the RCMP to continue working with stakeholders and partners, including the Department of Justice, to implement solutions that would ensure a thorough investigation of a complaint in each and every case. Implementing trauma-informed investigative tools remains a best practice of our police officers and, in turn, is an area of focus we've identified for the coming year. This lessens the impact of crime and trauma on victims and their families, while also aiding in healing and recovery. Proper training and accurate use of investigative tools go a long way to improving the quality of the response provided to survivors of violence.
Our last remaining priority, again, with connection to the third, is operational and fiscal innovation. Mr. Speaker, the world is experiencing an unprecedented challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic. Policing is a critical piece of our emergency planning. The RCMP should continue careful planning to support safe communities and the safety of their members throughout this evolving situation. They should continue to participate in emergency planning within their scope at the territorial and federal level and collaborate wherever possible with territorial departments and agencies to help keep Northwest Territories residents safe.
As we continue to work through the added challenges that we face as a result of this pandemic, as well as addressing racism within law enforcement, it is more incumbent than ever on the Government of the Northwest Territories and the RCMP to work collaboratively to leverage our efforts for the benefit of our communities. While this might require some ingenuity, I am confident that we have appropriate and rigorous checks and balances that will hold our organizations accountable to operate innovatively within the financial limits of our contract.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I reiterate that annual Ministerial police priorities are part of a much wider conversation that includes acknowledging both a past and present that still needs much healing. It is about building trust and finding a way forward so that police services are partners in upholding and protecting the safety of all people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate each of those students who are graduating from Ecole Boreal, Diamond Jenness Secondary School, and Aurora College. I know that these graduates will not forget the year they graduated, nor will they forget the unique events of COVID-19 surrounding their graduation.
We all appreciate and acknowledge the commitment, sacrifice, and hard work that these students put in to achieve their status as graduates. These students started their educational journey as young children and have now finished as young adults. That chapter has now closed, and it is time to take that next step, whether it be to further their education, join the workforce, or travel. It is only the beginning of life's journey.
The only advice I would have for each student is: listen to others, show respect for others, and most importantly, follow your dreams.
Mr. Speaker, I, along with the Member for Hay River North, am proud to announce the 2020 grade 12 graduates from Ecole Boreal: Megan Buhler, Reegan Jung-kind, Justin Morais, and Victoria Tweedie-Pitre.
Mr. Speaker, I, along with the Member for Hay River North, am proud to now announce the 2020 Grade 12 graduates from Diamond Jenness Secondary School: Trey Beck, Brad Belanger, Shyla Boyce, Caleb Brockway, Jared Chocolate, Geronimoe Constant, Ceiara Flaherty-Mckay, Elisha Gill, Nicole Griffiths, Conner Hoffman, Alice Jensen, Hunter Lafferty, Tarek Leahy-Chicot, Layne Leonard, Dylan McWhinnie, Tenielle Patterson, Angus Smith, Bryce Smith, Julie Squires-Rowe, Zoey Walsh, and Danielle Havioyak-Kolaohok.
Mr. Speaker, I, Along With The Member For Hay River North, Am Proud To Announce The 2020 Hay River Graduates From Aurora College: Fredelle Deneyoua, who received a Business Administration Diploma, and Dana Webster, who received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to speak about our most important resource in the NWT. You might be thinking, yeah, we've got diamonds, which are valuable; we have gold, yes; and let's not forget the oil and gas industry; but that's not what I'm referring to today.
Mr. Speaker, the most importance resource I am speaking about is our youth. Our youth are our future. Without them, the work that we are doing right now will be for nothing. It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child, and I firmly believe that we must put as much support as possible from all of us to teach our children and give them as strong a foundation as possible to prepare for adult life. Let's face it, some of these students will be sitting here one day, in our chairs.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, high school graduates everywhere had to endure unique and unusual challenges in their final year of high school. However, and I am speaking to the students now, I know that this whole experience will make you stronger and wiser as you continue on your journey.
With that, Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to celebrate and honour all of the high school graduates in the constituency of Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. I have reached out to the principals in each school, and their names include: Tamara Enzoe-Dagg from Lutsel K'e Dene School; Kiana Lafferty from Lutsel K'e Dene School; Lillyan Lockart from Lutsel K'e Dene School; Greg Villeneuve from Deninu Kue; Aaron Flunkie-Mantla from K'alemi Dene School; Caylynn Crapeau, Dettah, St. Patrick's High School; Darian Erasmus, Ndilo, Sir John High School; and Ethan Black, also Sir John High School.
Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would like to end on a quote from a really good book that I plan to give to the graduates. It's called "The ABCs of Adulthood," and here's an excerpt from this book: "Risk. 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained' has been around since Chaucer, but just because it's become a cliche doesn't mean it's not still as true today as it was in those times. In just about every realm in your life, love and work in particular, you must take risks. Yes, you might speak your love out loud and have it not reciprocated, or you might try to cure cancer and fail. You might go on 50 dates that suck, but kids, you cannot reach the summit of Mount Everest until you have stumbled over a whole mountainside of rocks and ice."
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all the teachers, principals, and staff for helping these kids move along their journey, and I want to finish off by saying we're all very proud of you, and we wish them all the very best in their future endeavours. Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.
Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] I would like to send out a huge congratulations to grads in the Tlicho region, some of them have graduated. There are quite a number of people who have graduated in my community. They will be on their way to post-secondary. Also, for post-secondary, there were quite a number of students who have graduated from post-secondary education. I am very thankful for that [translation ends].
Congratulations to my Tlicho high school graduates and, also, the post-secondary graduates class of 2020. We are very proud of their accomplishments, especially during the whole COVID pandemic crisis. You have set a lifelong goal and achieved your dream. Well done.
Mr. Speaker, I have three of my own kids graduating this year. I must say I am a very proud father standing before you.
To highlight some of their achievements, Mr. Speaker, my youngster daughter is Denae Madai Lafferty, graduating from St. Pat's High School in grade 12 and looking forward to continuing her educational dream of one day working with kids, possibly in a pediatric area.
Mr. Speaker, my second daughter, Sahara Sadeh Lafferty, completed her post-secondary diploma in the Outdoor Education Program in Pembroke, Ontario. She is preparing to further her education in a kinesiology degree this fall.
Mr. Speaker, last but not least, my oldest son, Jayde Edzo Lafferty, completed his red seal journeyman ticket as an electrician. As you can see, I am proud of my children and all NWT graduates for these amazing accomplishments, and I encourage them to continue on their educational and professional journeys, whatever that might be. Once again, congratulations to the class of 2020. God bless. Masi.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Dempster Highway plays an important role for Inuvik. In fact, it's the lifeline to the Beaufort-Delta. Over the years, we have seen many upgrades and improvements to the Dempster, and most of the hazardous sections have been corrected or widened. Mr. Speaker, you are aware that the widening of the highway usually consists of four kilometres per year and started at the NWT border and is working its way north to Inuvik. Mr. Speaker, residents in my community also use the Dempster Highway from Inuvik south to access fishing, camping, recreation sites south of Inuvik and around close proximity to my community. Mr. Speaker, the 50 kilometres south of Inuvik are used not only by Inuvik residents, but now residents coming in from Tuktoyaktuk. We have seen them come in and come camping, as well, and head out to places like the Gwich'in Territorial Park. On this section of road, we have had many accidents on certain corners of the Dempster Highway just outside of Inuvik. Mr. Speaker, at our current rate of widening the Dempster from just one end, Inuvik won't see some of the last remaining hazardous sections widen just outside Inuvik for at least 30 years. Mr. Speaker, Inuvik residents also deserve to have this section outside of Inuvik widened, as well, and not have to wait 30 years to reach us. Today, I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure regarding widening the road south of Inuvik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. I would like to provide an update on the state of the Bathurst caribou herd since we last sat in March. March 13, 2020, the Wek'eezhii Renewable Resources Board decided that the proposed 2020 wolf cull could proceed as a pilot project. The board will conduct a more rigorous review of the remaining four years of the proposed program beginning in August of this year. This revised proposal should also include "lesson learned" from the implementation of the 2020 management actions. The board said that "it is clear that communication in advance of the submission of wildlife management proposals needs to be improved. Future submissions of wildlife management proposals should not leave the board in a position where it must choose the best of two bad options. The board encourages early and frequent communication amongst our respective staffs with respect to both proposed wildlife management actions and process and timelines." Aerial shooting of wolves was to start in mid-April and run through until mid-May. I will have questions for the Minister later today.
On April 3rd, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources issued a joint news release with Indigenous leaders condemning the illegal harvest of 80 Bathurst caribou and wasted meat from 12 more animals. ENR officers seized meat and issued tickets to hunters that were caught. On May 6th, we were informed that ENR is postponing the Bathurst and Bluenose-East calving ground photo surveys planned for June 2020 until next year as a result of the pandemic. Mr. Speaker, it is wildlife that is also suffering. The frequency of these surveys was recently changed from every three to two years due to the precarious state of the herds. Wolf harvest incentives did not seem to work, illegal caribou harvesting appears to have increased, and one of our key tools to assess the health of the herds has been delayed for a year. All of this is sad and bad news for the Bathurst caribou herd at a time our government continues to push ahead with a road that will cause irreversible harm.
I will have questions later today for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources about details on some of these developments and when we can expect to see a comprehensive and balanced approach to the Bathurst caribou emergency that includes habitat protection. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my reply to the Commissioner's opening address, I mentioned my support of the NWT Metis Nation's Land, Resource, and Self-Government Agreement, as they are my constituents. The parties of this agreement include the NWT Metis Nation, which represents the Fort Smith, Hay River, and Fort Resolution Metis Councils, along with the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories. In 1996, these parties agreed to have negotiations take place in two phases. As of July 29, 2015, the NWT Metis Nation Agreement-in-Principle was signed, which officially began phase 2 of negotiations. Phase 2 will address self-government and the move towards a Final Agreement.
Mr. Speaker, as MLA for Thebacha, I consider it a priority of mine to support the NWT Metis Nation in advancing their Claim into the final stages of its implementation. As MLA, I will do my best work to work with the territorial government and help advocate for the NWT Metis Nation as they continue to negotiate. Moreover, there is one aspect of these ongoing negotiations that I would like to comment on. Over the years, in talking with various Metis leaders, I've heard numerous times of people describing the territorial negotiating team as a very difficult team to work with, particularly after devolution came into effect on April 1, 2014. I'm told that the territorial negotiating team became much more adversarial rather than conciliatory than before Devolution. Also, the chief negotiator of the federal government is no better. It seems that both the federal and territorial chief negotiators always hide behind the excuse of having "no mandate," thus the inability to say "yes" or "no" for a decision on anything at the negotiating table. Because of this, negotiations are always stalled and nothing gets done. This has got to change.
Mr. Speaker, during the life of this 19th Assembly I would like to see this Land, Resource, and Self-Government Agreement make good headway with positive outcomes for the NWT Metis Nation. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent for my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
I urge our government, along with the federal government, to negotiate this agreement fairly and in good faith, as both of those parties carry a fiduciary responsibility to do so.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the class of Paul W. Kaeser High School graduates of 2020. Your graduation is going to go down as unique because of the pandemic. It will also make each and every one of you stronger. Your journey is just beginning. Thank you again to all of the educators who made this possible, the parents, and the larger community of Fort Smith.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my colleagues of the 19th Assembly, all the staff who work here for making my job easier, bearable, and enjoyable. I am grateful, and I wish they all have a great summer. I would also like to thank my constituents of Thebacha for their continued support, and I look forward to the caucus retreat in Fort Smith. I know that the all the peoples of Fort Smith, including the NWT Metis Nation, the Salt River First Nation, and the Town of Fort Smith will welcome our caucus retreat with open arms. I know my constituents will be great hosts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There has been an unexpected silver lining resulting from the pandemic lockdown, and that's a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Flying, commuting, power generation, and industrial production have all fallen dramatically. A study in the journal "Nature" estimates global emissions have decreased by 17 percent and, in Canada, by 20 per cent. That reduction puts Canada almost halfway to meeting its Paris Accord targets that will hold global warming at 1.5 degrees.
Mr. Speaker, experts warn this change is likely going to be short-lived. When work and travel resume, greenhouse gas emissions will go right back up again. In fact, they may climb even higher than they were pre-lockdown. That's been the pattern of other economic slowdowns. What if this time is different?
Mr. Speaker, we have an historic opportunity to restart our economy with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions front and centre. The sudden transition from fossil fuels has shown us what is possible. Industry, government, and individuals must now investigate how to prolong and entrench these reductions. One place to start is to continue to replace diesel with renewable energy. GNWT has done some good work in this area already by installing biomass heat in public buildings. We have also invested in solar and wind power pilot projects and replaced old diesel generators with more efficient variable-speed models.
The next logical step is to invest in building retrofits. A report from Ecology North released in April last year makes the case for building a northern retrofit economy. The authors estimate an impressive 9-percent return on investments on retrofits over 10 years because of reduced utility costs. That means a reduction in the cost of living, a move every Northerner would welcome, but that's not all. Investment in a retrofit economy where people install better insulation and windows, for example, would create 123 jobs and add $15 million to the GDP of the Northwest Territories over the next 10 years. These gains are modest, but the effects are far-reaching. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
---Unanimous consent granted
The authors of the paper suggest that we could begin this retrofit work right now, by scaling up programs offered by organizations like the Arctic Energy Alliance. What we need to kick-start the process is an investment in rebates that will encourage homeowners to make these upgrades sooner rather than later. If not now, then when? Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've heard the class of 2020 referred to as the "Chosen Ones." We have all seen the cartoon that takes us month by month through 2020, including threats of World War III, murder hornets, and the very real and world-changing COVID-19. I'm not sure what it means to be a "Chosen One" in the wake of the craziness that has been 2020 so far, but I do know this: the graduates of 2020 have had to overcome some significant hurdles to complete their schooling during the upheaval of a pandemic.
Throughout history, there have always been events of significant change that have marked time, and most change events bring human suffering. We often hear people say, "When bad things happen, look for the good." There are always good people. While COVID-19 has brought with it human suffering around the world, we haven't had to look long or hard for the good. The good has been loud; the good has been visible, and the graduates of 2020 have been part of that good. They give me hope for a future where divisiveness and racism are replaced by civility and kindness and where we are united by our common humanity.
The graduates of 2020 will not let us down. They have shown us that they are able to face uncertainty and roll with the punches. They have shown determination to deal with what life has put in front of them and to keep going. They have arrived at this huge life milestone resilient and ready to take on tomorrow, and we are proud, Mr. Speaker. The graduates of 2020 are globally united as the "Pandemic Class." The whole world is watching and cheering them on as they step into their future resilient, driven, passionate, and also hopeful. As they step into their future, Mr. Speaker, the class of 2020 stands in a global battle against a worldwide pandemic, climate change, racism, and massive income disparities. They stand at a fork in the road that challenges unity and strength of character and which demands advocating for the greater good.
To each of our graduates, I want to encourage you to enter the world with an open mind and a caring heart; be compassionate; help find ways to serve others, not run away from them; help to unite, not divide; help to build, not tear down; help support, not demean. If you do you, you'll find your own path to fulfillment and happiness, and, in doing so, your example will inspire the rest. Lend your unique voice and talents to your community and find a path that allows you to be fulfilled while uplifting others at the same time. It is hard to stand up against the flow of the masses and be brave through kindness, but it is possible. It feels good, and good breeds good, and, class of 2020, you are, oh, so good.
"Good" doesn't mean you have to do what people expect of you. "Good" means you have integrity. "Good" means you know your truth and your truth inspires those around you to share their own honest selves. So, as you begin to find your way in this world, know that you have the power and presence to drive change. You are the greater good, and you have within you the power to change this world for the better. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to recognize the accomplishments of the graduation class of 2020 in the Sahtu region. With a total of five communities in the Sahtu region and 19 graduate students, it is a remarkable accomplishment in these unusual circumstances. Facing and adjusting to the change due to COVID-19, the students of the Sahtu region have displayed resilience and leadership in working toward their educational dreams and leading into the future to strive for higher accomplishments, leading to achieve their dreams. Your life, your journey, has begun. It is a celebration. Congratulations. I am proud of you.
The need for education in the Sahtu region: we have a lot of projects that we are working toward. We need the educational opportunities and dreams and training within our region. I would like to commend the class of 2020 to continue their educational dreams, to strive as the Sahtu region, to lead with resilience. Congratulations, class of 2020. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member for Sahtu. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of this Assembly's mandate items is to establish a managed alcohol program and a medical detox program by the spring of 2023. We expect that such programming will reduce hospitalizations due to alcohol by 30 percent. This is one of my favourite mandate items. I believe it shows a switch in mentality that this government is ready to put harm reduction at the core of our programs. There was much debate about managed alcohol programs in the last Assembly, but there was little progress on it.
During COVID-19, we saw a number of our service providers take the initial steps to build managed alcohol programs. I think this was largely due to a recognition that people detoxing in the midst of a pandemic and putting a surge on our healthcare system was not necessary, and there was a way to reduce harm. Many of these programs were not managed alcohol programs per se, with the necessary medical supervision. They are a recognition that people going through an alcohol withdrawal is an extremely painful process.
Mr. Speaker, I believe we spend too much time in this Assembly debating how to provide alcohol and debating all of these issues around alcohol, and not enough time focusing on helping our constituents heal. Alcohol is not the cause of addiction; trauma is. We owe it in this Assembly to provide people with the means to heal, and that can look different for every single person. My dream is that, when a person is struggling with alcohol, they show up to their service provider and they are given an option for on-the-land treatment, for medical detox, for a managed alcohol program. If they want to go cold turkey down South, they are given that option. They are given a wide range of tools to use, because everyone's path to sobriety looks different, and we as government owe it to provide them with programming that is non-judgmental and tailored to their needs.
I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services to see that we are on track to providing such programming and we can get this work done as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
