Colleagues, before we begin, I would just like to ask you to join me in wishing our colleague, Minister Green, a very happy birthday. I would not say how many years.
---Applause
Mr. Speaker, despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Government of Northwest Territories has continued to roll out energy initiatives under the 2030 Energy Strategy Action Plan that will help ensure NWT residents, communities, businesses, and industry have access to secure, affordable, and sustainable energy.
The Government of the Northwest Territories has made a mandate commitment to strengthen our leadership and authority on climate change, and the way we will achieve this is through the implementation of the 2030 strategy.
As Members of this Legislative Assembly know, the energy strategy has six strategic objectives to reach the 2030 vision. They include:
working together to find solutions: Community engagement, participation, and empowerment;
reducing greenhouse gas emissions directly from electricity generation in diesel-powered communities by an average of 25 percent;
reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from road vehicles by 10 percent per capita;
increasing the share of renewable energy used for space heating to 40 percent;
increasing residential-, commercial-, and government-building energy efficiency by 15 percent; and
the longer-term vision is developing the NWT's energy potential, addressing industrial emissions, and doing our part to meet national climate change objectives.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to update Members today on the status of achieving these objectives.
A number of community projects have been funded jointly by the territorial and federal governments, under the Greenhouse Gas Grant Program to reduce the use of fuel and lower emissions. For example, the YK1 school board received funding to install wood-pellet boilers in two Yellowknife school facilities, and the Town of Fort Smith was funded to make energy efficiency and electric heating upgrades in three town buildings.
The Arctic Energy Alliance, AEA, also continued its Regional Office Program, which operates in six regional offices to engage with communities, promote AEA programs, and to provide support for local energy projects. Last year, this program invested $800,000 into the work of these offices, resulting in over a million dollars' worth of energy rebates paid directly to communities, business, and residents outside Yellowknife, for things like energy-efficient appliances, efficiency upgrades to buildings, and alterative heating like wood stoves. This is out of a total AEA budget of about $5.9 million, of which there was a record total of $1.9 million in rebates given out across the Northwest Territories last year. Over 50 percent of these rebates were provided to communities outside of Yellowknife.
The GNWT is advancing a project to build a 170-kilometer transmission line from the Taltson hydro system to serve Fort Providence, Kakisa, and Dory Point. This project is essential for the NWT to meet its greenhouse-gas reduction commitments, providing about 15 percent of the total reduction target for electricity generation and would remove up to one million litres of diesel and 2.5 kilotonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The project will use power from the existing Taltson system to eliminate the use of diesel for electrical generation in these communities and reduce the cost of power.
Mr. Speaker, to help reduce their emissions from the transportation, the AEA launched an electric vehicle rebate program in June of this year, which provides rebates up to $5,000 for a new electrical vehicle and up to $500 for charging stations in hydropower communities. The GNWT is also exploring new technologies that could help reduce transportation emissions, including liquid biofuels. The department is currently conducting a study that would not only help us understand whether liquid biofuels can work in a cold northern climate, but also how factors like availability, storage, and cost affect their feasibility in northern climates. This study is scheduled to be completed early 2021.
With the new federal funding from the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, the AEA launched new and expanded programs and nearly doubled the number of rebates that it provided in 2019-2020 compared to the previous year, for an increase of 150 percent worth about almost a million dollars. These programs provided rebates to Northerners who purchased energy-efficient products such as wood stoves, LED light bulbs, and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances. They also provide rebates to communities that install renewable-energy systems and support community energy-plan implementation and made it possible to run a program to help lower-income homeowners and energy efficiency upgrades.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT continues to lead by example in energy conservation and efficiency by upgrading our own facilities through the Capital Asset Retrofit Fund. Last year, energy efficiency projects were funded including the Inuvik hospital, Angik School in Paulatuk, and four of the schools in Hay River. Last year, these and other initiatives under the Capital Asset Retrofit Fund reduced greenhouse-gas emissions by almost 15 thousand tonnes and saved the GNWT almost four million dollars.
As part of the government's long-term vision for our territories' energy systems, the GNWT is currently upgrading both its hydro systems. At Snare Forks, a total overhaul of the generating unit was undertaken. Although delayed by COVID, the work is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2020.
The Taltson overhaul was delayed by COVID, but the facility underwent its annual maintenance shutdown last summer. During the shutdown, equipment assessments were completed to firm up design, manufacturing, and procurement details for the major overhauls. Parts are scheduled to arrive in 2020, with the overhaul scheduled for 2022.
Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the initiatives that demonstrate our government's ongoing efforts in conjunction with the Government of Canada, Indigenous and community governments, the AEA, and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to ensure residents, businesses, and industry have access to secure and affordable energy as we transition to a strong, healthy economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels. The GNWT's annual Energy Initiatives Report, which will be released this fall, provides a full view of last year's energy initiatives. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance.
Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to making its programs, services, and functions accessible to people in as many ways as possible. We are committed to keeping up with the worldwide shift towards online portals to access information and services of all kinds.
Our goal is that, to the greatest extent possible, people should be able to access Government of the Northwest Territories' programs and services how they want, where they want, and when they want.
The eServices team within the Department of Finance is close to a major milestone that will support our work towards this goal of greater accessibility: the launch of the new NWT eServices Portal. This new portal will allow people and businesses to access programs and services online, from one safe, reliable location. It is worth noting that, over the past six months, the importance of online services has only been further highlighted as our residents have adapted to working remotely and socially distancing. The goal of the portal is to provide users with secure and convenient online access to GNWT programs and services through a single account. Once it is launched, by the end of 2020, residents will be able to use it to register for and renew their healthcare cards; request birth, death and marriage certificates. Existing driver and motor vehicle services, existing MyECE services, and an improved online application for Northwest Territories fishing licenses will also be accessible, all through the new portal. This initial bundle of services is just the start of our efforts to bring more programs and services online, and we plan to add a second bundle of services to the portal in early 2021. Additional ongoing releases will continue to be prioritized, planned, and launched moving forward.
Mr. Speaker, we all know that the demand for online programs and services is high; as Minister of Finance, I am committed to making sure that our department works across government to ensure that we are doing our best to meet the needs of people and businesses by bringing the right programs and services online through the portal. Further, we are committed to protecting the security and privacy of our users' data. As we speak, the eServices team is conducting thorough privacy and security assessments of the portal, all integrated back-end systems and each service being connected.
As I stated earlier, it is important that we provide our people and businesses with access to programs and services how they want, where they want, and when they want. So let me very clear about another aspect of this improvement: the new eServices Portal creates an additional way to access the GNWT's programs and services. It does not take away or diminish the other access points to government services. For clarity, this means that a resident can choose to access a program or service online or can continue to access that program or service how they always have, on the phone, in person, or through other access points. This milestone shows how we will execute our commitment, as a government, to providing the best possible service and constantly exploring innovative and creative ways to improve that service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of our priorities for this government is to increase the number and variety of culturally respectful community-based mental health and addictions programs, including after-care for our residents. While we do have some programming available to our residents, I think there is a disconnect from what we our currently doing to what our people actually need and are asking for. For example, we have specialized treatment facilities that residents can be sent to out of the territory, which is an option for those who need this treatment. We also currently have some Indigenous groups providing on-the-land programs. However, there needs to be a gateway program that allows more people to seek help.
Mr. Speaker, often it is difficult for people with addictions to navigate the system to access out-of-territory addictions treatment. For on-the-land, some can't just jump up and leave out on the land for one to two weeks, because they may suffer from withdrawals or other physical or mental health conditions when going through withdrawals. Unfortunately, our current programs don't allow, for some of our residents, a safe gateway to enter into some of our longer-term programs. As a result, our people in need continue to suffer.
We need gateway programs like the Arctic Indigenous Wellness program in Inuvik, in the Beaufort Delta, in all of the regional areas throughout the Northwest Territories. We need GNWT to sit down with our communities and Indigenous groups to deal with and come up with options to deal with gaps in services that I've mentioned. We need the GNWT addiction counsellors to have outreach offices to engage and to get to know the residents who currently reside in the shelters and for those who are struggling with their addiction because going into a facility is not always the right answer for everyone.
This current system is not one Indigenous people trust, and therefore they don't access assistance. We must do better to build a relationship between our mental health and addictions counsellors and our residents who need it the most. We have to change the way we do things, as it is obvious it hasn't been working the way the service is being provided now. Status quo is no longer acceptable when we are losing our family members. Our family members are becoming victims and hostages to the drugs and alcohol in our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Hay River South.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week, I spoke about addictions and the need for additional supports to combat the disease. My statement today will focus on the drug trade and drug enforcement in the NWT. We often hear that drug dealers are well-known in the community and that nothing is being done to round them up or lock them up. We hear all too often that the RCMP and government are not doing their part to curb drugs entering the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, when we reflect on the impact illegal drugs have on individuals and families, it is easy to understand the frustration of our residents. We have a justice system that more often places restraints on those officers enforcing the law to curb distribution, sale, or use than it does on drug dealers. There is a substantial difference between someone possessing for personal use and possessing with the intent to distribute or sell. To prove someone guilty is not a simple task. It requires a substantial number of investigative hours by police and many more by others as it winds through the court system, and then there is no guarantee of a successful conviction.
Mr. Speaker, the criminal justice system is complex, and the players are many. Players include the police, defendants, Crown prosecutors, lawyers, judges, correctional officers, parole officers, victims, complainants, witnesses, informants, and others. One can see how information can be overlooked and a matter thrown out of court because of a technicality. The reality is that we find ourselves fighting a battle, and a battle that we appear to be losing. Our opponent is well-funded, well-organized, adapts quickly to change, and when we remove a piece, it is quickly replaced by another. If this government expects to lessen the impact of the drug trade in the NWT, it must be a collaborative and interdepartmental approach with additional federal support. The million-dollar question is: do we have sufficient resources in the NWT and in each community to deal with not only drug enforcement, but the many issues that show up daily on the desk of an RCMP officer? As drugs kill off our residents, many question why our justice system appears to be failing the same people it is meant to protect.
Mr. Speaker, although this is a complex matter, it remains our responsibility to ensure that we not allow another person in the NWT to die because of the illicit drug trade. I will have questions for the Minister of Justice at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe the Department of Lands is the single most important department in the GNWT. Now, I think many would laugh at that. I think perhaps even the Department of Lands might laugh at that, Mr. Speaker, but whether it be land claims, on-the-land healing, agricultural land, municipal control of land, land tenure so people can get mortgages or insurance, our own residents' spiritual connection to the land, increasing mineral exploration on withdrawn land, or habitat protection for caribou, land lies at the heart of many of our solutions. Yet, the Department of Lands presently has a broken mandate. They do not have control over many of these items, and EIA is busy at the negotiating table such that they are not given the proper attention. This is a call to our Cabinet to make a comprehensive strategy for how we approach land in this territory and, in many cases, how we give that land back.
Mr. Speaker, recently Deninu K'ue First Nation got a cease-and-desist letter for trying to build a mini-putt and RV course on a parcel of withdrawn land, a parcel of withdrawn land that, in all likelihood, will be given back to them once they settle a land claim the size of New Brunswick. Now, I recognize there are competing interests between the Metis and the Deninu K'ue First Nation, and I don't wish to weigh in on that. I recognize the complexity of resolving these issues in the NWT, and many times it can be hard to figure out who even comes to the table, let alone who we give the land back to. Yet, trying to separate the issue of building an RV park and settling one of the largest land claims in Canadian history needs to be done.
These are clear and distinct issues. The Department of Lands needs to create a process for transferring lands to Indigenous governments outside of the comprehensive land claim process. We are doing this for municipalities; I believe we need to do it for Indigenous governments. We need to, once and for all, settle the land tenure issue. Many residents simply cannot own their home or own the land it is on and get access to insurance and mortgages in this territory. I believe we need to set out a process such that Indigenous residents can own land in fee simple. This is one of the main issues for the Housing Corporation. It is one of the main issues for municipalities.
Now, Mr. Speaker, land use planning in this territory is a Gordian knot. However, Alexander broke the Gordian knot by taking a sword to it, and I encourage the Minister of Lands to come up with a comprehensive land strategy and break that Gordian knot. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Friday, I took double the time that I was allowed, so today, I'm going to keep my statement very short and sweet. I just wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of the teachers in the Northwest Territories for the hard work that they have done in trying to get our students back to work. As the daughter of educators, I watched my mother spend countless hours working well beyond her eight-hour day in order to prepare lesson plans as well as to mark tests. Our entire basement, as I just recently cleaned out, was full of teaching supplies, so I know how hard teachers work, and I know their dedication. I can't even imagine trying to move it all virtually or to do all of the adjustments they've had to do. I wanted to take today to give a shout out to the teachers. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.
Mr. Speaker, the issue of systemic racism existing within government institutions and agencies is not something new. This has been a known fact for decades. However, it's something that has not always been taken seriously by most people in positions of power.
Mr. Speaker, I think the tide is starting to turn because more and more people are getting to speak more openly against systemic racism. Not only have we seen several months of global protests against police brutality and racial inequality, but we are also seeing key politicians begin to acknowledge and address systemic racism.
For example, in June 2020, Prime Minister Trudeau said, "Systemic racism is an issue right across the country in all our institutions including in our police forces, including in the RCMP." That's what systemic racism is. Moreover, the Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Belleguard just said this past weekend, "There is systemic racism. There is systemic discrimination. Let's deal with it. Let's put an action plan in place so that it no longer puts us in 2020 and beyond because we're all in it together."
Mr. Speaker despite the public appetite and near unanimous calls by First Nation leaders of governments to address this issue, we here in the NWT do not seem to be getting the message. Our government is not immune to the realities of systemic racism. For example, over the last year since becoming MLA, I have been dealing with several constituency issues pertaining to the systemic racism specifically within the Fort Smith Correctional Complex of the Department of Justice of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, the problem I am referring to is to do with Indigenous employees with corrections not having sufficient protections in place to air certain grievances about management. The current system in place is simply inadequate, so substantive changes must be made by this government on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I would seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, the status quo cannot persist on this matter, otherwise systemic racism will continue to persist throughout corrections and carry on straight up the chain of command. Change must come from the top down on this very important issue, otherwise Indigenous correctional staff will continue to lose their jobs if they speak out against racism or discriminatory policies that they see taking place. If nothing is done on this issue, if it continues to be ignored by this government, then our government is signaling that what the Department of Justice is doing is okay and that systemic racism is allowed to continue unchecked and without accountability. I will have questions for the Minister of Justice later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. I voted against the carbon tax in the last Assembly because Cabinet would not require any public reporting or transparency. On December 10, 2019, the Minister of Finance said the following about the guidelines being developed for large-emitter carbon tax grants, "I can assure the Member that, indeed, draft guidelines will be shared with the committees for review."
Those guidelines, as specified in Section 6.6(5) of the Petroleum Products and Carbon Tax Regulations, were shared with committee in March, just as the pandemic hit. MLAs were also given an opportunity to comment on an approach for carbon tax reporting. While I recognize that COVID-19 has delayed a lot of our work together, there was no review of the large-emitter grant program or policy under our current carbon pricing regime, and it's not clear if the program has even been used.
These guidelines are now on the departmental website after I asked about them in September. I've reviewed them and can summarize as follows: The carbon tax paid by large emitters, basically the diamond mines and Norman Wells production facility, are expected to amount to about $4.1 million for 2020-2021, with about $530,000 available for the grant program. This money stays in individual accounts for each emitter for up to five years before it is forfeited to the government. Projects can be pre-approved for a grant to cover up to the amount held in the individual accounts with costs recoverable as long as there is money in the account. Equipment replacement, alternative energy and fuel consumption reductions are all eligible expenses but must account for at least a five percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to a project baseline as calculated by an independent engineer.
This looks like a high bar for any large emitter to get over, and the costs of an engineering assessment don't appear to be eligible. The narrow eligibility requirements also work against smaller projects or innovation that could emerge from experimental or novel technology, including renewable diesel. Given the low amount of funding that is available and the narrow criteria for approval, I will be surprised to learn if any large emitters have actually submitted applications.
I will have questions later today for the Minister of Finance on the implementation of the carbon tax, working with committees and how we can better encourage greenhouse gas reductions, and the movement to a green economy. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. On September 3, 2020, the GNWT announced their intention to create a brand-new department called the COVID-19 secretariat. In all honesty, right from the start, I remain skeptical of the purpose and efficacy of this proposed secretariat. For starters, Mr. Speaker, since this initial announcement, there have been minimal updates as to the status of the secretariat. I feel like the Department of Health and Social Services could do better, and in my opinion, they've dropped the ball in terms of updating the NWT regarding new cases of COVID-19 in a timely manner and putting the whole NWT at risk.
Mr. Speaker, small communities remain most at risk against this pandemic, and many people are travelling to and from Yellowknife for medical visits, shopping, et cetera. Without up-to-date information, we could seriously be putting these communities at risk. An example would be LKDFM. They have their own COVID response, and they'd have to be waiting on our government to respond. Again, that's something that we should look at, and I think it's an issue. Mr. Speaker, at this time, in terms of COVID, funds are being appropriated, or what the Premier wants to put towards this secretariat are absolutely being wasted. Fancy bar graphs once in a while is not effective and not worth our already inflated deficit.
On that note, something that I don't think any of us in this House have really heard is fiscal restraint. It's not been part of this government's vernacular. I think we need to do that. We need to really -- it should come across mind when we do our business here. We are at $1.8 billion in debt and counting. We, the North, since time immemorial, have always made the most with the resources we had, right from Thebacha all the way up to Ulukhaktok. That's how we've always done it. We've always made the most of what we have, and I think that's an example that this government could follow. With that, marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I'll have some questions for the Minister of health.
Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Mr. Speaker, this week, Parsons, the main construction manager for the Giant Mine remediation, is hosting an online industry week. This is an opportunity for local contractors to learn about the project's upcoming multi-million-dollar contract opportunities.
For half a century over 7 million ounces of gold was extracted from Giant Mine, leaving behind hundreds of thousands of tons of arsenic contamination and a $1-billion clean-up, making it one of the largest Canadian environmental remediation projects. While this project is being overseen by the Federal Government, the GNWT is still a co-proponent. It is still in our backyard, and it still carries with it high expectations for NWT benefit retention.
Last year, the Giant Mine Oversight Board reported employees were 44 percent Northerner and 19 percent Indigenous, while suppliers were 56 percent Northerner and 28 percent Indigenous.
Mr. Speaker, it's important to note that "Northerner" according to the federal government means any of the three territories, and it is unclear if "Indigenous" means local to the NWT. I cannot identify if this brings significant benefit to the NWT. In addition, hours worked are reported rather than types or numbers of jobs held by Northerners and fails to satisfy concerns that Northerners and Indigenous people are in lower-wage, entry-level positions. Entry-level positions that support rather than do remediation do not build remediation leaders for a remediation economy. Successful procurement is more than contracts being awarded to NWT businesses. This work more importantly needs to equate to trades and professional employment for residents as well as training and apprenticeships for NWT workers. With a declining GDP, mine slowdowns and closures, and a shrinking skilled labour force, this project is imperative to the future of the NWT economy.
Mr. Speaker, NWT residents are vocal about the socio-economic importance of this project. In response, the Federal Government released a socio-economic strategy and established multi-agency committees with a mandate to better coordinate socio-economic and capacity-building opportunities. I appreciate the federal government and Parsons' for their intent to create northern benefit, but I am concerned about intent becoming reality.
Parsons' mandates that tenders foster northern employment, training, and apprenticeships, and the federal government uses their Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business Initiative to increase federal contracting opportunities for Indigenous businesses, also fining businesses that do not meet their Aboriginal Opportunity commitments. However, how many contractors are fined under this initiative, and how do these fines benefit the NWT, given the NWT suffers by missed procurement opportunities, not Ottawa?
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, we only get one shot at NWT benefit retention from the Giant Mine remediation. We cannot afford to fail. We need jobs, we need apprenticeships, and we need to grow into a territory capable of leading its own remediation economy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mary Louise Sanguez was born on September 6, 1930, in Horn River, near Fort Providence. She was the only child born to Baptiste and Adeline Sabourin. She had a half-brother. She married James Sanguez when she was 15 years old and had her first child at 16. She had 15 children in total, 29 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.
She liked to tan moose hides and make slippers, mitts, gloves, moccasins, and mukluks. Her mother taught her at a young age how to work on moose hides, and she passed that knowledge on to her daughters. No matter the weather, there was learning to be done. Her daughter Lucy took her travelling to Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario for family events, like weddings and the swearing in of her granddaughter as an RCMP officer.
About 45 years ago, Mary Louise and her daughter travelled to numerous places across Canada to showcase her work. Pictures of her work can be found in the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa, the Royal York Hotel in Toronto, the Yellowknife Heritage Museum, and the museum in Whitehorse.
When she moved to long-term care, she didn't want to stay in her room all the time. She liked to be "in the thick of things," as she would say. She was used to noise, and she liked to be in the middle of the action. She wanted to see people coming and going and visit other residents.
She passed away on March 22, 2020, 40 years and one day since her husband, James, passed on on March 23, 1980. She is predeceased by her parents; her husband, James Sanguez; half-brother, Jimmy Sabourin; son, Morris; and two daughters, Florence and Virginia.
The family would like to thank the Fort Simpson long-term care staff for looking after their mother during this time. The family would like to share this quote with us: "Your mother is the greatest mom in the world for you." She will be sadly missed.
I would like to welcome all those who are joining us in the gallery today. It's always good to have an audience. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome Ms. Tracy Yakeleya, who is the constituent assistant for Sahtu. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I look at the community of Hay River and consider our population, our proximity to the border, and the limited number of RCMP stationed there, it concerns me in that we are understaffed when it comes to dealing with illicit drugs. Can the Minister of Justice confirm the number of funded RCMP positions and support staff in Hay River and around the NWT? How is it determined that this is the number we require to provide effective policing in the NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Minister of Justice.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the Northwest Territories, there are 225 RCMP positions and 42 public servants who serve the NWT as part of the territorial police service agreement and First Nations policing agreement. In addition, there are 13 federal policing positions. Specifically in Hay River, there are 16 regular members, including 12 constables, who we would see out on patrol, and three public servants. This includes two additional members who are included in the 2018-2019 budget.
To the Member's point about the resources in Hay River, I know that over the past few years there have been staffing issues, and it has been tough to get that detachment staffed up. I know those have been taken care of, and I believe they are at full capacity and that they have been for the last couple of years, which is good news.
The drug trade in the territories, you seem to hear more and more about it lately. We have more youth dying because of it. What I would like to ask the Minister is if he can confirm if the direction this government is taking to combat the drug trade in the NWT is working, or is the department re-evaluating their approach to the way they deal with the drug trade?
In terms of combatting the drug trade, despite what the perceptions might be, it is my opinion that, the RCMP and the Department of Justice, this is the last line of defence. The first line of defence is preventative measures. It's ensuring kids have something to do in the evening so that they do not go out and get into trouble. It's ensuring that there is the type of supports that kids and adults need in terms of counselling, having easy access to those things. However, the Member's question is about what we are doing for enforcement, so I do have some information.
Enforcement is not just the RCMP. There needs to be a multisector approach. Of course, the Department of Justice and the RCMP have been working with health and education and NGOs over the years on things such as the Opioid Task Force, which included the department and subject matters in the RCMP who have been working closely to ensure that we do not see the type of opioid crisis here that we have been seeing in the South. There is also collaboration on the alcohol strategy.
We have all seen the significant number of drug seizures over the past number of years. Every time I look on the news, there is a photograph with a pile of drugs, a pile of money, and then guns, and we see those on a regular basis. In addition to those large seizures, the RCMP are also focusing on enhancing the frontline officers' ability to target drug trafficking at a community level through collaboration, training, and development. We do not hear a lot of the things that the department, that the RCMP do, as well. I know that, speaking with the RCMP in Hay River, they have partnered or they work closely with the RCMP in Alberta, and they stop drugs before they get into the territory. We don't see that. We do not hear a lot of the things they do. They are not self-promoters in a lot of ways, and maybe that is so the people do not figure out their tactics. However, I am always happy when I speak with them and I find out that they are doing things that I never knew were happening. There is also the development of a gun and gang strategy that the NWT is embarking on with support for the federal government. There are a number of things that we're doing. That being said, this is the last line of defence. We really need to work on the first line of defence.
Can the Minister of Justice confirm the annual cost specifically associated with drug enforcement? This would include a breakdown of RCMP, courts, and corrections cost, knowing that there is probably an education component, a health component, and all that. It's just those three I'm asking about.
I can't provide a breakout. Drug enforcement is so intertwined with everything that the justice system does, whether it's an RCMP doing a drug seizure, whether it's a court hearing, a case, or whether it's someone in the prison system. It's not possible without a significant amount of time and effort to really parse that. I will go back to the department and see if we can get some more precise information, understanding that it would be impossible to get the exact numbers that you're looking for.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Hay River South.
