Debates of October 20, 2022 (day 124)

Date
October
20
2022
Session
19th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
124
Members Present
Hon. Diane Archie, Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Mr. Edjericon, Hon. Julie Green, Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Martselos, Ms. Nokleby, Mr. O'Reilly, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Rocky Simpson, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Ms. Weyallon-Armstrong.
Topics
Statements

Member’s Statement 1209-19(2): Mandate

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Since the 18th Assembly, the Government of the Northwest Territories have produced a mandate that lays out the objectives of this government in sort of a fouryear plan. The first mandate describes itself as an integrated longrange plan representing a commitment from the GNWT towards social progress that is environmentally sustainable and economic development built on a foundation of a strong consensus government and the priorities of all Members.

Madam Speaker, there is much to be said about improvement for our mandate as lawmakers in the 19th Assembly. The priorities are slimmed down and have much clearer metrics established to assess progress and judge results. For example, when it comes to housing commitments, the 18th Assembly's mandate promised to implement northern solutions to housing through a series of unmeasurable policy options. Contrast this to the current mandate that promised to increase the stock of quality energyefficient housing, especially for vulnerable persons by 100 units over four years. This is clear and measurable commitments that allow the public and MLAs to hold the government accountable to this progress and equally allow Cabinet to celebrate its success in a meaningful way. They are still several years that lack transparency around these commitments are being measured.

In the Premier's most recent update tabled earlier this year in February, only 23 percent of commitments have been fulfilled, 65 percent are still in progress, and the remaining 11 percent are delayed, abandoned, or otherwise unlikely to be completed in this term. At the midpoint of this government, I would have hoped to see a better result. With only a quarter of our promise kept, that means a tremendous amount of work for the last Assembly of our Assembly.

Madam Speaker, I am concerned that calling many of these commitments in progress is just a bit too generous. I have asked the Minister of Housing for updates on her mandate progress and I was not given a clear answer. At this point, we have 75 new homes built, and yet the progress to date, in an update report, only mentions applications to national coinvestment funds. Likewise, there should be 75 tenants in the coleasetoown agreements and only have eight successful become homeowners. Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

Speaker: DEPUTY SPEAKER

Thank you Members, the Member for Tu NedheWiilideh is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays?

Speaker: SOME HON. MEMBER

Nay.

Speaker: DEPUTY SPEAKER

There's a nay. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.