Mr. Speaker, as we approach the one-year mark of this government, I would like to reflect on the progress we have made in strengthening our partnerships with Indigenous governments and the Government of Canada. Our recent trip to Ottawa, as part of the Council of Leaders, is a testament to the collaborative spirit we have built with our partners, and I am pleased to provide Members of this Legislative Assembly with an update on that trip.
Earlier this month the Council of Leaders, made up of the GNWT and Indigenous governments from across the NWT, traveled to Ottawa to meet with federal leadership. Our delegation included all of Cabinet, along with leaders and representatives from more than a dozen Indigenous governments. Together, we delivered a unified message: The Northwest Territories stands at the crossroads of Canada's strategic future. Our region is not only essential to the national conversation on prosperity and security but, with the right federal investments, the NWT is positioned to make meaningful contributions to Canada's success on the global stage.
Mr. Speaker, our meetings focused on key issues affecting the North:
The need for housing investments,
The development of critical infrastructure,
Strengthening climate resilience; and,
Creating economic opportunities through resource development.
While specific priorities may differ between the GNWT and our Indigenous partners, we all recognize the strategic importance of addressing these challenges together. We emphasized the abundance of resources in the North and the need for targeted federal investments in infrastructure, housing, and climate adaptation. Our message was clear: These are interconnected issues that are essential for the future of our communities and our country.
Mr. Speaker, infrastructure is more than just roads and buildings; it is the lifeline that connects our communities to the rest of Canada. The North’s isolation, combined with the growing impacts of climate change, presents significant challenges. Shorter winter road seasons, melting permafrost, and unpredictable weather patterns create barriers to economic growth. Strengthening infrastructure, through all-season roads, energy projects, and communications networks, will help unlock opportunities and ensure long-term sustainability.
Housing is another critical area where federal support is urgently needed. Chronic underinvestment in northern and Indigenous communities continues to be a barrier to education, employment, and economic growth. Overcrowded homes and deteriorating infrastructure impact the well-being of our residents and hamper the development of our communities. We have made it clear that housing is the foundation of a thriving North, and without stable housing we cannot fully unlock the potential of Northerners.
Climate change, Mr. Speaker, is reshaping life in the North. The wildfires that forced nearly 70 percent of our population to evacuate last year remind us that climate impacts are real and immediate. The Council of Leaders called for stronger federal support for climate adaptation. This includes wildfire prevention, building resilient infrastructure, and ensuring our communities are equipped to face these growing threats.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is rich in resources that are critical to Canada's future. However, resource development must be balanced with respect for Indigenous rights, environmental protection, and meaningful benefits for Northerners. The Council of Leaders has emphasized the importance of federal collaboration to unlock the North’s potential, particularly in sustainable resource development. The NWT holds some of the world's most significant deposits of critical minerals, which are essential for the global shift to clean energy. With the right investments, we can position the NWT as a leader in this transition.
Mr. Speaker, our visit to Ottawa reinforced a powerful message: The future of the North is the future of Canada. As global attention turns to the Arctic and northern resources, it is more important than ever that we strengthen our partnerships with the federal government and Indigenous governments. This trip marked the first time that the Council of Leaders has tried something of this magnitude working as a collective. I want to thank all the leaders that participated for their partnership in this effort, and their commitment to our unified message. I also want to thank our Member of Parliament, Michael McLeod, for his support and advocacy on behalf of the Northwest Territories during these meetings and throughout his time in office. I was also pleased to have our colleague Mr. Edjericon join us for the trip as a representative of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, and I thank him for being there. Finally, I want to recognize the enormous contributions of officials from the Indigenous governments and the GNWT for bringing this event together.
The Council of Leaders is committed to working together to ensure the North is ready to meet the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that lie before us to ensure that our shared priorities, housing, infrastructure, climate resilience, and economic development, are met. The future of the Northwest Territories is bright, and with the right support we will be a critical partner in building Canada's future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
