Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to ask the Premier to give residents hope in a tangible way. In his territorial address yesterday, one thing he said caught my ear: We must be bold when the moment demands it.
While I'm happy that we're standing strong with Team Canada, that Canadians have come together to support each other and are committed to buying local and buying Canadian, I'm still concerned. There's so much at stake. I'm watching a US administration strip away protections, supports, and educational materials needed by gender-diverse Americans, low-income Americans, and tear apart funding for legislated responsibilities that provide international aid.
I am watching a US administration say that they will take over Gaza from the Palestinian people. These actions are creating fear and anxiety for many folks. Specifically, I want to say to the trans and nonbinary people in our community, and in my life, that I love and support you.
Shock and awe is being directed against American citizens so much so that social media is awash with coded ways to resist. Once again, uncertainty is gripping our world. This time it isn't a pandemic but rather oligarchs and fascism. I will not back down from calling it what it is. Any historian can draw parallels and actions between now and 90 years ago. I do not wish to fear monger, but I have to call it what it is.
What is under our influence in this Assembly is how we encourage the Premier to work for residents on behalf of Team Canada. Our territory holds vast, resources, not only that of critical minerals but also freshwater. These resources are attractive to external actors. I expect conversations far behind my pay grade and influence are happening, and if they're not, I urge the Premier to insist conversations for smart and sustainable development and trade with respectful partners happens.
The on again/off again tariffs have a feeling of smoke and mirrors of what is to come. We have an exceptional opportunity to strongly advocate for what the people of the territory need and what we have to offer the world. NWT critical minerals can power a Canadian green new deal creating jobs, prosperity, and clean energy for the NWT and beyond. We can demonstrate northern resolve to reach net zero in the face of climate disasters. We can punch above our weight in so many ways.
It's utterly heartbreaking to watch the news and feel powerless knowing that my friends in America are terrified. Focusing on real and tangible ways to untangle ourself is a way to show real leadership, and it is a positive step. I'll have questions for the Premier. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Colleagues, before we continue on with Members' statements, I'd like to recognize Mayor Frank Hope of Norman Wells. He's been the mayor since 2018. He's done a great job, and I had the opportunity to talk to him yesterday for a little bit, and I think some of you Members and Cabinet Ministers had the opportunity to talk with him. And continue your advocacy, Mr. Hope.
Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North.
