Please be seated. I'd like to thank Lilian Elias for the opening blessing.
Colleagues, good afternoon. I am going to keep this short. In this House, I expect to see behaviour, hear debate that makes our residents proud. I do not see and hear that behaviour and debate. Honestly, I am disappointed.
As Speaker of the House, I don't want to hear heckling and jeers. I don't want to see angry looks being directed at one another. I don't want to hear names used in the chamber. We all have titles and expect to use them. I don't want to hear Members of the Legislative Assembly talking over one another, and I certainly do not want to hear Members challenge me, even in zest.
We're here to do important work on behalf of the people in this territory. To do that, we need to work together and be respectful of each other. We will not agree on everything; however, when we disagree, we need to be respectful for each other. Our debate and discussions should be thoughtful and constructive. You can always choose to be respectful, and I am asking you to make that choice.
This is a short sitting. I have already seen behaviour that is unacceptable and beyond the standard to which we should hold ourselves - behaviour that does not show the respect needed for each other, for this institution, and for the people we represent. We can do better, we should do better, and we must do better.
I have said this before, colleagues. I don't want to have to say it again. Please choose your words thoughtfully and carefully. Please show each other, this institution, and our people the level of respect that we deserve. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide an update on this year's winter road and summer barging resupply seasons.
Every year, communities across the Northwest Territories rely on a massive, coordinated effort to make sure fuel and essential goods arrive safely and on time. For many communities, especially those without all-season road access, these resupply seasons are critical.
Through the fuel services division, the Government of the Northwest Territories coordinates fuel delivery to communities across the territory. That work happens year-round and involves an enormous amount of planning, forecasting, logistics, monitoring, and coordination behind the scenes. Whether fuel moves by winter road, barge, truck, or marine vessel, none of it happens without the careful and committed work of the fuel services division and the many operators, contractors, and transportation partners who help make these deliveries possible.
Despite lower than average water levels, though higher than 2024 barging season, it was successful with all planned fuel and cargo deliveries completed to ten northern communities through the marine transportation services. That strong season helped set us up for a winter haul.
This past winter, 10.5 million litres of fuel were delivered. More than 8 million litres of that fuel were delivered to eight winter road communities across communities and the rest to the all-weather winter road accessible communities.
Regardless of the efforts put forward each resupply season, staff work year-round to monitor supply levels, manage logistics, and coordinate deliveries to help ensure communities have the fuel they need when they need it.
Mr. Speaker, a colder than usual winter helped support winter road operations this season. Roads remained open longer and were able to support heavier loads and weight limits than expected. That said, crews had to stay flexible and responsive throughout the season. To keep the roads safe and reliable, crews carried out additional flooding on ice crossings and increased monitoring and maintenance activities. The entire Mackenzie Valley winter road system was also widened this season to accommodate moving oversized modular buildings up to Colville Lake. This widening included brushing where necessary and removal and repositioning of signs. In February, the Sahtu experienced a high level of snowfall through the month resulting in increased maintenance costs to the road that had to be maintained with the new extended width.
Mr. Speaker, every resupply season comes with uncertainty. Weather conditions can quickly shift, water levels can change, and sudden disruptions can have major impacts on timelines and operations. That is why planning and contingency work is so important as part of what our teams do year-round.
Preparation for this year's summer resupply season is already well underway. Marine transportation services crews are continuing work to improve and maintain vessels while staff monitor snowpack and water levels ahead of the sailing season. Coordination is also underway with the Canadian Coast Guard to support buoy placement along the shipping routes. At the same time, cargo planning is continuing so communities, businesses, and customers can prepare for the upcoming season. Cargo rates, cut-off dates, and tentative sailing schedules were all announced earlier this month to help residents and businesses plan ahead.
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the people behind the scenes that do this work. A Successful resupply season does not happen as a result of one division or one group. They depend on coordination between the fuel services division, highway operations teams, marine transportation services, contractors, truckers, vessel operators, suppliers, clients, and the many others working together across the territory.
Every season teaches us something new. Our teams continue to adapt, improve, and strengthen the systems that communities rely on every year. Most importantly, this work helps ensure Northerners continue to receive the fuel, supplies, and essential goods that they depend on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure. Ministers' Statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, housing insecurity remains a significant challenge across the Northwest Territories and understanding its full scope is essential. Through an empathetic, collaborative approach, strong partnerships, and continued coordination, we are working to advance the priorities in the government's strategic response to homelessness, titled 'A Way Home', to better support individuals facing housing challenges.
The territorial housing needs assessment found that homelessness in the territory, as in much of Canada, is a growing challenge. The 2024 point-in-time homelessness count identified 327 individuals experiencing homelessness in Yellowknife. Meanwhile, the assessment highlights nearly 20 percent of its survey respondents had someone currently staying in their household on a temporary basis, an indicator of hidden homelessness. Our strategy puts forward solutions to interrupt homelessness wherever possible, and we cannot lose sight of those who are in a precarious living situation in delivering on these solutions.
To strengthen our understanding of homelessness in small communities, the GNWT is working with community partners to complete a point-in-time homelessness count in communities across the Northwest Territories this year.
Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT is focused on expanding transitional and supportive housing, strengthening shelter operations, and increasing the supply of appropriate and affordable social housing. For some, transitional housing provides a step out of homelessness and emergency shelters into more permanent housing. For others, particularly those returning home after addictions treatment, it provides access to safe, sober housing that supports continued recovery.
In Yellowknife, a temporary transitional housing residence on Highway No. 3, operated by the Yellowknife Women's Society, began accepting residents in December 2025, providing a safe and stable place to stay, with life skills programming and culturally grounded supports. I am pleased to share that this is currently operating at full capacity. Sheltering 24 individuals, the facility has already supported successful move outs into treatment or longer term housing. These much-needed services would not be possible without the dedicated work of the Yellowknife Women's Society.
Transitional housing for addictions recovery is being expanded. Through a partnership between Housing NWT, the Department of Health and Social Services, and the Salvation Army, a renovated five-bedroom home in Yellowknife now provides safe and sober housing for individuals continuing their recovery. A similar home developed in partnership with health and social services and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation will open in Inuvik this summer. I look forward to the continued work we will accomplish through these valued partnerships.
As we work to prevent and reduce homelessness, emergency shelters remain a critical entry point to safety and stability. In Inuvik, the homeless shelter and warming shelter are now operated by partner organizations in line with GNWT's efforts to stabilize services. In Yellowknife, Housing NWT assumed responsibility for the day shelter and the sobering centre from health and social services on April 1st, 2026. The goal of these transitions is to bring services together, with other support programs, improving coordination and access.
Additionally, Budget 2026-2027 increased ongoing funding for service operators managing emergency homeless shelters in the communities of Yellowknife, Fort Simpson, Inuvik and Hay River. As warmer weather arrives, the GNWT continues to work with the City of Yellowknife and community partners to respond to homelessness related issues as they arise, ensuring shelter spaces are available and accessible and reducing barriers to shelter use. The GNWT has collaborated with partners, such as the City of Yellowknife and the RCMP, to develop standard operating procedures that guide the GNWT's response to encampments, and how we interface with other governments, partners, and agencies. These are needed as we seek to understand the needs of residents who live outside the shelter system and reside in encampments as well as support them in accessing services that are available.
These initiatives demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships and community-led initiatives to meaningfully address homelessness in the territory. Homelessness is not something any one government or organization can solve alone.
Mr. Speaker, addressing homelessness remains a shared priority for the GNWT and our partners. While the causes are complex, our direction is clear: To work together, rely on evidence, and focus on solutions that support stability, dignity, and longer term housing. This work is not about quick fixes; it is about building the right supports in the right places so that every resident of the Northwest Territories has a safe place to call home. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Arctic Energy Alliance on their 2026 Company of the Year Award from Canadian Biomass Magazine. While AEA is, in actual fact, a non-profit society and not a company, they still punch well above their weight in the biomass community here in Canada and internationally.
During one of the coldest months in recent memory, in January 2026 I attended their Arctic bioenergy summit and tour here in Yellowknife to learn more personally and also bring back ideas to inform a standing committee study on renewable heating and economic diversification.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the summit and tour were world-class. The NWT has a lot to be proud of when it comes to adopting biomass heat but still has room to grow. The summit was an opportunity for all attending to learn about some new technologies and approaches that work in cold climates. The summit brought together community and Indigenous governments, industry, international academics, and project leaders from across the circumpolar world. Discussions focused on exploring practical bioenergy solutions such as wood pellets and chips that can help reduce heating costs, strengthen energy security, and support sustainable economic development in northern and remote communities.
Arctic Energy Alliance is rightfully being recognized as a leader in biomass space for the good work that they have done in the NWT and for connecting the NWT with pragmatic approaches that can help Northerners save on their bills and reduce their GHG footprint. Once again, congratulations to all the passionate staff at Arctic Energy Alliance on their award and recognition of their outstanding work by their peers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak about an annual event taking place in Inuvik between June 16th and 19th, I believe, Mr. Speaker. Of course I am talking about the annual Arctic Development Expo. This is the 25th annual this year. It started back in 2001 as the Inuvik Petroleum Show, as we knew it then, when it was first started, when there was still the light at the end of the tunnel for the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline led by the Aboriginal Pipeline Group and from that started the Inuvik Petroleum Show. And then in -- I think it was in 2019 is when they transitioned from the petroleum show. After we -- our regulatory system, as I've stated before, slowly choked the life out of that project, we moved it to the Arctic Development Expo.
So, again, it's the 25th annual, and for the first time since the transition they're expecting over 250 attendees. And I believe, Mr. Speaker, last year there was about 100 attendees at the show. Back when it was the petroleum show, we had up to 700, 800 folks come to Inuvik to attend. So very exciting.
And obviously that's on the heels of the announcements of what's happening with the DND funding, the Mackenzie Valley Highway, and all the other major projects in the area. Of course, as we've said, there is an eye on the Arctic right now, Mr. Speaker.
So I am told this year they're at over 300 registered delegates and still counting. So very exciting. I am happy to say that our Premier and our Cabinet will be attending, will be sitting on some panels up there, Mr. Speaker, and we look forward to that.
The demand, once again, is so high. As done previously, they're bringing in barge camps and setting them up on the river and setting up buses to bring folks back and forth. And also, Mr. Speaker, we're looking at 62 trade show booths in total right now with 55 exhibitors, main industries up there this year representing construction, infrastructure, transportation, as well as local Indigenous, territorial, and federal governments.
And of note as well, the department of defence, DND, are organizing a business to business session during the expo on June 17th from 3 to 4 p.m., which I expect will be very well attended.
So a big congratulations to the amazing staff up there that put this on every year. It's not easy to do. Those of you who have been there before, know what I am talking about; it is an amazing show. And those of you who are attending this year, I look forward to seeing you up there and I look forward to another great event. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, reforming child and family services has been a serious topic in this chamber since before the first major audit in 2014, and it has remained so ever since despite each new audit reminding us that nothing has ever changed.
After reading last week's audit, I find myself wondering at what point do we start trying to fix a problem or a department that does not want to change. The fact that no Minister has ever improved child and family services calls into question whether any Minister ever will. So today I want to ask my colleagues what exactly we are asking for when we say we want change.
We continue to ask the Minister to change how the department operates to improve outcomes. Yet, like every Minister before her, she invokes our trust and patience until we look the other way. This is not a serious conversation.
There is a consensus in this chamber that the territorial government is a colonial institution so why should it be entrusted with our Indigenous children? To us, the fact that 90 percent of the children in care are Indigenous is a simple problem but within a colonial structure, that is simply standard practice.
As Murray Sinclair said, the residential school monster now lives on in the child welfare system. So when this government was non-committal on establishing an Office of a Child and Youth Advocate, I was not surprised because I was not -- that I were responsible for keeping that monster alive. I would avoid independent oversight too.
So when the Minister says trust me and be patient, what I hear her telling me is that when constituents call me in the middle of the night because their children were apprehended at the airport or child apprehension where officers beat down the front door with a sledgehammer at a grandmother's home who is watching the grandchildren, that I should trust her and that they will be bad parents and be patient because eventually they'll lose hope and stop asking for help.
Mr. Speaker, I am not looking the other way and neither are my leaders, nor do I believe deeply colonial systems can be reformed. I will ask the Minister later today whether she will advance the transfer of child and family services to Indigenous governments or whether she will make a way for someone who will. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the private sector is critical to our economy, either at the territorial level or in the small communities throughout the territories.
Mr. Speaker, these enterprisers contribute significantly to the stimulus and stability on a disposable economy.
Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment together support building contracts, business development to the Fort Good Hope Construction Centre. This is a milestone, Mr. Speaker. A northern trades centre building demanded homes. Mr. Speaker, during construction, benefits are expanded, created through O&M partnerships, employment trades apprentices. Mr. Speaker, truly an emerging industry with a product in high demand.
Mr. Speaker, there are many unique aspects of this project - local ownership, workforce development, and the ability of youth drafting, designing, building floor plans, and witnessing the construction of those floor plans. Mr. Speaker, I want to say a huge leadership thank-you to the Minister of ITI, Caitlin Cleveland, and the Minister of Housing NWT, Lucy Kuptana, and the local Yamoga Land Corporation in Fort Good Hope.
Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions to the Minister responsible for Housing NWT on logistics and update. Mr. Speaker, this is a proud moment for all project stakeholders as the summer construction season starts. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NWT cannot build its way out of the housing crisis while leaving local workers on the sidelines. Public housing projects should help small communities grow their own trades workforce. When units are built in larger centres or by southern manufacturers, local residents lose the chance to gain experience on the very project their communities need.
Many residents already work with their hands. They fix what they can at home and learn through small projects. What is missing is a pathway that turns that practical ability into recognized training. For many Northerners, certification still depends on Alberta-based technical training. Year after year, at least half of NWT trade students have to leave the territory to complete that requirement. For residents in small communities, that means major costs and long periods away from home. Mr. Speaker, this is why we need a practical pathway into the trades, one that gives capable residents a realistic first step while still taking safety standards seriously. The goal is to create a pathway into certification not a shortcut around it. The NWT has housing work that could support this experience. We need to use it more deliberately so residents can support their communities and build confidence before committing to certification.
Mr. Speaker, the NWT needs homes built and repaired, and it needs more local tradespeople. We need to stop treating those as separate issues.
Mr. Speaker, our system has to reflect the realities of small communities. Public housing dollars should build homes today and help build the local trades workforce our community needs for the future. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of ECE at the appropriate time. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Mackenzie Delta.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address a crisis of accountability regarding children who have been stripped of their homes and are in care in another jurisdiction within the NWT. The real grim our children are in care and dumped into environments that actively fail to support their well-being. This isn't a matter of minor administration oversight. This is systemic failure. My constituents and many communities are demanding to know why established protocols are being ignored when responsibility for the vulnerable children is in other facilities when they cannot be in their home communities with immediate family members. The Minister needs to understand this is a blatant disregard for placement protocols when Indigenous children enter the system. We have clear directives. Priority must be given to the culturally appropriate family and community-based care with institutionalized or licensed foster care used strictly as a last resort. Instead, those protections are being bypassed.
Mr. Speaker, these protocols are not optional guidelines. They exist to protect the child's cultural identity, their family ties, and their basic human rights. We cannot tolerate a two-tier system where children outside our borders are stripped of protection, care, and procedural accountability that they're legally owed. The department must be able to assist these children and families to be reunited under proper protocol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions from the Minister at the appropriate time.
Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as with several Members this sitting, I would like to highlight the words of Frame Lake's Youth Parliamentarian this year.
So, Mr. Speaker, I am here today to speak up for people experiencing homelessness in Yellowknife who are dealing with unsafe and often violent conditions. Yes, we have shelters, but how can support services actually help if both residents and staff don't feel safe inside them? There have been reports of staff stepping into fights and ending up with serious trauma and concerns about how some RCMP interactions are handled.
This problem within shelters has been a major issue and concern for a long time. We need to implement the right and proper training for both the staff and RCMP so that these situations can be handled in the best way possible.
Mr. Speaker, the 2024 Point in Time report shows 74 percent of people experiencing homelessness in Yellowknife, which is 226 individuals, were reported with substance use. This can increase aggression and impaired judgment, contributing to community violence. While plans mention addiction services, current options often require leaving the territory or relying on phone support. Why must people leave their families and culture to get help? With 50 percent of funding going to housing and only 4 percent to services, we're not breaking the cycle. We need stronger local addiction and mental health support in Yellowknife. Enforcing the idea to build a facility for Yellowknife results in a safer environment, especially downtown, for people including the future generation. There will be a higher chance of a decrease in violence due to substance use. Furthermore, the stress of choosing to go into rehab would be reduced significantly, and there would be no need to think about relocating. I believe that this is especially for public safety and a long-term solution.
So I wanted to thank my Youth Parliamentarian for raising these concerns, Mr. Speaker, and read them into the public record on their behalf. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for the past two years, I have been going on and on about strengthening primary care because residents across this territory need and deserve to be able to see a health care practitioner in a timely way and to be supported by a team that knows them and understands their health history.
Currently, it is still a struggle. Some Yellowknifers can't get an appointment at all with Yellowknife Primary Care since there's not enough available slots. There are still chronic nurse vacancies in community health centres and some health cabin communities are still waiting months or years for a visit by a nurse or doctor. So that's why we fought so hard several months ago to get money added to the budget for primary care, and we are seeing the results of those efforts in the supplementary estimates tabled this week, with almost $2.7 million proposed for new nurse positions in primary care. So I am very much encouraged by this. I do believe it's the only way forward to be able to ensure we get more appointment slots and more frequent visits to smaller communities. But in order to see results, Mr. Speaker, we need to up our game on recruitment and retention.
Over the last year and throughout the last sitting, we were told that the answers to human resource challenges, like chronic vacancies and poor retention, would all be found in the people strategy. Now that process was delayed for at least six months as we were told HSS needed more time to incorporate staff feedback. While the people strategy was finally released in April, and I have to say that after all that buildup, it was a bit of a letdown.
If you take out all the full-page glossy photos, it amounts to about 10 pages of text, and it's extremely high level. It's full of broad principles, like effective communication, prioritizing safety and mental health in the workplace, cultural safety and antiracism but, honestly I can't find anything new in there that would signal a major shift in approach. We have many staff already tasked with health care recruitment and they do standard things like setting up booths at conferences, but I would argue we need to get more creative and more practical with our recruitment and retention approaches. Mr. Speaker, I ask for your unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our strength in the North is in our community and our personal connections. We share information best through word of mouth, so let's better empower our existing workers and community members to recruit from within their networks. Let's emphasize the personal touch and make sure that we give any new staff a real northern welcome to each of our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North.
Colleagues, before we continue with a Member's statement, I'd like to recognize the former Monfwi Member from 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th Assembly, former Minister and former Speaker and now the grand Chief for the Tlicho. So welcome back to the Assembly, Mr. Lafferty.
Members' statements. Member from Range Lake.
Mr. Speaker, once again I am sounding the alarm about serious and growing systemic failures in our healthcare system that are now forcing Northerners to leave their home communities in order to access medically required care.
CBC North recently reported on a case in Yellowknife involving Lauren Seabrook, a Range Lake constituent, a health care professional, and an occupational therapist who has dedicated her career to supporting children with complex needs. Lauren was later confronted with her own rare and serious medical condition requiring ongoing specialized treatment, including tube feeding and coordinated clinical support over an extended period of care. Despite her professional understanding of the system, she was left without adequate local supports whatsoever. Instead of receiving coordinated system-led care, she was forced into managing a fragmented system of her own, making repeated daily calls simply to arrange basic and essential services, coordinate providers, and maintain continuity of treatment.
Mr. Speaker, this is not a functioning care model. It is a transfer of clinical responsibility onto patients who are already in crisis.
Medical professionals involved in Lauren's care, described in the CBC North report, confirmed that the Northwest Territories does not currently have the programs required to provide her ongoing levels of support due to gaps in interjurisdictional arrangements including access to Alberta's home nutrition support program. She was advised the only safe option was to relocate to Alberta in order to continue treatment.
Mr. Speaker, this is not an isolated administrative oversight. It reflects a broader structural issue - insufficient case management capacity, fragmented service delivery across systems, and health agreements that do not adequately support Northerners with complex or chronic conditions requiring long-term coordination and continuity of care. When even healthcare professionals cannot navigate the system they work in, we must recognize the seriousness of this failure. We are also hearing increasing amounts from residents who describe being left alone without adequate support during vulnerable medical moments further underscoring the lack of coordinated navigation and patient-centered care.
Mr. Speaker, no one should have to choose between their health and their home. Period. I urge the Minister of Health and Social Services to act immediately to strengthen case management supports and apologize to my constituent for the fact that she has to leave her home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from the Deh Cho.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, eight months ago I raised serious concerns about the GNWT's approach to Deh Cho treaty negotiations. Today, those concerns remain unresolved. Deh Cho communities are negotiating a land and governance treaty with Canada with the GNWT as a third party. The concern is the uncooperative approach the GNWT continues to take in these negotiations. Despite repeated concerns from Deh Cho leaders and despite meetings with the Premier, GNWT negotiators continue to hold positions that undermine the legitimate aspirations of Deh Cho First Nations and threaten the success of these negotiations.
Mr. Speaker, it would not be fair to describe this attitude as colonial. In an era of reconciliation, this should not still be happening.
The Premier has said that GNWT supports moving away from colonial government toward a future with self-governing First Nations. He has said that GNWT will have less authority in the future and that programs and services now delivered by the GNWT will be delivered by Indigenous governments.
Well, Mr. Speaker, that future is now. The time for action is now. Deh Cho First Nations are asking the Premier to confirm that the GNWT will comply with the 2001 Interim Measures Agreement and clearly state that no land in Deh Cho territory will be sold or leased without the support of affected Deh Cho First Nations communities.
The Premier has also stated support for joint decision-making and land disposition in Deh Cho territory. Recent events at Lindberg Landing where illegal squatters have effectively seized Deh Cho lands show why that action cannot wait. Deh Cho First Nations are also asking the Premier to give new direction to GNWT negotiators, including support for future Deh Cho government authority over wildlife, harvesting, wildfire response, and access to Deh Cho lands by non-residents. I will have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today not in anger but in pure disgust. The auditor general's child and family services report proves that the system rot goes back even further than most days we talk about. The 17th Assembly, over a decade ago, it is officially petrified into a permanent, catastrophic failure. For 12 years, this House has been fed glossy stories and hopeful wishes.
In 2018, as stated by then-Minister in his words, I quote, it was gut-wrenching. The facts at that time proved that 88 percent of children in care were Indigenous. Mr. Speaker, today that failure rate is 91 percent. Almost every child -- single child under the Minister's protection has been functionally left at risk.
Mr. Speaker, just when we thought the Minister's department hit rock bottom, oh no, she handed out shovels, Mr. Speaker. By law, suspected child abuse must be assessed within 24 hours and yet one-third of the time it takes past 16 days to just open a file. Mr. Speaker, this isn't paperwork; this is people avoiding responsibility. When investigations are triggered, they blow past the legal deadline 71 percent of the time.
Mr. Speaker, this is an obliterating failure. Who is going to take responsibility? So don't dare say, oh it's a paperwork problem. It's a responsibility problem, Mr. Speaker.
So the policy gap that 98 percent of the children are not in proper homes, this is state-sponsored cultural abandonment, Mr. Speaker. The predecessor blamed lack of feet on the ground. The current Minister says operational pressures. I see it as creative avoidance response, Mr. Speaker.
Frontline vacancies are between 14 and 34 percent so stop blaming the staff, and somebody needs to take responsibility for finding people to work there, Mr. Speaker. While this Minister burns through three-quarters of a billion dollars in the budget, no one can see one single executive direction to say fix this at all costs. So 908 days have passed at the helm. This Minister claims this matter matters to her. Well, Mr. Speaker, I yet to see any proof of it. So what we see is the systematic racist system that she used to rail against continues under her watch.
Mr. Speaker, at this point, I think we need to appoint another health czar to oversee the health Minister, Mr. Speaker, because this shameful result just keeps getting more disappointing. In short, I hope the Minister will do the honourable thing and request a shuffle, or we should. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements. Member from Nunakput.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to read the statement from Youth Parliamentarian Bailey Nigiyok from Ulukhaktok. Her words resonate with me, and I am humbled by her honesty. These are Bailey's words.
Mr. Speaker, alcohol has been a problem for a long time in many of the northern communities. When people drink too much, it can lead to fighting, stress at home, and kids not feeling safe or supported. Teenagers and families are dealing with impact of other substances too, Mr. Speaker. Weed is different but it has become really normal, especially for youth. A lot of people think it's not a big deal because it's legal but for teens, it can affect motivation, focus in school, and mental health. Some people use it to relax or escape stress but sometimes it just hides bigger problems underneath.
In a small place like Ulukhaktok or other communities, it's hard to ask for help. People worry about being judged or being talked about, and there isn't a regular addiction counsellor that somebody can go to privately and consistently. Because of that, the problem can build up quietly until it becomes serious.
This government takes these concerns seriously, Mr. Speaker. To better support communities, we are working with the Department of Health and Social Services and will be providing transitional housing in all remote communities in the Northwest Territories for people coming back from addictions treatment. This means that people will have a safe place to call home while they adjust back to life in their community.
In addition to this, Mr. Speaker, we will be building a wellness centre in Ulukhaktok, Tuktoyaktuk, and Norman Wells. Instead of focusing only on addiction, this centre will focus on mental health, culture, and support. It will offer youth programs, talking circles, land-based healing workshops, and a safe place to speak openly without feeling judged. It is not about labelling people. It is about helping people build coping skills and feel stronger.
Ulukhaktok and remote northern communities are strong, but we can't ignore the real challenges. If we want healthier families and better futures for youth, we need real support in place. These investments in transitional housing and a wellness centre is an investment in our community's future.
Now, Mr. Speaker, these are the words of Bailey Nigiyok, Youth Parliamentarian, but this is also a reminder for all of us in this House that people at home are watching and they're listening. They need to know that their government will support them and their elected representatives will advocate for constituents in all aspects of their lives. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker, and quyananni to Ms. Bailey Nigiyok.
Thank you, Member from the Nunakput. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife South.
Thank you Mr. Speaker,
As I have done every year after Youth Parliament, I would like to bring the words of the youth representative from Yellowknife South to the House. This year, Mr. Speaker, Yellowknife South was represented very ably by Hayden Pearce who delivered the following statement:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring forward an issue that affects many residents across the Northwest Territories - medical travel and access to appropriate health care.
For many people in our small and remote communities, accessing specialized care means leaving home for days or even weeks at a time. Traveling to regional centres or outside the territory often brings financial strain, family disruption, and emotional distress. While the medical travel program ensures access to insured service, residents continue to raise concerns about escort eligibility, delays, accommodation challenge, and gaps in communications. Another problem is the cost of medical travel to the GNWT.
There are practical steps we are taking. First, we will maximize the use of virtual appointments whenever clinically appropriate. Initial consultations, follow-up, and routine check-ins can often be done effectively through Telehealth, allowing patients to remain in their communities. Virtual care should reduce unnecessary travel while ensuring timely access to in-person hand-on treatment when it is truly required.
Second, we are building stronger supports around those who must travel including flexible escort policies for elders, youth, and vulnerable patients. In a more efficient process, we are also strengthening wraparound support by improving communications, providing clear travel information, and exploring patient navigator roles to guide individuals through appointments, accommodations, and return travel. Building partnerships with Indigenous governments and community organizations is helping to create a safety net so that no one feels alone while receiving care far from home. And we can manage costs fairly.
Mr. Speaker, when someone is already facing a serious health concern, navigating complex travel arrangements should not add to their burden. Elders traveling alone, youth sent far from their families, and residents from our smallest communities, often describe how overwhelming it feels to arrive in a large unfamiliar centre. Being separated from language, culture, and support networks can increase fear and isolation.
Mr. Speaker, equitable health care means more than providing service. It means ensuring those services are accessible, culturally safe, and patient-centered regardless of geography.
This Assembly is strengthening our medical travel system, expanding virtual care where appropriate, and investing in meaningful support for those who must travel for treatment.
Thank you. Mr. Speaker, and thank you Hayden for representing Yellowknife South this year. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife South. Members' statements. Member from Kam Lake.
Mr. Speaker, June is a busy and important month of milestones and endless sunshine, and also marks Indigenous History Month, Pride Month, Immigrant Heritage Month and Juneteenth. Indigenous History Month calls on us to listen, learn, and act in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. Pride Month recognizes 2SLGBTQIPA+ identities and advocacy, reminding us that while there is joy in celebration, there is still important work to be done. Juneteenth marks both the end of slavery and the continued pursuit of justice. And Immigrant Heritage Month highlights the diversity, courage, and determination of those who have come to build new lives.
At first glance, these are separate observances in a very busy month but each is deeply connected by a common thread - the need, the very human need, for connection.
We know that connection matters yet we are living in a time where it is slipping. People are spending less time with friends and neighbours than they did even a decade ago, participation in community groups has declined, and more people report feeling lonely despite being constantly connected online, a space that seems increasingly unsafe. Our circles are shrinking and with that our opportunities to truly understand one another are shrinking too.
Connection matters so much in this moment, Mr. Speaker. It's about building bridges where gaps exist, creating spaces where everyone feels safe showing up as themselves, and ensuring that no one is left isolated or invisible. It's about moving beyond symbolic recognition toward real, everyday acts of inclusion that strengthen communities. Awareness without connection can only take us so far. Real change happens when we move closer to each other, when we listen, when we share space, and when we recognize our shared humanity.
So this June, as we celebrate, let's also challenge ourselves to reconnect. Because at the end of every day, what unites all of these observances is simple but powerful. We all want to feel connected to our shared and individual histories, identity and, most importantly, to each other. And we all deserve to be seen, heard, valued, and safe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
