Debates of March 5th, 2025

This is page numbers of the Hansard for the 20th Assembly, 1st Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was know .

Topics

Members Present

Prayer Or Reflection

February 28th Meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade

Housing Northwest Territories Apprenticeship Program

Importance of getting Vaccinated

Condition of K'alemi Dene School Facilities

Availability of Medical Boarding Housing in Yellowknife

Uninsured Cosmetic Medical Services

Sahtu Tour for Nutrition North

Alternatives for Income Support Program

Food Security and Community Gardens

On-the-Land Addictions Recovery Programs

Access to Healthcare

Closure of Literacy Outreach Centres

Yellowknife South Recipients of King's Coronation Medal

Lydia Nelner, Indigenous Sports Circle Award Winner

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Community Gardens

On-the-Land Camps and Programming

Medical Travel Accommodations in Yellowknife

Healthcare Access Milestones

Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy Program

K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Insurability Exceptions for Cosmetic Medical Procedures

Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre

Internal Trade Barriers

Support for Northwest Territories Businesses Affected by Tariffs

Labour Mobility Legislation

Direct-to-Consumer Sales Model for Alcohol

Vaccine Hesitancy, Promotion and Access

Coverage Exemptions for Uninsured Medical Procedures

Education Facilities Infrastructure in the Yellowknives Dene First Nation

Getting Ahead Pilot Program

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery(reversion)

Tabled Document 300-20(1): Annual Report for the Education Bodies of the Northwest Territories for the 2023-2024 School Year ending June 30, 2024, Volumes 1 and 2

Tabled Document 301-20(1): Annual Report on Official Languages 2023-24

Bill 22: Legislation Act

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Caitlin Cleveland , Mr. Edjericon , Hon. Lucy Kuptana , Hon. Jay Macdonald , Hon. Vince McKay , Mr. McNeely , Ms. Morgan , Mr. Morse , Mr. Nerysoo , Ms. Reid , Mr. Rodgers , Hon. Lesa Semmler , Hon. R.J. Simpson , Mr. Testart , Hon. Shane Thompson , Hon. Caroline Wawzonek , Mrs. Weyallon Armstrong , Mrs. Yakeleya

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

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---Prayer or reflection

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Prayer Or Reflection

Prayer Or Reflection

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Please be seated. I'd like to thank Judy Selamio for the opening prayer. Ministers' statements. Minister for ITI .

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Minister's Statement 109-20(1): February 28th Meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade

Ministers' Statements

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, strengthening internal trade is essential to ensuring that businesses across Canada can grow, compete, and thrive. With the United States' decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports and the Canadian government's counter-tariffs, Canada urgently needs to strengthen our internal trade framework. Studies show that eliminating interprovincial trade barriers could add billions to Canada's gross domestic product annually, lower consumer costs, and improve supply chain resilience.

The committee on internal trade is the place where federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers responsible for this file meet to discuss breaking down barriers to internal trade. For 2025, the Northwest Territories is the chair of the committee on internal trade.

Mr. Speaker, in the last six weeks, since the threat of US tariffs emerged, the committee on internal trade has met three times; most recently on February 28th in Toronto. Through these collaborative efforts, we are making real progress to strengthen Canada's domestic economy, especially since reducing internal trade barriers and ensuring Canadian business have greater access to domestic markets is critical to mitigate the economic impact of US protectionist policies.

During this most recent meeting of the committee on internal trade, we reviewed and advanced several key recommendations endorsed by First Ministers on February 4th:

Strengthening commitments under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, including a rapid review of all party-specific exceptions and completing financial services negotiations;

Second, expanding mutual recognition efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. This includes pursuing priority sector mutual recognition for goods. I am also happy to announce that all jurisdictions are now participating in the Mutual Recognition Pilot Project in the trucking sector;

Facilitating labour mobility by working with the forum of labour market Ministers to streamline professional certification recognition is the third recommendation, Mr. Speaker; and,

Fourth, advancing sectoral priorities such as supporting willing provinces and territories to set up a direct-to-consumer system for alcohol and developing an enhanced Team Canada trade promotion approach.

Mr. Speaker, these initiatives are critical for businesses in the Northwest Territories. By reducing unnecessary barriers, we are helping northern businesses expand, lower costs for residents, and improving the movement of goods and services.

The Northwest Territories understands the importance of a unified approach on internal trade. Over $530 billion worth of goods and services move across Canada each year, representing 20 percent of our gross domestic product. Ensuring that NWT businesses, and businesses across Canada, can access broader markets without unnecessary regulatory burdens is key to unlocking future success.

Initiatives like the mutual recognition pilot project in the trucking sector have strong potential to benefit the North by lowering costs and improve efficiency for businesses and communities.

Ministers on the committee on internal trade intend to maintain our momentum. We are dedicated to swiftly implementing the recommendations to reduce trade barriers and will continue to engage with Canadian businesses, workers, and stakeholders. As Canada faces new economic challenges, the work of the committee on internal trade is more important than ever.

Mr. Speaker, this committee has updated First Ministers on our progress. I look forward to continuing this important work to ensure our economy remains resilient and competitive in the face of global challenges. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 109-20(1): February 28th Meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of ITI . Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT .

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Minister's Statement 110-20(1): Housing Northwest Territories Apprenticeship Program

Ministers' Statements

Lucy Kuptana

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT continues to expand its inventory of public housing units. These new units will provide stable living conditions and reduce homelessness for vulnerable populations. Safe, affordable housing improves the quality of life. It impacts health, self-confidence, stability, and stronger families, giving people the chance to look beyond survival and focus on opportunity.

New units, however, are only part of the solution. We face a shortage of certified tradespeople, both here and across Canada, to build and maintain existing units. This shortfall delays construction projects, increases costs, and impedes economic development. We need more carpenters, electricians, plumbers, oil heat system technicians, and housing maintainers, to keep our buildings safe and structurally sound.

But Housing NWT has a plan, Mr. Speaker. We are committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous governments and organizations, Aurora College, and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, to ensure apprentices have greater access to education and employment opportunities. By strengthening these partnerships, we can better support apprentices in building successful careers while also contributing to sustainable housing solutions that meet the needs of NWT residents.

Our apprenticeship program aims to alleviate labour shortages by providing opportunities for residents to gain the skills and education necessary to secure trade jobs in their home communities.

Mr. Speaker, in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Housing NWT allocated an annual budget of $861,000 to the apprenticeship program, resulting in the hiring and training of apprentices by the local housing organizations.

Since the launch of Housing NWT's apprenticeship program in 2007, 24 apprentices have become certified tradespeople and that number is expected to continue to grow. Housing NWT works closely with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment's apprenticeship, trade and occupation certification program. ECE supports apprentices in receiving hands-on training with certified trades people and getting the necessary work hours and classroom instruction to achieve trade certification. Starting April 1, 2025, Housing NWT is funding three new apprenticeship positions, bringing the total number of positions from 12 to 15.

Housing NWT is building capacity over the long term within the construction industry by requiring an apprentice work assignment for all new construction project contracts. As a result of that, Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT contracts have supported 64 NWT apprentice work assignments with our general contractors since 2020.

Mr. Speaker, through our investment in trade apprenticeships, Housing NWT accomplishes several objectives. We are building a skilled workforce by reducing employment barriers and promoting career opportunities in isolated and Indigenous communities. We are bridging employment gaps through worker training. Finally, we are providing preventative maintenance to save money and extend the life of our buildings and systems. We are creating new opportunities for Northerners and building more homes for Northerners through our investments in trade apprenticeships. We are investing in people, Mr. Speaker, that will help us build the future. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 110-20(1): Housing Northwest Territories Apprenticeship Program

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT . Ministers' statements. Minister for Health and Social Services .

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Minister's Statement 111-20(1): Importance of getting Vaccinated

Ministers' Statements

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect residents and communities from serious diseases. Today vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are weakening trust in the science and public health. As a result, vaccination rates are declining, leaving residents, especially elders and children, vulnerable to preventable diseases. Right now, Canada is seeing more cases of influenza, measles, and pertussis (whooping cough). The NWT is not immune to these trends.

Measles vaccination rates among two-year-olds have dropped from nearly 90 percent in 2019 to just over 82 percent in 2024; well below the national target of 95 percent. Similarly, only 69 percent of two-year-olds have received diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccination rates have also fallen, with only 18 percent of residents vaccinated this year. These low rates put our most vulnerable population - children, elders, and those with chronic conditions - at serious risk.

Mr. Speaker, vaccines save lives. They have drastically reduced deaths from diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria. But because these diseases are now rare in Canada, many people forget how dangerous they can be. Unfortunately, this sense of complacency, along with the rapid spread of misinformation online, is leading some to question the safety and importance of vaccines. Some are rejecting evidence-based science and falling for fear-driven messaging that puts lives at risk.

The number of recommended vaccines has increased, and some people feel overwhelmed. We need to change the conversation from fear to empowerment. Vaccination is not about pressuring people; it is about giving them the tools to protect their loved ones and communities.

Mr. Speaker, Indigenous peoples in the Northwest Territories have long faced health inequities due to colonization and systemic racism. Historical traumas, such as forced residential schools and medical mistreatment, have created mistrust in our health care system, including vaccines. Addressing vaccine hesitancy in Indigenous communities requires more than facts; it requires building trust through culturally-safe care and meaningful engagement with Indigenous leadership and knowledge-keepers.

The resurgence of measles in Canada and the United States is alarming. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, infecting nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals exposed to it. If vaccination rates continue to decline, Canada could lose its measles elimination status which it achieved in 1998.

Mr. Speaker, diseases do not respect borders. If vaccination rates do not improve, we will increase the risk of outbreaks from outside of the NWT. This puts countless lives at risk and adds further strain to our already overburdened health care system. Vaccination is not just an individual choice; it is a collective responsibility. It protects those who cannot get vaccinated such as newborns and those with compromised immune systems.

As Minister and former public health nurse, I urge all residents to check their vaccination status and make sure they are up to date. Talk to your health care provider, visit your local public health unit, and get the information you need from trusted sources. Science has given us the tools to fight these diseases; it is up to us to use them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 111-20(1): Importance of getting Vaccinated

Ministers' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Member's Statement 562-20(1): Condition of K'alemi Dene School Facilities

Members' Statements

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spoke about the Kaw Tay Whee School in Dettah which is a half a century old and separated from a small gymnasium. The school is undersized, and the school must be replaced with a proper gymnasium attached so the students do not have to walk outside even during the freezing winter months to access it. Today I want to highlight another concern.

N'dilo residents have the fact that their K'alemi Dene School reached capacity for many years. Within just a few years of the new school opening, the growing need of the community began to exceed the K'alemi Dene capacity. Currently the school is supporting over 162 students when the number should not exceed 120 to ensure appropriate classroom sizes. These concerns were brought forward almost a decade ago during the 18th Assembly, yet it was later learned in 2020 that other priorities took precedent over these projects' inclusion into the capital plans.

It is now five years later, and students in both Dettah and N'dilo are still struggling to access the space they need to learn and exercise. So far, we can't even secure the funding needed to plan for these projects.

The department has been aware of these issues, and yet three separate MLAs over the years have been told their students are not a priority. Education is a treaty right.

I also want to touch on the point I made yesterday about the N'dilo gymnasium. The school agrees that in addition to these additional classrooms, a proper sized gymnasium that doubles as a community hall should be added as well. This two-in-one approach will save costs and support YKDFN youth and more importantly support recreation activities. However, this will only happen if the Minister commits to working with the YKDFN leadership and local DEA.

The constant denying and deferring these projects by her predecessors have resulted in the GNWT violating the treaty rights of Treaty 8 and also against the Canadian Constitution. The Minister must take action if she wants to uphold YKDFN constitutionally-protected treaty rights. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 562-20(1): Condition of K'alemi Dene School Facilities

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Member's Statement 563-20(1): Availability of Medical Boarding Housing in Yellowknife

Members' Statements

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's come to my attention that the Keskorie boarding home in Yellowknife has reached capacity. In addition, Mr. Speaker, hotels across the capital are also at full capacity. This presents a serious challenge for residents from my riding who must travel to Yellowknife for medical and dental care. Some of these individuals are making long and difficult journeys, Mr. Speaker, for critical medical appointments, appointments they've been waiting for, sometimes months. Yet, when they arrive, they are faced with the distressing reality that there is nowhere for them to stay.

Mr. Speaker, this situation is very distressing. The boarding home is full, and even when alternative accommodations are sought there are no hotel rooms available. These individuals, many of whom are elders, families with young children, or people facing serious health concerns, are already under tremendous stress due to their medical needs. The added burden of not having a safe and secure place to stay only compounds their anxiety and uncertainty.

Mr. Speaker, this is a fundamental issue of access to health care. We do not want to see residents forced to reschedule or even cancel their appointments as this could have serious consequences for their health and well-being. We must ensure that no one has to choose between receiving medical care and having a place to stay. Mr. Speaker, we need immediate and long-term solutions to this issue. NWT residents deserve a safe and comfortable place to stay when they are travelling for medical care. I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 563-20(1): Availability of Medical Boarding Housing in Yellowknife

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake . Members' statements. Member from Range Lake .

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Member's Statement 564-20(1): Uninsured Cosmetic Medical Services

Members' Statements

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, imagine after a long struggle, you're finally about to undergo a surgery you've been waiting for. You've worked your way through multiple doctors' offices, gotten your referrals in order, and have persevered patiently on the waitlist. Yet, just as you arrive for the operation, you are asked how you're going to pay for it. Up until this moment, it was your understanding that this crucial surgery came at no cost. Now you're faced with a choice: Pay thousands of dollars or give up on the opportunity and, with it, the better quality of life you've worked so hard for.

This is sadly the experience of my Range Lake constituents. In their determination to correct their health, they have lost an impressive amount of weight, so successful were they that they were suffering from a severe amount of excess skin. Through -- though the body dysmorphic disorder that triggered this serious affliction on its own, the pain was physical as well. The skin was pinching their nerves and giving them serious discomfort around their tailbone. Sitting for long periods of time proved unbearable.

Doctors agreed that clearing up and contouring their abdomen was medically necessary and made the commonsense assumption that given these operations were part of one treatment, all the costs associated would be taken care of. Well, it turns out they were wrong, Mr. Speaker.

Health and social services were bound by a nonsensical policy dictating that skin removal was necessary, but the contouring was cosmetic; therefore, half of the operation had to be paid out of pocket because it was uninsured, yet the constituent could not choose one without the other. Clearly, these archaic policies must be reviewed, and the Minister does not want to change the rules to fit a handful of situations, exceptions are necessary to ensure this constituent, and those who find themselves in similar circumstances, do not suffer the same indignities.

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Member's Statement 564-20(1): Uninsured Cosmetic Medical Services

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu .

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Member's Statement 565-20(1): Sahtu Tour for Nutrition North

Members' Statements

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, March is National Nutrition Month. With this year's theme being Nourish to Flourish, the links between food, good health, emotional resilience, and social connections cannot be underestimated.

Mr. Speaker, Food Bank Canada, in collaboration with Nutrition North, is planning a promotional tour of the Sahtu region in April. This initiative will bring together representatives to meet and engage with leaders, community members, on the critical topic of food security and explore how the Sahtu region can position itself to address its unbearable high cost of living challenges.

Mr. Speaker, the vision extends beyond immediate relief. Aside from ideas of setting up a food bank distribution centre in the regional hubs, the dream of having community food bank centres in each of the Sahtu communities is a goal we envision. These centres would not only provide essential food supplies but would also allow for traditional foods to be available to the community members, honouring our cultural heritage while addressing immediate needs.

This approach aligns perfectly with Food Banks Canada and the northern food security program which supports Indigenous and community-led initiatives to promote food sovereignty in the remote and Indigenous communities. Their goal is to fund the sustainable programs that increase food security and support in building networks to share knowledge and resources.

Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged by the collaborative approach that we have taken working with local communities to develop solutions that address specific needs. The commitment to understanding, proposing solutions, and advocating for policy change represents a comprehensive approach to tackling food insecurity in the North.

In closing, as we observe National Nutrition Month, let us remember that true nourishment encompasses not only physical health but the overall flourish of our communities. The planned activities for the Sahtu region represent an important step towards ensuring all citizens have access to nutritious and culturally-appropriate food. Mahsi.

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Member's Statement 565-20(1): Sahtu Tour for Nutrition North

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu . Members' statements. Member from Mackenzie Delta .

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Member's Statement 566-20(1): Alternatives for Income Support Program

Members' Statements

George Nerysoo

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to give some clarity to this House on the recipients of the income support program. First and foremost, it is not my intention of trying to punish the users of this program that is initiated by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. My intentions are to try and give the independence back to the residents of the Northwest Territories. One of my main goals as I became MLA for Mackenzie Delta riding was to find alternatives to the program for the recipients.

Mr. Speaker, the income support program is in place to assist the residents for a short period of time, not to make a living off this essential program. There are definitely people out there, the disabled and the elderly, who require the assistance of this program to make sure their well-being is indeed looked after, and the income assistance program addresses this need. Mr. Speaker, there are young adults who are able to work and/or go back to school for a brighter future for themselves and their families, yet they are caught up in the system.

These are the individuals who I am speaking for. I would like to assist them in getting their independence back and build their self-esteem. Getting these individuals back into the workforce, or reviving their culture and traditional lifestyles, would enable them to live a healthier life for themselves and their families. They would, in turn, be role models to their children and others within the communities.

Mr. Speaker, I personally have great hope and aspirations for the residents of the Northwest Territories. I want to see them prosper and to get their independence back, but I cannot do this on my own. It takes this government, the community leadership, and the individuals to make this goal a reality. With the collaboration with all stakeholders, we can have a healthy territory, a healthy community, and healthy independent residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 566-20(1): Alternatives for Income Support Program

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta . Members' statements. Member from Great Slave .

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Member's Statement 567-20(1): Food Security and Community Gardens

Members' Statements

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, I'm excited for the upcoming growing season. For many years, I've had a kitchen garden to grow fresh food for my family and friends. I have so much rhubarb that I have an annual callout for people to come and harvest some. I've spent time, effort, and testing my husband's good graces in creating raised beds and raising a greenhouse to grow fresh food in the Midnight Sun.

Mr. Speaker, with tariffs now looming over our head, food security is more crucial than ever before. I think we could bring back the positive tradition of our grandparents and great grandparents of victory gardens. In many ways, we're already there. There are stories of successful community gardens throughout our territory, and the Yellowknife Farmers' Market is a gem of any summer here in the capital where local gardeners can sell their excess produce at a community table or make a commercial go of it at their own tables. However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the shining star of community gardening efforts - the Inuvik Community Greenhouse.

A reconstituted hockey arena, the greenhouse can now grow throughout the year thanks to its hydroponic unit. Hydroponic veggie boxes are available to the community at reasonable costs. Here in Yellowknife, we are lucky to have several commercial growers to choose from, and south of the lake too. Mr. Speaker, I would encourage everyone with the ability to sign up for a community plot or ability to set up their own kitchen garden to do so this summer. Growing local and supporting local growers will help us all stay healthy, but I think there is more we can be doing to support our communities in this space. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of ITI .

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Member's Statement 567-20(1): Food Security and Community Gardens

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Great Slave . Members' statements. Member from Deh Cho .

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Member's Statement 568-20(1): On-the-Land Addictions Recovery Programs

Members' Statements

Sheryl Yakeleya

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, addressing effects of trauma is a priority of this government, of this Assembly. When people leave the territory for drug and alcohol treatment or go away to jail, they come home to the same environment and lifestyle that they left. Many return to drinking or using. To help them with this problem, the GNWT allocated $1.6 million for transitional housing for addiction recovery aftercare last year.

But, Mr. Speaker, several people in the communities I represent talk to me about going on-the-land aftertreatment. They want to slowly integrate back into the community. Out on the land, they will continue to learn about their culture, their family history, and continue to use the skills they learned at treatment.

We need our own people who have sobered up and cleaned up their lives with lived experience to help our people. We know when a community wants to change something in their community, the changes need to come from the community. We have had too many times when changes come from headquarters or from other larger centres, and it does not work in our small remote communities. The people know what they need.

They need support to enhance their way of doing things in the communities like the culture, the crafts, harvesting on the land, preparation of traditional food, on-the-land tours and places to go where people can participate in cultural activities. Otherwise, in the future, we will not have a true culture for anyone to come and see.

In November, the GNWT set up an on-the-land camp 45 minutes outside of Yellowknife. The ten-week camp was intended to provide addiction shelter space for people who are homeless and offer cultural programming and counselling for people living with addictions. Mr. Speaker, if this program was successful, as the government has said, then we should look at starting similar pilot programs in other communities. Why was it shut down?

On-the-land aftercare will save this government money because fewer people will return to treatment, but we must invest in small communities. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to request more time to do my -- finish my statement. I seek unanimous consent.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, colleagues. On-the-land aftercare will save this government money because fewer people will return to treatment, but we must invest in small communities. There are elders in our communities who know the land and who know how to live a sober lifestyle. Mr. Speaker, this government needs to respect the traditional way of life in each community. We need more aftercare programs like the ones piloted in Yellowknife. I will have questions for the Minister of health. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 568-20(1): On-the-Land Addictions Recovery Programs

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho . Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake .

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Member's Statement 569-20(1): Access to Healthcare

Members' Statements

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spoke to the need for clear and measurable targets related to our goal of reforming primary care and based on the answers the Minister shared in response to my questions, I want to continue on that thread today.

Yesterday, the Minister stated that the goal of primary health care reform is to ensure that all residents have access to culturally safe, team based, primary and community care, and then to establish integrated care pathways to support seamless integration and continuity across various health and social services and levels of care.

Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate the Minister articulating the goals so clearly and succinctly and suggest it is a great set of overarching goals. So now we need to set the parameters and milestones which need to be established in order to achieve them.

First and most importantly, I think we need to define exactly what we mean by the word access. Technically, we all have access to health care now if we're willing to wait long enough or travel far enough or accept that continuity of care isn't possible. So we need to define what access to care will look like once we achieve our goal, and we need to establish a set of parameters which will need to be in place and maintained to sustain this access.

I would suggest, as advocated for by the NWT Medical Association in response to the announcement of the establishment of new primary care teams, that one of the key parameters is ensuring each primary care team is assigned to an appropriate number of patients as informed by data and expert advice. We need to set goals for each of the specific parameters, develop plans for how to achieve them, and realistic timelines for when they can be achieved. By going through that process, we will be able to identify a timeline for the overarching goal.

The Minister noted yesterday that she doesn't want to rush this, and I am not suggesting at all that we set unrealistic timelines. But we do need to clearly communicate what we are specifically working to achieve, the various milestones and parameters needed along the way, and when we expect all the pieces to come together. Without effective planning and defined goal setting like this, we run the risk of chasing this aspiration perpetually without ever fully achieving it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 569-20(1): Access to Healthcare

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake . Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Member's Statement 570-20(1): Closure of Literacy Outreach Centres

Members' Statements

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Literacy Outreach Centre here in Yellowknife has been a partnership between Aurora College and Inclusion NWT since 1997. The program even won the Premier 's Award in 2023 for its excellent results.

So when Aurora College first made its announcement about closing community learning centres, it wasn't immediately clear that the Literacy Outreach Centre would be affected. The staff hadn't even been informed, and enrolment had been high with 39 students in the current winter semester. The program was working. It was award winning. So surely it wouldn't be shut down too. But staff found out later that, indeed, Aurora College was pulling out. Apparently, it no longer fit with the college's priorities.

So what's at stake here? The centre's been the only one in Yellowknife offering structured programs on basic employment skills. These are programs that stretch over an entire semester not just one-off workshops here and there. Morning classes have been for students who have about grade 4 to 5 level of literacy. Some are clients of Inclusion NWT so may have intellectual disabilities. Some are older people.

Imagine an Indigenous elder who was sent to residential school but never got a proper education and now wants to learn to read and write better to help their grandchildren or maintain more day-to-day independence. Some are folks who have been working for many years in manual labour jobs but never learned to read and write well, and now they want an opportunity to move to a less physical job that requires those skills.

Afternoon classes have been for students needing better skills for working in an office environment, such as computer literacy. Some of these students include newcomers to this country.

The centre also trains volunteer tutors to work with students one on one which makes a big difference in empower people to change their lives.

Mr. Speaker, these students are not getting paid to attend classes. This is 40 people each semester who are dedicated and motivated to attend because they understand the classes are key to them creating a better future for themselves and their families. About half are successful in finding jobs quickly after they finish the classes, and many are able to move towards college programs to become, for example, childhood education workers or personal support workers. Mr. Speaker, the closure of this centre is a huge step backwards away from meeting many of this Assembly's priorities. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 570-20(1): Closure of Literacy Outreach Centres

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North . Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife South .

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Member's Statement 571-20(1): Yellowknife South Recipients of King's Coronation Medal

Members' Statements

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to continue my theme this week celebrating Yellowknife South constituents' accomplishments and achievements. And today I am proud to speak about two individuals who last week were awarded the King's Coronation Medal. The Coronation Medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada and are for individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a province or territory. And the following two people, Mr. Speaker, are, indeed, exactly that. They have both made significant contributions to our community.

Matthew Yap was awarded the King's Coronation Medal in recognition of his contributions to the Northwest Territories through services for over ten years working with multiple different charities, community groups, organizations, and as a member on various boards. He was also the coordinator of the Yellowknife evacuation centre during the 2023 wildfires working on the evacuation of some of our most vulnerable residents. And further to his service to the Northwest Territories and to the community, Mr. Yap was one of the service aides during Prince Charles and Camilla's 2022 Royal Tour to Yellowknife.

This, of course, makes the award, recognizing now the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, particularly special.

Mr. Speaker, the other Yellowknife resident who I'd like to make mention of, and who was awarded the King's Coronation Medal for her work in community service, was Rene Sanderson. For many years, Ms. Sanderson has been a support to many folks across the Northwest Territories and particularly within Yellowknife. She initiated and hosted the annual event of Christmas in July, providing prepacked backpacks to vulnerable populations, organizing clothing drives for families, baby baskets for mothers, and has created a public pantry and toy drives also during the holidays.

She's currently employed in a leadership role in one of our local non-profit organizations and serving the houseless population and those facing food insecurities.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Mr. Yap and Ms. Sanderson for their contributions to Yellowknife, to the Northwest Territories, thank them for their inspiration that they provide day to day to the people around them and, of course, take this opportunity to congratulate them on this well-deserved honour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 571-20(1): Yellowknife South Recipients of King's Coronation Medal

Members' Statements

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife South . Members' statements.

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Member's Statement 572-20(1): Lydia Nelner, Indigenous Sports Circle Award Winner

Members' Statements

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Colleagues, I had the opportunity to attend the Indigenous Sports Circle NWT award ceremony on Saturday, December 7th. One of the reasons for attending this important event was to present the sport award winner: Lydia Nelner of Fort Simpson.

I got to know this young lady when she was playing soccer for a team my daughter coached. I watched this young, quiet lady become a leader and sharing her thoughts in a positive way. Lydia was the team's goalie and regardless of wins or loses, she kept the team on a positive path. I witnessed her listen to her teammates and coaches, take suggestions, and offering good advice throughout her soccer career. On top of being a good leader, she would help with the younger soccer teams to pass on her knowledge and love for the sport.

She represented the NWT at the NAIGs in Nova Scotia. In 2023, at the age of 18, Lydia expanded her sports and took up Dene games. She had achieved remarkable success and was selected to compete in the inaugural women's Dene games at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Mat-Su, Alaska.

Despite competing against older and more experienced athletes, Lydia won the bronze Ulu in the stick pull competition, showcasing her strength and determination.

Sports was not her only influence in the community. Lydia was selected for the Community Justice Committee in Fort Simpson and worked as a park's interpreter in Nahanni National Park. She is currently studying at MC College in Edmonton to become a hair stylist.

Colleagues, Lydia is a positive role model in our community, regularly training at the fitness centre and encouraging others to lead healthy lifestyles. She is a proud ambassador for her culture, participating in drum dances and celebrating her Dene heritage. Lydia is self-taught makeup artist who loves to wear a different ribbon dress for each drum dance further embracing her cultural roots. Lydia's dedication to our community, her culture, and personal growth serves as an inspiration to all, proving that with hard work and determination, dreams can come true.

I would like to say to Ms. Nelner to continue to be a shining example of dedication and cultural pride in the community of Fort Simpson and the Deh Cho region.

I have attached her acceptance and her nomination speech at the end of my statement and ask it to be deemed as read.

Dennis's Nominator's Speech

Good evening, everyone. I was invited to highlight Lydia's involvement in sports, what she means to the community, and why she is so deserving of this Sport Award.

Starting at school Lydia had to compete right away, the youngest in her class, at early age Lydia had to work harder to keep up with the rest of her classmates. Lydia was always involved in organized sports soccer basketball throughout high school never missed practice and involved in all extra-curricular activities at home and outside the community Yellowknife, and Halifax for NAIG.

At home, Nicolas her Brother, helped nurture her competitiveness they are both very close she always looked up to her brother. She learnt to be brave and stand up for herself even though her brother very much older larger and equally as competitive. Facing her fears and expressing herself nurtured those skills in the comfort of home, and school. Speaking up and talking about things that are important to her.

Her brother's biggest influences is showing Lydia how to lift weights at the Fitness centre, both our siblings were "gym rats". Not too long after, Lydia was and still is a main fixture at the local fitness centre. Going every day, getting up at 6 in the morning, in order to have time during the day for all the rest of her daily activities.

Lydia entered the workforce at the tender age of 14 years old, starting the Northern store. During COVID she was classified as an Essential Worker, even with this elevated status because of her age she didn't qualify for the extra pay. Lydia has working class values, that need to be acknowledged especially in today's age, young people have very little role models where focus on working hard is a means to an end.

Our home epitomizes traditional family morals, as a father I provide and protect, my wife Trudy nurtures, combined makes a traditional family unit. Our family is centered on Working class values and traits. For Trudy and me, our fathers and mothers, grandparents and so on have always lived as a working-class family, just as out ancestor have lived before us.

Young people Lydia's age need more than ever to have someone to look up to. She's our shining light, a candle in the dark, a guiding beacon. My wife and I are absolutely so proud of what Lydia has accomplished in her young life so far, we look forward to many more accomplishments and milestones in the future. Mahsi.

Lydia's Acceptance Speech

I am deeply honored to accept this award tonight. This recognition means so much to me, not just as an athlete, but as a proud Member of our Aboriginal community. Sports have always been a significant part of our culture, teaching us the values of perseverance, teamwork, and respect.

I want to thank my family, friends, and coaches for their unwavering support. Their encouragement has been invaluable throughout my journey. I also want to acknowledge my fellow athletes; your dedication and spirit are truly inspiring.

This award is a testament to our shared heritage and the strength of our community. I hope to continue to represent our traditions and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.

Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize two pages from the Deninu Kue School in Fort Resolution, Colleen Edjericon and Mandy Miersch-King. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

If we missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your chambers. I thank you very much for allowing us to be representing of the people of the Northwest Territories. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It is always nice to see people in the gallery.

Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Written questions. Member from Great Slave .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, I'm seeking unanimous consent to go back to item 7 on the agenda, oral questions.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Member from Great Slave . Member from Great Slave is asking unanimous consent to return to item 7 on the agenda, oral questions. Any nays? Seeing no nays, back to oral questions. Member from Great Slave .

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Question 594-20(1): Community Gardens

Oral Questions(reversion)

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's been a long week. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for Minister of ITI . Does the Minister have the financial capacity through her department or through Prosper NWT to fund community efforts to grow local gardens in this upcoming season? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 594-20(1): Community Gardens

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Great Slave . Minister of ITI .

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Question 594-20(1): Community Gardens

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we certainly do. So ITI has multiple funding sources that can support community efforts to grow local gardens, and that includes this season. So one of our main pieces of funding, Mr. Speaker, is the sustainable Canadian agriculture partnership which we lovingly refer to as SCAP, and that is 7.6 and change -- $7.6 million and change over the next five years of the agreement to support agriculture and agro food sector of the Northwest Territories.

I can also say that I was at the agro food conference before I left town last week -- or it could have been the week before -- they are all one long week at this point -- and CanNor also announced that they are contributing an additional $4 million to our agriculture sector this coming year. So there is lots going on in this area. We also have the northern food development program which is $425,000 annually to the sector, and lots of people also access SEED for this purpose as well. Thank you.

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Question 594-20(1): Community Gardens

Oral Questions(reversion)

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There's a certain poetic loveliness about SEED money going for seeds. I will look forward to the Minister sharing that information with me directly so I can promote it.

Will the Minister commit to investigating ways to support more projects like the Inuvik Community Greenhouse throughout the NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 594-20(1): Community Gardens

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, absolutely. So since 2020, I can confirm that ITI has contributed over $700,000 to the Inuvik greenhouse, $54,000 of which this fiscal to support the purchase of plants, and we're constantly working with regional offices and communities to figure out what the community-driven initiatives are and how we at ITI can get behind them. Thank you.

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Question 594-20(1): Community Gardens

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of ITI . Final supplementary. Member from Great Slave .

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Question 594-20(1): Community Gardens

Oral Questions(reversion)

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That's good news. So just as a friendly question, would the Minister like to engage with me in a friendly competition to see how much -- which of us can grow the most potatoes by weight this season? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 594-20(1): Community Gardens

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, the easy answer is yes. But. But, I'd like to also challenge my Cabinet colleagues to participate with us. Thank you.

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Question 594-20(1): Community Gardens

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Good answer. I mean, thank you, Minister of ITI . Oral questions. Member from Deh Cho .

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Question 595-20(1): On-the-Land Camps and Programming

Oral Questions(reversion)

Sheryl Yakeleya

Deh Cho

Yes, okay, thank you, Mr. Speaker. According to media reports, the total cost for the on-the-land camp outside of Yellowknife was more than $640,000 with most of the money coming from the federal government, save about $7,000 from the GNWT. Can the Minister confirm the total amount of funding the Department of Health and Social Services provided for this initiative. Thank you.

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Question 595-20(1): On-the-Land Camps and Programming

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho . Minister of health and social services.

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Question 595-20(1): On-the-Land Camps and Programming

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, health provided zero dollars to this initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 595-20(1): On-the-Land Camps and Programming

Oral Questions(reversion)

Sheryl Yakeleya

Deh Cho

Wow, okay. Is the department considering on-the-land camps as part of its transitional housing aftercare programming in other communities? Thank you.

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Question 595-20(1): On-the-Land Camps and Programming

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to just speak to the on-the-land camp a bit, I'm not going to delve into -- this falls under EIA so the -- although health didn't put money into it, there was federal dollars. This was all through -- for homelessness so that fell under EIA, to be clear.

As to the Member's question, there are currently -- health is not going to be putting any on-the-land camps anywhere in any of the communities. What we do do, though, is, we've heard loud and clear, and I've said this many times in the House, is that we are providing funding to Indigenous governments, to Indigenous groups who wish to provide aftercare, addictions, those types of programming in their community, in their regions, and therefore the community wellness and recovery funds that we do provide -- our addiction recovery fund that we do provide annually is about just over $3 million, and it's spread out amongst many of the regional governments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 595-20(1): On-the-Land Camps and Programming

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Final supplementary. Member from the Deh Cho .

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Question 595-20(1): On-the-Land Camps and Programming

Oral Questions(reversion)

Sheryl Yakeleya

Deh Cho

My next question is can the Minister commit to a feasibility study of cost of this type of on-the-land program as part of discharge from treatment planning for residents? Thank you.

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Question 595-20(1): On-the-Land Camps and Programming

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, health and social services is here as a partner to Indigenous governments, and that's why this funding is there. We as health and social services will provide mental health supports that are in -- within health and social services. We have created this fund so that way it's external to us as we -- and I've said it many times in this House, Mr. Speaker, that you don't want GNWT involved in on the land and any traditional programming. We will make it complicated. We will put standards in place. We will make it more expensive.

These dollars can be used more efficiently in the communities by the Indigenous groups. We are here to support them to access these dollars. They can use the money to do a feasibility on what it's going to cost and do these types of things. This money is in there for their communities to do these things. So I will continue to stress to all of the MLAs that they reach out to their Indigenous governments and see how they're using these dollars. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 595-20(1): On-the-Land Camps and Programming

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Oral questions. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Question 596-20(1): Medical Travel Accommodations in Yellowknife

Oral Questions(reversion)

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up on my statement this morning -- or this afternoon, sorry, can the Minister provide us with an update or whether she's aware of the lack of accommodations in Yellowknife and, Mr. Speaker, how this may impact -- how this impacts people if they have medical travel.

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Question 596-20(1): Medical Travel Accommodations in Yellowknife

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake . There's kind of two questions in that there so I'm going to give the Minister ability to answer one or two. Thank you. Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 596-20(1): Medical Travel Accommodations in Yellowknife

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I -- as I've been recently briefed, it seems that Yellowknife is experiencing a rise in tourism right now and which is putting additional pressure on an already strained system. NTHSSA is working with its partners right now to identify solutions on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 596-20(1): Medical Travel Accommodations in Yellowknife

Oral Questions(reversion)

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you. I'm glad the Minister's aware of that. I'm glad they're working on something, Mr. Speaker. But what is the -- is there a contingency plan -- and at risk of asking two questions -- and how is the Minister informing residents so they can make informed decisions? Thank you.

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Question 596-20(1): Medical Travel Accommodations in Yellowknife

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake . There was two questions again. Minister of Health and Social Services , you may answer one or both. Thank you.

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Question 596-20(1): Medical Travel Accommodations in Yellowknife

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, NTHSSA is working to secure alternative accommodations at this time, including the securing hotel rooms to hold every day for unexpected patient arrivals or discharges at the hospital. NTHSSA is also trying to use other contingency services to accommodate the overflow.

There are also right now, as I was just recently briefed, so there's some work that's going on and asking for practitioners and staff to be considerate of booking nonurgent medical appointments to Yellowknife right now, working with Indigenous Service Canada to advise NIHB patients travelling for dental to consider booking nonurgent appointments and travel at another date, preferably in the summer when there's no northern lights. Work is also underway to develop some public communication to support residents to make decisions about booking nonurgent dental appointments.

One of the things that I will say is that as the Minister right now, we have many of our regional -- and I come from the same region as Denny, so we have many people who are getting on a plane, arriving here, and they may not have accommodations. So if you have dental appointments that are nonurgent of checkup, I would suggest, you know, it's -- spring break, if you're travelling, maybe rebook your appointments in places where you're travelling to. We know there's a big hockey tournament coming up in Whitehorse. Many Beaufort Delta residents head down there. Try getting a dental appointment in there.

Because there may be risk that you may not have an accommodation when you arrive here, or it might be not up to the standard that you would like. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 596-20(1): Medical Travel Accommodations in Yellowknife

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Colleagues, remember, no personal names, titles would be better. Thank you very much. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Question 596-20(1): Medical Travel Accommodations in Yellowknife

Oral Questions(reversion)

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If it happens, we live in the same community I guess. The Minister mentioned a communications plans. So is there any details on how that will roll out, how we're going to let people know in Inuvik that this is certainly happening and that they may want to consider doing, as the Minister stated, booking the nonurgent appointments at another time. Can there be a little more detail on what that communication plan will be, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 596-20(1): Medical Travel Accommodations in Yellowknife

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I apologize, yes, we live in a small community and we know each other by first names.

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Question 596-20(1): Medical Travel Accommodations in Yellowknife

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Oral questions. Did I hear somebody's name? Okay, I thought so. Please refrain from using personal names.

Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake .

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Question 597-20(1): Healthcare Access Milestones

Oral Questions(reversion)

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first I'd just like to quickly seek unanimous consent to return to item 5 on the agenda.

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Question 597-20(1): Healthcare Access Milestones

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

The Member from Mackenzie Delta is requesting to move to item 5. Can we wait until after we finish the oral questions and then -- when we finish oral questions then we'll go to -- back to item 5. Thank you Member for Frame Lake , sorry.

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Question 597-20(1): Healthcare Access Milestones

Oral Questions(reversion)

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of health.

Mr. Speaker, I think my statement spoke for itself so would repeat what I said. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister of health commit to defining and publicly communicating what access to health care will mean once we achieve the reforming primary care goal? Thank you.

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Question 597-20(1): Healthcare Access Milestones

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 597-20(1): Healthcare Access Milestones

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned yesterday there, I will be getting more of a briefing on the information that is -- there's lots of work going on right now and behind, and as we are ready to present to committee with a lot of this information and so when we -- once I have more of those details, I'll be able to share more of the framework and a lot of the details around this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 597-20(1): Healthcare Access Milestones

Oral Questions(reversion)

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will take that as somewhat of a commitment that the Minister does want to go forward with what I was asking. I'll just continue with my questions, Mr. Speaker.

Will the Minister commit to establishing and publicly communicating the parameters and milestones that we'll need to achieve to maintain access to health care once we define it? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 597-20(1): Healthcare Access Milestones

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the strategic framework is currently being developed, as I mentioned yesterday. The -- developed to provide clear direction and performance benchmarks for this initiative and will be expected to be completed in 2025. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 597-20(1): Healthcare Access Milestones

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Final supplementary. Member from Frame Lake .

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Question 597-20(1): Healthcare Access Milestones

Oral Questions(reversion)

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker; I appreciate that. And I hope that as part of that, we will be establishing and publicly communicating a timeline for achievement of the overarching goals the Minister communicated yesterday. Can she just confirm that establishment of the framework will, indeed, come with a timeline for achievement of the overarching goals? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 597-20(1): Healthcare Access Milestones

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will have to go back to reviewing more of the documents more in detail, and I will have that information for committee when we are able to present to them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 597-20(1): Healthcare Access Milestones

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Oral questions. Member from Monfwi .

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Question 598-20(1): Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy Program

Oral Questions(reversion)

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is continuing from my statement from March 3rd, adequate supports for seniors. So this is a question for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister say whether the senior home heating subsidy program can be reviewed to better assist our elders? Thank you.

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Question 598-20(1): Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy Program

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Monfwi . Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 598-20(1): Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy Program

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the last evaluation and review of that program was done in the 19th Assembly when the previous Minister reviewed the income security programs. Thank you.

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Question 598-20(1): Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy Program

Oral Questions(reversion)

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Okay, well, it needs to be revisited again so. I know that we need to, so. If not, then I wouldn't be here doing this statement and questions.

Can the income threshold levels and community zoning be re-examined to better reflect accurate costs of living in each community? Thank you.

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Question 598-20(1): Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy Program

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Certainly didn't want to get too far ahead of ourselves and know that I've had great conversations with the Member about this program, and also acknowledging that our buying power with our dollars these days is much different than it was before. And so previously committed to the Member to reviewing the income thresholds of the program to ensure that it is still meeting the need of seniors and also getting to the purpose of the program. Thank you.

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Question 598-20(1): Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy Program

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Final supplementary. Member from Monfwi .

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Question 598-20(1): Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy Program

Oral Questions(reversion)

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister commit to conducting community engagement on the senior home heating subsidy program? Thank you.

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Question 598-20(1): Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy Program

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I've had the great privilege of travelling to some of the Monfwi communities in the previous term with the Member and have committed as well to doing the same this year and would be more than happy to follow the Member's leads on any conversations that the Member would like to see happen in the community while we are there. Thank you.

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Question 598-20(1): Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy Program

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Oral questions. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 599-20(1): K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Oral Questions(reversion)

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'd just like to welcome the Minister of ECE back as well. Yesterday, Mr. Speaker -- Mr. Speaker, yesterday --

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Question 599-20(1): K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Member. Member, do not recognize people that were not in the House. People are here, and that's what we need to appreciate. That's what we're working with. Not the people who were not here. Okay, thank you. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 599-20(1): K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Oral Questions(reversion)

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you for that, Mr. Speaker. It was very enlightening.

Yesterday, due to the ECE Minister 's absence, the infrastructure Minister heard my concerns, instead spoke about whether a planning study to replace the Kaw Tay Whee School and gymnasium, which was supposed to take place in 2019, had occurred. She needed time to find the answer to that question. Is the ECE Minister aware now if that study went through? If so, is she ready to act on its recommendations and get a new school for Dettah? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 599-20(1): K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 599-20(1): K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

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Question 599-20(1): K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Oral Questions(reversion)

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Regarding the addition of the new school and gymnasium to K'alemi Dene School in 2021, an assessment for the project was considered but not selected. Can the Minister commit to commitment to getting a new -- five new classroom and a gymnasium and a community hall for the K'alemi Dene School addition onto this year's capital plan if possible? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 599-20(1): K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what we do is we sit down, we send out a survey to all of our education bodies and speak with them about what their needs are, and at that time education bodies, the DECs and DEAs, are able to identify what it is that they are requiring and where they're at. We also work with the Department of Infrastructure and go through the condition ratings of the schools. And then we also, to be quite honest, look at the priorities of the Assembly. I can tell you that education and having safe spaces for school -- for students across the territory is absolutely a priority of mine, as I know it is many of my colleagues.

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Question 599-20(1): K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Final supplementary. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 599-20(1): K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Oral Questions(reversion)

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Years of denying or deferring the upgrades to learning and recreation facilities, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation students need their education and without proper facilities, it violates their treaty rights for education. Yesterday, the infrastructure Minister had not heard about these concerns from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, but previous MLAs have brought this up as far back as 2018.

My question is the education Minister clearly stated that the department were aware of these concerns every time they put together the capital plan. Will the Minister work -- sorry, will the Minister commit to working with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation leadership and DEA to start addressing their needs? Thank you.

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Question 599-20(1): K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, those conversations occur on an annual basis when we go through our capital planning process. And I can also confirm for the Member that I have had conversations with the N'dilo DEA chair in regards to infrastructure as well. Thank you.

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Question 599-20(1): K'alemi Dene School Infrastructure

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Oral questions. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 600-20(1): Insurability Exceptions for Cosmetic Medical Procedures

Oral Questions(reversion)

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a 2016 study, which evaluated dozens of patients before and after body contouring and excess skin removal surgeries, found significant improvements in physical function and mobility and that prior to their operations, daily tasks were extremely difficult for these patients. I have a constituent in this circumstance. I have been spending quite a bit of time working with the Minister's office to no avail. There are no expectations for this person's -- this individual's case. Will the Minister correct this policy, which doesn't make any kind of common sense, and bring an exception forward for my constituent? Thank you.

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Question 600-20(1): Insurability Exceptions for Cosmetic Medical Procedures

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 600-20(1): Insurability Exceptions for Cosmetic Medical Procedures

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, I don't want to go into too much detail but I had this -- or there's been -- there's a BF on this with the Member and the answer -- you know, there are surgeries that happen and insured services -- the insured services parts were billed. There are parts of the surgeries that are not considered as insured services and therefore those pieces get billed to the patient. And that stands. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 600-20(1): Insurability Exceptions for Cosmetic Medical Procedures

Oral Questions(reversion)

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, exceptions for this kind of care have been made in the past. A patient with a very similar situation, who was not initially insured in Manitoba, has appealed this successfully but this has not been taken into account by our health and social services authority or policies and programs. Will the Minister review this case -- or this case in Manitoba, similar cases across the country, and make changes to the policy to allow an exception to my constituent? Thank you.

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Question 600-20(1): Insurability Exceptions for Cosmetic Medical Procedures

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there have been many other things that have been on the floor of this House that are not covered under insured services. If we start to open up every single piece that is -- you know, that is going to be an exception or made an exception. This was put through the process and the decision, again, still stands. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 600-20(1): Insurability Exceptions for Cosmetic Medical Procedures

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 600-20(1): Insurability Exceptions for Cosmetic Medical Procedures

Oral Questions(reversion)

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I'm not asking for all cosmetic surgeries to be covered. I'm asking for an exemption to be made based on this patient's specific situation. The Minister doesn't want to change the definition of what is and what isn't cosmetic, can she not move towards a system that ensures cosmetic surgeries based on patient-specific evaluation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 600-20(1): Insurability Exceptions for Cosmetic Medical Procedures

Oral Questions(reversion)

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, this is not work that we are doing within the department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 600-20(1): Insurability Exceptions for Cosmetic Medical Procedures

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Question 601-20(1): Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre

Oral Questions(reversion)

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . So the Literacy Outreach Centre is in danger of shutting down if it can't find classroom space to operate, new funding, and new partners. Has the Minister or ECE staff had a chance to meet yet with the staff who have been running the Literacy Outreach Centre, either Inclusion NWT staff or Aurora College staff, as well as with any other interested partners to help find a path forward for the centre? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 601-20(1): Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North . Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Question 601-20(1): Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that conversations have begun but they are certainly not finalized, and there is still more work to be done. Thank you.

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Question 601-20(1): Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre

Oral Questions(reversion)

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister commit that by the end of this fiscal year, she will not only figure out how much money ECE has been allocating to Aurora College for the Literacy Outreach Centre but reallocate that funding to other partners who may want to carry on with the program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 601-20(1): Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can do better. At the end of the fiscal. Aurora College annually operates the literacy outreach programs with $350,000 in funding. In addition to that, Inclusion NWT receives $85,000 annually in funding. So I can confirm the first part of that.

The second part of that, which is figuring out what to do next, is what is currently underway with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, but that program will still operate until the end of June. Thank you.

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Question 601-20(1): Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Question 601-20(1): Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre

Oral Questions(reversion)

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate that the Minister has managed to do the work to find the amount that we're talking about here. Will the Minister commit, if there is another partner that steps up to continue the program, to reallocating those funds away from Aurora College to that partner, that $350,000 that's currently going to Aurora College? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 601-20(1): Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, I think what needs to be -- there's a few things that need to be ironed out first, and that is what the future looks like before we can start allocating funding to different entities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 601-20(1): Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Oral questions. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 602-20(1): Internal Trade Barriers

Oral Questions(reversion)

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the midst of the dumbest trade war in perhaps global history, northern businesses are very concerned, and I know the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment is chair of the internal -- sorry, the committee on internal trade. We heard a statement about it earlier. How is the Minister going to ensure that measures like the BIP program, that are very successful in protecting northern businesses and supporting northern businesses, continue as trade barriers come down across the country? Thank you.

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Question 602-20(1): Internal Trade Barriers

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Minister for ITI .

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Question 602-20(1): Internal Trade Barriers

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Member for the question. So our BIP program is currently one of our exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, and there's no plan to take away that exception that we currently have. Thank you.

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Question 602-20(1): Internal Trade Barriers

Oral Questions(reversion)

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Minister for that. That is reassuring. Mr. Speaker, what changes are being contemplated? I know we have I think around 18 -- anyways, in the teens of exceptions in the Canada Free Trade Agreement. So what are we looking at eliminating here in the Northwest Territories?

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Question 602-20(1): Internal Trade Barriers

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. We currently have 12. The first 11 are on things like our business incentive program, they're on things like our resources, like fisheries and oil, and then there's one of them that is a future one so it's not for resources today. The things that we are looking at doing resolve more around labour mobility and barriers that we have in that realm. And then the other piece, Mr. Speaker, is around regulatory harmonization.

So a great example of that is the work that's currently being done at the reconciliation table around the trucking pilot, and all jurisdictions right across Canada have doubled down on that commitment to that table because that's one of our biggest gains to be had right now as a country, is ensuring that goods are moving around the country in an affordable way and that we don't have unnecessary administrative burden or unnecessary additions of cost to how we're moving foods and goods -- sorry, goods and services around the country. Thank you.

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Question 602-20(1): Internal Trade Barriers

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of ITI . Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 602-20(1): Internal Trade Barriers

Oral Questions(reversion)

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you. And on the matter of trucking, we have trucking businesses in the Northwest Territories. They have access to these kinds of fast passes to get through provincial borders without paying dues they can reconcile at the end of the month. It expedites the whole process. Unfortunately, we can't certify that process here in the Northwest Territories, so businesses are looking -- have to base their operations outside of the Northwest Territories. Alberta seems to be the case in most areas.

Is this something the Minister can correct and allow northern-based trucking companies and moving companies to get their certifications for cross-border programs like this here in the Northwest Territories so we aren't losing businesses to southern jurisdictions? Thank you.

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Question 602-20(1): Internal Trade Barriers

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So absolutely, mutual recognition is something that we're fully committed to for the NWT's part of our participation within the committee on internal trade. And this also works into my colleague of infrastructure and the work that her department is doing. And so certainly we are absolutely committed to doing this work and are in the process of working towards it on that reconciliation and cooperation table. Thank you.

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Question 602-20(1): Internal Trade Barriers

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of ITI . Oral questions. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 603-20(1): Support for Northwest Territories Businesses Affected by Tariffs

Oral Questions(reversion)

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on the subject of business supports, the Government of Yukon announced yesterday, I believe -- may have been announced before but I just saw it yesterday -- a million dollar fund to help Yukon-based businesses adjust to any additional costs caused by tariffs, the illegal and unjustified tariffs from the Americans. Is -- what are we doing to support our own businesses? I don't see a fund in this budget. I have heard no announcements. This seems like a good idea.

Is the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment considering bringing forward a similar fund that is flexible, supports northern businesses, keeps jobs in the North, and protects northern businesses? Thank you.

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Question 603-20(1): Support for Northwest Territories Businesses Affected by Tariffs

Oral Questions(reversion)

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Minister of ITI .

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Question 603-20(1): Support for Northwest Territories Businesses Affected by Tariffs

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, right now the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is certainly watching what's happening. They've got a close working relationship with our Chambers of Commerce, industry representatives, as well as business associations in the Northwest Territories. I think it's crucial at this time that we're very open and honest about what the impacts are. We don't have an indication of doing -- or sorry, we don't have a plan right now of launching a program because I think it's really important that we see what the impacts are.

There are a lot of businesses that are looking to changing who they currently source items for and switching to Canadian suppliers, which I think is incredibly important in this. But until we know what the impacts are, it's hard for us to design a program that actually gets to the crux of what some of those challenges will be. And until we also see the responses from the Canadian government, we need to ensure we're not duplicating efforts as well. Thank you.

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Question 603-20(1): Support for Northwest Territories Businesses Affected by Tariffs

Oral Questions(reversion)

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I mean, I'm curious as to why the Yukon feels they need to do this, but maybe that's something the Minister could speak to her territorial counterparts. I'm sure businesses would be assured by that. There are a number of other things we can do by eliminating the red tape, reducing fees and services, make it cheaper to do business for northern businesses and Canadian businesses. Will the Minister undertake to do that work, to find ways she can cut those fees and barriers to doing business in the Northwest Territories to protect Canada's interest in the NWT? Thank you.

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Question 603-20(1): Support for Northwest Territories Businesses Affected by Tariffs

Oral Questions(reversion)

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That certainly is the work being done at the committee on internal trade, and the NWT is a very active partner in that table in regards to, you know, why one jurisdiction might react differently than another. We all have different trading partners, we all have different trading activities and different investments in it, and so how we react across the country is certainly going to be different, but at the end of the day we are certainly very committed to being part of Team Canada right across the board, b