Debates of Feb. 4th, 2026

This is page numbers 3148 - 3192 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 communities .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer Or Reflection

Sessional Statement

Notice of Budget Address

Congratulations to New Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair Erwin Elias

Global Political and Economic Situation

Closure of Norman Wells Oilfield and IMportance of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Northwest Territories literacy Rates

2026 Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup

Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation

Importance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Opportunities for the Northwest Territories Economy

Amanda Andre-Niditchie, First Indigenous Female Canadian Coast Guard Deckhand

Treaty Obligations Related to Healthcare

Private Security Legislation

Celebration of Life of Twyla Isaiah

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories

Status of Locksmiths, Security Guards and other Security Occupations Act

Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories and Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Literacy Rates in the Northwest Territories

Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation in the Northwest Territories

Government of the Northwest Territories Actions Against Misinformation and Denialism regarding Residential Schools

Modernization of Medical Travel Policies

Land Transfers to Support Economic Development and Investments

Federal Government Assault-Style Firearm Buyback Program

Investing in Yellowknife Airport Improvements

Follow-up To Oral Questions

Follow-up to Oral Question 771-20(1): NWT Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Follow-up to Oral Question 784-20(1): Support for Transitional Students

Follow-up to Oral Question 785-20(1): Northwest Territories Nominee Program

Follow-up to Oral Question 789-20(1): 2023 Wildfire Emergency Response After-Action Review Recommendations

Follow-up to Oral Question 792-20(1): North of 60 Mining Tax Credit

Follow-up to Oral Question 796-20(1): Northwest Territories Healthcare Excellence Canada's Cultural Safety Design Collaborative Team Report: “Honouring the Voices of Indigenous Peoples - Actions for Change in the Northwest Territories Health Care System”

Follow-up to Oral Question 801-20(1): Yellowknife Primary Care Clinic Laboratory Wait Times and Service Capacity

Follow-up to Oral Question 804-20(1): Supports for Community Health Nurses

Follow-up to Oral Question 811-20(1): Backup Power Generators in Seniors' Housing

Follow-up to Oral Question 813-20(1): Same-Day Healthcare Appointments

Follow-up to Oral Question 814-20(1): Healthcare Patient Experience Questionnaires

Follow-up to Oral Question 815-20(1): Aftercare Support for Patients Returning from Addictions Treatment Programs

Follow-up to Oral Question 822-20(1): No-Show Appointment Rates and Waitlist Management in Healthcare

Follow-up to Oral Question 823-20(1): 2025 Northwest Territories Environmental Audit Report Recommendations

Follow-up to Oral Question 835-20(1): Streamlining Liquor Licensing

Follow-up to Oral Question 840-20(1): Mental Health and Wellness Support in School

Follow-up to Oral Question 844-20(1): Transfer of Commissioner's Land within Municipal Boundaries

Follow-up to Oral Question 848-20(1): Medical Travel Expenses

Follow-up to Oral Question 849-20(1): Online Booking for Yellowknife Primary Care Appointments

Follow-up to Oral Question 853-20(1): Update on Pharmacy Act Regulations

Follow-up to Oral Question 860-20(1): Merging of Healthcare Card and Driver's License

Follow-up to Oral Question 861-20(1): Community Landfills

Follow-up to Oral Question 866-20(1): Vacancy Rates at Stanton Legacy Hospital

Follow-up to Oral Question 879-20(1): Out-of-Country Medical Coverage Policy

Follow-up to Oral Question 880-20(1): Late Payments for Student Financial Assistance

Follow-up to Oral Question 881-20(1): Electronic Medical Records

Follow-up to Oral Question 883-20(1): Late Payments for Student Financial Assistance

Follow-up to Oral Question 887-20(1): Late Payments for Student Financial Assistance

Follow-up to Oral Question 893-20(1): Devolution Initiatives

Follow-up to Oral Question 899-20(1): Northwest Territories Cancer Statistics

Follow-up to Oral Question 901-20(1): Establishment of Yellowknife Airport Authority

Follow-up to Oral Question 902-20(1): Health Information Privacy Breaches

Follow-up to Oral Question 903-20(1): Orientation and Training for Locums Directing Medical Travel

Addressing Medical Travel Challenges

Fine Option Programs and Community Justice Committees

Fort Liard Community Policing Program

Return to Written Question 21-20(1): Changes to Child and Youth Counselling Services

Return to Written Question 22-20(1): Actions to Improve Animal Welfare in the Northwest Territories

Return to Written Question 23-20(1): Health Care Professionals Returning as Locums

Return to Written Question 24-20(1): Northwest Territories Medical Students Rejected for Residencies

Return to Written Question 25-20(1): Senior Envoy

Tabled Document 440-20(1): Additional Information for Follow-Up to Oral Question 822-20(1): No-Show Appointment Rates in Healthcare Clinics

Tabled Document 441-20(1): Additional Information for Follow-Up to Oral Question 899-20(1): Northwest Territories Cancer Statistics

Tabled Document 442-20(1): Additional Information for Return to Written Question 25-20(1): Senior Envoy (Premier)

Tabled Document 443-20(1): Jurisdictional Scan of Public Radon Testing and Mitigation Supports in Canada

Tabled Document 444-20(1): Jurisdictional Scan of Publicly Funded Fertility Programs in Canada

Tabled Document 445-20(1): 2025 Review of Members of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly Compensation and Benefits Report (Speaker)

Tabled Document 446-20(1):

Summary of Recommendations of the Independent Commission to Review Members' Compensation and Benefits (Speaker)

Tabled Document 447-20(1): Locksmiths, Security Guards and Other Security Occupations Act (NWT, 1991)

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

Hon. Caitlin Cleveland , Mr. Edjericon , Mr. Hawkins , 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

The House met at 1:31 p.m.

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---Prayer or reflection

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Prayer Or Reflection

Prayer Or Reflection

Page 3148

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Good afternoon, colleagues, welcome back. It is great to be here. I'd like to thank the Tlicho Drummers for opening our session today. I'd also like to thank elder Jonas Lafferty for his opening blessing. Please join me in thanking them for a wonderful start to this sitting.

Before we continue, I would like to take a moment to honour Mr. Joe Arlooktoo, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly, who passed away just before Christmas. Mr. Arlooktoo was first elected in the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly in 1979, and was re-elected in 1983 and 1987, representing the constituency of Baffin South. He served three consecutive terms from 1979 to 1991.

Mr. Arlooktoo was a devoted public servant and a strong voice for Inuit communities during a pivotal time in the history of our territory. On behalf of this Assembly, I offer my condolences to his family, friends and community. Please join me in a moment of silence for Mr. Arlooktoo.

Colleagues, I've said this before, I will say it now: I expect to hear respectful words and see respectful behaviour in this chamber. We cannot and will not always see eye-to-eye. That is okay. It is okay for us to disagree with each other, but we must do so without being disrespectful. We can and we must choose our words carefully, to show our respect for each other and this institution and our residents.

It is our responsibility, as Members of this Legislative Assembly, to uphold the highest standards that are expected by our residents and is both deserved and required by this institution. I expect thoughtful, meaningful, and honest debate. I have been clear in this message since you selected me as your Speaker. Not only is this what I expect from you; it is what is expected by the people we represent in this chamber.

Colleagues, we are more than halfway through this Assembly. Time sure flies by when we're having fun, doesn't it?

Regardless of our roles, this is a place where we often feel like we do not have enough time to do all that we want to do. I know that feeling well as I'm sure you do.

Colleagues, while our time is limited, I want you to take stock of all that you've accomplished in the first half of this Assembly: The Ministers' and Members' statements that have been delivered in this chamber. The questions asked and answered. The motions moved and carried. The work of your committees and departments. Your achievements have been many, and there's still time for more.

I want to encourage each of you to look ahead to the remainder of this Assembly and think of the things you need and want to accomplish. Think about how you can achieve those goals. Think about who you can work with and how you can make a difference in the lives of those who elected you, about how we can all work together effectively, and how you can contribute to a better, brighter future for all residents of this territory.

To put it simply, let's get to work, folks. Let's make the best of the time we have left and make a difference for our people.

Colleagues, please join me in welcoming our interpreters back to the House. February is Indigenous Languages Month. When we use our languages in this House and when we have our proceedings interpreted, we are helping to preserve and strengthen our languages. We do this to show our respect for the languages and cultures of our people, and we could not do it without our interpreters.

Colleagues, please remember to speak slowly and clearly for our interpreters. And please join me in thanking our interpreters and welcoming them back to the Assembly.

I'm also pleased to welcome our pages to the chamber. During this sitting we will pages from Yellowknife, Hay River, Kakisa and Tsiigehtchic.

I am proud of our Page Program, and I thank the pages who are joining us during this sitting. For the pages who will be joining us during this sitting, and all youth across the territory, I would like to take this moment to remind you about our upcoming Youth Parliament. This program is open to grade 9 and grade 10 students from across the territory. Applications are due on February 15th. If you would like to apply or just want some more information, please visit our website at www.ntassembly.ca.

Colleagues, I am proud of our Youth Parliament Program. It is an honour for us to be able to provide an opportunity like this for our youth. I am also very proud that we have been able to host youth from other jurisdictions. Most recently, we hosted youth parliamentarians from Tobago in December 2025.

Last fall I was fortunate to attend a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference where I met the Honourable Abby Taylor, who was the presiding officer for the Tobago House of Assembly. We quickly connected over our respective Youth Parliament programs. Although our programs are different, they are both designed and intended to provide opportunities for youth to help them become more engaged and knowledgeable about their systems of government. These programs, and the many other youth parliamentary programs that exist in other jurisdictions, are about investing in our youth and our future.

In December, the Presiding Officer Taylor led a delegation that brought their youth parliamentarians to Canada. Their trip included visits to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Toronto and the National Parliament in Ottawa, and to visit us here in the Northwest Territories. We were pleased to have the Tobago delegation attend a standing committee meeting, meet with Members of our Legislative Assembly, as well as staff and some of our former youth parliamentarians and to tour our beautiful building. They were even able to get out and experience our northern lights.

Finally, colleagues, I have received the following correspondence from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Gerald W. Kisoun. It states:

Dear Mr. Speaker:

I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, the passage of

Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures) 2026-2027;

Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures and Borrowing Authorization), No. 3, 2025-2026;

Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2025-2026

during the February/March 2026 sitting of the First Session of the 20th Legislative Assembly.

Yours truly,

Gerald W. Kisoun.

Thank you, colleagues. Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier .

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Minister's Statement 168-20(1): Sessional Statement

Ministers' Statements

Page 3148

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Mr. Speaker, we gather today at a significant moment for our territory and for our country. It is a moment of change and uncertainty, but for the Northwest Territories it is also a moment of opportunity.

The world is rapidly changing before our eyes. We can no longer count on the traditional international rules, norms, and alliances that have helped Canada prosper over the past 80 years. We are witnessing unprecedented efforts at economic coercion and foreign interference in our political systems, a blurring of lines between allies and enemies, and internal threats to our national unity on multiple fronts. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence are poised to reshape sectors of the economy in ways that are yet to be seen.

Understandably, the change and uncertainty in the world can leave people feeling anxious or scared. However, Mr. Speaker, when I look around the territory at our infrastructure deficit, the lack of economic opportunities in many communities, the high cost of living, availability of housing, access to health care, and public safety concerns, I am less concerned about change and more concerned about continuing the status quo.

There was a time, in the very recent past, when it felt like the North was an afterthought, if it was thought of at all. Today, the eyes of the world, and the attention of the federal government, have shifted northward. The strategic importance of the Northwest Territories to national security, to critical mineral supply chains, to energy security, and to Canada's very future as a strong and independent country has come into sharp focus over the past year.

Our mission now is to ensure that we take full advantage of this moment for the benefit of the people of the Northwest Territories. We must transform the attention from the federal government and industry into economic opportunities, more homes, better access to basic health care, supports for healing, and safe, healthy, and thriving communities. In the same way that Canadians must remain united to face down external threats, Northerners must be united if we are to capitalize on these opportunities.

We need to work together, make strategic and informed decisions about things we can control, and remove any self-imposed barriers to success. The contributions of each and every resident are important to advancing these goals.

Mr. Speaker, there is an urgency to this work, and we feel that urgency every day. Economic changes across the territory, such as the decision by Imperial Oil to cease hydrocarbon production in Norman Wells and the instability in the diamond mining sector, mean that many residents not only feel the urgency but are being impacted in very real ways. We must ensure that those residents whose livelihoods are negatively affected are supported and that there are new economic opportunities available to them. We believe in empowering Northerners to work, to contribute, and to create strong and vibrant communities.

Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to ensuring that the Northwest Territories plays its full role as a cornerstone of a secure, prosperous, and united country, and we can only do that if we have an economically stable and healthy territory. To do that, we are making pragmatic choices grounded in principles and done in partnership.

The work ahead is serious, but so is our confidence in the people of this territory and in the future of this country. Together, we will continue moving forward while grounded in our values, clear in our purpose, and focused on delivering real results for Northerners. At the same time, we will continue strengthening Canada's presence and asserting sovereignty in the Arctic, now and for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, a strong economic foundation is essential to enhancing personal and community wellness and to promoting self-sufficiency. Together with our partners, we are advancing major projects that will shape our economy for decades to come. Work is advancing quickly on the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor.

These nation-building projects will strengthen Canada's Arctic sovereignty, connect our communities to markets, and support the responsible development of critical minerals and energy resources, all while improving connectivity and lowering the cost of living and doing business in the North. We are also moving forward with the Taltson Hydro Expansion to improve long-term energy security and help power tomorrow's economic opportunities.

The NWT's strategic location in the Arctic means that we are poised to see significant investments related to national defence. An advance procurement notice shows this investment could exceed $10 billion over the coming years. That spending comes alongside the federal government's stated commitments to reconciliation, creating opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities through contracting, employment, and training. This is a transformational opportunity for local economic business development, and one that we intend to maximize in partnership with the federal and Indigenous governments.

Looking beyond direct investments in military and dual-use infrastructure, we must remember that the NWT boasts a wealth of resources that can support global economic transition and further enhance our sovereignty and security at home. We are among the most resource-rich places in the world, Mr. Speaker, with an abundance of precious metals, critical minerals, and oil and gas deposits to help fuel Canada's economy and secure a domestic supply of strategic resources. These natural resources place the NWT at the forefront of Canada's economic potential and, with strategic investment, will create great opportunities for our residents and businesses, and for all Canadians.

Together, these efforts are building a stronger, more self-reliant territory, one with new opportunities for Northerners who are ready to rise to this moment.

Mr. Speaker, a strong economy must translate into stability at home. Jobs, infrastructure, and growth can only deliver real results if people have safe, suitable, and affordable places to live.

This government is taking action across the full housing continuum with a focus on community partnership and results.

In Inuvik, the homeless shelter has entered a new

chapter of community leadership with the responsibility for shelter operations transitioning from Housing NWT to the Inuvik Homeless Shelter Advisory Board. This reflects a long-standing community goal to have homelessness services guided by local voices while ensuring uninterrupted services for those who rely on them.

In Yellowknife, a new transitional housing facility opened in December operated by the Yellowknife Women's Society. With space for 24 individuals, it provides a safe, stable place to live while accessing the programming and support that will help bridge the gap between homelessness and permanent housing.

We are also accelerating housing supply through strong partnerships with Indigenous governments. Housing NWT has entered into construction agreements with Indigenous partners in Fort Smith and Fort Good Hope, and recently signed a memorandum of agreement on housing with the Acho Dene Koe First Nation in Fort Liard. This agreement sets out how we will plan, buy, and deliver housing together, so the homes we build reflect what the communities actually needs.

Since the start of the 20th Legislative Assembly, 81 housing units have been replaced, another 155 are currently under construction, with an additional 64 in planning or procurement bringing us to a total of 300 units across the housing continuum to be delivered during this Legislative Assembly. Together, these actions reflect a clear commitment: More homes for Northerners, better housing, and community-driven solutions that deliver dignity, stability, and opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, economic strength and housing stability mean little if people do not feel safe, or if communities are not well prepared when emergencies strike. Keeping Northerners safe, supported, and informed is a core responsibility of this government.

Over the past five years, the Northwest Territories has faced some of the most challenging emergencies in our history - floods, wildfires, and repeated evacuations - that have tested our systems and our communities. We've listened, we learned, and we acted.

In response to after-action reviews from 2022 and 2023 and to lessons learned in real time, we have strengthened our emergency management system. We are working with the NWT Council of Leaders and community partners to review the Emergency Management Act. We have updated the NWT Emergency Plan to clearly define roles and responsibilities. We have enhanced training for community governments, invested in emergency communications, and improved how resources are pre-positioned so help arrives faster when it is needed most, and so communities are more protected than ever before.

Safe communities are also built through strong planning. That is why we launched the NWT Community Planning Framework. This framework gives community governments the tools they need to guide growth, protect the environment, and plan for the future, while reflecting local priorities and Indigenous knowledge. It supports housing and infrastructure development while integrating climate change considerations to help communities build long-term resilience.

In addition, we are supporting community and Indigenous governments with flood mapping to inform emergency preparedness and land-use planning.

We are also supporting practical, community-driven safety initiatives. Safe growth pilot projects are underway in Hay River, Fort Providence, and Fort Smith, working with residents to apply crime prevention through environmental design principles. We are also providing law enforcement and communities with more tools to combat crime by advancing multiple pieces of public safety legislation this term. Whether through stronger emergency preparedness, thoughtful community planning, or more effective enforcement, this government is focused on ensuring safe communities for Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, health care is one of the few systems that touches every resident, no matter our age, income, or circumstances, and the quality of our health care experience comes down to three things: Access, respect, and reliability.

Access challenges are felt most strongly in our smaller communities. We are strengthening the community health nurse-led model used in small communities while making it more flexible to respond to ongoing staffing pressures. That includes expanding the role of licensed practical nurses and paramedics in community health centres, supported by nurse practitioners and expanded virtual care, so that residents in small communities can access more essential services closer to home. In larger centres, we are working to improve access to services for those who need them most.

Service integration teams have been created in Inuvik, Hay River, Fort Simpson, Behchoko, and Yellowknife to identify and remove barriers to access and to improve coordination among service providers. For now, these teams are focusing on supporting residents who are experiencing, or who are at risk of, homelessness. But the lessons we learn through this initiative will help us move closer to our ultimate goal of creating a culture of person-centered service delivery across government.

Mr. Speaker, the healthcare system must be grounded in trust, respect, and cultural safety. To ensure these values are reflected in the services we provide, we are working directly with Indigenous governments and communities through shared governance, co-design, and the integration of traditional healing and local wellness priorities, guided by frontline staff, elders, and families.

When care is not available close to home, residents rely on medical travel. Dealing with medical issues can be stressful enough on its own; medical travel should not add to that stress. That is why we are modernizing the system to make it more consistent, efficient, and easier to navigate. We are streamlining processes, improving communication, setting clear service standards, and developing practical tools, including a medical travel manual, to ensure residents experience a more reliable and less stressful journey for care. This work is a priority, and it is happening now.

These are a few of the ways we are working towards improving access to basic health care to support healthy people and communities across the territory.

Mr. Speaker, Canada takes pride in being a northern country and an Arctic nation. However, Arctic sovereignty is not something that can be declared; it has to be asserted through presence and investment. It is built through the people who live, work, and stay in the North. It is built through resilient communities, reliable infrastructure, and public services that work in northern realities.

Northerners will soon turn their attention to another powerful expression of Arctic presence and identity. Next month, Team NT will represent the Northwest Territories at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, the world's largest circumpolar multi-sport and cultural gathering.

More than 600 Northerners from over 20 communities came together in January to earn the chance to represent the territory. Up to 355 athletes and cultural participants will compete in 18 sports, including Arctic Sports and Dene Games: Traditions rooted in survival, skill, and connection to the land.

This is more than competition. It is continuity. It is culture. It is the next generation carrying forward who we are; visible, capable, and present in the Arctic.

Mr. Speaker, sovereignty is built by people who belong to the land and who are supported to stay on it. It is built by communities that are healthy, safe, and connected. It is built when governments choose to invest in the North. That investment is coming, and we must capitalize on it for the benefit of all Northerners; for those who are here today, and those who will lead us into the future.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 169-20(1): Notice of Budget Address

Ministers' Statements

Page 3150

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Premier . Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance .

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Minister's Statement 169-20(1): Notice of Budget Address

Ministers' Statements

Page 3150

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that I will deliver the budget address on Thursday, February 5th, 2026. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 169-20(1): Notice of Budget Address

Ministers' Statements

Page 3150

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Finance . Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Nunakput .

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Member's Statement 806-20(1): Congratulations to New Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair Erwin Elias

Members' Statements

Page 3150

Lucy Kuptana

Nunakput

Quyananni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the Member for Nunakput to congratulate the newly elected chair and CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Mr. Erwin Elias.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working together in collaboration for the benefit of Inuvialuit and our constituents. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Duane Ningaqsiq Smith for his ten years of service as the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation chair. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 806-20(1): Congratulations to New Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair Erwin Elias

Members' Statements

Page 3150

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Nunakput . Members' statements. Member from Range Lake .

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Member's Statement 807-20(1): Global Political and Economic Situation

Members' Statements

Page 3150

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, the world today is very different from when we took office two years ago. Our once stalwart ally and partner, the United States, continues to violently dismantle the prosperity and security we once built together. Last month, Prime Minister Carney captured this moment clearly in his address at Davos. We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition.

As Northerners, instability has long been our reality. We are all familiar with the instability of climate change as the North warms three to four times faster than the rest of the world. Our permafrost is thawing, sea ice melting, and natural disasters of unprecedented scale and frequency are being unleashed upon our communities.

Yet, climate change has always exposed us to the ambitions of great powers, Russia, China, and now the United States, have set their sights squarely on our abundant resources and strategic territory. President Trump's strategy of divide and conquer is a clear effort to bully us into handing this land over and, foolishly, some believe they can play along with his corruption. Separatists in Alberta, in their misguided admiration of his greed, are flirting with treasonous sedition convinced that tearing the country apart is some kind of game.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians stand united against any threat to our sovereignty, and we stand ready to welcome new allies who will join us in building an alternative to chaos and authoritarianism. To our friends in Greenland, a NATO ally and fellow Arctic nation committed to self-determination of their Indigenous people, I say this: We've got your back. But to this government, however, I say it's time to follow in the Prime Minister's lead and step up. A strategy of reckless optimism, blaming others for inaction, and waiting for a rescue from the federal government is no way to realize our destiny on our own terms.

Now is the time to harness our potential and take our rightful place as the first and foremost leader in the circumpolar world. There is no middle way between our choices of survival or surrender. Will this Premier choose a true North strong and free? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 807-20(1): Global Political and Economic Situation

Members' Statements

Page 3150

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 808-20(1): Closure of Norman Wells Oilfield and IMportance of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Members' Statements

Page 3150

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back, colleagues. Norman Wells' oilfield closure, another nail in our NWT coffin on the economic side:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the matter of profound urgency for my home community and the entire Sahtu region, a matter that strikes at the very core of our economic survival and our ability to exercise true sovereignty in Canada's North.

Last week, our Premier , Mr. Simpson , appeared before Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. His message was clear, Mr. Speaker: Sovereignty is not merely claimed through words. It is exercised through development, investment, and presence through the thriving communities and robust infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, for a century, Norman Wells has been an oil and gas town, a beacon of prosperity for the entire Sahtu region. People made a living, built futures, raised families with hope and dignity. Norman Wells was a showcase for the resource-rich region and the NWT. Imperial Oil's announcement on shutting down production this year is nothing less than an economic sword through the very heart of the Sahtu.

There are families left wondering if they have a future, youth residents asking whether there's any future here in the region, elders watching a century of community history come to a devastating close, the business community left with costly mental stress and hard reality of decisions, Mr. Speaker, but even in crisis, there is opportunity.

We stand on the threshold of building the famous Mackenzie Valley Highway, a project that represents connections, access to markets, and the very sovereignty our Premier spoke about. The Sahtu deserves a fighting chance at economic prosperity. The federal government speaks often about Arctic sovereignty and northern development. Well, Mr. Speaker, here is the chance to put words into action. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Later, I'll have questions for the appropriate Minister. Mahsi.

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Member's Statement 808-20(1): Closure of Norman Wells Oilfield and IMportance of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Members' Statements

Page 3150

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu . Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Member's Statement 809-20(1): Northwest Territories literacy Rates

Members' Statements

Page 3151

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Mr. Speaker, as this term goes on, the list of challenges facing the territory keeps getting longer. It's so tempting to keep piling more and more demands on our public servants. Save our economy, decent housing for all, get crime under control, health care, addictions, graduation rates, build roads to every community and mine. Just a few simple asks. Oh, and solve everything faster because we only have a year and a half left. And cheaper because our debt's out of control.

Amidst this overwhelm, I am going to risk sounding like a lunatic or hopelessly naive because I want to first talk about literacy. Literacy. Come on, we're a modern society, everyone's literate. Except for maybe a few folks with disabilities, right?

Well, a study from 2003 found that almost half of our youth aged 16 to 25 could not read or write well enough to fully participate in society. Almost half. 70 percent of Indigenous adults and 30 percent of non-Indigenous adults were found to not be functionally literate. Struggles with math skills were even worse. Since then, we stopped even trying to measure literacy rates amongst either students or adults.

So picture a child who is struggling to read in the early grades. Maybe other students are picking it up naturally, but this child is not. So they get the idea early on there's something wrong with them. As they get older, school keeps getting harder. Maybe they skip school or act out and they get labelled as a troublemaker. After grade 9, they either just drop out entirely or get really good at faking it and manage to slip through without the basic skills to enter further training or schooling.

There's so much shame and embarrassment around illiteracy, people are good at hiding. So they're going to avoid trying for a driver's license or trying that trades entrance exam, avoid filling out applications, avoid applying for jobs. They're stuck, bored. They're likely to turn to crime, addictions. Their housing will be at risk. Even if they decide to go to a treatment program for addictions, they're likely to drop out because it involves reading and writing.

What if we tried to find out how many of our unemployed youth and adults are functionally illiterate? How many of those in our criminal justice system? How many of those needing addictions treatment? Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and to my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, we have got overwhelming problems, and we've got to find threads we can pull on that can lead to transformational change. I believe literacy is a key thread that we've been ignoring and plan to speak more about it this session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 809-20(1): Northwest Territories literacy Rates

Members' Statements

Page 3151

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 810-20(1): 2026 Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup

Members' Statements

Page 3151

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week I had the privilege of attending the AME Roundup Conference in Vancouver as the representative for the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment. The conference gave me the opportunity to observe our Cabinet colleagues at work and attend numerous informative meetings and sessions. I wanted to share some of my high-level takeaways from my experience at the conference.

The first thing that stood out to me was the incredible amount of work and time our Ministers, Premier , and staff put into advancing the interests of the NWT. It was a very busy week, packed with meetings from morning to night. The Minister for ITI was my host for the conference, and one meeting that stood out to me in particular was the Western Mining Ministers Summit where Ministers signed an MOU on developing a Western Canadian mineral strategy.

I noted that our Minister commanded a lot of respect at that table and was impressed at how prominently the North stood out in the discussion with Ministers from bigger jurisdictions. It was obvious our southern neighbours saw the importance of featuring the North in this strategy, so that was really encouraging.

Something else that stood out to me was the importance of the territory coming together and speaking with one voice at the national level. I had the opportunity to chat with someone who could be a funder for major projects here in the NWT, and they emphasized the need for a cohesive message and all the players pulling together towards a common goal. When competing for funding with many other worthwhile projects, if we aren't all pulling together we'll lose out to projects that are more cohesive.

So I think it was really encouraging to see our government sign an MOU of cooperation with the Tlicho and Yellowknives Dene and see our Indigenous governments working together. Watching Chief Ernest Betsina deliver an opening address for YKDFN at Tlicho Night felt like a historic moment.

When we set our priorities for this Assembly, we emphasized that we are stronger together. I stand by that message, Mr. Speaker, and really believe it is the key to our success. The territory is facing difficult challenges but also has some big opportunities we can grasp if we work together for common good. So while I know this sitting is going to involve tough questions and tough conversations, I will continue to approach my work in a collaborative way as you have encouraged us to do, Mr. Speaker, as I really do think that is the key to our success. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 810-20(1): 2026 Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup

Members' Statements

Page 3151

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake . Members' statements. Member from Great Slave .

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Member's Statement 811-20(1): Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation

Members' Statements

Page 3151

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, Happy New Year and welcome back. Mr. Speaker, in 2022, a work colleague and neighbour reached out and asked me if I had ever heard of radon. I was able to say yes, I had. My father had told me to get our home tested not long before we had our conversation. My neighbour told me that her family's home basement was testing high and that she was going to investigate mitigation measures.

In 2023, I purchased my own battery-powered radon monitor as my home has a crawlspace. After a year's worth of testing, I found that although my house is not experiencing extreme readings, it is still high enough to consider mitigation.

Mr. Speaker, much of the NWT is in a high radon hazard zone. Radon is an invisible, odourless, radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil. Radon gas is the second highest contributor to lung cancer after smoking. Just before this session, CBC News reported on this silent threat that is present in much of our country.

Since 2024, I have been talking to several ministerial colleagues about radon and what the GNWT is doing in this space. In essence, Health has a website outlining health concerns, Housing NWT is working on monitoring and mitigating radon levels in public housing, and every homeowner who receives an EnerGuide home energy evaluation from Arctic Energy Alliance receives a report that includes a health and safety overview highlighting radon as a concern for households. And well, that's about it.

The good news is that testing is not hard. Small portable devices are easily purchased and shared amongst neighbours. It helps to have a longer timeframe of testing but especially getting winter readings when doors and windows are closed as radon readings are higher as a result of trapped air. While getting readings is relatively easy, there is not a lot of local capacity in the NWT to install passive radon mitigation systems. In essence, these systems are a way to vent the gas from basements or crawlspaces. These systems range in price but are not cheap one-offs.

In speaking with the Minister of MACA before the holiday break, he agreed that radon is a concern in the territory and noted that he has seen high levels of radon in his region. Later today, I will table a jurisdictional scan of what provinces and territories are doing to test and mitigate radon for their residents. I will have questions for the Minister on what supports we can offer our NWT communities in taking on this health hazard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 811-20(1): Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation

Members' Statements

Page 3151

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Great Slave . Members' statements. Member from Monfwi .

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Member's Statement 812-20(1): Importance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Members' Statements

Page 3151

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [Translation] Mr. Speaker, today the thing I want to talk about is regarding British Columbia legislature. In November, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, they are talking about doing without the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We celebrate that day, and it's a very important day for us. [Translation Ends].

Mr. Speaker, although these remarks were made in another jurisdiction, their impact reaches across this country including here in the Northwest Territories where the legacy of residential schools is deeply felt and where reconciliation is an ongoing and essential commitment.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. It is a day dedicated to honouring survivors, remembering the children who did not return home, and advancing public understanding of the history and intergenerational impacts of residential schools. Statements made in the BC legislature denying this history and calling for the repeal of the day are deeply troubling. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not about assigning shame.

It is about acknowledging truth; truth documented through thousands of survivors' testimonies, including many from the Northwest Territories. It is about recognizing that the harms of residential schools were real, profound, and lasting.

Mr. Speaker, acknowledging this history does not detract from the achievements Canadians are proud of. Rather, it strengthens our national narrative by ensuring it is honest and complete. Reconciliation is not an accusation. It is a responsibility. It reflects our collective commitment to healing, respect, and a better future for all who share this land.

Mr. Speaker, instead of retreating from this commitment, we must continue to uphold it. Truth is not divisive, and reconciliation is not optional. It is a path forward for our territory and our country. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Premier .

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Member's Statement 812-20(1): Importance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Members' Statements

Page 3152

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 813-20(1): Opportunities for the Northwest Territories Economy

Members' Statements

Page 3152

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back, colleagues. I, too, would like to congratulate Mr. Erwin Elias on his election as IRC chair and the chief executive officer. As well, to thank Mr. Duane Smith for his 10 years of excellent leadership in the region as well.

Mr. Speaker, as the Premier stated, the eyes of North America and, indeed, the world continue to be focused on the Arctic. With the recent federal procurement notice of up to $10 billion in spending in the northern operational hubs of Inuvik and Yellowknife, we have the potential for a huge economic benefit.

Mr. Speaker, this is more than just infrastructure. This can be a gateway to further economic opportunities, much-needed resource development, LNG, critical minerals, roads connecting our territories and bridges, Mr. Speaker. We have to be ready. And as the Premier said, there's an urgent need to get work done. We have work to do. We have to resolve the issue around land transfers so communities like Inuvik can be prepared when land is required to build this infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, we have to ensure that our ongoing infrastructure projects, such as runway expansions and bridges and gravel sourcing, are on track and completed without delays. We have to ensure that our federal government has the confidence in our government that we are ready to meet this challenge, Mr. Speaker, that we are engaging with our Indigenous government partners to ensure we are working shoulder to shoulder.

On the heels of this procurement announcement, now is the time to convince and lobby our federal government that the Mackenzie Valley Highway is a true nation-building project and that funding it and connecting the two northern operational support hubs will be significant for defence and sovereignty, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we're all pulling on the same rope on this one but we, as a government, as my colleagues in this building have to ensure, that we are, indeed, pulling hard enough. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 813-20(1): Opportunities for the Northwest Territories Economy

Members' Statements

Page 3152

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 814-20(1): Amanda Andre-Niditchie, First Indigenous Female Canadian Coast Guard Deckhand

Members' Statements

Page 3152

George Nerysoo

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back to the staff, interpreters, and all my colleagues in the Legislative Assembly. Today, I would like to start the session off on a positive note. It is evident that we do have a lot of residents throughout the Northwest Territories who have the potential to succeed in their career paths, whether they are from Yellowknife, one of the regional centres, or one of the smaller communities.

Mr. Speaker, one success story of an Indigenous woman from the small community of Tsiigehtchic has made her dream come true. Her real intentions were to get a ticket to work on the Louis Cardinal Ferry for seasonal employment, but she excelled in her studies and is now part of the Canadian Coast Guard team.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to read an excerpt that speaks to the accomplishment of this young Indigenous woman from Tsiigehtchic, and I quote: First Indigenous woman deckhand hired through the Canadian Coast Guard Arctic Region's Indigenous participation and training initiatives. We're thrilled to announce the milestone of the Canadian Coast Guard's Arctic Region's Indigenous participation and training initiative. Amanda Andre-Niditchie has become the first Indigenous woman deckhand, a pro-graduate of the Western Arctic marine training program from Tsiigehtchic, Northwest Territories.

Amanda is now based in the Canadian Coast Guard Western Region and sails aboard the Canadian Coast Guard ship Tanu. Having completed two 28-day rotations, she is embracing life at sea with enthusiasm. Welcome aboard, Amanda. End quote.

Mr. Speaker, I would like for all my colleagues and the residents of the Northwest Territories to applaud the accomplishments of this young Indigenous woman from the small community of Tsiigehtchic on her milestone career path with the Canadian Coast Guard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 814-20(1): Amanda Andre-Niditchie, First Indigenous Female Canadian Coast Guard Deckhand

Members' Statements

Page 3152

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta . Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Member's Statement 815-20(1): Treaty Obligations Related to Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 3152

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we signed treaties to secure enduring promises of continual livelihood and survival. Those treaties define our ongoing relationship with the Crown, and then the Crown's presence in the North has grown from RCMP patrol to Canadian coast deliveries, a sprawling network of department of public institutions. Amongst the most crucial to our people are the services they ensure: access to health care.

Responsibility for administration of health services eventually transferred from Ottawa to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, with the responsibility of care, sacred duty to ensure these services honour the treaties and fulfill the promises made to our people.

Health is a treaty right, Mr. Speaker; however, health and social services continues to fail in providing essential services and medical transportation. In an emergency situation, our people are often forced to pay out of pocket to travel for care that is urgently needed. A recent example is painfully clear. A Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh constituent was flown to Yellowknife by air ambulance and was expected to leave her newborn baby behind. If this had been a scheduled appointment, her young family may have been accommodated with a room but emergencies which makes up a significant portion of medical travel allow no such consideration. Emergency medical travel falls outside the program's scope.

This family was on their own. This is far from an isolated case. The problem is so severe that this Assembly was forced to pass a motion calling on the government to fix this policy gap, yet there's still no commitment to develop a compassionate medical evaluation policy. This is a clear failure to uphold treaty rights. Health and social services appears not to be honouring the Crown's obligation to the health of our people. If the Minister will not act on the consensus of this Assembly, she must act on the consensus of our people in the spirit of reconciliation.

The government must fully implement UNDRIP as a mandate by the last Assembly and implementing UNDRIP is not optional. It is a core feature of our own mandate letter, along with our own duty to work with Indigenous governments on medical travel policies. If the GNWT cannot administer health care in a way that honours the Crown's obligations to our people, constituents are left out asking the question: Should the GNWT be administering the health care policy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 815-20(1): Treaty Obligations Related to Healthcare

Members' Statements

Page 3152

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Member's Statement 816-20(1): Private Security Legislation

Members' Statements

Page 3152

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A single moment in a Yellowknife apartment building not long ago has ignited an overdue conversation. While the courts will handle the specifics of that particular incident, the truth is undeniable. The NWT is standing at a crossroads of public safety.

Mr. Speaker, for years people have operated in a legislative shadow, in a dark place. Time has come to put the private security industry into the light. Mr. Speaker, the opportunity is here. Look across the map of Canada, from the Pacific to the Great Lakes. Canada has already got gold standard legislation. We're not reinventing the wheel of security legislation. We're just joining the movement, Mr. Speaker.

British Columbia has mandated rigorous licensing, criminal record checks, and a strict code of conduct. Alberta, our southern neighbour, built a powerhouse system of discipline, of oversight, and accountability. Sounds great to me. Ontario has set the bar, Mr. Speaker, with a province-wide training in de-escalation that the legal forces use to ensure people's safety.

So currently, Mr. Speaker, as we all know the Northwest Territories has zero territorial legislation system in place. There's no mandatory training. There's no formal oversight. There's nothing. Our security guards are on the frontline, sometimes high-stakes situations, dealing with mental health crisis issues, they're dealing with complex public safety issues, and yet left without the legal compass to help guide them.

Mr. Speaker, this isn't about red tape. This is about empowerment. We need bold vision, a made-in-the North process. But, Mr. Speaker, on that note, there'll be more.

Mr. Speaker, what we're looking for is we're looking to give workers protection, the public protection and confidence, and prevention through proactive solutions. Mr. Speaker, key legislation could help here. What am I talking about? Well, allow me to expand.

Mr. Speaker, under the Dennis Patterson government, in 1991 they enacted a law called the Locksmiths Security Guards and Security Occupations Act, but it was never proclaimed. What a shame. Mr. Speaker, I'm prepared today, tomorrow, or even during this session, whether it takes a Private Member's bill, a motion, it's time we get this existing act on the books actually into action protecting Northerners. Mr. Speaker, I'll have questions later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 816-20(1): Private Security Legislation

Members' Statements

Page 3153

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 817-20(1): Celebration of Life of Twyla Isaiah

Members' Statements

Page 3153

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Colleagues, with great sadness I want to celebrate the life of a remarkable young lady Twyla Isaiah who was born on November 18, 1999, in Yellowknife to Robert Hardisty and Eileen Isaiah, and who left us suddenly on November 9, 2025. Though her time with us was far too short, the warmth, laughter, and love she gave will live on forever in our hearts.

Twyla was more than a daughter, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend. She was a beacon of light for everyone blessed to know her. With seven siblings - Trish, Natasha, Preston, Jordan, Carson, Wesley, and Jarrett - Twyla grew up surrounded by love and lively energy. Even in her big family, she found ways to stand out, shining through her kindness, humour, and the effortless way she made you feel valued. There are moments so small yet so powerful that they tell you everything about a person's heart.

For Twyla, it was something as simple as stopping her dad on the street just to give him a hug and say, I love you, Dad. That small act would brighten even the darkest day. Her love for her parents was endless. The way she showed care for her mom was unmatched, and her selflessness was something that everyone witnessed time and time again.

I had the pleasure of knowing this young lady personally, sometimes asking her to house-sit, sometimes running into her at the store or on the street for a quick, cheerful catch-up. No matter how brief those moments were, one thing never changed: Twyla's presence made you feel special and loved. She had that rare gift.

Colleagues, I can tell you Twyla faced life's challenges with kindness and grace. She reminded us that even when obstacles appear, we have the power to meet them with love. She showed us how to love our parents unconditionally, to care for others selflessly, and to lead with compassion. Today, as we remember her, let us carry forward those lessons, to love as openly as she did, to be gentle yet strong, and to bring light into the lives of those around us.

Twyla's spirit will live on in every person she touched and in her family, her friends, and the community that had the privilege of calling her one of their own. Her legacy is one of compassion, selflessness, and love, and qualities that will continue to guide us every day.

Being respectful of the time, I would like to have the remainder of my speech be deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.

Rest peacefully, Twyla. Your light will never fade.

During the service, her father provided some childhood and adulthood stories that I would like to share here today.

Childhood Memories

Twyla came into this world on a snowy, wind-blown day in Yellowknife, a sign perhaps of her strength and resilience. As the youngest sister, she always looked up to her older siblings and was eager to tag along wherever they went. From a young age, she developed a love for learning reading books and soaking up every bit of knowledge she could find. Many nights, she'd sneak out with her cousins and friends, gathering them together so she could read aloud to them, long after bedtime. Those early signs of curiosity and compassion were already shining through.

As She Grew

As Twyla entered adulthood, her deep care for others became her calling. Whether someone was struggling or celebrating, she was there offering comfort, laughter, and unwavering support. During tough times, Twyla helped bring her friends and family together creating a sense of belonging that many needed. She didn't just stand beside her loved ones; she lifted them up.

We will miss Twyla's joyful spirit deeply, but we are forever grateful for the time we had with her, for the laughter she brought into our lives, and for the memories that will continue to comfort and inspire us.

At the end of the beautiful service, her father, family, and friends shared their most cherished memories. There was a lot of laughter and a few tears during this time. I believe this is how Twyla would have wanted it.

The family would like to thank everyone who offered support during this difficult time. They are deeply appreciative.

Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake .

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Member's Statement 818-20(1): National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Members' Statements

Page 3153

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today is National Girls and Women in Sports Day. When girls play sports, they're not just chasing a ball, crossing a finish line, or scoring a goal. They're chasing dreams, climbing over barriers, and scoring victories that last a lifetime. Sports teach courage, discipline, and the unshakable belief that no challenge is too big. These lessons are life changing. Every sprint, every jump, every game builds confidence, grit, and leadership, qualities that carry them far beyond the field and take a lifelong outlook from "I can't" to "I can" and "I will."

Studies show that girls in sports are healthier, more confident, and often perform better academically. But beyond numbers, sports give girls the strength to stand tall and the courage to keep going when life gets tough. They often come with built-in community, mentors, and support networks. Yet too many girls still face barriers, and those barriers look different across the Northwest Territories. Fewer opportunities, less support, and outdated stereotypes that ultimately serve none of us.

We must break down these walls, create opportunity, and stay involved. And when we give girls the chance to play, we give them the chance to lead, inspire, and yes, change the world. It doesn't need to be elite Olympic style training either. Getting out snowshoeing, lifting weights, join the ping pong team, but watch out for Fort Providence; they're deadly.

Mr. Speaker, sport requires champions. Volunteers are the fuel that move our kids, and I am so thankful for the support, the sport champions across the territory, like Shakita Jensen, award-winning hockey coach with no kids of her own but out there consistently leading youth. Like Caitlin Fabian Farrell, creating safe spaces for girls to learn strength training. Like Toby Taylor, who coaches every sport the school offers. Alex Malakoe, who with young kids of her own and a busy job, continues to show up as a coach and travel for Special Olympics.

Like Veronica McDonald who routinely dominates in Arctic sports, inspiring the next generation of northern athletes to dig in. And moms like Aurora Kodakat who live by example. I'm not sure where Aurora gets her energy, but she's an inspiration with an endless battery life.

So let's cheer loud, let's invest more, and make sure every girl knows that the court, the track, the field, the gym, and the trails are hers too because when girls rise in sports, they rise in life, and when girls rise, we all rise. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 818-20(1): National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Members' Statements

Page 3153

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3153

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

I get the pleasure of recognizing my constituent assistant Deborah Richards who has graced us here with her presence this week, and I'd like to thank her for being here today. She's just keeping track of me, that's all.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife South .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3153

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to have two pages from Yellowknife South with us this week, Celestia O'Brien and Joshua Costache.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3153

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Nunakput .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3153

Lucy Kuptana

Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Julie Thrasher. Julie is a constituent of Yellowknife but a member of the Mackenzie Delta, and we're both from Aklavik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3153

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Nunakput . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Mackenzie Delta .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3153

George Nerysoo

Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize Julie Thrasher who is a friend and a supporter from the people of the Mackenzie Delta region. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3153

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3153

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to acknowledge and recognize Ms. Julie Thrasher. Sorry, I'm tongue-tied today. I'll say it again, Ms. Julie Thrasher. She lives downtown in Yellowknife, and I know she's certainly the eyes and ears of a lot of things that go on, and I appreciate her support and friendship. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3154

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we missed anyone -- oh, man oh man, I'm having a hard time with Kam Lake. Member from Kam Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3154

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

I had my arm way up high, but I need to hold it higher, Mr. Speaker. Thank you so much.

In addition, we have a great number of wonderful pages in the room today, including some from Kam Lake. We've got Mika Kotchilia, Avyannah Nataway as well Mia Dyson joining us from Kam Lake. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3154

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

If we've missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your chambers. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. We thank you very much for the honour of representing everybody from the Northwest Territories and getting us the privilege, short privilege, of representing you here. It is always nice to see people in the gallery.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 923-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3154

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, recent news reporting has led to some good news for the Northwest Territories. As much as $10 billion is hanging over our territory as part of the NORAD northern basing infrastructure program with development and design construction to continue to 2039 with some of those contracts out for tender now. I know our Premier has been doing the circuit on television, at FTP meetings, at standing committee. So can he tell us if we are on track to receive this money, to get this money invested in our communities? Are we ready and able to spend it and start to see that economic growth today? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 923-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3154

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Mr. Premier .

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Question 923-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3154

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So the money the Member is referencing was made public through a -- I guess a pre-procurement announcement that was intended to allow potential contractors to prepare to bid on the contracts. So it's still a lot of details left to be hashed out on this but the whole purpose of this pre-procurement announcement is to ensure that people can get prepared to do the work that needs to be done. And so people are already talking about ensuring that employees in the territory have the appropriate security clearances, that we have, you know, appropriate trades people ready to go.

But it's unclear yet what those procurement notices mean, so we have to wait until likely a budget is passed, and then the Department of National Defence will provide more information. So it is a federal procurement, and I don't have many more details than what has been made public already. Thank you.

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Question 923-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3154

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, you know, there's a lot of attention on this obviously because our economy is in poor shape. Mr. Speaker, it's good that this procurement process is going to let other private sector make themselves prepared for this money, but is the government prepared? So a lot of this is about developing new infrastructure, airport hangars, all that kind of stuff. We need land, we need permitting, we need all these things done. Is this government prepared with those steps to support the private sector, support DND, and make sure this money arrives on time and revitalizes this economy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 923-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3154

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And we are well aware of the opportunities that exist, and we are treating this as essentially another major project that could be advanced. And so there's great efforts being made to ensure there's coordination, coordination across government. We're working hard to coordinate with the federal government although they have their own processes, and the Department of National Defence, I believe, kind of does things their own way regardless.

But I know that there's efforts to change that culture because from my discussions with the Prime Minister, with the Minister of National Defence, there was a big focus on ensuring that the infrastructure is infrastructure that is useful to the community as well. They talk a lot about dual use infrastructure. They want to ensure if there is military facilities in the territory, that the people of the territory see those benefits. So I have been working to get that message out, that when this procurement happens, we need to ensure local employment, local benefits.

And on our end, we are working with, like I said, the government departments, development corporations, and now with this procurement announcement out, it's time for the local businesses to ready themselves as well. And we want to approach this in a coordinated fashion. Thank you.

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Question 923-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3154

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 923-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3154

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I will ask one direct area of public policy. This requires an all of government approach. We need land. We need land available for the development in Yellowknife and Inuvik. My colleague from Inuvik Boot Lake mentioned this as well. Will the Premier eliminate all barriers within the GNWT policy realm to transfer the lands that the City of Yellowknife and the Town of Inuvik have been asking for, yes or no? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 923-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3154

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So eliminating all policies is a pretty broad request. There are probably some policies that are required to be there, and there's probably other policies that we could do without or that require modification. And I know that the Minister responsible for Environment and Climate Change is focused on this. And as a government, we want to address this longstanding issue, and we will address it before the end of this government. And with this procurement now looming, it's more urgent than ever. So yes, we're going to move forward with that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 923-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3154

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Premier . Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 924-20(1): Status of Locksmiths, Security Guards and other Security Occupations Act

Oral Questions

Page 3154

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With 600 -- approximately 607 days left in this Assembly, we often ask for things and the government says well, we're too busy and can't get legislative drafters.

Mr. Speaker, I spoke about a Securities Act today that was developed, went through committee in the Assembly in the 90s, Mr. Speaker. It hasn't received ascent. So my question for the Minister of Justice is is the Minister aware that the NWT has a Locksmith, Security Guards, and Other Security Occupations Act sitting out there not enacted? Thank you.

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Question 924-20(1): Status of Locksmiths, Security Guards and other Security Occupations Act

Oral Questions

Page 3154

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre . Minister of Justice .

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Question 924-20(1): Status of Locksmiths, Security Guards and other Security Occupations Act

Oral Questions

Page 3154

Jay MacDonald

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not familiar with the act to which the Member references, but I will certainly have my staff pull that document out and give it a good look over. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 924-20(1): Status of Locksmiths, Security Guards and other Security Occupations Act

Oral Questions

Page 3154

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the benefits of Ministers having dual roles, I get to ask the same Minister sort of the same problem. Will the Minister of Justice work with the House Leader to bring forward this particular act so we can either review it or just simply enact it? Thank you.

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Question 924-20(1): Status of Locksmiths, Security Guards and other Security Occupations Act

Oral Questions

Page 3154

Jay MacDonald

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to sit down with the Government House Leader and review the act together, and once we've had that opportunity we will see what direction it goes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 924-20(1): Status of Locksmiths, Security Guards and other Security Occupations Act

Oral Questions

Page 3154

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the urgency that the Minister will take communicating to the other ministerial duties. Mr. Speaker, in all seriousness would the Minister commit to have an update before the mid-session break on what they can or will be willing to do on this particular legislation that's been sitting out there for 35 years doing nothing, since 1991? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 924-20(1): Status of Locksmiths, Security Guards and other Security Occupations Act

Oral Questions

Page 3154

Jay MacDonald

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to take a look at the act and see what's involved in bringing it to the floor or to review of committee, etcetera. But having no direct knowledge of it at this specific time, I will have to have an opportunity to review it first. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 924-20(1): Status of Locksmiths, Security Guards and other Security Occupations Act

Oral Questions

Page 3154

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Justice . Oral questions. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Question 925-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories and Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3154

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following up on my Member's statement, and my friend and colleague from Range Lake as well kind of mentioned the infrastructure investment. $10 billion is a lot of money. My question is for the Premier . And I know -- I mean, information or details right now around the investment are pretty sparse. I get that. But through his dialogue with Ottawa, with his federal counterparts, has there been any indication that some of this enormous amount of funding would be used for major projects, namely, the Mackenzie Valley Highway? Thank you.

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Question 925-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories and Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3154

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake . Mr. Premier .

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Question 925-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories and Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I can speak to what I saw in that sort of pre-procurement notice, and that is that it is for things within those forward operating locations, so runways, hangars, etcetera. It does not speak to major projects. That does not -- that's not to say that the federal government's totality of their expenditures related to defense in the territory will be limited to those two communities. So I'm still very, very hopeful and optimistic that there's other sources of funding from the federal government. Thank you.

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Question 925-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories and Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for that little bit of a tease in there. I like that, that potentially we could have some funding for our highway.

You know, we have three major infrastructure projects that we know we have listed, we've discussed in this House many times. And, again, not to put anyone on the spot but would the Premier say that the Mackenzie Valley Highway, given that it is shovel ready and it is further along than the other -- than all three projects, would be the number one project that we would be certainly expressing to Ottawa that could be done and done now when it comes to Arctic sovereignty? Thank you.

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Question 925-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories and Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Mackenzie Valley Highway's getting a lot of attention from Ottawa right now, and I'm continuing to promote that highway. And when I meet with the Prime Minister, he talks about the highway before I get a chance to. So this is definitely something that the federal government is well aware of and they see the value, not just to the people of the Northwest Territories but to national security. The Mackenzie Valley Highway, it is -- it's coming out of environmental assessment and there's already portions of it that are permitted for construction.

So there's some bridges that we can begin working on. There's community engagement that can be done. So this is a project that's ready to go very, very soon. In some instances, it's ready to go today. And so it's not a great comparison to say we have a project that's ready to go today, and we have one that's going to be ready to go in a number of years, maybe by the time this one's done. It's hard to rank those as one and two because sequentially there's a sequence. The first one will come first and the second one will come second, but it doesn't mean that we have to attribute a priority to them.

If they were both being advanced, if they were both at the same place right now and they could both start construction tomorrow, then that would be a different story. But the fact is that we have a sequence, and I think that sequence is going to work well for us. Thank you.

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Question 925-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories and Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Premier . Oral questions. Member from the Sahtu .

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Question 926-20(1): Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to my previous colleague on highlighting the Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Further to my Member's statement, it's got to be recognized that I sent out a briefing here earlier to this question. My first question to the Minister of strategic infrastructure: Will the Minister support and endorse the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Sahtu Secretariat Land Claims

chapter 20 and 21 with the federal government which addresses access for Armed Forces division providing the capacity is there. Mahsi.

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Question 926-20(1): Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu . Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains .

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Question 926-20(1): Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do want to acknowledge very briefly that the MLA is forever here working and finding ways to advance this project in every possible angle, including looking at land claims chapters. Mr. Speaker, that said it's not the position of me as a Minister to endorse specifically any particular chapter.

I certainly can say that we do continue to be mindful of the land claim chapters to ensure that the Indigenous governments themselves are, you know, at the forefront of the considerations of planning and to the extent that they can make use of those chapters as partners as we go forward to [indiscernible]*, that is certainly -- we look forward to that. And, meanwhile, Mr. Speaker, the GNWT will continue to ensure that we rely upon and use the established processes that -- to which Members may be signatories and Indigenous governments may be signatories. Thank you.

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Question 926-20(1): Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Minister for that reply. And I encourage others to familiarize themselves with more specifically the Sahtu

chapter 21.3.2, which really addresses a procurement process to secure that capital project. Mahsi.

My next question to the Minister is when will the Minister of strategic infrastructure submit the completed Ernst & Young business case for phase one of the Mackenzie Valley Highway. Mahsi.

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Question 926-20(1): Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are right now completing the work plan that was signed with the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation, and one of the deliverables there is that we will be submitting the (DAR) addendum report in July, and alongside that will go in the business case. So that is -- July would be the deadline on that but in the meantime, Mr. Speaker, that is not stopping anyone, any Minister here from advancing and advocating for this project using already the very well-known principles of what will make this project such an important asset for the Government of the Northwest Territories, for the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

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Question 926-20(1): Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains . Final supplementary. Member from the Sahtu .

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Question 926-20(1): Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We're making progress. We have targets and deadlines so we can achieve our accomplishment.

My third question there, Mr. Speaker, is when will the Minister arrange for a joint Indigenous governments group to engage in campaign engagement meetings with our federal counterparts on that specific project? Mahsi.

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Question 926-20(1): Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we certainly already, in October, had the opportunity to be in Ottawa alongside Indigenous governments, the Sahtu Secretariat as well as the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation, and the Member for the Sahtu all conducted a -- co-hosted and presented the Mackenzie Valley Highway engagement attended by federal Ministers, a number of businesses, foreign dignitaries. It was very well received. I would certainly look forward to doing something similar again. I can say, Mr.

Speaker, there's an intention amongst the Indigenous governments who line the entire route, both phase one and phase two, all the way up to the Gwich'in Tribal Council lands, to return to Ottawa. I would hope that that would be this spring. I don't have a date set, but I'll certainly want to get word out as soon as we do. Thank you.

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Question 926-20(1): Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3155

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains . Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Question 927-20(1): Literacy Rates in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So my questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . As I said in my Member's statement, a study from 2003 found that almost half of our youth aged 16 to 25 could not read or write well enough to fully participate in society. 70 percent of Indigenous adults, 30 percent of non-Indigenous adults were not functionally literate.

The first question is, does the Minister have any data or even anecdotal evidence to tell us whether our functional literacy rates amongst youth or adults have been getting better or been getting worse since 2003? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 927-20(1): Literacy Rates in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3155

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 927-20(1): Literacy Rates in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, the survey that was done in 2003 that the Member is referring to was done by Statistics Canada, and the most recent version of a Statistics Canada study that was done was done in 2022-2023 and, unfortunately, the most recent study did not include the Northwest Territories. So we do not have updated trend analysis information that would allow us to compare to that study that was done in a similar fashion. Thank you.

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Question 927-20(1): Literacy Rates in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So does ECE or do the school boards even keep data on literacy levels amongst students at any grade in the school system, whether that's early learners or high school students? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 927-20(1): Literacy Rates in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So the answer is yes, but it's certainly the type of information that's gathered varies by both age and purpose and we don't have a single territory-wide number. It's worth noting that the territory's currently in the process of transitioning to the BC curriculum, and there will be consistent literacy and numeracy testing and assessment -- graduation assessments that are done as part of that. So those will be done in grade 4, grade 7, grade 10, and grade 12. And because of the change in regulations that affords for more information sharing to the department, we'll be in a much better position to track that data. Thank you.

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Question 927-20(1): Literacy Rates in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3155

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 927-20(1): Literacy Rates in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3155

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Final question for now in my information gathering mission here. I'm curious whether income assistance navigators have any tools to help identify or flag struggles that clients might be having with literacy, and then do they have any ability to link them with available supports for literacy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 927-20(1): Literacy Rates in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3156

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, this is done in kind of two different fashions. So the first is ensuring that client navigators are serving residents with the supports that they need in order to understand the paperwork that they're completing. We know that sometimes people need supports in other languages. Sometimes they need added support. Sometimes those supports come as well from Members in this House.

And then the secondary kind of role with literacy supports is kind of those pathways to training or to supports for education that people might be looking for, supports for the knowledge of different programming that's happening in a community, for example, with the literacy council employability programming that's happening in some small communities in the territory right now as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 927-20(1): Literacy Rates in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3156

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Oral questions. Member from Great Slave .

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Question 928-20(1): Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3156

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs .

The process to mitigate radon is not complicated, but professionals who can install these systems are not extensively available throughout the territory. Mr. Speaker, I'm not asking the GNWT to find cash to set up private homes and businesses with mitigation solutions. Rather, Mr. Speaker, I'm asking if the Minister of MACA has any interest in creating a coordination function at his department so that residents could mass book specialists from other jurisdictions to realize cost savings of booking en masse. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 928-20(1): Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3156

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Great Slave . Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs .

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Question 928-20(1): Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3156

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So radon testing in private homes is not within the mandate or authority of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. And do I appreciate the Member's desire to coordinate; however, MACA does not oversee environmental health issues and this is not in the area that MACA has any funding for or staff supports for. However, I will say, though, just because of, you know, the concern that we have, you know, I'm interested in collaborating with the Member to try to get resources available for residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 928-20(1): Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3156

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Minister; I'm happy to collaborate.

Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT is working to address radon concerns with contractors when high levels are found in public housing. Would the Minister consider discussing any kind of coordination approach -- maybe he and I can chat about it further -- with LGANT or the NWT Association of Communities in addition to discussing successful options for securing contractors with Housing NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 928-20(1): Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3156

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's something we can discuss with the Housing NWT; however, I'm not going to commit to anything on behalf of Housing NWT. And radon testing and mitigation in private residential dwellings is not an area that MACA holds responsibility for. As such, MACA is not lead with coordinating work on radon testing initiatives.

The federal government has a lot of information for action plans for municipalities, and also the Department of Health and Social Services has a great website on radon information in the Northwest Territories, and I've also asked the department to share resources and information with LGANT and NWTAC and get that information out to the Members, and I believe this has already been done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 928-20(1): Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3156

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs . Final supplementary. Member from Great Slave .

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Question 928-20(1): Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3156

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that the Minister does not hold this function. I'm hoping to create a conversation amongst all communities as we look to address this issue. So that's what I'm speaking to today. I'm hoping he can review the jurisdictional scan I will table later today. And, Mr. Speaker, will the Minister talk to municipal leaders at the upcoming NWT Association of Communities bear pit about possible actions that we can support with the GNWT's resources? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 928-20(1): Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3156

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, again, I appreciate the interest on radon mitigation, you know, and I will review the jurisdictional scan that is going to be tabled. However, radon mitigation in private homes, again, is not the responsibility of Municipal and Community Affairs. And as a former municipal councillor and government official myself, I -- you know, I'm always happy to hear from municipal leaders on the issues that are important to their communities. Any discussion on radon would focus on s