Debates of Feb. 24th, 2026

This is page numbers 3345 - 3406 of the Hansard for the 20th Assembly, 1st Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library.

The word of the day was know .

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer Or Reflection

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Health Recruitment Unit

2024-2025 Annual Report on the Northwest Territories Emergency Management System

Indigenous Languages Month

Coordinating Access to Disabilities Support Programs

Child and Youth Advocate

Dempster Highway

Internal Trade Barriers

Peer Group Placement in Schools

Action Plan for United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act

Vets Without Borders

Private Contract Paramedics

Child and Family Services

Elimination of Northwest Territories Payroll Tax to Reduce High Cost of Living

Celebration of Life for Christine Holman

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Return to Oral Question 967-20(1): Medical Travel Policy and Ministerial Exemptions

Cost of Living

Child and Youth Advocate

Dempster Highway

Disability Support Program Access

Veterinarians Without Borders

Contracted Private Paramedics

Inernal Trade Barriers

Peer Group Placement in Schools

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act Action Plan

Child and Family Services

Supreme Court Justices

Paramedics

Integrated Service Delivery Disabilities Support Program Pathfinders

Northwest Territories Nominee Program Criteria

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

Follow-up to Oral Question 988-20(1): Air Ambulance Contract

Written Question 32-20(1): Medical Travel Costs, Budget Pressures, and Travel Volumes

Written Question 33-20(1): Medical Travel Delays and Coordination

Written Question 34-20(1): Medical Travel Escort Policies, Eligibility and Appeals

Tabled Document 473-20(1): Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 27-20(1): Report on Bill 23:

An Act to Amend the Children's Law Act & Bill 24:

An Act to Amend the Family Law Act

Tabled Document 474-20(1): Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 28-20(1): Report on Bill 27:

An Act to Amend the Protection Against Family Violence Act

Tabled Document 475-20(1): Waste Reduction and Recovery Program 2024-2025 Annual Report

Tabled Document 476-20(1): Northwest Territories Emergency Management System Annual Report 2025

Tabled Document 477-20(1): Tlego'hli Got'ine Final Self Government Agreement Act

Tabled Document 478-20(1): Statement of Consistency for Bill 42, Tlego'hli Got'ine Final Self Government Agreement Act

Tabled Document 479-20(1): Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly Response to Committee Report 31-20(1): Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2024-2025 Annual Report of the Northwest Territories Office of the Ombud and the 2024-2025 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner

Establishment of an Office of the Child and Youth Advocate

Bill 42: Tlego'hli Got'ine Final Self Government Agreement Act

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

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

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

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---Prayer or reflection

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Prayer Or Reflection

Prayer Or Reflection

Page 3345

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Please be seated. Thank you, Lillian Elias, for the opening reflections or prayers. Member from Kam Lake .

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Prayer Or Reflection

Prayer Or Reflection

Page 3345

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to move item 4 up in the orders of the day. Thank you.

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Prayer Or Reflection

Prayer Or Reflection

Page 3345

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Member from Kam Lake is seeking unanimous consent to move the orders of the day of number 4, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Seeing no nays. Member from Kam Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3345

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

So I'd like to give them a warm welcome to the House, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3345

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance .

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Minister's Statement 182-20(1): Health Recruitment Unit

Ministers' Statements

Page 3345

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to recognize the accomplishments of the health recruitment unit and to highlight the progress being made to strengthen staffing in nursing, social work, and allied health professionals across the Northwest Territories.

The health recruitment unit was established within the management and recruitment services division of the human resources branch of the Department of Finance, in partnership with the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority and the Tlicho Community Services Agency. The purpose of this unit is to coordinate and streamline recruitment efforts across health and social services positions throughout the Northwest Territories by leading proactive and streamlined approaches to recruitment.

Mr. Speaker, we know that there are persistent workforce challenges facing northern and remote jurisdictions. Across Canada, shortages of health and social service professionals continue to place pressure on health systems, driven by demographic change, and increased service demand. In the North, these pressures sometimes result in greater reliance on locum and other short-term staffing arrangements. The work of recruiting skilled professionals is critical to maintaining reliable services for residents of the Northwest Territories.

The health recruitment unit's mandate is to increase the number of indeterminately staffed health positions by 5 percent annually over the course of the 20th Legislative Assembly. Indeterminate staffing plays a key role in improving continuity of care and strengthening service stability, particularly in small and remote communities.

Since the creation of the unit on August 1st, 2020, 728 indeterminate staff have been hired. These hires include 66 registered nurse graduates from the Aurora College Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program in the last five years. A further 215 term employees were hired during this same period, as of December 31, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to report that, as of December 31st, 2025, the health recruitment unit has recruited 60 registered nurses and three nurse practitioners, 11 licensed practical nurses, 14 social service workers, and 16 allied health professionals. Allied health professionals, for example, can include: audiologists, speech-language, occupational therapy, sonographers, medical lab tecnicians and so on.

The health recruitment unit also manages a growing database of over 700 registered nurses interested in casual employment and, during this fiscal year, has hired 239 casual registered nurses.

Based on current projections, the unit anticipates a 12.1 percent increase in indeterminate staff this fiscal year alone, excluding turnover. This projected increase exceeds the unit's annual target and reflects progress toward the Legislative Assembly's priority of access to health care.

Looking ahead, the health recruitment unit will continue to work to refine recruitment strategies, strengthen coordination, and support government-wide efforts to build and maintain a skilled, stable, and sustainable health workforce for the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 182-20(1): Health Recruitment Unit

Ministers' Statements

Page 3345

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Finance . Ministers' statements. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs .

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Minister's Statement 183-20(1): 2024-2025 Annual Report on the Northwest Territories Emergency Management System

Ministers' Statements

Page 3345

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling the first annual report on the Northwest Territories Emergency Management System covering the period of April 2024 to December 2025. This report gives residents, community governments, Indigenous governments, and Members of this House clear and transparent account of how the emergency management system is functioning, what improvements have been made, and where further work is needed. By reporting on our progress, we are taking an important step toward demonstrating improvements to the Northwest Territories emergency management system.

Mr. Speaker, Northerners have been clear about their expectations. They want a stronger emergency management system that is resilient, communicates clearly, and demonstrates accountability. The Government of the Northwest Territories takes this priority seriously. Trust is built through consistent action and a commitment to follow through. This annual report reflects our commitment to transparent and timely reporting on the actions to improve the NWT emergency management system.

The Northwest Territories continues to face significant risks. Floods and wildfires remain our highest risk hazards, and climate change is making these events more frequent and severe. The major floods of 2021 and 2022, followed by the wildfire seasons of 2023, 2024, and 2025, resulted in costs exceeding $354 million. As a result, the Government of the Northwest Territories has strengthened its approach to emergency management by applying after-action review recommendations and lessons-learned from each disaster.

Feedback from community governments, Indigenous governments, and emergency management staff also guide improvements to planning, training, and operational procedures. These emergency events have had real impacts on families, businesses, and communities, reinforcing the need for a resilient emergency management system that residents can rely on.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has invested in staffing, creating a new dedicated training officer position. This role ensures consistent training, increased support for communities to develop and practice their emergency plans, and improved local readiness.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has also expanded its communications team to strengthen risk communication, coordinate public information, and improve engagement with communities before and during emergencies. These resources help ensure information is timely, clear, culturally appropriate, and accessible.

The emergency management organization is building a long-term, region-based system so communities can be responsive to residents' needs during an emergency. Every region has regional emergency management coordinator who provides direct, on-the-ground support to communities. The regional emergency management coordinators are key local contacts who assist communities with planning, capacity building, training coordination, and preparedness activities tailored to each community's specific needs and risks.

Mr. Speaker, a key part of strengthening our system and public trust is ensuring that those who respond to emergencies have the training and tools they need.

The Government of the Northwest Territories made a commitment to expand the incident command system, or ICS training, across the territory. ICS training provides a common language and structure for emergency response and is essential for coordinating efforts during complex events. We continue to provide ICS courses for emergency staff and frontline responders.

Training for elected officials, including MLAs, is also planned for this April, to recognize the important leadership role they play during emergencies. Community governments can now access the ICS 100 training through local government administrators of the NWT. When responders across the territory are trained to the same standards, communities can count on a coordinated, professional response when it matters most.

Mr. Speaker, community governments are responsible for their emergency plans, but we are there to provide stronger supports through updated tools, templates, training, and advisory services. Tabletop exercises and improved planning resources help ensure that community governments understand their roles and responsibilities and are ready to act when an emergency occur. When communities are well prepared and well supported, residents have greater confidence in the system that serves them.

Improving public communication during emergencies is also a key focus. Residents can expect timely, transparent updates, using plain language so residents better understand the risks they face and know what to do.

Mr. Speaker, these changes are making a difference. Since 2023, the GNWT, community governments, and frontline responders have a better understanding of their role, improved information flow, and a more structured response system. Standardized reporting and documentation have strengthened oversight during emergency responses, and after-action reviews are now more robust and better informed. These improvements demonstrate that the system is learning, adapting, and improving. Public feedback has played an important role in shaping these improvements. Residents asked for clearer communication, stronger reporting practices, and we have responded.

Mr. Speaker, emergencies cannot be completely prevented, but we can reduce their impacts by ensuring residents and communities have the tools and information they need to understand the risks and be prepared when an emergency strikes. This is how we build a system that we can trust, where communities lead, and the GNWT stands firmly behind them every step of the way.

Mr. Speaker, as we continue this work, we remain committed to providing regular, transparent updates on improvements to the emergency management system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 183-20(1): 2024-2025 Annual Report on the Northwest Territories Emergency Management System

Ministers' Statements

Page 3346

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs . Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment .

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Minister's Statement 184-20(1): Indigenous Languages Month

Ministers' Statements

Page 3346

Caitlin Cleveland

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, I will begin my statement today in Dene Suline.

Mr. Speaker, [Translation] INSERT* [Translation Ends].

Mr. Speaker, Indigenous languages in the Northwest Territories are at a critical point. NThe 2025 Community Survey shows declining numbers of speakers in every region of this territory. This trend is real, and it is concerning. But it also strengthens our determination. Indigenous governments, elders, community organizations, schools, and language workers are leading the way, and the GNWT is committed to walking alongside them. This is also work we are legally and morally obliged to do through the Official Languages Act and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act. It is also work we believe in.

Mr. Speaker, several initiatives are helping us move forward. The Indigenous Languages Revitalization Scholarship continues to support Northerners pursuing post-secondary studies in their language. This year, we awarded to the full ten scholarships of up to $5,000 each, bringing the total to 91 recipients since 2018.

Interpreters and translators remain essential to language revitalization, helping normalize the use of Indigenous languages in public life.

Last May, we co-hosted an interpreter-translator gathering with the Legislative Assembly to support training, development, and succession planning, especially for those who work during session. I want to thank every interpreter in this House for the time and expertise they contribute as we work together.

Mr. Speaker, in June 2025 we launched the Indigenous languages service request portal, a centralized translation management system now used across the government. The portal helps departments coordinate translation requests more efficiently and maintain a shared terminology database, which strengthens consistency, accuracy, and capacity for future work. In the eight months since launching, the portal has helped coordinate 80 translations.

Mr. Speaker, 2026 marks the seventh year of the mentor-apprentice program. Over 180 apprentices have now completed their 200-hour immersion experience, and some have continued over multiple years. Six former apprentices have progressed into mentor roles. This growth speaks to the increasing confidence, proficiency, and leadership within communities.

Schools also play a key role. In the 2025-2026 school year, 40 of 49 schools offered Indigenous language programming as a second language, four continued immersion programming, and three regions are taking

part in the Indigenous language instructor employment plan pilot. This pilot creates trainee positions where emerging instructors learn alongside experienced language teachers.

Mr. Speaker, all NWT residents deserve access to GNWT programs and services in their Indigenous language. Beginning this spring, the government will begin introducing Indigenous language service standards. Staff who deliver frontline services will be trained and equipped to support the public in their language by email, voicemail or in-person at service offices.

Finally, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is developing a new long-term strategic approach for Indigenous languages, following the conclusion of the 2018-2025 Indigenous languages framework and action plan.

The new approach will align efforts across governments and organizations, reduce duplication, and strengthen collective impact in revitalization work. This government is taking steps towards this collaborative-developed approach with Indigenous governments and will also collaborate with language authorities, the official languages board, education partners, and community organizations.

Mr. Speaker, this work is practical, steady, and grounded in reconciliation. It also creates more opportunities to use, hear, and strengthen Indigenous languages in communities. Language is a source of strength, identity and continuity. By continuing this language revitalization work together, we help ensure that future generations grow up with the languages that belong to this land and its people. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 184-20(1): Indigenous Languages Month

Ministers' Statements

Page 3346

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment . Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake .

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Member's Statement 906-20(1): Coordinating Access to Disabilities Support Programs

Members' Statements

Page 3346

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, adults with disabilities and their families face persistent barriers to access and accommodation when more than one GNWT program must work together. There is currently no single coordinated access and accommodation pathway across GNWT programs, resulting in delays, service gaps, and ineffective accommodation.

This problem is systemic, not just case specific. I have heard from multiple constituents about these issues. It was raised in the 2023 Supported Living Review, and it was raised by another MLA already this sitting, so I think it's clear these issues are affecting numerous people in the territory. Programs commonly involved in fragmented access are home and community-based care and personal support services, respite, and short-term placement within long-term care facilities, GNWT-funded community and disability support programs requiring individualized accommodation, and GNWT-administered income and disability-related support programs.

These programs operate across departments and service delivery streams without a unified access point. In the absence of effective coordination and accommodation mechanisms, caregivers are routinely required to fill operational and staffing gaps in GNWT service delivery in order to prevent service breakdowns. This includes caregivers absorbing responsibility for personal care and supervision, transportation, coordination between multiple programs and departments, and continuity of supports during service transitions or delays.

In practice, Mr. Speaker, unpaid caregivers are being relied on to silently absorb service gaps created by fragmented disability and care programs, allowing systemic failures to remain hidden from public reporting and accountability.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT already has a proven model for managing clients facing complex situations and dealing with issues that span multiple programs and departments. The integrated service delivery team at executive and Indigenous affairs has been a welcomed solution, and I have had positive experiences with constituents who access this team for support and referring constituents to them.

That team is specifically tasked to support clients with housing and social support needs, but I wonder if a modification or addition to that service could be made to the team to specialize in disability support related issues I have raised today. I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Alternatively, perhaps system navigation support and coordination for persons with disabilities and caregivers is something the department of health could establish, modelled after the ISD team. Regardless of who does it or how it is done, what is important is that we close these service gaps. I am not asking for a new program here, Mr. Speaker, just that we better coordinate access to the programs we are already offering. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 906-20(1): Coordinating Access to Disabilities Support Programs

Members' Statements

Page 3347

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 907-20(1): Child and Youth Advocate

Members' Statements

Page 3347

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, yesterday evening I had the pleasure of meeting Annette King, Yukon's child and youth advocate, alongside several of my MLA colleagues, to discuss the vital work she and her peers champion for the rights of children across Canada. Ms. King's accomplishments, confronting and navigating challenges similar to those our communities here in the Northwest Territories face, are particularly impressive.

It was shocking, but sadly not surprising, to learn that 30 percent of the Yukon's child and youth advocates' work is dedicated to files from outside of their territory, many of which involve children here in the Northwest Territories. This means that parents, guardians, First Nations people, teachers, and even children themselves, are reaching out to outside of the Northwest Territories desperately searching for support because the service simply does not exist here.

The Minister can claim she can support these children with current policies, yet there is no solution for whose welfare could be compromised by the very service meant to protect them, especially when child and family services is their legal guardian. Many families are not notified of decisions CFS makes for their children. Foster families often fear heavy-handed reprisals and adoptions being ground to a halt, leaving children in legal limbo, transitioning from home to home until they turn 18.

Without accountability or transparency, there may be no publicly available data but as MLAs, we see how dire the situation has become. Parents and guardians only have two avenues to seek resolution for these heartbreaking cases - the courts or their elected representatives. But as MLAs, our hands are tied by a government whose policies leave children unrepresented and families, both biological and foster, feeling irrelevant in the process.

The Minister can't have it both ways. She can't oppose independent oversight at every turn and then dismiss MLAs when we try to help. It's time to build on the work that has spanned multiple Members and multiple Assemblies, efforts some of these very Ministers today supported when they sat on this side of the House. That's why today I will be giving notice of a motion calling on this government to finally establish an independent Office of the Child and Youth Advocate here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 907-20(1): Child and Youth Advocate

Members' Statements

Page 3347

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Colleagues, I must remind you to speak a little slower for our translators.

Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Member's Statement 908-20(1): Dempster Highway

Members' Statements

Page 3347

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

I'd be early, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, Inuvik and indeed the entire Mackenzie Delta and Beaufort Delta regions rely on the Dempster Highway for vital supplies, from groceries to building supplies, fuel, and many other needed products.

Mr. Speaker, for the month of January the Dempster Highway was closed 18 days, 18 days where no transport trucks were able to deliver to its customers. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, as of February 20th, the Dempster Highway was closed for an additional nine days. Once again, trucking companies that serviced the needs of my community could not deliver. Product was being spoiled, product sat on the highway, sat at the border, and on and on.

Mr. Speaker, not only does this cause a major disruption in the supply chain where grocery store shelves are empty, building projects can be delayed, and the community runs the risk of vital fuel shortages in the coldest months of the year. Mr. Speaker, we've seen that this year, and it also, Mr. Speaker, can cause serious safety issues.

I spoke with trucking companies that service the region. Most drivers work on a contract basis, and if the road is closed there are no trips to make. The experienced drivers, then, Mr. Speaker, go elsewhere. We have seen this year significantly more incidents of transport truck accidents on the Dempster Highway than we've seen in many, many years.

The maintenance on the vehicles have increased significantly due to the condition of the highway. If this continues, we run the risk of companies having to increase trucking fees which, of course, inevitably will be passed on to the customer, or even worse, Mr. Speaker, choosing not to run the highway at all.

This is not a capacity issue, Mr. Speaker. On the Northwest Territories side, our model of maintaining the road by local contractors seems to be working. We have contractors that are local, have local knowledge that have been out removing snow quickly after snowstorms to get the Dempster Highway open.

Mr. Speaker, someone has to be the voice for trucking companies and the customers they serve. We must work with our sister territory to ensure these costly closures are dealt with in a timely manner. We have to ensure when winter storms happen, and we know they will, that action to reopen the road is dealt with in a much more timely manner. In a normal season, Mr. Speaker, there are 15 transport trucks per day traveling on that highway, and at times up to 20 trucks per day traveling on that highway. That's a lot of goods and services, Mr. Speaker, coming off that highway.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, this certainly adds to the discussion of building the Mackenzie Valley Highway, our own highway maintained solely by our own contractors, carrying products to service more of our communities, and that's not to mention, Mr. Speaker, the commerce that will also stay in our territory. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure later today.

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Member's Statement 908-20(1): Dempster Highway

Members' Statements

Page 3347

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 909-20(1): Internal Trade Barriers

Members' Statements

Page 3347

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an issue of significant economic importance to the Northwest Territories and to all of Canada: Efficiencies from internal trade barriers.

Mr. Speaker, a recent international monetary fund report reveals that Canada could increase its real GDP by approximately 7 percent, roughly $210 billion, if we fully eliminated the internal trade barriers between provinces and territories, Mr. Speaker. This is not a small matter. These barriers currently equate to about 9 percent tariff nationally. With the costs concentrated primarily in services, which make up a majority of the inter-provincial trade, certainly, Mr. Speaker, a professional approach to Canada cost efficiencies in support of domestic economic growth.

Most concerning, Mr. Speaker, is that barriers in critical sectors like healthcare services, education, amount to 40 percent tariff equivalent. The IMF notes that smaller provinces and territories face costs that are multiples higher in sectors like health, retail trade, and professional services.

I want to acknowledge the progress made by the committee on internal trade in 2025 chaired by our very own Minister Cleveland . Parties removed 30 percent of the party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, signed the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the sales of goods and services, Yellowknife, and developed a labour mobility action plan with concrete measurables. However, Mr. Speaker, as a small jurisdiction, the Northwest Territories stands to gain significantly from full trade elimination on barriers. The report shows smaller provinces -- excuse me there, Mr. Speaker. Can I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement? Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, colleagues. The report shows smaller provinces could see changes of up to 40 percent points in the GDP per worker. Mr. Speaker, the opportunity is now; the prize is large. IMF says turning 13 economies into one is no longer an aspiration; it is an economic imperative. Mahsi.

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Member's Statement 909-20(1): Internal Trade Barriers

Members' Statements

Page 3348

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu . Members' statements. Member from Dehcho .

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Member's Statement 910-20(1): Peer Group Placement in Schools

Members' Statements

Page 3348

Sheryl Yakeleya

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [No translation provided].

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just mentioned that this month is languages month.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to address an issue that has significant implications for student success in the Northwest Territories - the practice of peer group placement in our education system.

Peer group placement occurs when a student who has not met most grade-level expectations is advanced to the next grade with their peers, supported by an education program plan designed to meet their learning needs. However, advancing students before they have developed essential foundational skills can create long-term challenges. Students who move ahead without the necessary competencies often begin the next school year at a disadvantage. If these gaps are not addressed, they can widen over time, affecting academic progress, confidence, and overall engagement.

Students who repeatedly feel unprepared may withdraw, experience frustration, or lose trust in their own abilities. This loss of confidence can follow them into post-secondary education, where expectations are higher and greater independence is required.

Without strong foundational skills, students may struggle to keep up, relying on upgrading, or leave their programs before completion. These challenges can also extend into the workplace, limiting the careers they feel prepared to pursue, making it harder to meet job requirements or advance within their chosen field.

It is important to note that peer group placement is not used in grades 10 to 12. By the end of grade 9, students must be prepared for high school, where progression depends on meeting course outcomes rather than age. This underscores the need for strong early intervention and thoughtful support through the junior kindergarten to grade 9 years. Mr. Speaker, our children deserve an education system that prepares them for success at every stage.

Ensuring students are ready academically, socially, developmentally, is essential for both their futures and future of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Minister of ECE .

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Member's Statement 910-20(1): Peer Group Placement in Schools

Members' Statements

Page 3348

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Dehcho .

Colleagues, before I go any further to Member statements, I'd like to recognize the Grand Chief from the Tlicho, Mr. Jackson Lafferty, former Member, former Minister, and former Speaker of the House. So welcome to the House.

Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Member's Statement 911-20(1): Action Plan for United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act

Members' Statements

Page 3348

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week, my colleague from Range Lake tabled the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Review of the Auditor General's Report, Audit of Protected and Preserved Areas in the Northwest Territories. One part of the report caught my attention:

UNDRIPIA came into force on October 6, 2023, and required, in collaboration and cooperation with Indigenous governments or organizations of the NWT and the executive council, a co-development action plan to achieve the objectives of the declaration within two years. The committee noted that this legislative timeline has passed, that no action plans was tabled, and that the required public engagement did not occur.

I was at the previous Assembly when Bill 85 was passed, and it was meant to be a proudly historic moment, a landmark initiative by our government to align itself with comprehensive far-reaching international rights. The UNDRIP Implementation Act was intended as a major step forward in the territory's history which, since division with Nunavut, has struggled to create a new model of governance its people have long called for. At the time, my constituents told me that they wanted action, not words.

They have heard a soaring rhetoric about rights, reconciliation, and cooperation from their government for decades. Every day is in session when we ask for progress, the government simply tells us how dedicated they are to upholding treaty rights and implementing UNDRIP, the TRC Calls to Action, and the MMIWG Calls for Justice. Based on those words alone, you might think this is the most progressive government in the country.

But words don't get my constituents timely medical care. Words don't fund schools. Words don't solve housing crises. Words don't create jobs or bring economic opportunities to their communities or a seat for them at the table to determine economic development. When it comes to action on all fronts, this government has failed the Premier 's 50-year vision for the North. It is more like a 50-year reversal back in time to when we were helplessly dependent on Ottawa.

My people are used to failure and disappointment from their territorial government but do not consent to it. Today my communities want more on how the Premier will intend to honour the treaties. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Thank you.

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Member's Statement 911-20(1): Action Plan for United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act

Members' Statements

Page 3348

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Members' statements. Member from Great Slave .

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Member's Statement 912-20(1): Vets Without Borders

Members' Statements

Page 3348

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. After raising the questions in the House with the Minister of MACA , as well as asking written questions, I had several folks reach out to speak with me about animal welfare programs offered to NWT communities. Most Yellowknifers are familiar with NWT SPCA and the services that they offer. NWT SPCA, the Tlicho Animal Rescue Society, the Hay River Animal Shelter, and Fort Smith Animal Shelter are all compassionate advocates and champions for animal welfare and work to re-home, spay, neuter, and treat hundreds of stray dogs and other pets each year.

A group that may have less familiarity in my constituency but is more well-known in some smaller communities, is Vets Without Borders. With their northern animal health initiative and community animal health worker program, vets travel to the NWT to support communities that have limited access to veterinary services. Vets Without Borders provides not only travel vet clinics for vaccination and deworming but can also assist interested municipalities and bylaw officers with capacity building.

Vets Without Borders can provide them with telehealth supports, educational supports, teaching of pet first aid, and training for lavex vaccinators to prevent disease outbreak. Rabies and dog bites can be costly to our human health system, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, across the North, passionate animal lovers are doing much-needed work to assist animals on pathways to new adoptive homes. Vets Without Borders is assisting animals and communities where they are at. Animal welfare has many facets, and some facets could be supported with in-kind government work. With some targeted support for communities, we can lessen downstream impacts on our animal shelters. I will have questions for the Minister of MACA at the appropriate time. Thank you.

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Members' Statements

Page 3348

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Great Slave . Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Member's Statement 913-20(1): Private Contract Paramedics

Members' Statements

Page 3348

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Mr. Speaker, many things about health care keep me up at night. One concern I haven't spoken about yet is the department's growing focus on integrating private contracted paramedics into both small community health centres and our hospital emergency departments.

To be clear, paramedics do difficult, important work. Their specialty is in responding to emergency events and stabilizing patients for transport to take them to other medical professionals with broader scope. In the NWT, paramedics have mainly been working for municipalities with ambulance services, like Yellowknife, working for mines or with firefighting crews to support remote operations, or else working for private companies that run medivacs.

Two things are new that concern me: The push to give paramedics new roles in order to plug nurse vacancies and the shift towards privatization of our core health care functions.

Now, one of this Minister's top three priorities is to create the small community model of care, and this budget proposes adding a new full-time manager position devoted to that work. The problem is that model seems to revolve around expanding the role of private paramedics in primary care. Now, let's remember that paramedics specialize in acute care and transport, so why would we turn to them for the everyday care people need in small community health centres, everything from health promotion and screenings, to pre- and post-natal care, to chronic disease management.

The explanation given is that right now we cannot recruit enough community health nurses or emergency room nurses to fill all the shifts, so we need to contract these paramedics for hire as helpers so the nurses don't burn out. Well, who could argue with that? Except why is the alternative to paramedics having nobody? Why aren't we focused on the need to hire more community health nurses when they're the ones with the skill sets we need most?

We have a health recruitment unit, we heard today. Reportedly, it's doing great, smashing its targets in hiring both indeterminate and casual RNs and community health nurses. Are they all leaving so soon? The shift towards filling gaps with private paramedics seems more like a short-sighted move of desperation than a long-term strategy we should pour more resources into. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will simply conclude by saying I will have more to say in the coming days about my concerns with the increasing privatization of primary care through paramedics. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 913-20(1): Private Contract Paramedics

Members' Statements

Page 3349

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 914-20(1): Child and Family Services

Members' Statements

Page 3349

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [Translation] this item that I'm going to talk about is regarding relative and how relatives and families work together and respecting each other. Mr. Speaker, this issue that I'm talking about is our ancestors' knowledge. So that is important. Our ancestors' knowledge is very important, and we're supposed to work with this with our children. So this child and family services, that's the issue I want to talk about [Translation Ends]. family services, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, family unity, responsibility, respect, and care for one another are core principles that have sustained our people for generations. When we speak about children and family services, those values might guide us. No dispute that child safety must always come first. When a child is in danger, the government has a duty to act, but we must also look honestly at why so many families are reaching crisis in the first place.

Too often, Mr. Speaker, housing shortages, overcrowding, poverty, trauma, and limited access to local supports are major contributing factors.

Mr. Speaker, these are systemic challenges, not simply individual failures. When parents do not have stable housing or access to mental health, addictions and family supports in their own communities, they are being asked to succeed without the tools they need.

Mr. Speaker, when a child must be removed from their parents, that is already a serious and disruptive change. When that removal also means that child must leave their home communities because there is no local placement available, the impact is even greater. The separation from family is compounded by separation from culture, language, school, and community supports.

If we are serious, Mr. Speaker, about reconciliation and about honouring Indigenous values, we must address both prevention and capacity. We must strengthen families before crisis occurs. And we must ensure that when children are in care, they can remain connected to their home communities. Mr. Speaker, our children deserve stability, protection, and the opportunity to grow up surrounded by their culture, their language, and their people. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services . Thank you.

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Member's Statement 914-20(1): Child and Family Services

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Page 3349

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 915-20(1): Elimination of Northwest Territories Payroll Tax to Reduce High Cost of Living

Members' Statements

Page 3349

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For most Northerners, the cost of living isn't just a challenge; it's actually a crisis. It's a financial impossibility some days from the grocery aisle to the heating bills. Mr. Speaker, Northerners clearly shoulder some of the heaviest burdens across Canada, and I think people are getting tired of the tried-and-true excuses of inaction when it comes to geography and climate change as the backstop of why inaction seems to happen.

Mr. Speaker, since 2023, this government has talked extensively about its affordability challenges, and yet residents are still asking. Show us some results, Mr. Speaker. Northerners deserve much more than rehearsed talking points and fingers pointing, Mr. Speaker.

Well, the government will list endless amounts of subsidies and things they do, but the people on the ground don't see results. They see band-aids for just such a few.

Mr. Speaker, the everyday person doesn't want incremental tweaks; they want to see something in their wallet. Insufficient or invisible rhetoric, Mr. Speaker, won't fill a belly, Mr. Speaker, and it definitely won't keep the lights on. Mr. Speaker, they deserve concrete action now to lower costs and, Mr. Speaker, this crisis can't wait any longer.

Mr. Speaker, the government has been in power, again since 2023, so as the mandarins behind the scenes pull the actual policy levers and make the decisions, Mr. Speaker, everyday families are waiting to see meaningful results. Mr. Speaker, we can list inefficient programs, but the fact is people want to see delivered relief.

Mr. Speaker, I am going to suggest why doesn't this government finally come to terms and let go of the NWT payroll tax. Mr. Speaker, that gluttony could end. Did you know if you made $35,000 a year, you pay $700 annually in payroll tax? Just imagine if you made as much as the NWT senior envoy. That'd be 10 times the amount of the everyday person, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, 2 percent. Mr. Speaker, that's a lot of local money, whether it's in Yellowknife or a regional centre or a small community, that's disposable income for families going to stores, helping kids, etcetera.

Mr. Speaker, you know, like the old saying, if you build it they will come. Mr. Speaker, the government's motto is if you give us money, they'll find ways to spend it. Mr. Speaker, the government could find a way to do this, Mr. Speaker. I will tell you right now I don't know if it's going to take Moses to part their payroll red tax sea but, Mr. Speaker, we need to see some action. Mr. Speaker, I am going to finish with set our people payroll tax free.

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Member's Statement 915-20(1): Elimination of Northwest Territories Payroll Tax to Reduce High Cost of Living

Members' Statements

Page 3349

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 916-20(1): Celebration of Life for Christine Holman

Members' Statements

Page 3349

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Today, I am honoured to celebrate the remarkable life of Christine Holman, a woman whose presence touched every life she encountered with warmth, wisdom, and grace. Christine lived fully and loved deeply, leaving a legacy not only in the memories she created but also in the kindness she shared so freely with others.

Born with a generous spirit and boundless curiosity, Christine approached life with a quiet but steady strength. She found joy in simple moments - a morning cup of coffee, a walk through the community, or a conversation that lingered long after the day ended. Her laughter had a way of instantly brightening a room, and her compassion reminded those around her that love, in its truest form, is an everyday act.

Christine dedicated herself to her family and friends, always leading with empathy and faith. She believed in the power of listening, of showing up, and of finding beauty in imperfection. Her home was a place of comfort and acceptance, where everyone felt welcome and valued.

Beyond her kindness, Christine also embodied resilience. Through life's challenges, she met hardship with courage and grace, showing us that strength and hope can coexist even in difficult times. She never stopped learning, growing, or inspiring others to do the same.

I knew this amazing soul as a neighbour, a sounding board, and someone who was always willing to share her ideas in meaningful ways. When she said she wanted to chat with me, I knew I could expect wisdom and insight. I will miss her deeply.

Her family would often joke that Christine made it a point to support every community fundraiser even if she didn't particularly enjoy playing bingo. She would buy her cards, dab away as the numbers were called, and laugh all the same.

On a more serious note, she was very proud of her Metis heritage and of serving as a Ranger, symbolized by the colour of her coffin, Ranger Red. Remembrance Day was especially important to her; she took great pride in participating in the parade and the laying of wreaths.

As we celebrate Christine's life, we remember her not with sorrow alone but with gratitude for the love she gave, the lessons she shared, and the joy she left behind. May her memory remind us to cherish one another, live gently, and carry forward her remarkable light in our own lives.

After a long battle with cancer, Christine passed away. Her sons and her partner would like to thank everybody for the well wishes and kind stories.

Members' statements. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from the Sahtu .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3350

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a bunch of beautiful ladies there from my riding, starting with my Auntie Cathy Bolton, Marie Speakman, and -- there's so many up there to remember. Lucy Ann Menacho, Rena Chapple, and MaryAnn Vital. Mahsi cho. Welcome.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize some of my constituents from Dettah and also Lutselk'e. I want to recognize Sally Drygeese, Lena Drygeese, Bertha Drygeese, Mary Louise Drygeese and MaryRose Sundberg is here. And also Alyssa Lockhart, and to all the beautiful women here today, welcome. But most importantly, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize all the translators here as well. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Monfwi .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [Translation] Masi, Mr. Speaker. I myself would like to say -- to show respect, I also would like -- also our Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty is here, the Tlicho grand chief, and also Doreen Lafferty Zoe, Charley Eyakfo, Doris Tom, Marvin Tom, Tavy Dechambault, Elsie Mantla, and Elisa Zoe, Daniel Zoe, and Bertha Drygeese, all the ones that I know that are here. Maryanne Vital from Deline also -- is also -- is also here and also Tracy Smith. Each and every one of you that are in the gallery, thank you for being here. Masi, Mr.

Speaker. [Translation Ends] Doreen Lafferty Zoe, Charlie Eyakfwo, Doris Thom, Marvin Thom, Tammy Dechambault, Elsie Mantla, Lisa Zoe, Daniel Zoe, Bertha Drygeese [Translation Ends] Masi, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Monfwi . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from the Dehcho .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

Sheryl Yakeleya

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize our translators here, Sarah Gargan and MaryJane Cazon, as well as the 7th year map participants and my constituents, Theresa Bonnetrouge, Stella Nadli, Bertha Landry, Elaine Landry, Sheila Landry, my mom Caroline Bonnetrouge, my sisters Jackie and Hope and Cecile Deneyou, and my niece that was supposed to be here but isn't for now, and all the other beautiful ladies from the map program. Welcome to the Legislative Assembly.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from the Dehcho . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Frame Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don't have the best view of the gallery in my seat, but I did notice a few constituents coming in this morning, so recognition to Susan Saunders and Brigitte Forget Watt, and I do apologize if I've missed anyone from the Frame Lake riding. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Range Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I feel like the handsome men are getting overlooked so I am going to recognize a handsome friend of mine, the grand chief of the Tlicho Mr. Jackson Lafferty. Great to see you here today. And I also want to give a shout out to all of our interpreters. We could not do this job without you. I think a few of you are in Range Lake,, but thank you so much for the service you provide in keeping Indigenous languages alive and well here in the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Hay River South .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize a couple of people in the gallery, Patricia Lafferty, Mavis Klause, Virdel Deneyou, and Cecile Deneyou. I would also like to acknowledge a couple pages that are working here this week from Hay River, Kennedy Bolt, Malikai Beaulieu, and Natalie Boucher. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Hay River South . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Nunakput .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

Lucy Kuptana

Nunakput

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Nunakput . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

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Page 3350

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake . 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 3350

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just briefly, even with the benefit of spectacles age is creeping up on me, it's hard for me to make faces out in the gallery, but to that I want to say to my friends up there in the -- the new ones and the old friends, my kindest regards. But, Mr. Speaker, I do know recognizing Indigenous Language Month that my favourite interpreter, Ms. Sarah Cleary, is here today and I want to say a shout-out to her. I always try to say hi to her because she's one of my fondest friends. Thank you.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre . Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The Member from the Sahtu forgot somebody so I will go back to him.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3350

Daniel McNeely

Sahtu

I am privileged there, Mr. Speaker. I'd be in the bad books if I didn't recognize Ida Manuel from Fort Good Hope, my home community. And the Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty. Welcome to the gallery. Mahsi.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Somebody else forgot. Member from the Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3350

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also too would like to recognize the Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty here and also former president of the Fort Resolution Metis Lloyd Cardinal, I believe he's up here. So welcome. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3350

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize our former colleague and Tlicho Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty. As well, I want to recognize the individuals that my colleague from Hay River South recognized and all of the mentors, apprentices, and language champions that we're lucky enough to have with us in the gallery today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3350

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Hay River North . Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

I have to recognize a constituent from Nahendeh, Sheryl Cli. Welcome to the Assembly. As well, Tammy -- sorry, I have to say her first name because I can't say her last name properly, so. Steinwand was but she's got this other part to it, so. And I turned her a nice colour of red, so.

Anyway, welcome to the Assembly. If we missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your Assembly. You put us in these seats. We appreciate the fact that you honour us with this opportunity to represent you for the four years, and we have two years left, so I hope you enjoy the proceedings. And it's nice to see people in here. And if we missed anybody, welcome to your Assembly.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Returns to Oral Questions. Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Return to Oral Question 967-20(1): Medical Travel Policy and Ministerial Exemptions

Returns To Oral Questions

Page 3350

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And since you didn't see my hand, I am just going to recognize Anna Pingo because I know she is my constituent.

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to oral question asked by the Member for Range Lake on February 9, 2026, regarding medical travel policy and ministerial exemptions.

Mr. Speaker, the medical travel policy is in place for residents who need support with travel to and from scheduled appointments for services not available in their home community to ensure that residents have access to necessary health services.

Mr. Speaker, the medical travel policy does not apply in circumstances where an individual is transported by a ground or air ambulance and is receiving inpatient care from medical professionals.

Requests for non-medical escorts in scenarios where a patient is transported by air ambulance are denied because the patient does not require support during navigating travel to and from the appointment; however, through an exception request an individual's circumstance may be considered through the medical travel exception policy. In these situations, the applicant or advocate must clearly demonstrate the medical travel event has created undue financial hardship or the patient is experiencing extraordinary health needs that require a non-medical escort while admitted as an inpatient.

The medical travel exceptions are assessed at the Department of Health and Social Services, not the medical travel office, making it very important that the application detail and supporting documents are provided to ensure a timely assessment.

Mr. Speaker, medical travel continues to be a key priority for me. The first phase of the medical travel modernization work has focused on enhancing the medical travel process by ensuring the administration of available benefits is done consistently and transparently.

Phase 2 of the medical travel modernization will work to consider the needs for further updates to the policy and will consider options and costs of expanding the escort criteria.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the ongoing medical travel modernization work, I've also directed the NTHSSA public administrator to rapidly advance operational improvements in 2026 that will result in improved experience for NWT residents. We are also working closely with Indigenous Service Canada for NWT residents to review the process for handling medical travel appeals and exceptions related to non-insured health benefits, with the goal of simplifying the process where possible and supporting more escort decision-making by the medical travel office rather than waiting for the approval from Indigenous Service Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Return to Oral Question 967-20(1): Medical Travel Policy and Ministerial Exemptions

Returns To Oral Questions

Page 3351

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Returns to oral questions. Acknowledgements. Oral Questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 1071-20(1): Cost of Living

Oral Questions

Page 3351

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions will be framed around the theme of cost of living that I brought up in my Member's statement.

Can the Premier clearly outline what new concrete actions this government has taken since assuming office in late 2023 that have resulted in measurable reductions to the cost of living for residents across the NWT, and where can we specifically see that in a transparent form? Thank you.

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Question 1071-20(1): Cost of Living

Oral Questions

Page 3351

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 1071-20(1): Cost of Living

Oral Questions

Page 3351

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Member's question. It's a very important question and a very important topic. All of us are dealing with rising prices, whether it's food or rent or power, and this is happening across Canada. The Member asked a very detailed question with specifics in there, so I will take this question on notice and reply to the House with something in writing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1071-20(1): Cost of Living

Oral Questions

Page 3351

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 1072-20(1): Child and Youth Advocate

Oral Questions

Page 3351

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said in my Member's statement, yesterday a number of MLAs met with the Yukon's child and youth advocate, and I think it was eye-opening for a lot of us, but to see the important good work they do. One of the statistics that was shown to us was that 30 percent of the files dealt with at the Yukon child and youth advocate are from outside of territory. Many of those deal with Indigenous children in the Northwest Territories.

So I'd like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services , who is responsible in particular for children in care, which is the majority of the work of these offices, how are we tracking the concerns from parents, from foster families, from biological families, and from children themselves when concerns are brought forward? Can she demonstrate a similar volume of concern so we know that our system is, in fact, being responsive to the concerns of children in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

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Question 1072-20(1): Child and Youth Advocate

Oral Questions

Page 3351

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 1072-20(1): Child and Youth Advocate

Oral Questions

Page 3351

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when any family comes into contact or children come into contact with child and family services, the role is between the family -- the family protection worker or the family preservation worker to work with that family to bring forward their concerns. If there's protection issues, then the child protection worker works with the family to ensure that there's a safe place for the child. They'll work within the system, usually working with the families.

If there's children that come forward which is, you know, more than likely, if the children are raising concerns, I do know that the social workers do meet individually with the children if they're able to do so. They would document and look towards a plan of care that supports the children and family to stay together. And then the other piece is with foster families. If there is no placement in the family or if there's no support -- immediate support that there could be for the safety of the child, they'll usually look towards family members or other members within the community and then foster families.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1072-20(1): Child and Youth Advocate

Oral Questions

Page 3351

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That was a good

summary of how our system works, how our child and family services system works, but what I am asking about is when people are raising concerns about the well-being of children in the system that aren't in custody or that are in custody, who's looking after the system? So if the very system is the problem, where do Northerners go to get assistance? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1072-20(1): Child and Youth Advocate

Oral Questions

Page 3351

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the director of child and family services, which is not within the operations -- the director is within the department -- investigates any complaints coming forward, works with the families, works with whomever the complaint is coming forward and investigates that complaint thoroughly and always puts the best interest of the child first and foremost. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1072-20(1): Child and Youth Advocate

Oral Questions

Page 3351

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 1072-20(1): Child and Youth Advocate

Oral Questions

Page 3351

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, once again, the director is part of the system. There needs to be independent oversight and an independent advocate as well. That's why MLAs have been calling for, to establish a child and youth advocate in the Northwest Territories. Will the Minister establish that? If she does, I can get rid of this motion I am going to give notice to later. But if she just says yes today, then we can all move forward and get a much-needed advocacy and support for children in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1072-20(1): Child and Youth Advocate

Oral Questions

Page 3351

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am only the Minister of Health and Social Services so if I established it within the housing of health and social services, that would defeat the Member's concern. So this is a conversation, I think, that is beyond my role, I think, so. You know, we've been having these conversations, and the Member is correct that, you know, we've heard from Members in the past government, and I was part of the other side of the House, where these concerns come up.

But what we need to do is we need to identify is it the -- you know, where these concerns are coming, what is the actual concern, how is that going to be improved, and so I look forward to working with the Regular Members and my Cabinet colleagues to resolve this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1072-20(1): Child and Youth Advocate

Oral Questions

Page 3351

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 1073-20(1): Dempster Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3351

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up on my Member's statement regarding the state of the Dempster Highway these past couple of months, my questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure .

I know he's aware, obviously, of these closures. He would get those reports through his department. Can the Minister tell me if he's met with his counterpart in the Yukon and/or whether or not that meeting is scheduled to discuss the ongoing issues with the Dempster Highway. Thank you.

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Question 1073-20(1): Dempster Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3351

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake . Minister of Infrastructure .

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Question 1073-20(1): Dempster Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3351

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, yes, I have met with the Minister for Transportation Yukon. We were in contact over the holidays. In fact, Christmas Day we were in contact over the closures, trying to assist Inuvik with their propane shortage. So we've been in contact numerous times to support the opening and keeping open the Dempster Highway. Unfortunately, climate change has been an issue. We all know that, and it's impacted our side of the highway, the Dempster Highway, and also the Inuvik ITH. So it's no different on the Dempster Highway with all the mountains and everything else, so.

Yes, I've been in contact with her, and we continue to work with the Yukon government on maintaining the highway of -- and the open Dempster Highway. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1073-20(1): Dempster Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3351

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for that. And, yes, I am aware; I know the Minister was very helpful during the closure crisis we had during the fuel delivery issue we had in Inuvik when the highway was closed. And I understand, yes, climate change is real; it's happening. It's happening on both sides of the border, but our contractors seem to be able to keep it open. I understand there's a little more mountainous areas on the other side. But 18 days is a long time.

So does the Minister have any comments, or did he get any comments from his counterpart, the Minister of transportation in the Yukon, as to actually putting more capacity, more resources, to ensure that we don't get a month where there's 18 days or a 20-day period where there's nine days in February where it's closed? Has there been any commitment from the Yukon side? Thank you.

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Question 1073-20(1): Dempster Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, just to add to what the Member says, you know, we have a lot of good contractors on both sides of the Yukon and NWT. Our contractors have been working hard to maintain the roads and keep them open. I know Yukon -- our departments have been communicating, and they are doing a bunch of work to the Dempster Highway, and there's plans being developed on exactly what they're going to do. Unfortunately, I don't have details on what their action plans are for maintaining the road during winter events and when there is winter storms or anything like that on the Yukon side.

So I will reach out to the Government of Yukon to see if there's an opportunity on how we can work together, and maybe some better communication on helping keep the Dempster Highway open for less impacts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1073-20(1): Dempster Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3352

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure . Final supplementary. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Question 1073-20(1): Dempster Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that. And I know there's funding to do some upgrades on that highway, and certainly appreciate that too. In the summer, the Minister mentioned that he will meet again and talk about doing some commitments. Will the Minister include with that -- and I know in speaking with our contractors on the NWT side, they've often went down and said, yeah, we could get that open but yet a couple of days pass before it's actually done. Is there a potential that we could actually provide some of that service to the Government of Yukon?

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Question 1073-20(1): Dempster Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Those discussions have never happened -- or those discussions haven't happened that I am aware of, and I don't know if that idea has ever been tabled. So it's something we could talk about and look at and maybe work with the Member on what exactly the idea looks like, but definitely, you know, always open for solutions of ways to keep the Dempster Highway open longer. I think it's important to get supplies and services to all the communities in the North, so thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1073-20(1): Dempster Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3352

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake .

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Question 1074-20(1): Disability Support Program Access

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following up on my statement earlier today, does the department of health -- and these questions are for the health Minister. Does the department of health have a system navigation or cross-departmental service access function which could receive clients with disabilities or their families and help coordinate access to services across programs and departments for them? Thank you.

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Question 1074-20(1): Disability Support Program Access

Oral Questions

Page 3352

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 1074-20(1): Disability Support Program Access

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no. Persons with disability access supports, like any other Northwest Territories resident, based on what their assessed needs are. So within health, if they have certain needs, then health will look within their system to support those needs. Many GNWT departments provide supports, so this is not just a health services area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1074-20(1): Disability Support Program Access

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the 2023 supported living review recommended wraparound case management as a key systemic change needed. Has the department made any progress enacting this recommendation?

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Question 1074-20(1): Disability Support Program Access

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is on the work plan; however, as I said last week, the health care sustainability unit is analyzing and looking at the supportive living program as it is, so we have paused any of this work until we get the outcomes of that because we don't want to be investing into areas where there's a higher need that may come through the analysis through the healthcare system sustainability unit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1074-20(1): Disability Support Program Access

Oral Questions

Page 3352

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 1074-20(1): Disability Support Program Access

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I consider this health sustainability unit more of a fiscal responsibility exercise. I mean, the department has had a number of years with that review and the recommendations from it. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister consider establishing a systemic support role similar to the integrated service delivery team at EIA for persons with disabilities and supported living clients or working with the Premier to see if such a role could be added to the ISD team that exists? Thank you.

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Question 1074-20(1): Disability Support Program Access

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as per the -- you know, the comments about, yes, this is a -- it's going to analyze -- it's analyzing because of the overspend in the supportive living area. Every year, we're spending, you know, millions and millions of dollars on supportive living, and so when we got this report it's also recommending to spend many, many more millions.

So we have processes that we need to go through for that in order to implement all those recommendations; however, we have -- within health, we have child and family services recommendations, we have health care, you know, hospital service recommendations, we have primary care recommendations. So I am trying to balance all of those recommendations as to implementing the highest needs. But at this time, you know, what I can do is I can have a conversation with the Premier and with EIA as to how we could establish or work together better.

But not at this time we won't be establishing that within health because it is across the board. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1074-20(1): Disability Support Program Access

Oral Questions

Page 3352

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 1075-20(1): Veterinarians Without Borders

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in his response to my Written Question 22-20(1), the Minister of MACA wrote that the Dog Act is designed to provide flexibility so communities can address dog control and welfare issues in a manner that reflects their specific needs. This includes the authority for communities to adopt tailored local bylaws.

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister elaborate on what resources currently exist or need to be developed so that NWT communities can work collaboratively and share their good work with other communities that have partnered and seen success with Veterinarians Without Borders so they may also update their bylaws to improve animal welfare? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1075-20(1): Veterinarians Without Borders

Oral Questions

Page 3352

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 1075-20(1): Veterinarians Without Borders

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Communities across the Northwest Territories use a range of tools to promote animal welfare, including local bylaws, public education, and partnership with external organizations. The GNWT supports community governments by providing them guidance, developing, and updating animal control bylaws, and help strengthen local capacity.

While the Government of Northwest Territories does not deliver veterinary services, communities interested in expanding their animal welfare programming can explore partnerships with organizations like Veterinarians Without Borders and their northern animal health initiatives. Some communities are finding success in these programs other than the ones mentioned by the Member, such as Arctic Paws in Inuvik. The GNWT can assist sharing information and highlight success approaches already underway by other communities.

This helps ensure that communities interested in updating their bylaws and are enhancing their animal welfare practices have access to examples, resources, and partnerships needed to support informed decision-making at the local level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1075-20(1): Veterinarians Without Borders

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, and I believe -- and thank you to the Minister for that. I also believe that he's met with representatives from Vets without Borders. And could the Minister explain if any -- he's identified any actions that MACA could take coming out of that contact with that group? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1075-20(1): Veterinarians Without Borders

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Page 3352

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Actually, Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that I have not met with the Veterinarians Without Borders. However, when communities express interest, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is prepared to facilitate any connections. Communities are also welcome to reach out to the Veterinarians Without Borders directly at any time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1075-20(1): Veterinarians Without Borders

Oral Questions

Page 3352

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 1075-20(1): Veterinarians Without Borders

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My mistake. They're great people to talk to.

Mr. Speaker, I hazard to guess that all bylaw officers in the territory would rather help stray animals than to destroy them. Can the Minister commit to sharing resources to put interest -- and I think he has, but can he commit to pathwaying communities that have changed their bylaws such that communities that want to change their bylaws could then have support to do so with learning from other communities who have? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1075-20(1): Veterinarians Without Borders

Oral Questions

Page 3352

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it goes without saying that any of these bylaw officers would do anything to help these animals in distress, and most community members would. But MACA is prepared to assist by sharing information and connecting interested community governments with organizations such as Vets Without Borders. I will ensure that communities seeking these resources have access to the information and connections they need to explore solutions that best meet the needs for the local circumstances. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1075-20(1): Veterinarians Without Borders

Oral Questions

Page 3352

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs . Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Question 1076-20(1): Contracted Private Paramedics

Oral Questions

Page 3353

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So in follow up to my statement today, I want to ask questions of the Minister of Health and Social Services . And so I understand that currently there's already some use of contracted private paramedics in small community health centres, and the department is looking to expand that or put more of a framework around it but there's clearly sort of a reason in mind or what the purpose would be for this.

So my first question is are paramedics operating in community health centres meant to do simply all the same tasks that community health nurses currently can do, or are they meant to do additional tasks or different things than is currently within the scope of practice of a community health nurse? For example, treating patients outside community health centres in stabilizing or transporting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1076-20(1): Contracted Private Paramedics

Oral Questions

Page 3353

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 1076-20(1): Contracted Private Paramedics

Oral Questions

Page 3353

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to be very, very clear so that -- the paramedics that we have used in the health centres are a contract that we are obligated to hold when it's fire season. So we contract paramedics so that way if a community is evacuated, that we send the health -- like, the community health nurse and all of the staff in the community leave the community; however, we need to send in paramedics into that health centre to support the emergency responders working in that community.

So what we have done is we've been paying for them, and so over the summer months is also a time when it's challenging to ensure that our community health centres remain open because nurses do work -- do not -- like, we have casual nurses that are coming in and some are on their time off, so the primary objective right now is for them to maintain operations at a minimum, avoiding closures during those months. Paramedics have different scopes than CHNs, and they only work within their scope. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1076-20(1): Contracted Private Paramedics

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Page 3353

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So can the Minister clarify whether paramedics that are operating in community health centres, are they required to be supervised by a health authority employee such as the nurse in charge at all times, or are they permitted to work shifts alone? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1076-20(1): Contracted Private Paramedics

Oral Questions

Page 3353

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Paramedics that are operating in the health centres are overseen at all times and are part of the collaborative team. When they are the only resource in a health centre due to being an emergency service, paramedics will consult with physicians on physician orders, and community health nurses do have the ability to initiate some treatment under the protocols that they have without physician orders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1076-20(1): Contracted Private Paramedics

Oral Questions

Page 3353

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services . Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Question 1076-20(1): Contracted Private Paramedics

Oral Questions

Page 3353

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So the Minister has mentioned in the past in this House that part of the idea of having a paramedic there to help is to be able to take the night shift so a community health nurse can have more rest. So if that was occurring and the paramedic was answering phones at night -- and yet we've just heard they're required to be overseen at all times by the nurse in charge. If a paramedic made a decision about a patient, say, in the middle of the night that had serious negative consequences for that patient, who would then be responsible; is it the nurse in charge or the paramedic? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1076-20(1): Contracted Private Paramedics

Oral Questions

Page 3353

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the paramedic scope of practice, you know, to be clear, is when those conversations happen, the nurse is within -- is in on the call. The part of it is that once the assessment is done, many of the health centres -- so people who live in small communities and health centres know that if there is a callback that there needs to be an eight-hour rest. And if there's only two other nurses and one nurse is assigned some other duties and the nurse that gets called back, usually what ends up happening is all of the clinics get cancelled for the next day.

So what this is, is to enhance the support in the health centre to take the call then to -- you know, because a lot of times when the health centre gets phone calls and things like that, you know, they can refer them to 8-1-1, you know, and they can triage the call, call the nurse down, and be there to start the assessment, which might limit the time that the CHN actually has to be called back. So there's -- and as I am saying, this is something that's not set in stone.

As the Member has stated, that there's a position that is in the proposed budget that we did a high-level analysis that we know that the health centre model of care hasn't changed -- my entire career, you know, anybody who's worked in this system has known that we need to make changes, we need to make sure that it's flexible. We know that the CHN model of care is the best model; however, what we want to do is we want to enhance that model. We want to look at investigating how LPNs could fit into that model. How can we fit in paramedics into that model to support those communities and to support those nurses.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 1076-20(1): Contracted