Debates of Feb. 10th, 2026

This is page numbers 3325 - 3384 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

Winter Road and Ice Crossing Implementation

Minister Absent from the House

Tlicho Region Economic Diversification

Mackenzie Valley Highway Public Engagement Sessions

Challenges with Medical Travel Policies

Health Care Workforce Stabilization

Black History Month Events in Yellowknife

Value and Importance of Social Support Programs

Abandoned Vehicles Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act

Executive Council Progress on Mandate and Priorities of the Legislative Assembly

Economic Future of the Northwest Territories

Celebration of Life of Dolphus “Duffy” Cazon

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Community Engagement on Mackenzie Valley Highway

Cultural Safety and Workforce Stabilization Workforce in Healthcare System

Accelerating Resource Development in the Northwest Territories

Land Tenure and Land Transfers

Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act Concerning Abandoned Vehicles

Long-term Benefits of Resource Development in the Tlicho Region

Diamond Mine Socioeconomic Agreements

Implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons Concerning Healthcare

Fire Safety in Encampments

Cost of Living Subsidies for Power Rates

Air Ambulance Contracts

Taltson Hydro Expansion

Arctic Economic Security Corridor

Fire Marshall's Office Capacity for Building Inspection

Aspen Apartments

Tabled Document 459-20(1): Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 26-20(1): Report on the Statutory Review of the Legal Aid Act

Tabled Document 460-20(1): Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 30-20(1): Report on the Review of the 2024-2025 Annual Report of the Northwest Territories Information and Privacy Commissioner

Tabled Document 461-20(1): Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 32-20(1): Report on the Review of the 2024-2025 Annual Report of the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission

Bill 40:

An Act to Amend the Vital Statistics Act, Deemed Read

Bill 41:

An Act to Amend the Real Estate Agents Licensing Act, Deemed Read

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Concurrence Motion - Tabled Document 453-20(1): Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2025-2026

Concurrence Motion - Tabled Document 454-20(1): Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures and Borrowing Authorization), No. 3, 2025-2026

Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Point Of Order

Orders Of The Day

Members Present

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

The House met at 1:32 p.m.

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---Prayer or reflection

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Prayer Or Reflection

Prayer Or Reflection

Page 3325

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Please be seated. Before we get into it, I'd just like to wish my twin daughters a happy birthday. So they turn 29 for some time, the addition, but I will just leave it at that. So happy birthday, my girls, Deborah and Nancy. I'd like to thank Ms. Cleary for the opening prayer and reflection.

Ministers' statements. Minister of Infrastructure .

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Minister's Statement 174-20(1): Winter Road and Ice Crossing Implementation

Ministers' Statements

Page 3325

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about the importance of our winter road system and acknowledge the hard work being done by Government of the Northwest Territories staff in the construction, maintenance, and operation of these winter roads.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is responsible for building and maintaining several public ice roads, winter roads, and ice crossings, spanning across 1,300 kilometers, roughly the same distance it takes to drive from Hay River to Calgary. This vast winter road system connects nine northern communities that otherwise do not have access to the all-season highway system.

Mr. Speaker, the work to inspect, construct, and maintain these roads requires teamwork from different departments within our government. Despite assumptions about winter road construction, it goes beyond simply waiting for temperatures to drop and a path to be cleared. Our crews are constantly monitoring weather conditions and measuring ice thickness and snowpack levels. When conditions are not optimal, they adjust, often flooding the surfaces to build thicker layers of ice or fill gaps to ensure safe operations on all our ice and winter roads.

Once safe road conditions have been constructed, these roads are opened to certain weight limits. Weight limits are increased over the season as conditions change and the ice grows thicker.

Maintenance crews are consistently planning and adapting to issues brought on by fluctuating weather temperatures and climate such as water overflow or extreme snowfalls that can present safety challenges for drivers. Proactively maintaining these challenges helps ensure the safety and life of our winter road system and is essential to the success in each season we have. Many residents rely on these roads for the delivery of critical goods and services.

Mr. Speaker, activity on our winter road system continues to increase each year. The movement of fuel, cargo, and dry goods across these roads is an essential part of our supply chain.

The provision of materials across the North is a priority for the Department of Infrastructure. For example, our fuel services division plans for the delivery of nearly 10 million liters of various fuels to 12 communities every winter utilizing ice roads and winter roads. The Government of the Northwest Territories staff collaborate with northern businesses throughout winter road season to report road conditions, strategize and compensate for road capacity to move fuel supplies and freight.

This collaboration not only strengthens relationships between government and industry; it also creates a network of information sharing. Our staff maintain an open dialogue with fuel suppliers to make sure the added weights on the roads do not deteriorate the roads. Simultaneously, regional crews are compiling information on road conditions to make sure they are reflected in official reports on our highways map on DriveNWT.

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Minister's Statement 174-20(1): Winter Road and Ice Crossing Implementation

Ministers' Statements

Page 3325

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Minister's Statement 175-20(1): Minister Absent from the House

Ministers' Statements

Page 3325

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the honourable Member for Kam Lake , the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Investment , will be absence from the House today, tomorrow, and Thursday to attend the Arctic 360 Conference in Toronto, Ontario. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Minister's Statement 175-20(1): Minister Absent from the House

Ministers' Statements

Page 3325

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Premier . Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Monfwi .

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Member's Statement 850-20(1): Tlicho Region Economic Diversification

Members' Statements

Page 3325

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Tlicho diversification:

Recently, I learned of an important development in northern Ontario where three First Nations have entered a landmark partnership with Canada Nickel to advance a major mining project in their traditional territory near Timmins. This agreement includes preferential access to an estimated $2.5 billion in contract opportunities, ensuring that Indigenous governments are true partners, not just observers in resource development.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to compare the Ontario Nickel-First Nations agreement with the MOU announced at the AME roundup in Vancouver. This MOU was concluded with the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Tlicho government, and Yellowknife Dene. It binds the parties to work together towards the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. This MOU is a good start but does very little to make mines reality. Today, economic activity in the Tlicho is concentrated in mining, construction, and resource development, yet very few of these opportunities have translated into real lasting benefits for the communities. The region's economic context is clear.

One, Mr. Speaker, the closure of diamond and Gahcho Kue will have a significant impact on Tlicho communities, and today the GNWT has no meaningful alternative. That being said, and as many Tlicho citizens often said, we have a lot of resource minerals on our land; Fortune Minerals nickel project is just one of the several potential developers. Infrastructure gaps hinders the development. A road from the Tlicho Highway to Gameti with future connection to the Sahtu, possibly the Arctic Ocean, could create a transformative trade and development corridor. A diversified mineral development corridor could attract multiple industry while supporting cultural resilience and traditional land.

Mr. Speaker, seizing opportunity requires strategic partnership -- Mr. Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mr. Speaker, the time to act is now before mine closures deepen economic hardship. My vision is for connected prosperous Tlicho region that leads northern Canada in mineral development and Arctic trades. Mr. Speaker, we may not have a Ring of Fire but we could have a Frosty Circle. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 850-20(1): Tlicho Region Economic Diversification

Members' Statements

Page 3325

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 851-20(1): Mackenzie Valley Highway Public Engagement Sessions

Members' Statements

Page 3325

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about the community engagement sessions that are taking place across the Mackenzie Valley on the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, the MLA from the Sahtu, is currently attending these sessions alongside members of the strategic infrastructure, energy, and supply chains' team.

These sessions give residents a chance to hear where the project is at, what work is being planned, and what the next steps are for the project and communities. They also give people a chance to ask questions and share their views directly with the project team.

Mr. Speaker, the proposed highway would extend from Highway No. 1 at Wrigley to Tulita and Norman Wells and create a road with year-round access. This project has potential to improve access and travel to currently remote communities along the corridor, support and grow local economies, and make it easier for people to access services.

Mr. Speaker, as the MLA for Inuvik Boot Lake, I am glad the long-term vision for this project looks beyond phase one with the plan to eventually extend the highway north through the Mackenzie Delta to connect with Inuvik and on to Tuktoyaktuk. While the current environmental assessment focuses on the Wrigley to Norman Wells section, this bigger picture matters, Mr. Speaker. It shows how this project could strengthen supply lines, improve regional connections, and support Arctic security.

The Minister responsible has let me know that the project team had a good turnout in Norman Wells yesterday, and meetings are continuing this week in Deline, Tulita, Fort Good Hope, and Colville Lake, with another session planned in Fort Simpson in early March. Mr. Speaker, I encourage residents to attend, learn more, share their thoughts. Hearing directly from communities is important as this project moves through this regulatory process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 851-20(1): Mackenzie Valley Highway Public Engagement Sessions

Members' Statements

Page 3326

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 852-20(1): Challenges with Medical Travel Policies

Members' Statements

Page 3326

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, since the Minister of health has declined to hear from my constituents about the struggles they face under broken medical travel policies and her continued refusal to grant meaningful exceptions, I will share their experiences with this House.

Last year, a constituent's health crisis left her critically ill with a serious kidney condition. She was quickly medevaced to Edmonton and intubated, yet denied an escort, forcing her husband to cover flights and a week's of accommodation out-of-pocket while she fought to stabilize. After extensive communication with the Minister of medical travel, the family received coverage only for the final days of the emergency as she returned to Yellowknife.

Another constituent had just tragically lost her husband and suddenly found herself a single mother of two children. While grieving and adjusting to this new reality, she had to travel to Edmonton for essential medical care. She asked for her children to accompany her to help ease the situation during this difficult time, but again and again she was denied. No accommodation, no compassion and, worse, she was accused of trying to get medical travel to cover her child care.

Now my office is assisting a family of a young girl who survived a rare eye cancer. Her treatment was in Toronto where she formed a close bond with her doctors. She now needs regular fittings for her prosthetic eye which, as any parent can imagine, is a traumatizing experience. Yet medical travel refuses to send her east anymore, cutting her off from the doctors she trusts. As she grows, she may soon need a new prosthetic but with EHB now income-tested, the family could face thousands of dollars on top of the trauma of struggling with unfamiliar professionals against doctors' advice.

There is a common theme here that all MLAs are too familiar with - trauma, incapacitation, and situations where young children and seniors must endure circumstances they cannot manage alone. This Minister has the power that no other Northerner has, and MLAs, along with their constituents, are calling on her to exercise this power. Stop standing in the way of doctors and families and make health care work for the people who need it most. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 852-20(1): Challenges with Medical Travel Policies

Members' Statements

Page 3326

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 853-20(1): Health Care Workforce Stabilization

Members' Statements

Page 3326

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Mr. Speaker, in health care we've heard that the Minister's top priority is cultural safety and anti-racism, along with the small community model of care and medical travel. I've read two reports produced last year that were supposed to lay out a roadmap towards cultural safety in our healthcare system, honouring the voices of Indigenous peoples and the equitable access report. There's a lot of important feedback and ideas in there from Indigenous patients and families and the patient advocates who try to help.

My challenge for the Minister is to ask, do any of those steps towards cultural safety make sense without focusing first and foremost on stabilizing our health care workforce? Are we trying to build a beautiful new house on a foundation of sand? Is there any scenario where we could achieve culturally safe care without continuity of care, without a stable workforce of regular nurses and physicians who have a relationship with their patients, know their health history, and know the communities they're working in?

We've gotten to a point, Mr. Speaker, where there are literally thousands of temporary healthcare workers revolving through our system every year - locum doctors and nurses, agency nurses, contracted paramedics. Some of our frontline managers barely have time to do anything else besides plugging holes, always looking for new people to fill the schedule.

Could all those practitioners ever be properly trained in cultural safety and anti-racism? We don't possibly have the human resources or money or time. Our Indigenous patient advocates are already undersupported but with more temporary workers from down south, we see more patients feeling disrespected and misunderstood. It is just unsustainable to keep dumping more cases on these advocates and expect them to investigate and meaningfully address incidents.

The clear vision is for health practitioners to be working together in well-connected teams, but how is that possible with a revolving door of temporary workers? We need more focus on long-term health prevention and promotion in communities, but contracted paramedics that are brought in to plug holes are not trained in those specialties.

Mr. Speaker, health care workforce stabilization cannot be just another competing priority shoved down the list. It is foundational to the success of everything else. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 853-20(1): Health Care Workforce Stabilization

Members' Statements

Page 3326

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 854-20(1): Black History Month Events in Yellowknife

Members' Statements

Page 3326

Kate Reid

Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Black History Month celebrations in Yellowknife are about to begin and will last through February and into early March. I encourage us all to celebrate black culture and residents' contributions to the NWT year-round, Mr. Speaker.

Back Up North's events celebrate the diversity of the black community and their heritage across the NWT. Events this year feature food, culture, dance, music, learning, and celebrating community. This Saturday, Yellowknife residents are invited to a community welcome dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Tree of Peace Friendship centre. The evening will feature African and Caribbean dishes. On Saturday, February 14th, from noon to 5 p.m., there will be a baking workshop at Ecole St.

Patrick High School focused on teaching youth practical skills such as baking, cake decorating, and preparing snacks that they can make at home. Additionally, stay tuned for more information on a movie night in collaboration with Collège Nordique Francophone at its downtown campus. The culmination of these community events will be the annual Black History Month Gala on March 7th at the Chateau Nova. Tickets are on sale now and moving quickly, and I invite all Members to enjoy a night of food and entertainment featuring the legendary Canadian singer Julie Black. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 854-20(1): Black History Month Events in Yellowknife

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Page 3326

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 855-20(1): Value and Importance of Social Support Programs

Members' Statements

Page 3326

Sheryl Yakeleya

Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [No translation provided]. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, mahsi.

Today my Member's statement is one of gratitude and commitment. I want to first and foremost thank the constituents of the Deh Cho for placing their continued trust in me. Mahsi. As their MLA, I will continue to bring forward the issues they raise, important issues like the economy, the environment, health, education, housing, and public safety. Additionally, I want to thank my family, especially my husband Norman, for their steadfast support. I would not be able to carry out my duties as MLA without their support.

Mr. Speaker, the needs in our communities are significant. For too long, the government has approached small communities with a top-down mindset, telling them how to live, what to prioritize, and how services should look. Unfortunately, this approach has not worked. We see the results of this in our health outcomes, our incarceration statistics, the growing impacts of addictions, and the raising rates of homelessness. Our communities know what they need, and they know what works for them. The government must create the conditions for small communities to flourish, starting with our youth.

We need our young people to graduate with both academic and practical life skills - how to cook, how to budget, prepare their own meals, and take care of themselves. They should be able to enter post-secondary education without years of upgrading. We need more housing, homes for people experiencing homelessness, homes that support independence and opportunities for homeownership that build pride and stability. We need culturally grounded addictions treatment centres that help people heal using traditional cultural practices found in our communities.

We need accessible, reliable health care in every community to reduce medical travel and improve outcomes. And we must address the high cost of living in the North by supporting wage growth and encourage local food production, such as gardening and preservation.

Mr. Speaker, our needs are many, but so is our determination. I thank this Assembly for working to support our communities, and I look forward to continue this valuable work. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 855-20(1): Value and Importance of Social Support Programs

Members' Statements

Page 3327

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 856-20(1): Abandoned Vehicles Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act

Members' Statements

Page 3327

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a constituent recently raised concern with me about some abandoned vehicles adjacent to their property which have been an eyesore for many years. Initially, I thought this was a pretty cut-and-dry municipal issue, but after raising it with a colleague on city council, they came back to me and noted that a legislative gap at the territorial level was preventing the city from taking action.

The Motor Vehicles Act currently stipulates that the owner of a vehicle is liable for towing, storage, and disposal fees related to an abandoned vehicle. This works well when the owner is identifiable and can be tracked down but occasionally this is not possible for various reasons. My understanding from liaising with the city is that in order to deal with abandoned vehicles for whom the owner is not clear or the vehicle has lost intrinsic value is a minor modification of the Motor Vehicles Act which would allow officers to deem the vehicle worthless.

This would allow tow companies to take the vehicle for scrap disposal as opposed to having to pay to store it indefinitely, which they currently do. Making this small change would assist the city in resolving this issue for my constituent but also in a wider sense as I know this is not an isolated issue. It occurs throughout my city, Mr. Speaker, and I have heard this is a problem at the Inuvik airport and that it is affecting cleanup of Enterprise also, to name a few other areas in the territory it is creating problems.

Mr. Speaker, this is a relatively minor legislative change which would help our municipalities address a longstanding issue. So I am hoping our infrastructure Minister can get this done quickly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 856-20(1): Abandoned Vehicles Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act

Members' Statements

Page 3327

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 857-20(1): Executive Council Progress on Mandate and Priorities of the Legislative Assembly

Members' Statements

Page 3327

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At the start of the 20th Assembly, the Premier issued a mandate letter outlining his expectation for each Minister aligning their priorities in the common agenda for this government. Those letters were received after this Assembly voted for current executive council following the leadership commitment process where we shared our vision and considered candidates for ministerial positions. After two years, it is fair now to start asking the Premier what accountability exists when a Minister fails to uphold the trust of Regular Members and fails to deliver the mandate entrusted to them by this Premier .

The first responsibility is outlined in the Premier 's mandate letter is clear: Ministers, in the spirit of consensus government, are expected to maintain constructive, open, respectful, and collaborative relationship with Regular Members. Over the past two years, my colleagues and I have sought to work collaboratively with the Minister of Health and Social Services to improve key services and advance reconciliation yet actions speaks for themselves and recent exchange with the Minister makes it clear that her agenda is narrow, limited, and disregards both collaboration with Regular Members and the mandate entrusted to her by the Premier .

When I am advancing -- advocating for this chamber leaders to call to action on our mandate letter, we both seek advanced reconciliation, implement UNDRIP, and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous governments. There is consensus on this mandate, and the principle of consensus government set an expectation that working together is possible. We have long awaited a modern collaborative approach for the government that, one, replaces the legal and colonial style approach with commitment to fulfilling treaty obligation and partnering genuinely with Indigenous governments.

This government must take action now, or our term will not simply end with progress. I fear even decades could pass with treaties unresolved, reconciliation stalled, moments remembered as a missed opportunity.

Like all my colleagues on this side of the House, I want to help the Premier and this Cabinet take that action and fulfill their mandate. I would have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 857-20(1): Executive Council Progress on Mandate and Priorities of the Legislative Assembly

Members' Statements

Page 3327

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 858-20(1): Economic Future of the Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 3327

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, the Gahcho Kue announcement yesterday is a clear signal, if not a message, that our mining sector is in trouble. Once the backbone of the NWT economy, Mr. Speaker, it is under enormous strain everyone can agree upon. This deeply troubling news for people like me, I see this strain may not be the right word, Mr. Speaker. There may be a different word to look at this particular case, more so is our economy is turning into a nonexistence. Once a strong resource economy is fading away. Further erosion of our NWT economy is I fear what is next.

This government doesn't seem to recognize the urgency of this particular problem, Mr. Speaker, and that becomes fearful for citizens I talk to abound. Hope is not a plan, Mr. Speaker. I don't know if this government hopes someone will save us, but I could assure you hope won't feed your kids and I can guarantee a hope doesn't keep the lights on. When it takes over ten years or more to get a project to move forward, Mr. Speaker, the reality is we need that investment, the employment, the economic certainty to save the North, Mr. Speaker. And back to hope.

Which business school out there teaches hope as an economic plan? I assure you not a single one.

Every delay sends a message to the industry, Mr. Speaker, that the NWT is a difficult place to work, too slow, uninterested, and far too uncertain to invest money here. Investors look elsewhere. They take their bags of money and opportunity to other jurisdictions that welcome them. Mr. Speaker, jurisdictions such as Nunavut and the Yukon. Their economies are accelerating forward while ours is stalling.

Mr. Speaker, to be honest, it's about what are we going to do about what's coming next? If it wasn't for the potential DND investment of $10 billion potentially ramping up, I don't know what we'd be doing about this potential serious gap ahead of us, Mr. Speaker. And to be clear, any success of that investment is solely credited to D -- let me try again. Solely entirely credited to DND, not the GNWT, Mr. Speaker. So I tell the GNWT to stand out of their way and don't mess it up.

Mr. Speaker, we're fearful. Many people are fearful in my community when they hear this. So back to hope. Is this government going to wait for Providence to save us? Is there happenstance that we wait in line for? We can only wait for divine intervention and luck so long, Mr. Speaker. No one is suggesting this urgency means we have to ignore environmental responsibilities, but we need to be fighting, fighting for jobs, because jobs lead to -- help us on the fight of poverty, to help families, and build healthy and strong communities. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions during question period later today with respect to my statement because we need urgent action. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Member's Statement 858-20(1): Economic Future of the Northwest Territories

Members' Statements

Page 3327

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Member's Statement 859-20(1): Celebration of Life of Dolphus “Duffy” Cazon

Members' Statements

Page 3327

Shane Thompson

Nahendeh

Colleagues, it is with great regret that I advise the House of the passing of Dolphus Henry (Duffy) Cazon. Today, it is not to mourn his passing but to celebrate a life full of joy, generosity, and simple pleasures that touched us all.

Born on July 30, 1953, in Fort Simpson to Baptiste and Marie Alphonsine Cazon, Duffy was one of 17 children who grew up embracing the land alongside his siblings -- running, laughing, and learning the rhythms of our northern home. From his young days, Duffy's love for music lit up the room. He'd practice that accordion with such passion and later in life nothing made him happier than rock n' roll tunes or a good kung fu movie. Give him a T-shirt from his favourite band or a DVD of Bruce Lee and his eyes would sparkle.

Kathy Tsetso reminded us of his quirky love for chocolate-covered cherries, a mystery until we learned these were his mother's favorite. This story captures Duffy's loyalty, sentimental, and full of heart.

Duffy was generosity itself. If you needed something and he had it, it was yours - no questions asked. Much of his adult life brought physical challenges confining him to a motorized wheelchair but did that slow him down? Never. We'd spot him zipping through Fort Simpson, that big smile on his face, often on the hunt for his favourite snuff. Despite it all he stayed happy, positive, a familiar and beloved presence who lifted spirits wherever he went.

In his later years at the Fort Simpson long-term care facility, Duffy found a second family in the staff and residents who adored his humour and warmth. To them, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and care. After a long battle with health issues, Duffy passed peacefully on December 17, 2025, at the age of 72 years young.

Duffy leaves a legacy of smiles, music, and open-hearted giving. He reminds us to find joy in the small things, to share freely, and to keep smiles through trials. Rest easy, Duffy, your spirit rolls on in our stories, our songs, and our community.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff for their kindness and unwavering support during his time there. We know he is with his siblings and parents that predeceased him. He will be sadly missed.

Members' statements. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. For the people who are here, thank you very much for being present. We enjoy having -- oh, sorry. Member from Deh Cho .

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3328

Sheryl Yakeleya

Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize two pages from Kakisa. They're from a constituency, and they're Chloe Chicot and Leah Simba. Welcome to the Legislative Assembly.

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Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 3328

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Again, for those ones up in the gallery, thank you very much for attending. We appreciate you giving us the honour of representing the people of the Northwest Territories for the 20th Assembly. I hope you enjoy the proceedings, and it is always nice to see people in the gallery.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Replies to the budget address, day 4 of 7. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Returns to oral questions. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Question 978-20(1): Community Engagement on Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3328

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up to my Member's statement, I have questions for the Minister of Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains .

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister provide an update on the community engagement sessions and what the department's hearing from the residents as they engage with the community. Thank you.

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Question 978-20(1): Community Engagement on Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3328

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake . Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains .

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Question 978-20(1): Community Engagement on Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3328

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

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Question 978-20(1): Community Engagement on Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3328

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that. So around that, I guess that same theme of being involved, what opportunities, Mr. Speaker, will there be for Indigenous governments and local communities to stay involved as this project moves forward?

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Question 978-20(1): Community Engagement on Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3328

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there's already work underway in partnership with Indigenous governments. We had, in the fall, signed a work plan with the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation out of Wrigley and met just last week there. We're going back again to design the final routing. The final design of the routing will be done together so that we're making best use of traditional knowledge as well as with more western traditional science-based design. They're putting those two things together so we have the best possible route. But meanwhile, Mr.

Speaker, again, looking to work on a traditional knowledge studies throughout the area to make so that the final design has best use but also that -- again, the community readiness is about making sure that there are corporations in those communities, corporations and individuals who might need further training, who know what's coming, who are ready when the project come forward, that they're there to participate, that they can make best use of different opportunities, and to work with the Indigenous governments who are land holders and traditional land users that, again, when this project moves forward that they are there to participate in those contracts, that their members are there to participate in those contracts, and, really, so that this -- the work starting from today and going forward is seamless, that everyone knows the timeline and everyone's ready to bid on contracts, to participate in contracts, and have whatever training is necessary to do so.

Thank you.

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Question 978-20(1): Community Engagement on Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3328

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains . Final supplementary. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake .

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Question 978-20(1): Community Engagement on Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3328

Denny Rodgers

Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for that. Mr. Speaker, my final question is when the residents of Inuvik head south with their commerce to head into the Yukon and head into possibly Alberta, Mr. Speaker, when can the Minister anticipate that they can put their left signal light on and take a left turn and head all the way down to Yellowknife instead, Mr. Speaker?

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Question 978-20(1): Community Engagement on Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3328

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I share this dream. Mr. Speaker, and I believe a lot of people in this territory share this dream. Mr. Speaker, I want to first emphasize we will be complying very much as proponents with the guidance of the board, the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Board. They are the arbiters right now of making sure we go through an environmental process that provides mitigation steps as necessary for the road project right now to Norman Wells. We will continue to work with them on phase 2, which is that

section that gets us all the rest of the way up to Inuvik. But we started those conversations. We want to work to ensure that we are making best use of available information. There was data gathered back in 2013. There's more work happening right now on a winter road routing as I understand from some of the Indigenous governments in the region. We can marshal all of that, and we can accelerate this project so that we are not waiting another 30 years or even another 10 years. If we can start construction on the southern portion in possibly as early as 2028-2029, then we can certainly be, I think, accelerating the northern portion similarly as well. Thank you.

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Question 978-20(1): Community Engagement on Mackenzie Valley Highway

Oral Questions

Page 3328

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 979-20(1): Cultural Safety and Workforce Stabilization Workforce in Healthcare System

Oral Questions

Page 3328

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services .

So the equitable access report that HSS released in November 2025, which the Minister's staff referred to as our roadmap for primary care moving forward, identified as one of its seven overarching goals, strong and lasting workforce, yet out of the list of 17 actions in the report none relate to stabilizing the health care workforce or recruitment and retention.

So my first question for the Minister: Is it possible to achieve culturally safe care with the current level and ever increasing portion of our health care workforce made up of temporary workers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 979-20(1): Cultural Safety and Workforce Stabilization Workforce in Healthcare System

Oral Questions

Page 3328

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 979-20(1): Cultural Safety and Workforce Stabilization Workforce in Healthcare System

Oral Questions

Page 3328

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a culturally safe healthcare system does not only rely on culturally safe training. Workforce instability affects continuity in care of patients, and hiring people alone doesn't guarantee cultural safe care. Cultural safety must be built in to the whole system so everybody provider can deliver it, even temporary staff. Our new primary and community care framework puts cultural safety and anti-racism at the centre of the framework and a culturally safe system that will attract staff who share those values which will boost morale, which will reduce burnout, which will improve long-term retention, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 979-20(1): Cultural Safety and Workforce Stabilization Workforce in Healthcare System

Oral Questions

Page 3328

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So if that equitable access report published last year is seen to be the primary care roadmap, why doesn't it include any specific actions related to health care workforce stabilization, recruitment, or retention? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 979-20(1): Cultural Safety and Workforce Stabilization Workforce in Healthcare System

Oral Questions

Page 3329

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the roadmap was released -- and this is the -- as it is, it's a roadmap for the framework. And so we wanted to release the direction that we're going prior to -- as the work is going on with the framework. So this report was meant to show work done to build the new primary care framework, and it doesn't list every action.

The new framework, which will include the strategies to improve staff well-being, recruitment, retention, long-term workforce, key components include valuing Indigenous roles and Indigenous leadership on care teams, increasing Indigenous representation in the health care workforce, and this is essential for stabilizing the workforce supporting local Indigenous use and delivering culturally safe care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 979-20(1): Cultural Safety and Workforce Stabilization Workforce in Healthcare System

Oral Questions

Page 3329

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 979-20(1): Cultural Safety and Workforce Stabilization Workforce in Healthcare System

Oral Questions

Page 3329

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Has the Indigenous patient advocate office, or the Office of Client Experience, been gathering any data on what percentage of complaints regarding patients being treated disrespectfully or insensitively by practitioners involve temporary staff who have been brought in to plug holes within the healthcare system? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 979-20(1): Cultural Safety and Workforce Stabilization Workforce in Healthcare System

Oral Questions

Page 3329

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we do receive these complaints but don't track the complaints specifically about which staff are -- through the office, like if it's temporary or permanent. They do record general complaints related to discrimination, but they don't identify, as I mentioned, whether they're temporary or permanent staff. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 979-20(1): Cultural Safety and Workforce Stabilization Workforce in Healthcare System

Oral Questions

Page 3329

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 980-20(1): Accelerating Resource Development in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3329

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know the Premier , who I am going to direct my questions to, is going to say we're marshaling all resources and doing everything we can, but when we see Gahcho Kue do their announcement, we've seen that people accelerate the mining industry is shrinking and certainly the economy is on its rails, Mr. Speaker. I am asking the Premier what can he do to help fast track the relationships and the approval process we have with Indigenous governments and not give the old saying, we're doing what we can, we're doing this stuff now, because we need to see true results that are not clear and transparent to Northerners; we're truly doing everything we can. Thank you.

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Question 980-20(1): Accelerating Resource Development in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3329

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 980-20(1): Accelerating Resource Development in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3329

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I believe the question is what are we doing to fast track these projects by working with Indigenous governments. And so to that I will say that we have put a lot of time and energy into improving the relationships with Indigenous governments. And as I travel around the territory, that's what I hear from many Indigenous governments, that we have improved those relationships, we've done that work, we've built that trust. And by doing so, we're able to combine forces and work together on different projects. Of course, we have the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor.

We signed an MOU with the Yellowknives Dene and the Tlicho. We have good relationships with all of the Indigenous groups up and down the Mackenzie Valley when we're talking about the Mackenzie Valley Highway. We are -- we've increased the funding to help Indigenous governments participate in the regulatory process and to engage with exploration companies.

And so there's been a lot of work. There's been a lot of trust built. And it's paying dividends. I would also have to mention, of course, that the NWT Council of Leaders travels together down to Ottawa, Indigenous leaders and the GNWT Cabinet, with a common message. So the work that we've done with Indigenous governments has been very important. It's one of the highlights of my time here in this term. It's one of the things I will look back on with a sense of pride. And so I can tell the Member that we are working hard on that aspect of ensuring that we have everything in place that we need to advance the economy and bring new projects online. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 980-20(1): Accelerating Resource Development in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3329

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, it's difficult to feed your kids with trust, and it's hard to heat your home on hope, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, real tangible items would be to accelerate the MRAs. Mr. Speaker, real tangible ideas would be to accelerate maybe a junior investment program. Mr. Speaker, those are the types of acceleration processes I am asking for. Is there ways to accelerate that type of action to get better results or I should say any results. Thank you.

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Question 980-20(1): Accelerating Resource Development in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3329

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I won't speak about things in front of committee, but the budget contains things to do just that. We're also working on -- we have an MOU with CanNor to help speed up things. We're working -- I am working with my counterpart in the federal government to look at a more detailed MOU to really tackle a lot of these issues that have held things up. We are looking at how we can engage the federal government more so that they can provide direction to the boards in certain areas and provide better support to the boards where we see things held up.

One example I always mention is that if the boards want some legal advice, they need to apply to CIRNAC and there needs -- there's an approval process that takes a while, and it could be a couple months later before they're able to get an answer to the legal question they had two months prior. All of these little things add up, and they add delays. And we're addressing those.

We're also looking at ensuring that if there are processes that can be done concurrently, so the permitting process that the GNWT does, if it can be done -- the sections that can be done concurrently with the board process, we want to make sure that happens. We're working with Pine Point Mining right now to do that, and that's going to trim six months off their timeline for opening, which equates to tens of millions of dollars of benefit to the Northwest Territories.

So over the last two years, we have put our mind to this, and we've put in a lot of work, and we are now in a place where I feel confident saying that we have a lot of the tools in place and we are getting ready to implement a lot of the next set of tools. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 980-20(1): Accelerating Resource Development in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3329

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 980-20(1): Accelerating Resource Development in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3329

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest problems is timelines, response to timelines, and money and resources for Indigenous organizations to be able to respond to any of these timelines and response to timelines and hence to avoid the perception of not interested or causing delays.

Mr. Speaker, I've given the Premier several ideas. Here's some. I'd like to hear the Premier 's thought about trying to effectively grab on these as actionable items.

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Question 980-20(1): Accelerating Resource Development in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3329

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And as I mentioned, a couple of the ideas that the Member gave are reflected in the budget. The idea that the Member just gave, I mentioned that in my first answer when we increased the funding to the interim resource management assistance program, and we're also encouraging the federal government to increase their contribution to that as well. So there are tangible actions that will result in increased efficiencies and projects coming online sooner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 980-20(1): Accelerating Resource Development in the Northwest Territories

Oral Questions

Page 3329

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Oral questions. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 981-20(1): Land Tenure and Land Transfers

Oral Questions

Page 3329

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, dovetailing on my colleague's comments about the economy, crucial to the economy, especially a natural resource economy, is land tenure. I'd like to ask the Minister responsible for Environment and Climate Change how is his department moving expediently to ensure that there is comprehensive land tenure reform so there's certainty in the Northwest Territories for investment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 981-20(1): Land Tenure and Land Transfers

Oral Questions

Page 3329

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Minister of Environment and Climate Change .

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Question 981-20(1): Land Tenure and Land Transfers

Oral Questions

Page 3329

Jay MacDonald

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, certainly land tenure in the Northwest Territories has been top of mind for myself and my department as we work together with our Indigenous partners, Indigenous governments, and Indigenous organizations, and the many boards that oversee land tenure in the Northwest Territories. This conversation is very much a collaborative effort, and we are looking for ways to advance and streamline the process to ensure that where possible, we can align items to ensure that we are moving as quick as we possibly can. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 981-20(1): Land Tenure and Land Transfers

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Page 3329

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate collaboration, but we need urgency as well. So, Mr. Speaker, is the Minister willing to bring forward changes to timelines? Will he cut timelines? Will he reduce the amount of time it takes to review these files? Working in collaboration for sure, but setting a new service standard so we can get quicker turnaround on land tenure decisions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 3329

Jay MacDonald

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, similar to an earlier response, there are items in the budget -- the proposed budget that are currently being addressed that will help us to advance some of this work. We are also, as I said, you know, very much engaged with our Indigenous partners across the Northwest Territories, and we have made investments over time to ensure that we are helping them to enhance their capacity so that we can ensure that the process moves as timely as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 981-20(1): Land Tenure and Land Transfers

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Page 3329

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change . Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake .

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Page 3329

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not getting some clear answers so I will have to come back to this. But, Mr. Speaker, one of the partners the Minister left out is municipalities. Will the Minister transfer land requests from municipalities, particularly the city of Yellowknife but also Inuvik, Hay River -- will he transfer those lands that they've requested for by, let's say, end of Q2 this year? We need this land now. We need to bring the investment forward. It's time for these decisions to be made; will he make those decisions? Thank you.

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Page 3330

Jay MacDonald

Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are a number of files and different parcels of lands, whether it be in the city of Yellowknife or other communities within the Northwest Territories, that are currently at various stages within the process. Part of this process is ensuring that we are working closely with those municipalities as we have recently last year signed a new memorandum of understanding with the City of Yellowknife, and we are also working very closely with all of the parties involved to ensure that the process and we do proper consultation and move these forward in a timely manner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 981-20(1): Land Tenure and Land Transfers

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Page 3330

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change . Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake .

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Question 982-20(1): Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act Concerning Abandoned Vehicles

Oral Questions

Page 3330

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I spoke to the issue of the Motor Vehicles Act earlier. Can the Minister for Infrastructure commit to making the necessary changes to the MVA to give officers the ability to deem vehicles worthless for disposal. Thank you.

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Question 982-20(1): Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act Concerning Abandoned Vehicles

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Page 3330

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake . Minister of Infrastructure .

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Question 982-20(1): Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act Concerning Abandoned Vehicles

Oral Questions

Page 3330

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the concerns brought forward by the Member and the department has been looking into this; however, it may seem straightforward just to make the changes, but there's necessarily -- there's some direction that we have to take in order to apply this legislation. We have to, you know, start working on necessary policy direction, the regulations, different program adjustments, and these all take time and resources. Although this process is scheduled to start, hopefully taking place this summer, we hear the concerns and it is on the radar. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 3330

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister just help us better understand. It sounds like it's a fairly complex issue. My understanding is this is just a fairly small change although this isn't the first time that we've talked about a small change and how long it can take in this House. But can the Minister just help us better understand what issues they're trying to resolve here. This seems like a fairly simple one that's done in other jurisdictions. Thank you.

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Question 982-20(1): Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act Concerning Abandoned Vehicles

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Page 3330

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's the issue of writing the legislation for this issue. It's not a matter of just putting in a couple lines and continuing on. We have to go through the process of the legislation. And, again, you know, we've set our priorities in the 20th Assembly for, you know, certain things, and the legislative proposals have been put in place on what we're concentrating on for our legislative priorities, and it also takes different departments, not just the Department of Infrastructure. We also have to involve the Department of Justice in writing some of this material. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 3330

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 982-20(1): Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act Concerning Abandoned Vehicles

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Page 3330

Julian Morse

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That's fair enough, I suppose. But, I mean, this is a relatively minor change. It's something that's been dogging municipalities for a very long time. We've got abandoned vehicles all over the city that haven't been dealt with as a result. Can the Minister commit to getting this done within the term of the 20th Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 3330

Vince McKay

Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, this is a concern not only in his riding. This is a concern throughout the territories, including my own riding. Although I can't commit to, you know, starting all this year and having completed it by the end of the 20th Assembly, like I said earlier it is on the radar, and writing instructions are being given this summer to get the work started. So like I said, hopefully, you know, we should be able to get some of this going here right away. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 982-20(1): Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act Concerning Abandoned Vehicles

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Page 3330

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure . Oral questions. Member from Monfwi .

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Question 983-20(1): Long-term Benefits of Resource Development in the Tlicho Region

Oral Questions

Page 3330

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Premier .

Indeed, we know that having a good working relationship is important for advancement. With that in mind, I want to ask the Premier how is this government planning to ensure that upcoming mining and infrastructure projects in the Tlicho region deliver long-term socio-economic benefits for communities beyond short-term employment? Thank you.

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Question 983-20(1): Long-term Benefits of Resource Development in the Tlicho Region

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Page 3330

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Monfwi . Mr. Premier .

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Question 983-20(1): Long-term Benefits of Resource Development in the Tlicho Region

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Page 3330

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, of course, the Tlicho have tens of thousands of square kilometers of contiguous land and there are opportunities for mines on that land, from what I understand. And so from that standpoint alone, there would be ongoing benefits and benefits directly to Tlicho residents.

In terms of infrastructure, we want to ensure that when there's new infrastructure, if there's maintenance, that that's done locally. For example, roads, we always like to ensure that the communities closest to the roads are the ones doing the maintenance on those. So there's long-term benefits there as well.

And the Tlicho are no strangers to capitalizing on economic opportunities. With the diamond mines, the Tlicho government has run many successful programs, and sent many students to post-secondary and supported a number of economic opportunities that way as well. So I would say that it's not on the government, GNWT, alone to ensure that. The Tlicho government is a strong, sophisticated government, and we will work in partnership, as we always do, with them to ensure that there are lasting benefits. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 3330

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the response. Mr. Speaker, given the imminent closure of the Diavik diamond mine and Gahcho Kue mine just recently announced -- so what step is this government taking to develop a comprehensive transition plan for affected Tlicho communities and other northern communities in the NWT? Thank you.

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Page 3330

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And so for quite some time we've known that the diamond sector is going through a transition and the market is not quite as robust or stable as it used to be, and so we have already, for a number of months now, had a partnership with the Tlicho government and the Yellowknives Dene to ensure that we are pooling resources, we're getting information out there, and we're supporting residents the best way that we can. So that work has already begun. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 983-20(1): Long-term Benefits of Resource Development in the Tlicho Region

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Page 3330

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Final supplementary. Member from Monfwi .

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Page 3330

Jane Weyallon Armstrong

Monfwi

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, How is this government working with both Indigenous government and federal partners to advance the proposed Arctic Economic and Security Corridor and secure funding for critical road and trades infrastructure? Thank you.

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Page 3330

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And how we're doing that is in partnership. Once again, we were just down in Vancouver at the AME Roundup where I signed an MOU with the Yellowknives Dene and the Tlicho to advance the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. Of course we have a Minister of Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains -- see, it's not that hard of a title -- to focus on this work with an associate Minister who -- and I have found that arrangement actually to be one of the most effective things that we do as government, to have an associate and a Minister focusing on these specific projects.

It has really helped to move them along. We've travelled down to Ottawa many times, both as Council of Leaders -- or rather, with other Indigenous governments, to advocate for the economic security corridor. I've done this to the Prime Minister, to a number of Ministers, as has the Minister of infrastructure. We have a timeline that we're working through with the proponents, the Yellowknives Dene and the Tlicho, to advance this. We're in had regular contact with the leadership of those Indigenous governments. And so we're doing everything we can to move things forward here.

We have a federal government that is receptive. The world has a focus on the Arctic and on critical minerals, and we are doing our best to take advantage of that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 983-20(1): Long-term Benefits of Resource Development in the Tlicho Region

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Page 3330

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 984-20(1): Diamond Mine Socioeconomic Agreements

Oral Questions

Page 3330

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to ask questions of the Premier .

The Government of the Northwest Territories signed socio-economic agreements with each of the diamond mine operators as they were starting up operations. The one with Ekati was signed with BHP as far back as 1996. One was signed with Diavik in 1999 and then amended in 2015. And two have been signed with De Beers, in 2004 and 2013. So these commit the operators, amongst other things, to use certain levels of northern and Indigenous employees and contractors. They also commit the GNWT to certain actions like training and apprenticeship programs.

My first question: How is the GNWT enforcing these socio-economic agreements including, at this time as several mines are reducing their operations, how can we enforce their promises to prioritize reserving northern workers and northern contractors as they scale down? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 984-20(1): Diamond Mine Socioeconomic Agreements

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Page 3331

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North . Mr. Premier .

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Question 984-20(1): Diamond Mine Socioeconomic Agreements

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Page 3331

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And so of course socio-economic agreements don't have enforcement clauses. There's not levers to enforce. There's not fines that can be levied on the mines for not meeting those targets. And so this is about building relationships and ensuring that we're staying on top of this. So I know the Minister of ITI has quarterly meetings with the mines where they go over these numbers, the employment numbers. When we learn about mines looking at changing their workforce, reducing the workforce, of course we ensure that they're going to follow the appropriate legislation.

But we also do our best to ensure they keep as many northern staff as possible. And a lot of effort goes into that. That's always a live discussion at the Cabinet table whenever anything happens with any major industry or employer in the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 984-20(1): Diamond Mine Socioeconomic Agreements

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Page 3331

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So of course it's disappointing to hear that these much touted agreements with companies are actually not enforceable. How is the GNWT ensuring, then, that the diamond mine operators fulfill their commitments according to the agreements to work with the GNWT as operations are being scaled back or moving towards closure and, particularly, to retrain workers and ease their transition to new jobs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 984-20(1): Diamond Mine Socioeconomic Agreements

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Page 3331

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And so when certain companies wind down, for example up at Diavik, for years they've had a my path program where they worked with the employees there to help them transition to whatever might be next. And so as I mentioned earlier, we have formed a partnership with Yellowknives Dene and the Tlicho to look at any training opportunities that might be available, trying to figure out where, you know, those individuals are working, how we can best support them. I want to also point out that there's already a lot of different programs available in the territory.

There's different training programs that can be accessed. And not everybody needs those programs all the time. But when they do need them, they exist. And so in these situations, we don't need to always come up with a whole new suite of programs. We already have existing programs. That said, we do lobby the federal government to enhance the funding through -- that we get through some of these programs to address these issues when there's large closure or a large number of job losses.

We want to ensure that both the federal and the territorial government are working together to maximize our resources and getting as much money into the territory and into the hands of the people who need it as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 984-20(1): Diamond Mine Socioeconomic Agreements

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Page 3331

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Premier . Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Question 984-20(1): Diamond Mine Socioeconomic Agreements

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Page 3331

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So given that mines such as Ekati have been sold over the years to new operators, if the socio-economic agreements have been assigned or transferred to the responsibility of the new owners, was there any assessment of whether the new owner or operators had the financial capacity or know-how to actually fulfill the obligations in these socio-economic agreements? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 984-20(1): Diamond Mine Socioeconomic Agreements

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Page 3331

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So the department of ITI does review the socio-economic agreements when there is the sale of a mine, and those socio-economic agreements do transfer to the new owner. So, yes, we do review those. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 3331

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Premier . Oral questions. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 985-20(1): Implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons Concerning Healthcare

Oral Questions

Page 3331

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Premier . Mr. Speaker, culturally safety training and medical travel modernization fall far short of the structured changes required to fulfill and realize the framework of UNDRIP, including Indigenous control over health services, ensuring Indigenous people have access to high quality of non-discriminative care. My question is the Premier .

Is the Premier satisfied with these shortcomings, and what will he do to ensure the Minister takes meaningful action to fully implement UNDRIP during the remaining of this term? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 985-20(1): Implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons Concerning Healthcare

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Page 3331

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh . Mr. Premier .

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Question 985-20(1): Implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons Concerning Healthcare

Oral Questions

Page 3331

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I heard the Member mention the Minister's priorities of medical travel and cultural safety. I am not sure if he mentioned the other priority of care in small communities, and so I think a focus on care in small communities, which are primarily Indigenous in the territory, is -- you know, is a direct -- you can directly point to that to say we are working to fulfill the treaties. But I will comment since I am on the subject there that we do fulfill the treaties, I would say more than any other jurisdiction in Canada. We put more effort into ensuring that we do fulfill the treaties.

I am very confident in the Minister of health, and when I travel around the territory and I meet with different leaders, including Indigenous leaders from the Member's own riding, they go out of their way to tell me what a good job the Minister is doing and how much faith they have in her. So, Mr. Speaker, I am excited with the changes that are happening.

I can see the -- you know, we -- I have access to more of what's going on, I would say, than obviously the general population, and there's a lot of stuff happening in the departments right from putting in a public administrator, to straighten things out, to ensuring that we are understanding what we're actually spending money on, to ensuring that the medical travel is being dealt with today. You know, we're not waiting until text term to start looking into this. So there's a lot of great things happening, and things do take time, but we're seeing those changes now.

And I think that in the next few years, we're going to see a significant transformation of the healthcare system in the Northwest Territories for the better. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 985-20(1): Implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons Concerning Healthcare

Oral Questions

Page 3331

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Premier believe the Minister of Health and Social Services is upholding the spirit of consensus government and the open collaborative approach required in her mandate letter when she refused to work with Regular Members on protecting treaty rights and improving quality of care of Indigenous people received through medical travel policies? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 985-20(1): Implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons Concerning Healthcare

Oral Questions

Page 3331

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, I don't accept the premise of the Member's question. We do uphold the spirit of consensus government. Ministers appear in front of committees. Committees give feedback to Ministers. Ministers go and give direction to departments informed by that feedback. Just because a Member is not getting everything they want or they make promises that the Minister can't deliver on for them, it doesn't mean that we're not fulfilling the promise of consensus government, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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Question 985-20(1): Implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons Concerning Healthcare

Oral Questions

Page 3331

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Mr. Premier . Final supplementary. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh .

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Question 985-20(1): Implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons Concerning Healthcare

Oral Questions

Page 3331

Richard Edjericon

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Meaningful progress is not being made by the Minister in advancing UNDRIP or upholding treaties, strengthening partnerships with First Nations as required in her mandate letter. What steps will the Premier take to ensure these commitments are fulfilled during the remaining of his term? Thank you.

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Question 985-20(1): Implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons Concerning Healthcare

Oral Questions

Page 3331

R.J. Simpson

Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We're going to stay the course because, again, I don't agree with the premise of the Member's question. Thank you.

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Question 985-20(1): Implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons Concerning Healthcare

Oral Questions

Page 3331

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

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

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Question 986-20(1): Fire Safety in Encampments

Oral Questions

Page 3331

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to return to the homeless encampments. To be clear, I didn't say unhoused - the homeless encampment.

Mr. Speaker, the one downtown and near Sir John and the one set up right underneath the transmission lines that come from Snare into the City of Yellowknife, Mr. Speaker -- those big lines, yes. Mr. Speaker, they continue to have fires there. They continue to have jerry cans there, and it continues to be a -- well, we'll say a mess. I think that's about the safest parliamentary word I will use today, Mr. Speaker. But the Minister knows what I am talking about.

So, Mr. Speaker, what is the Minister doing under her portfolio of homelessness to clean up that camp and let them move over to that huge investment they created by the golf club? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 986-20(1): Fire Safety in Encampments

Oral Questions

Page 3331

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre . Minister responsible for Housing NWT .

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Question 986-20(1): Fire Safety in Encampments

Oral Questions

Page 3331

Lucy Kuptana

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our homelessness department within Housing Northwest Territories works closely with encampment individuals, works closely with partners, with the City of Yellowknife, with the Salvation Army, with the YWCA. We do have a Yellowknife partnership committee that meets regularly, along with the NWT fire marshal, along with environment and climate change officials. So we do this constant communications and outreach including visits with the encampments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 986-20(1): Fire Safety in Encampments

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister dovetailed perfectly into my next question. I was driving by the museum the other day and saw the old stove type barrelling smoke, Mr. Speaker, unregulated I am sure, Mr. Speaker, and the Minister said fire marshal. Mr. Speaker, when has the fire marshal officially given their stamp of approval that these two encampments are safe? Thank you.

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Question 986-20(1): Fire Safety in Encampments

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Lucy Kuptana

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the NWT fire marshal doesn't report to me, I don't have that information at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 986-20(1): Fire Safety in Encampments

Oral Questions

Page 3332

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister of Housing NWT . Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife Centre .

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Question 986-20(1): Fire Safety in Encampments

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, she is the one saying we're working together so there must be some information she can supply this House or this Member in particular. Mr. Speaker, I ask again, would the Minister prove that the fire marshal is comfortable and confident that those two locations are safe and Yellowknifers are -- and these individuals are not put at risk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 986-20(1): Fire Safety in Encampments

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Lucy Kuptana

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, working closely with Yellowknife partnership's committee and the homelessness division. I think that there's constant communication and outreach, and we can provide details to the Member with the question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 986-20(1): Fire Safety in Encampments

Oral Questions

Page 3332

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT . Oral questions. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 987-20(1): Cost of Living Subsidies for Power Rates

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is in Yellowknife, so you're not wrong.

Mr. Speaker, a number of my constituents have had very concerning power bills over the coldest months of the year with some of their -- some of their bills doubling, and it's very concerning. I've mentioned it before. We subsidize power rates. It's clear that the structural fixes are going to take far more time than we have to provide relief to Northerners who are struggling every day. Can the Minister of -- responsible for NTPC tell me how -- or what subsidies are available to shield Yellowknifers in my riding from the rising cost of power? Thank you.

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Question 987-20(1): Cost of Living Subsidies for Power Rates

Oral Questions

Page 3332

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Range Lake . Minister responsible for NTPC .

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Question 987-20(1): Cost of Living Subsidies for Power Rates

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is a new cost of living subsidy that is being applied directly to all customer utility bills in the Northwest Territories meant to reflect the changes that came about following the general rate application last year. Thank you.

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Question 987-20(1): Cost of Living Subsidies for Power Rates

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the cost of -- I believe it was the cost of living subsidy. So will that directly impact the bills that my constituents are paying? Because that's what it -- because that's where the rubber meets the road. Are they going to see increasing costs, or are they going to see a stabilized cost going forward where they're not going to see these shocks month on month; that's what they want to know. And I am hoping the Minister can tell me. Thank you.

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Question 987-20(1): Cost of Living Subsidies for Power Rates

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, so at the conclusion of the general rate application process, there was increases that were instituted by the public utilities board to reflect a variety of increases in costs which they go through a public process of reviewing. At the conclusion of that process, they did determine that there would be increases to everyone's rates, and that is what people are seeing now, is the conclusion of that process. The GNWT doesn't completely cover all increases to all utilities costs but they have instituted the cost of living subsidy to mitigate those increases so they're not as great as they would otherwise have been. Thank you.

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Question 987-20(1): Cost of Living Subsidies for Power Rates

Oral Questions

Page 3332

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister responsible for NTPC . Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake .

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Question 987-20(1): Cost of Living Subsidies for Power Rates

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Kieron Testart

Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It seems like the majority of subsidies are going to diesel zones rather than hydro zones. So is the Minister willing to implement a new rate subsidy for customers in the capital? It's half the population. There's a lot of people paying higher bills. Will the Minister bring forward enhanced subsidies to lower the cost for my constituents? Thank you.

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Question 987-20(1): Cost of Living Subsidies for Power Rates

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Caroline Wawzonek

Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's in fact the folks down in the Taltson zone who are seeing the largest rate impacts. They had been paying an amount that wasn't reflective of the impacts of having increased infrastructure in their region and as a result of that, Mr. Speaker, it's actually that area that's seeing the greatest increase, not folks who are in the northern zone on this particular occasion. Thank you.

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Question 987-20(1): Cost of Living Subsidies for Power Rates

Oral Questions

Page 3332

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Minister responsible for NTPC . Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North .

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Question 988-20(1): Air Ambulance Contracts

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have another set of questions for Minister of Health and Social Services .

So the ten-year contract for air ambulance services in NWT was signed last May with Access Air Ambulance, a joint venture between Air Tindi, several Indigenous development corporations, and Advanced Medical Solutions, which was bought a few days later by a non-northern company. The total value of the latest contract was $425 million, almost three times the value of the previous ten-year contract for air ambulances.

So my question, through the contract Access Air Ambulance has committed to achieving substantial levels of NWT content as per the Business Incentive Policy. Can the Minister tell us what does substantial levels of NWT content mean exactly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 988-20(1): Air Ambulance Contracts

Oral Questions

Page 3332

The Speaker

Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North . Minister responsible for -- or sorry, Minister of Health and Social Services .

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Question 988-20(1): Air Ambulance Contracts

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And so according to the BIP online, substantial levels means the contractor must show meaningful, not token, use of northern capacity; for example, through NWT registered subcontractors, local staff, and services delivered from the Northwest Territories. The goal is to maximize economic benefit for the Northwest Territories residents, support local jobs and skills, and recognize the higher cost of doing business in the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 988-20(1): Air Ambulance Contracts

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Shauna Morgan

Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister tell us what happens if HSS or the health authority or GNWT decides that the contractor has not achieved substantial levels of NWT content; what happens in that case for a ten-year contract such as this? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Question 988-20(1): Air Ambulance Contracts

Oral Questions

Page 3332

Lesa Semmler

Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as this is an essential service to the residents of the Northwest Territories, it is where our most vulnerable are having to be moved from small communities to the regional centres, regional centres that need to have access in the capital, and to the southern -- to Alberta. Within this -- you know, I'd have to get back to the Member on how procurement is done. I am very familiar with a lot of the portfolios; however, procurement is not one of the things that I delve down int