Thank you, Mr. Clerk, and welcome colleagues. I am profoundly grateful to my family, the residents of Thebacha, and my dedicated team for their unwavering support and commitment throughout my election campaign to the 20th Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Your encouragement, tireless efforts, and belief in my vision have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. This victory is not only a personal triumph but a collective success that reflects the strength of our bonds and shared aspirations. I am honoured to have such a resilient and supportive network, and I carry the responsibility with deep humility.
As I embark on this new journey, I look forward to continuing our collective efforts drawing inspiration from the unity that brought us to success. Thank you for being the pillars of my journey. I am eager to serve the constituents of Thebacha and the people of the Northwest Territories with dedication and passion.
Mr. Clerk, now more than ever we must recognize the urgency for change. No government can go it alone, and the status quo is not sustainable. And the time has come to challenge the norms that have held us back. The economic landscape is evolving rapidly, and we must adapt. The bureaucratic processes that once may have served a purpose, now threaten to impede progress at a time when agility and innovation are critical. I propose a decisive shift in our approach. A commitment to untangle the red tape and streamline our bureaucratic processes. We must prioritize efficiency, transparency in a business-friendly environment that attracts investment and fosters economic development. It's time to simplify procedures, eliminate unnecessary regulations, and empower Indigenous governments, the regions, our communities, and the business sector to thrive.
We must embrace innovation. Our journey towards economic revitalization demands that we embrace innovation not only in our industries but also in the way we govern. Technology offers us the tools to create a more efficient and responsive bureaucracy. Let us leverage these advancements to reduce paperwork, enhance communications, and create a government that works hand in hand with business, not against them.
The issues of settling land claims has created a barrier to success. We must address the issues of settling land claims. Our relationship with Indigenous communities is foundational to the success and well-being of the Northwest Territories.
I envision a future where we work collaboratively to settle outstanding land claims, respecting the rights and traditions of Indigenous peoples. Through open dialogue and understanding, we can forge a path towards reconciliation, fostering unity and harmony among all residents. The collaborative approach to self-government and land negotiations must follow a well-defined process to ensure efficiencies and commitment initiated by our government lead appointed at the ministerial level. The process must emphasize political commitment through a nation-to-nation kickoff meeting, securing agreements from both territorial and Indigenous leadership, a specific timeline needs to be set, and a negotiation mandate must be loosely defined to allow for a broad set of goals in the interest-based approach encourages joint crafting of solutions within negotiated meetings. Focusing on shared interests rather than fixed positions, a federal role needs to be engaged in areas directly relevant to federal considerations and reporting structures ensuring timely communications without bureaucratic delays, an independent chief negotiator reporting directly to the Minister or deputy minister could lead negotiations with timely updates to Cabinet proposing solutions to develop collaboratively with Indigenous governments and partners. Cabinet provides timely feedback and final negotiated agreements follow with the usual government approvals and processes within the involved system. This approach ensures a streamlined and effective negotiation process, minimizing bureaucracy, bureaucratic hurdles, and maintaining political engagement throughout.
Mr. Clerk, I want to draw your attention to a critical aspect of my vision for the Northwest Territories.
The intersection of an economic prosperity and energy sustainability as we navigate the global urgency to combat climate change, I propose a visionary approach involving a sustainable investment in renewable energy sources. Our economic well-being is undeniably linked to the sustainability of our energy practices. In light of the increasing frequency of national disasters, shifts in seasonal patterns, and the broader impacts of climate change, it is crucial that we take decisive action. My vision for the NWT entails a significant commitment to harnessing the power of renewable energies, specifically wind, solar, and hydroelectric sources. By diversifying our energy portfolio, we can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, mitigate environmental impact, and contribute to a greener more sustainable future.
Wind and solar energy harnessed from the vast landscapes of the Northwest Territories hold immense potential. Additionally, our rivers offer opportunities for expanded hydroelectric projects ensuring a clean and reliable source of power. The reality of longer summers and shorter winter road seasons underscores the urgency of adapting our energy infrastructure to a changing climate. Renewable energy sources not only offer environmental benefits but also enhance the resilience of our energy created in the face of evolving weather patterns. This strategic investment will position the NWT as a leader in sustainable energy practices. Attracting investments and fostering innovation in the emerging green economy. Implementing micro grids in the communities of the Northwest Territories is a visionary step toward regional and local sustainability. By leveraging local labour development through partnerships with Indigenous and local governments, institutions like Aurora College, we can foster economic growth and empower residents with the skills needed for the renewable energy sector. Micro grids provide a decentralized and resilient energy solution, reducing reliance on traditional power sources, and mitigating environmental impact. This vision not only addresses energy security but also creates job opportunities within the communities that aligns with our community to environmental stewardship, economic empowerment, and the sustainable development of our regions, ensuring that brighter and more sufficient future for all. The shift to renewable energy aligns with our commitment to global climate goals. It is a proactive step forward to reducing our carbon footprint demonstrating responsible stewardship of our natural resources in securing a brighter more sustainable future for generations to come. Addressing the housing crisis demands a comprehensive and collaborative strategy that engages multiple stakeholders. It is critical to recognize and empower Indigenous communities, ensuring that housing solutions are culturally informed and community driven. Collaborating closely with Indigenous leaders is nonnegotiable for effective and sustainable outcomes. Simultaneously, multiple governments must be empowered to tailor solutions to the specific challenges faced by their residents. Recognizing the constraints of public resources, active engagement with the private sector becomes a key element. By partnering with responsible developers, we can leverage their expertise and resources to maximize the impact of housing initiatives. A unified approach requires collaboration and transparency and a commitment to shared goals among Indigenous and municipal governments and the priority sector. This collective effort will optimize resources, ensuring that each investment contributes significantly to addressing the housing needs of our communities.
A short-term solution of the housing crisis involves identifying the existing inventory of vacant housing and making these units available to Indigenous governments, municipalities, and the private sector. By repurposing and officially utilizing these vacant units, we can quickly address the immediate housing needs of our communities. This approach maximizes existing resources providing an expedited response to the housing shortage while more comprehensive long-term strategies are developed and implemented.
Mr. Clerk, substance abuse is becoming a growing problem in the North. The North, with its unique cultural and geographical context, requires a tailored approach to address substance abuse. I advocate for the establishment of culturally sensitive drug and alcohol treatment centres designed specifically for Northerners. These facilities would offer community driven programs recognizing the diverse backgrounds and challenges of those seeking help. Additionally, a comprehensive aftercare program is crucial for sustained recovery providing ongoing support, counselling, vocational assistance, and community engagement initiatives as individuals reintegrate into the communities.
To ensure success, active community involvement and collaboration are essential. I propose a community-based approach that includes local leaders, health care professionals, and community members in designing and implementing these programs, fostering a sense of ownership and understanding for an effective and sustainable support system.
As my time here, I see, is coming close to the limit, I want to express my deep appreciation for the opportunity to share my vision and proposals with you. While there are numerous areas that demand attention and improvement, I recognize the constraints of time. Our communities and the Northwest Territories are faced with multi-facetted challenges, and addressing them requires a comprehensive and collaborative effort. I want to assure you that my commitment to positive change goes beyond this platform. No government can go it alone. I emphasize the pressing need for change in the face of evolving economic landscape and the urgency to combat climate change. The status quo is no longer sustainable, and I propose a divisive shift in our approach in the pursuit of a brighter and more sustainable future. I am committed to these visionary proposals and look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues for the benefit of Thebacha and the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Clerk.