Transcript of meeting #1 for Midterm Review Committee in the 18th Assembly. (The original version is on the Legislative Assembly's site.)

The winning word was work.

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy, Mr. Beaulieu, Mr. Blake, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Ms. Green, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Bob McLeod, Hon. Robert McLeod, Mr. McNeely, Hon. Alfred Moses, Mr. Nadli, Mr. Nakimayak, Mr. O'Reilly, Hon. Wally Schumann, Hon. Louis Sebert, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Testart, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Vanthuyne

The committee met at 9:00 a.m.

Call to Order
Call to Order

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

I will call to order the Interim Mid-Term Review of the 18th Legislative Assembly, and I would like to ask Member Beaulieu to lead us into a prayer.

Prayer
Prayer

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

[Translation] Marsi. I'd like to say thank you while we're here together. Two years now we've been working together, since we've been elected. So that's why we're here: to do a good job today, and we're here to talk about that today. So that's why I want to ask for prayers. Thank you. [Translation ends.]

---Prayer

Review and Adoption of Agenda
Review and Adoption of Agenda

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Member Beaulieu. Members, the agenda before you today is one that we have all agreed in Caucus. Do Members agree with the agenda that is before us today?

Review and Adoption of Agenda
Review and Adoption of Agenda

Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

Review and Adoption of Agenda
Review and Adoption of Agenda

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Agreed. Masi.

Chair's Opening Remarks
Chair's Opening Remarks

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Just some of the opening remarks from the chair. As chair of the Mid-Term Review Committee of the 18th Legislative Assembly, I would like to take some opening comments before we proceed today.

All Members have been provided with the guidelines and also procedures for the Mid-Term Review Committee. We have reviewed these guidelines and procedures in Caucus and have agreed to follow all of them throughout our proceedings today. I will review these guidelines and procedures as a reminder to all Members and to explain our process to those joining us here today; as well, for those who are following our proceedings televised or radio or Facebook Live. In a few minutes we will begin statements by Premier Robert R. McLeod. The Premier will have up to 10 minutes to make a statement on his leadership and performance, as well as leadership and performance of Cabinet as a whole. Following the Premier's statement, each Minister may make a statement of up to five minutes on his or her leadership and performance. The order for Ministers will be alphabetical by surname as follows: Minister Glen Abernethy; Minister Caroline Cochrane; Minister Robert C. McLeod; Minister Alfred Moses; Minister Wally Schumann; and Minister Louis Sebert. Following the statements by all Ministers, we will commence Members' questions to Ministers. Each Member will be permitted to ask up to two questions to each Minister. Questions must not be longer than two minutes; responses from Ministers also must not be longer than two minutes. No extension of time limits will be permitted. Members are not required to ask their full allotment of questions.

As chair, I will recognize Members wishing to ask questions as they catch my attention. I will not recognize the Members wishing to ask second questions or subsequent questions until all Members have had the opportunity to ask their first questions. Supplementary questions will not be permitted. However, second questions on a same topic are acceptable. The chair and the clerks at the table will maintain a tally of how many questions each Member has asked, and to whom. Once recognized, Members may ask a single question to one or more Ministers. If a Member asks a question to multiple Ministers, it will be counted as a question to each Minister.

When there are no further questions to Ministers, or when Members have each asked two questions to each Minister, we will proceed to questions to the Premier. No questions to the Premier will be permitted until questions to the Ministers have concluded. Each Member will be permitted to ask up to two questions to the Premier. Questions must not be longer than two minutes. Responses from the Premier must not be longer than two minutes as well.

Once questions to the Premier have concluded, Members will be called upon to cast their secret ballot in an open forum. The ballot will inquire as to whether each Member does or does not have confidence in the performance and leadership of Cabinet as a whole, the Premier, and each Minister individually. A ballot box will be placed in front of the clerk's table and two voting booths will be placed on either side of the clerk's table immediately prior to balloting. Each Member will receive one ballot from the clerk's table. Members must be present to vote and Members will not be permitted to cast their ballots by proxy. As chair, I will cast my ballot once all Members have voted. Once balloting has concluded, the ballot box will be taken to the clerk's office, where the ballots will be counted by the clerks at the table. Incomplete ballots will be rejected. Specific vote totals will not be announced. The bells will be rung for five minutes to call Members back to the Chamber once the results are determined.

As chair, I will announce the aggregated results on Cabinet as a whole, followed by the Premier, and then each Minister in alphabetical order. In the event of equality of votes, I will report an expression of confidence. The order of results will be: Cabinet as a whole, Premier Robert R. McLeod, Minister Glen Abernethy, Minister Caroline Cochrane, Minister Robert C. McLeod, Minister Alfred Moses, Minister Wally Schumann, and Minister Lou Sebert.

As Members, we owe a great duty to our constituents in the Northwest Territories. However, in a forum such as a Mid-Term Review Committee, we must consider the entire territory to the best of our ability. I also wish to remind Members that we have publicly committed to conduct ourselves in a dignified and respectful manner throughout this process. The guidelines and the procedures of the Territorial Leadership Committee will be followed where applicable and all Members are expected to conduct themselves accordingly.

Members, we will now continue with item 4, statement by Premier Robert R. McLeod. I would like to call upon Premier Robert R. McLeod to deliver a statement on his leadership and performance and the collective leadership and performance of the Cabinet. I remind the Premier that he has up to ten minutes to deliver his statement. Premier McLeod, you may proceed.

Premier's Statement
Premier's Statement

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, as Members of the Legislative Assembly and as Cabinet Ministers, it is important that we always remember that our job is to serve the people of the Northwest Territories. I was born and raised in the Northwest Territories, and I am proud to be from Fort Providence in the Deh Cho. I spent more than 30 years in public service working to build a strong and self-reliant territory for our people. I am now in my third term representing the people of Yellowknife South and have been chosen by my colleagues to serve on Cabinet in all three terms, including the honour of being selected Premier twice, the first person in the history of our territory to return as Premier. My small community roots and travels throughout the territory have helped me learn what the people care about the most. They want jobs and a strong economy, Mr. Chair. They want safe communities and a good future for their children and grandchildren. They want to be healthy and educated, and they look to us here in the Assembly to support them in those aspirations. These are things that I have been working steadily towards for my entire career, and they continue to be priorities for me today.

I am proud of the work I have been a part of as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, as a Cabinet Minister and Premier, and what we have achieved by working together. You will hear in more detail from Ministers today about the good work that they have done to fulfil our mandate, but I wanted to highlight a few areas that are particularly important to me.

Addressing the needs of our people and communities is a priority for me, and I am pleased with the work we have done on this. Some of our achievements including holding health fairs in 18 communities, establishing regional wellness councils, and holding regional and territorial early childhood development workshops. We have completed construction of the Mackenzie Valley fibre link, connecting the people of the Mackenzie Valley to new services and business opportunities and positioning our territory to be a leader in the knowledge economy.

We have begun to address homelessness with Housing First pilot projects in Behchoko, Fort Simpson, Aklavik, and Yellowknife. We have partnered with the K'atlodeeche First Nation and K'asho Got'ine to provide housing for their residents and establish local housing organizations in Gameti, Whati, and Fort Liard. We are addressing the needs of elders with new seniors' supported independent living units in Aklavik, Fort Liard, Fort McPherson, Fort Good Hope, and Whati, and we are responding to the need for long-term care beds with plans for facilities in Norman Wells, Hay River, and Yellowknife in the next three years, as well as additional facilities in Inuvik and Fort Simpson.

We are investing in new health facilities in our communities, including the $300-million Stanton renewal project, which is on schedule to be completed during this government. We are successfully bringing government closer to the people that it serves through our single window service centres and through Cabinet open houses in every region.

We are also doing significant work to address the issue of climate change and the high cost of energy in the Northwest Territories. In addition to completing renewable energy projects in six communities, we have also been working to outline our government's long-term approach to energy and plans for addressing climate change. Early next year, we expect to table a new energy strategy and a climate change strategic framework, both informed by extensive public engagement. We continue to invest in jobs and the economy, Mr. Chair, particularly through infrastructure investments to support further economic development and diversification. This includes the $20-million Canyon Creek Road in the Sahtu, the Tlicho all-season road, and work to increase access to the Slave Geological Province, and completing the Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Next month, Members will have the opportunity to be part of the opening of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway. The Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway will bring new opportunities to the people of Tuktoyaktuk and complete a decades-old vision of connecting Canada by road from sea to sea to sea. We recognize that diversification is critical to the sustainable economic future of our territory and continue to work to expand economic opportunities in all regions and communities. Just one example: our efforts, including trade missions to China, have significantly grown aurora tourism and helped make tourism one of the fastest growing renewable sectors of the economy.

Finally, Mr. Chair, creating certainty around Aboriginal rights and land ownership in the territory would be a major accomplishment for us, and we continue to make progress in all regions. Most significantly, our government was able to make innovative new offers to the Akaitcho and Northwest Territories Metis Nation earlier this year, and I am hopeful that deals are very close. We also continue to pursue negotiations with the Dehcho First Nations, and I remain hopeful that we can find a path forward there.

Mr. Chair, when Members voted unanimously to adopt the first ever mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories in March 2016, we all made approximately 200 commitments to the people of the Northwest Territories that we said we would complete during our four-year term. Nearly halfway through, we have made progress in all areas of our mandate. We have completed 53 commitments, and another 145 are in progress. Only two of our 200 commitments are in the planning stages. I am pleased with that progress, Mr. Chair, and confident that our record speaks for itself.

I am also pleased with the work that my Cabinet colleagues have done during the first half of our term. We have a good team that combines the unique strengths of each individual to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. I look forward to working with them under whatever circumstances Members decide on today.

I do recognize, though, that we cannot rest on our achievements or lose our focus. I also know that there is always an opportunity to do better. Today's mid-term performance and mandate progress review is an important opportunity to check our progress and recalibrate our efforts for the remaining two years of our term. Mr. Chair, we all share responsibility for the achievements and accomplishments of this government. Every Member has a role to play and can take credit for what we have done.

I look forward to hearing from Members today about how they think we have been doing and which areas need a renewed focus. On behalf of Cabinet and myself, I thank Members for their support and contributions to date, and should Members express confidence in my leadership and Cabinet's performance, we will continue to work with you to create the strong, healthy, and prosperous Northwest Territories our residents expect and deserve. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Premier's Statement
Premier's Statement

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Premier McLeod. We will now proceed to statements by Ministers. I remind the Ministers that they will have up to five minutes to deliver their statements on his or her leadership and performance. We will begin with Minister Glen Abernethy. Minister Abernethy, you may proceed with your statement.

Minister Abernethy's Statement
Ministers' Statements

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the opportunity to stand up today and reflect on what we have achieved together over the past two years. The government's mandate provided an ambitious road map, but I believe that we have made substantial process in a number of areas that are priorities not only for this Assembly, but for residents of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Chair, I have travelled throughout the Northwest Territories, I have met with community leaders and stakeholders, I have listened to the concerns of representatives in this House, and it is clear that concerns about the impacts of mental health and addictions on our community is a priority for all.

Last fall, the Department of Health and Social Services completed a Mental Health and Addictions Strategic Framework that sets the stage for enhancing the range of programs and services that are available to our residents. Last week, I tabled the first of three action plans to be completed under this framework. The Child and Youth Mental Wellness Action Plan outlines concrete achievable actions that will take over the next five years in partnership with government departments as well as external stakeholders. These actions will make a real difference in the lives of youth across the Northwest Territories.

Another priority in the government's mandate speaks to taking action so that seniors can age in their communities. Mr. Chair, we have delivered on this priority. We completed a major long-term care review that identified key areas for action. Our Continuing Care Services Action Plan outlines how we will enhance and improve services available for elders, including expanding homecare services and vibrant day programs. New investments in homecare have allowed us to expand services in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Hay River, and, for the first time, offer homecare services in five Dehcho communities, but we also need to take care of elders who are no longer able to live independently.

The government has rolled out a detailed plan to address the projected shortfall of 250 long-term care beds over the next ten years, and their funding is included in the capital plan to make good on that commitment. In the next three years, we will see an 18-long-term-care-bed facility open in Norman Wells, a 48-bed facility constructed in Hay River, a 72-bed facility within the old Stanton Hospital in Yellowknife, and plans underway for facilities in Inuvik, as well as Fort Simpson.

Mr. Chair, just over one year ago, we achieved a major milestone with the establishment of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority. Integrating six existing authorities has allowed us to implement improvements to care and services delivered to people across the entire Northwest Territories. We have already made significant progress in establishing consistent standards of care across the Northwest Territories. We have improved our ability to deploy staff in situations of physician shortages, as well as community crisis response.

We have seen how implementation of territorial electronic medical records is helping to ensure that patients no longer fall through the cracks and are no longer required to keep telling their stories over again as they move between regions. With the establishment of the new regional wellness councils and the Health and Social Services Leadership Council, regions now have a voice at the territorial level and can bring their issues and concerns forward in ways that they could not in the old system.

Mr. Chair, we have made great strides in addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure. Hay River and surrounding communities are now benefiting from a state-of-the-art regional health centre, the new health centre in Fort Providence opened last year, and we are poised to move into the new health centre in Fort Resolution. The new Stanton Territorial Hospital project is on time and on budget and will serve residents from across the Northwest Territories and the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut.

Finally, Mr. Chair, I am incredibly proud of the work that has been done in the health and social services system to respond to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and to address disparities of health outcomes for Indigenous people. Our commitment to building a culturally respectful health and social services system is being realized through the rollout of cultural safety training for frontline workers. We are in the early stages of piloting elders-in-residence programs at Stanton Territorial Hospital and in the Sahtu and the Dehcho regions. We are working with the Deline Got'ine government to implement a traditional healing project.

Mr. Chair, none of this work is accomplished by working in isolation. As a Minister, I have invested a tremendous amount of time and effort in reaching out to communities and stakeholders. I value the knowledge and wisdom of the people in our communities. I value the partnerships we have created with our government departments, our Indigenous governments, and with non-government organizations. I value the perspectives of my colleagues in this House, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you and your contributions to improving health and social services for all residents of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Minister Abernethy's Statement
Ministers' Statements

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Minister Abernethy. We will now hear from Minister Caroline Cochrane. Minister Cochrane, you may proceed with your statement.

Minister Cochrane's Statement
Ministers' Statements

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, almost two years ago, I stood in front of my colleagues and explained why I felt that I would be an appropriate choice to become one of seven Ministers for the 18th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. I was honoured and humbled with the vote of confidence shown to me at the beginning of this Legislative Assembly, and not once have I forgotten the responsibility I carry for the residents of the Northwest Territories.

We've all worked hard towards achieving the mandate commitments, and I appreciate the endeavours of my colleagues from both sides of this House, as well as the amazing dedication of my personal staff, department heads, employees on the ground, and those behind the scenes. In regards to gender equity, we have made some progress. As of January 2017, gender equity on NWT public boards and agencies reached 50 per cent. We also completed two women in leadership workshops and are reviewing the feedback to develop a made-in-the-North curriculum that will equip women for a broad range of leadership roles.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has enhanced its support to community and Indigenous governments through online courses and training designed specifically for Indigenous governments. As well, we have modified the accountability framework tool and the asset management framework to better assist in capital planning and identifying training needs. We continue to provide a host of supports to encourage wellness through physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and community leadership. Evaluations have been completed on some of the youth programs to ensure that we are providing services that meet their needs.

Mr. Chair, I have held high expectations of all of my team, and I am exceptionally proud of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. The corporation has expanded community property management services to provide better service and increase jobs in communities. We are addressing homelessness through support of the City of Yellowknife's Housing First project, building semi-independent units, and constructing shelters in three other communities. We have also constructed more seniors' units, and provided information seminars to assist seniors to age in place.

The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has made a significant shift in direction. Over the last two years, I have watched the transformation of programs, policies, and even employees as we move beyond simply providing housing supports to a place of supporting people to obtain, maintain, and retain their homes. Mr. Chair, all the work that we have done has been in a spirit of transparency, accountability, and collaboration. MLAs provided direction through the mandate, and we have worked with community and Aboriginal governments, stakeholders, and residents to help shape our approaches and meet the needs of residents. Almost 1500 replies to the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation's survey have provided the background for policy and program enhancements.

We have built solid relationships with provincial and territorial counterparts, and federal Ministers. These partnerships have resulted in funding specifically dedicated to addressing the needs of the Northwest Territories, and I am confident that we will see even more long-term federal investment. Mr. Chair, I have taken the mandate of this Legislative Assembly seriously, and my team has worked hard to live up to the expectations placed on us. Our successes are the result of a commitment to work together with partners, stakeholders, and residents. I look forward to continuing to work with these amazing people as we all strive to provide the best services for the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Minister Cochrane's Statement
Ministers' Statements

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Minister Cochrane. We will now hear from Minister Robert C. McLeod. Minister McLeod, you may proceed with your statement.

Minister Mcleod's Statement
Ministers' Statements

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, when I put my name forward for consideration as Minister at the start of the 18th Legislative Assembly, I outlined the key qualities that I possess and would carry with me during my term as Minister. I am confident that I have approached my work as Minister as I said I would.

I treat people with respect and maintain an open and transparent relationship with MLAs, Ministers, committees, Aboriginal governments, federal Minister, and non-government organizations. I am straightforward and honest. I believe in fairness and the equitable application of government policies and programs and remain committed to ensuring identified policy gaps are addressed in a timely manner. I believe in the committee process. It adds value to the work we do, and ensures input from all MLAs are considered. My commitment remains true and I will continue working with these principles. Mr. Chair, I would like to proceed with highlighting some of the key deliverables from my respective portfolios.

As Minister of Finance, my main responsibility is to ensure the financial resources of this government are well-managed. When we began the 18th Legislative Assembly, we had some significant financial challenges. We had to make difficult choices, including implementing reductions and revenue initiatives, and managing our growing expenditure needs. These actions were necessary first steps to better align our expenditures with revenues, and together we have begun to correct our course. Mr. Chair, one of the major initiatives for the Department of Finance has been the Mackenzie Valley fibre link. The completion of this project is evidence of the 18th Legislative Assembly's commitment to strategic investment, diversification, and modernization towards a high-tech future.

The fibre link brings affordable, high-speed, telecommunications to communities along the Mackenzie Valley and enables our government to offer improved service delivery. The completion of the fibre link not only builds on the GNWT's mandate commitment to help modernize the economy and enable growth in all sectors, but also positions Inuvik to be one of the leading sites for tracking and receiving real-time data from polar-orbiting satellites which should lead to further growth of the remote-sensing and commercial satellite industry.

Mr. Chair, early in the 18th Legislative Assembly, we fulfilled the commitment to increase the Northern Residents Deductions. I was pleased the federal government agreed to this increase and will help offset the high cost of living in the NWT, and we will continue to raise the issue at every opportunity. Challenges for the Department of Finance include the renewal of our Territorial Formula Financing arrangements, implementation of carbon pricing, and taxation and issues associated with the legalization of cannabis. I am confident that in my role as Minister of Finance that I have made strides in advancing our issues at the federal level and will continue to do so.

Mr. Chair, as you know, the 2016-2020 Water Stewardship Strategy Action Plan has been finalized, and I have tabled the first progress report. As per the action plan, the department of Environment and Natural Resources has released mixing zone guidelines in cooperation with the land and water boards. The department has also finalized, or is working towards finalizing, transboundary agreements with Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Saskatchewan, and Nunavut. As part of the overall strategy, the department also continues work to update and modernize the Waters Act. In addition to this piece of legislation, the department is updating the Environmental Protection Act, the Environmental Rights Act, the Forest Management Act, and proposing new legislation for protected areas. This demonstrates GNWT leadership on land and water resource management since devolution.

Mr. Chair, ENR has also been developing an NWT climate change strategic framework. Together with Infrastructure, we have held six regional engagement workshops on climate change and energy, and have made those reports available to the public. That input combined with the recommendations of the OAG audit will inform the final framework document scheduled for tabling in February 2018. As Minister, I remain committed to an open, transparent, fair, and straightforward relationship with this House. I encourage and welcome your input and assistance in making the hard decisions that face all of us in advancing the mandate priorities of this Assembly for the people of the Northwest Territories.

Minister Mcleod's Statement
Ministers' Statements

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Minister McLeod. We will now hear from Minister Alfred Moses. Minister Moses, please proceed with your statement.

Minister Moses' Statement
Ministers' Statements

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I am pleased to report on our achievements in Education, Culture and Employment during the first half of the 18th Legislative Assembly. Mr. Chair, as Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, and as Minister responsible for Youth, I am especially proud of the work we accomplished as a result of the Right from the Start Early Childhood Development Framework.

We have increased operating subsidy rates to create more affordable childcare spaces, we eased the burden on operators by offering simplified licensing and funding application processes, and we have made changes to allow for multi-year agreements.

The passing of Bill 16 established junior kindergarten for four-year-olds in 33 communities in the Northwest Territories. This is something that we all can be proud of. I have visited children in junior kindergarten classrooms around the Northwest Territories and their energy and enthusiasm give me great hope for the future. Because of our actions, children in the Northwest Territories are getting a better start to their educational journey. In high schools, I want to make sure that all students have the opportunity to learn and excel in a multitude of subjects.

Distance learning continues to bridge the gap by offering programs that were previously not available in rural and remote communities. I am excited to keep expanding this innovative program. While the factors that influence student outcomes are complex, there is strong evidence to show that giving teachers more time to prepare, assess, collaborate, and professionally develop their teaching practice is critically important. Bill 16 gives teachers this flexibility through the Strengthening Teacher Instructional Practices initiative. Our partnerships with the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association and the Northwest Territories Superintendents Association were significant in reaching this milestone.

Mr. Chair, we must ensure our residents have the skills and training they need to enter the workforce.

The Skills 4 Success 10-Year Strategic Framework aims to improve employment success for all Northerners. We have already completed many key actions including releasing and implementing the Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupational Certification Strategy. This plan details how training, apprenticeship, and certification opportunities will be improved in skilled trades and industrial occupations across the Northwest Territories. Another part of our actions under Skills 4 Success is working with Aurora College on their renewed strategic plan. Currently the strategic plan has been put aside to allow for other informing work to be concluded. This will make the outcome stronger and enable Northerners to benefit from college programming offered in response to labour market needs.

To fulfil our mandate to increase immigration to the Northwest Territories, the Government of the Northwest Territories has launched a marketing campaign promoting the Northwest Territories Nominee Program. The launch of the ImmigrateNWT website was the first action to increase the number of immigrants working and investing here. I am pleased to report that Education, Culture and Employment's target to increase the number of approved applications by 25 per cent each year has been fully achieved. As well, Education, Culture and Employment and Industry, Tourism and Investment released the first ever Northwest Territories' Immigration Strategy. This strategy supports population growth and addresses labour market gaps and skills shortages, while safeguarding employment for our northern residents.

Mr. Chair, language is the foundation of our culture and heritage, and it expresses the uniqueness of who we are as Northerners. Negotiation with the federal government to provide additional money for official languages has been successful. We received a substantial increase: we now receive $19.6 million for Indigenous languages and almost $22.5 million for French through the unprecedented multi-year agreement.

The updated Aboriginal Languages Framework: A Shared Responsibility was tabled in May. This work would not have been possible without the support and expertise from language communities and Indigenous governments.

Mr. Chair, as Minister, I have worked hard with all our partners. I am proud of our achievements to date and certain that with the guidance of Members we will meet our remaining mandate responsibilities by the end of the 18th Legislative Assembly.

Mahsi cho. Quyanainni. Merci beaucoup. Thank you.

Minister Moses' Statement
Ministers' Statements

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Minister Moses. We will now hear from Minister Wally Schumann. Minister Schumann, please proceed with your statement.

Minister Schumann's Statement
Ministers' Statements

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Departments of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Infrastructure play an important role in delivering our mandate to advance economic growth in the Northwest Territories and reduce the cost of living for our people. Natural resources are the foundation of our economy. In the first two years of our mandate, we have invested approximately $3.4 million under the Mineral Development Strategy to support ongoing geoscience, marketing, Aboriginal capacity building, and the Mining Incentive Program. Our NWT Geological Survey continues to enhance publicly available geoscience, some of which has contributed to the most staking we have seen in years. Mr. Chair, we have completed community engagement sessions of our territory's first Mineral Resources Act and we are on track to ensure the unique needs of our territory are reflected in the legislation before this Legislative Assembly dissolves.

Mr. Chair, we have also made significant progress on an important priority of all MLAs: economic diversification. By supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, and business associations across the NWT with improved programs and services, as well as generous grants and contributions, we are growing areas of our economy to create better opportunities for residents to succeed. We committed to improving our tourism and parks facilities, Mr. Chair. We invested nearly $7 million to grow the capacity within the sector. Our investments have been reflected in the best-ever year for the NWT tourism sector, now worth more than $200 million to our economy. Mr. Chair, we released an Agriculture Strategy in March to encourage local food production and commercial capacity. It gives us the foundation to guide the expansion and growth of the business of food in our territory and over time will help address the cost of living, improve food security, foster healthy families, and enhance capacity-building programs for our youth.

We have also introduced a strategy to revitalize the Great Slave Lake commercial fishery, backing our commitments with funding to build a new fish processing plant in Hay River and plans for a collection point in Yellowknife. We have committed to growing a profile of NWT art at home and abroad. Our revamped NWT Arts website is delivering on this commitment by connecting the world to the NWT-made art.

Mr. Chair, with my Infrastructure portfolio, we have achieved progress on our mandate in the first half of this government that will benefit residents across the Northwest Territories. All Members agree that we need to address the cost of living and we have made strides in reducing energy costs and transitioning the territory to alternative energy production. Mr. Chair, we committed to a comprehensive public engagement on energy and climate change. That informed the development of the draft Energy Strategy. It sets out the long-term vision for energy security in the territory. We have supported alternative energy projects in communities here and now, with two solar installations completed in Inuvik as well as one in Aklavik. Biomass systems were installed in several GNWT facilities and a combined heat and power pilot project is under way in Fort Simpson. A feasibility study looking at building liquefied natural gas storage for power generation in Tuktoyaktuk was completed. Mr. Chair, access to secure, affordable, environmentally sustainable sources of energy is essential to the prosperity of the Northwest Territories and we've continued to work to find markets for the Taltson Hydro Expansion.

We have also made significant process in expanding the transportation system. Construction of the Canyon Creek all-season access road has commenced, creating employment for Sahtu residents while providing access to traditional lands for recreation, tourism, and business development. Mr. Chair, conditional approval of the Tlicho All-Season Road has also been received. The project will provide all-weather access to Whati, while improving winter access to Gameti and Wekweeti. Most recently, expressions of interest for the Slave Geological Province Corridor and the Mackenzie Valley Highway were submitted under the National Trade Corridors Fund. These transformative projects will help create jobs and business opportunities, while increasing access to our territory's extraordinary natural resource potential.

Mr. Chair, I believe in working together. Of the 38 commitments I am responsible for, seven commitments were completed, while the remaining 31 are at varying levels of progress. Mr. Chair, this work would not be possible without the support of Regular Members and their respective standing committees. Our success is not measured on one individual, but on the collective efforts of both sides of this House and the commitment of dedication of public servants to improve the lives of residents and ensure they have the ability to find success in their lives. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Minister Schumann's Statement
Ministers' Statements

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Minister Schumann. We will now hear from Minister Lou Sebert. Minister Sebert, please proceed with your statement.

Minister Sebert's Statement
Ministers' Statements

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I was asked to improve access to justice for residents of the Northwest Territories. I am proud to say that through innovative action and the support of this Assembly, we have made progress in this area. We have expanded the Outreach Legal Aid Clinic allowing residents access to free confidential legal advice for up to three hours on any single legal issue. This expansion makes it possible to offer more in-person clinics in our communities. We have also expanded the Mediation and Parenting after Separation and Divorce programs. Our mandate also set goals for supporting the RCMP and our communities in developing policing action plans. We now have plans in place that reflect local community safety priorities for every community in the Northwest Territories. I am keenly aware that the relationship between community, RCMP, and our government is of critical importance to how we keep citizens safe. I have worked hard to maintain an open and collaborative relationship with the new commanding officer of "G" Division.

Our mandate also set out goals to strengthen initiatives to address the crisis of family violence, including the continuation of A New Day program. Transitioning A New Day program from a pilot project to a long-term program was not without challenges. Of utmost importance to me was ensuring that the program was flexible to meet the needs of participants, provide greater opportunity for success, and be sustainable for the future. The changes made improved the program. The transition to the new service provider has been smooth and all supports are in place, including well-qualified, culturally competent, and experienced facilitators.

I want to acknowledge Members' support of this program. The objective of having the best programs available to prevent and reduce family violence is one we all share. I also want to acknowledge the role that Members have played in supporting our extensive engagement program with the public and stakeholders on cannabis legalization. We want to make sure that we understand the views of Northerners and I look forward to discussing what we heard with committee in the near future.

As Minister of Lands, I continue to work with the Premier on a number of land issues with the federal government. Together we have shared our concerns about participant funding and reducing regulatory duplication in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, as well as on proposed changes to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. In March, I tabled the Recreational Leasing Management Framework. We are hard at work on implementing the framework's action items and are working towards fulfilling this mandate commitment. Over the summer, we also engaged with Aboriginal governments, stakeholders, and the public on the review of the Commissioner's and Northwest Territories Lands Acts. Work is also underway on developing a Yellowknife Periphery Area Management Plan. Our Aboriginal engagement process has started, and we hope to have a draft of the plan ready for public review in early 2018. This plan will provide direction and guidance on how to manage recreational lands outside and around Yellowknife, Ndilo, and Detah. Mr. Chair, I have heard the concerns of residents and Members on issues of land ownership, and I have made it a priority to seek out solutions. I have given clear direction to the department to return with options on how to resolve issues with equity leases, and I look forward to discussing these with committee in the coming year.

Finally Mr. Chair, open and transparent government has been a top priority of our government, and I was happy to take a leadership role in helping bring forward an open government policy, ombudsman legislation, and changes to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. As lead Minister for open government, I visited every constituency in the Northwest Territories and personally hosted 16 open houses in 14 communities. True democracy involves working with citizens and stakeholders, not just for them, and this progress will lead to a more engaged and involved public to ultimately support and enable the development of better policies, decisions, programs, and services. Mr. Chair, I look forward to working with all Members of this Assembly to advance all of our priorities.

Minister Sebert's Statement
Ministers' Statements

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Masi, Minister Sebert. That concludes the statements from the Premier, Ministers on their leadership and performance, as well as collective leadership and performance of Cabinet. At this time, I would like to recognize former Members: Mr. Anthony W.J. Whitford, former Commissioner, former Speaker, former Minister, Sergeant-at-Arms, honourary clerk at the table, and also with us our former Member Wendy Bisaro, 16th and 17th Assembly Member. Welcome. Members, just being mindful of interpreters: obviously, they will need a break from this. The chair is going to call for a short recess, and we will be back ten after 10:00. Masi.

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Minister Sebert's Statement
Ministers' Statements

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Members, we just went through the statements from the Premier and Ministers. We will now proceed to Members' questions to Ministers. Members' questions to Ministers. I remind everybody that each Member is permitted to ask up to two questions to each Minister, no longer than two minutes each. Responses by the Ministers must not be longer than two minutes as well. We'll proceed. Are there any questions? Member Green.

Ms. Green's Question
Members' Questions for Ministers

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, my question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Earlier this year, the GNWT signed a new healthcare funding arrangement with Ottawa. It offers less money, even with the special allocations for specific purposes such as homecare, at a time when the cost of providing healthcare and the demand for service is growing. My question for the Minister is: what is your assessment of this gap, and how are you going to close it? Mahsi.

Ms. Green's Question
Members' Questions for Ministers

The Chair

The Chair Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister Abernethy.

Ms. Green's Question
Members' Questions for Ministers

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The money that we are getting from the federal government, when you look at the Canada Health Transfer and the new monies for the individual pots, is less than we would have received if they had maintained it at a six per cent growth rate for CHT. This is certainly a challenge, but we are working on a number of mandate items within this government. We are looking at seeking additional resources for many of the activities that we are undertaking, things like homecare, things like midwifery services, and things like community counsellors in communities throughout the Northwest Territories. We continue to work with the federal government to try and get a better understanding of how we can utilize these funds, but clearly it is a challenge. Many of these funds are what are often referred to as boutique funding because they have a real short time period. They start one day and they end a number of years later. We are going to use these dollars to help actually build some capacity within the system, training and putting in new programs that we can use those dollars to help design, to make real changes for people in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chair.