The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Good afternoon, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod.

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, in a little more than two weeks, the Government and Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories will be taking on new responsibilities for public lands, water and resources. For the first time, Northerners will be able to pass laws and make their own decisions about how our environment is managed and protected and our resources are developed. As we have acknowledged many times in this House, this is an historic occasion in the ongoing evolution of this territory.

We sometimes forget, Mr. Speaker, that history does not just happen, history is made. As we open an important new chapter in the history of the Northwest Territories, I would like to recognize the many hardworking public servants who have made that possible, and so made themselves a part of the story of our territory. We would not be where we are today without the commitment, dedication and efforts of these employees who have spent many years, in some cases, advancing the cause of devolution.

Today we are joined by many of those employees in the visitors gallery, and on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I want to thank you all.

---Applause

We have been well served by your efforts and your commitment to our future.

In addition to core staff, many other employees in departments have supported devolution implementation work, and my thanks goes out to them as well. It has truly been a team effort and

one where each person has played a critical role in achieving our overall goal.

Many Government of the Northwest Territories employees not directly involved in devolution implementation planning have also played an important role by supporting their colleagues who were more closely involved. They have kept the home fires burning, Mr. Speaker, and we are appreciative of their commitment as well.

Almost a year ago, we set up, with our devolution partners, 14 working groups to guide the work necessary to bring devolution to the Northwest Territories. Those working groups included 85 Government of the Northwest Territories staff, working either full time or part time on this project.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has never undertaken a project of this magnitude. It has only been achieved because of outstanding leadership, great dedication and a lot of determination. The success of our implementation planning speaks to our ability as a jurisdiction overall to manage our own affairs, to be responsible decision-makers and to serve the people of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the hard work of devolution negotiations is behind us, the hard work of implementation planning is almost behind us as well. What is in front of us, Mr. Speaker, is the future, a prosperous future, and we have our dedicated employees to thank for that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. Beaulieu.

Tom Beaulieu Minister of Transportation

Mr. Speaker, in early January 2014, the construction of the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk highway was officially started.

This is an important first step to realizing the long-term goal of an all-weather road through the Mackenzie Valley. This is the largest and one of the most challenging infrastructure developments ever undertaken by the Government of the Northwest Territories. It is a strategic infrastructure investment

that will strengthen and diversify our economy and is a priority of the 17th Legislative Assembly.

The project will improve the quality of life for community residents by providing enhanced economic and social opportunities, enabling economic development and strengthening our country’s claim to Arctic sovereignty.

Mr. Speaker, the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk highway will be built on an alluvial deposit that is ice-rich with continuous permafrost, a terrain no other highway in the world has been constructed over. The design and planning has been undertaken by a team of experts, including world-renowned engineers and permafrost scientists. The nature of the project presents risks that are a challenge to manage. The department has taken the steps necessary to ensure the project is delivered in a manner that addresses the concerns, expectations and requirements of all parties involved.

Mr. Speaker, we have made significant progress. The department has obtained all required permits and authorizations, completed land and royalty negotiations, entered into the federal funding agreement and finalized the project design. We have done additional work on project risks, project management structure and communications, including the launch of a dedicated website to keep the public updated.

Mr. Speaker, steps have been taken to ensure the project can be delivered within the available budget of $299 million. The new highway has been procured within a single design-build contract. This has brought unit prices down and ensures appropriate risk-sharing related to the design.

In addition, EGT Northwind, the project company, has demonstrated its commitment to maximizing local involvement by engaging businesses or employing residents from all regions of the NWT. Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that up to 600 people will be employed during the peak of the highway construction.

The contractor has already trained 38 individuals on different types of equipment using a simulator. Two additional driver-training classes are planned for the near future. Already, five graduates of a Class 1 driver licence with air brakes training program completed in Inuvik in November have received employment offers. In addition, a training program for wildlife monitors was delivered recently in Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk and Aklavik.

Mr. Speaker, we are excited to have officially launched the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway Project after investing a substantial amount of time and planning effort to bring the project to this important, defining moment in northern history. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. R.C. McLeod.

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the athletes, coaches, cultural delegates and mission staff who will be representing the Northwest Territories at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks later this month.

This year, Team NWT will include 365 participants representing over half of NWT communities competing in 19 different sports and the Games’ cultural program.

The Arctic Winter Games are the largest and most important multisport cultural event held in the circumpolar North. There are nearly 2,000 athletes, cultural performers and community volunteers from nine contingents representing seven countries in the Games.

The Arctic Winter Games are successful because they include a program that combines athletic competition, cultural exchange and social interaction among circumpolar participants.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is extremely proud to support our team at the Arctic Winter Games through direct financial sponsorship and a range of other programs that support athlete, coach and officials’ development at the local, regional, territorial and national levels.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize the many volunteers who help Team NWT, including the Sport North Federation and all of the territorial sport organizations who select and manage the team. Their contributions are significant and play an important part in promoting healthy lifestyles and vibrant communities in the Northwest Territories.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize some important volunteers and local government members from Inuvik, Hay River and Fort Smith who will be at the 2014 Games in Fairbanks preparing for their opportunity to bid on the 2018 Games being held in the NWT. This will be the first time in 40 years that one of our communities outside Yellowknife has hosted the Arctic Winter Games.

I know that the bidding process will be competitive and that all three communities have significant benefits to offer the games. Our best wishes go out to all of them. The Arctic Winter Games International Committee will announce the successful bid next year.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our athletes, coaches, volunteers and cultural delegates a fun and rewarding experience at the Arctic Winter Games. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny.

Daryl Dolynny Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This month we celebrate Aboriginal languages. Last year I had the pleasure of addressing the House in the Tlicho language. This year, Mr. Speaker, it will be my honour to pay tribute to the South Slavey language.

[English translation not provided]

---Applause

Thanks. There’s more.

---Laughter

[English translation not provided]

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to thank my teacher, who is also a translator here for the House, for helping me. That’s Mr. Jim Hope. Mr. Hope, mahsi.

Once again, a big thank you to the South Slavey culture for letting me share their language today. It was an honour and a lot of fun. Thank you very much.

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did not come here today with a prepared text, so I hope that I will do this justice in the company of these folks who have been so helpful and so instrumental on the devolution file. I also wanted to pay tribute to our government. I’ve said it in the House a few times before, so forgive me if I’m repetitive.

I have served under the leadership of six Premiers in my almost 20 years in this Legislature. Prior to even being elected to this House, I think I was involved in every constitutional and devolution commission and committee that there was out there that tried to solicit the input of people. I will never forget the frustration as I often walked away from those meetings going, how are we going to get there? How are we going to reach our aspirations for devolution in this territory?

There are so many diverse groups, diverse regions, diverse stages of political development, settled claims, unsettled claims, very prominent governments that we associate with as Aboriginal

governments all very established with aspirations of their own in their own right.

Floyd Roland, Premier Floyd Roland at the time, with some criticism got the ball rolling. Behind him as our Government Leader came Premier Bob McLeod. I didn’t know Premier McLeod very well at the time. I often say he is the most understated overachiever that I have ever met, because when you talk to him and you meet him, you’re not going to get the full picture at first blush.

But, Mr. Speaker, we have accomplished a good thing here with the help of the folks who have been recognized here in our visitors gallery today. I would like to take this opportunity for all the Cabinet Ministers who have had a hand in this during this 17th Assembly and for the right combination of

leadership that we found in the Premier we have now. He spoke the language of the bureaucracy, he knew that well from his many, many years of public service in our government, but he also spoke the language of the elected leaders, whether it be from the Prime Minister’s office to the Aboriginal leaders.

The work is not all done, it’s maybe not perfect, but it’s a tremendous accomplishment and I want to take this opportunity today to thank the Cabinet and the leadership in that Cabinet, Premier Bob McLeod. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During the week of March 15th to the 22nd , athletes, coaches,

volunteers, youth ambassadors, cultural delegates, territorial officials and leaders as well as parents from throughout the Northwest Territories will embark on the city of Fairbanks, Alaska, and participate in the 2014 Arctic Winter Games.

The Arctic Winter Games is a high profile circumpolar sport competition for northern and Arctic athletes. The Games provide an opportunity to strengthen sports development in the participants’ jurisdictions, to promote the benefits of sport, to build partnerships and promote culture and values. The Games provide an opportunity for developing athletes to celebrate sport and compete in friendly competition while sharing cultural values from northern regions around the world, and continue to be a positive influence for athletes, their families and the communities from which they come.

The goals of the Arctic Winter Games are the spirit of fair play, competition, inclusion and development. They also enhance self-esteem and promote growth and personal outlooks, promote socialization and cultural awareness, promote

positive experiences and personal benefits. They provide health and social opportunities and promote a sense of belonging and strengthen community ties.

At this time I would like to take the opportunity to wish all athletes and coaches the best of luck. Your hard work, long practices, commitment and dedication will be put to the test at the highest level from regions in the circumpolar world.

To all who are attending, I am confident that you will be excellent ambassadors and represent the Northwest Territories very well. I encourage you to try your best in your sport, but most of all, have fun.

As a past athlete and mission staff, I’d like to also thank the Sport North staff and their volunteers, and to all those that are travelling, safe travels. Along with Minister McLeod I would also like to say, Go Team NWT! Thank you.

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses. The Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.