Please let me begin by welcoming everyone to the opening of the Second Session of the 18th Legislative Assembly. I would like to thank the choir, Falcon Voices, from Ecole Sir John Franklin High School for your beautiful rendition of our national anthem. I'd just like to say thank you to the Elder for the wise words, and also for the prayer of the day. I extend a special welcome back to the Chamber, my colleagues. I know it has been a busy time since our election. You have spent many hours together working on the mandate which will guide the 18th Assembly. I sense your energy and resolve as you work together on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories. I look forward to working with each and every one of you for the next four years.

On a sadder note, colleagues, I wish to join with the voices of many, many other Northerners in sending the condolences of this House to the family of the late Stuart Hodgson. Mr. Hodgson served as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories from 1967 to 1979. He will always be remembered for the special connections that he had to the North and will always be an integral part of our history. I invite everyone to join me tomorrow, Friday, February 19 at 3:00 p.m. in the Great Hall, for a memorial service to honour the remarkable life of Stuart Hodgson. Mr. Hodgson’s son, Eugene, and grandson, Evan, will be in attendance as well. A reception will follow.

Before we begin today, colleagues, I wish to assure you that there will always be room in the Chamber for lively debate, for differences of opinion, and for thoughtful comments and questions. This is all part of informed and careful decision-making. However, I trust you will carry out this work always conscious of the dignity and decorum of the institution we all serve. Mahsi, colleagues. Orders of the day. Item 3, Ministers’ statements. Item 4, Members’ statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Marsi cho. [English translation not provided.] Mr. Speaker, today I would like to send my deepest condolences to the King-Boucher family of the late Henry King, who sadly passed away January 20, 2016. He was born on the Rat River on August 28, 1925. Henry was one of 13 children who drew up on the Taltson River and eventually moved to Fort Resolution. Henry was a very dependable man who worked to provide for his family. He used a traditional lifestyle of hunting and trapping as a means of survival, and he was a very wise and humble man. He may have lived a hard life, but he did it with a smile on his face. Henry is survived by his sister, Vitaline Lafferty from Ndilo, and his children Emelda, Dora, Freddy, Ronald, Nancy, Catherine, Maurice, Paul, Laura, Kenneth, Kevin, and Suzanne. Mr. King has 45 grandchildren, 81 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Also from Lutselk’e today I would like to send my condolences to the Michel-Catholic family of the late Mary Jane Michel. She passed away on January 25, 2016, at age 58. She was born in Lutselk’e on January 16, 1958. Mary Jane was a very kind-hearted lady who loved her family deeply and worked hard and lived a traditional lifestyle. She and her husband Antoine Michel lived off the land in a house they shared with family and friends in Lutselk’e. As a mother, grandmother, and wife, she dedicated her time to her family and taught in the traditional life style. She wanted to see her children and grandchildren succeed in life. Mary Jane is predeceased by her parents Judith and Pierre Catholic; sister, Marina; brothers Lawrence and Frankie. My condolences go out to Mary Jane's husband Antoine and daughters Delores and Laura; Jane's sons Henry, Jason, Jessie; her brothers Herman and Joseph; all of her grandchildren, friends, and family.

Today I would also like to send my deepest condolences to the family of the late Ann Biscaye. She passed away on February 7, 2016, at age 62. Ann was a hard-working woman and was well known through her translation duties. She shared her knowledge with anyone who wanted them. Ann was predeceased by her father, Paul Biscaye; daughter Sarah Ann; brothers, Louis, Noel, Edward, Joseph, Samuel, Raymond, and Fred John; her sisters, Mary, Mavis, and Georgina. My condolences go out to Ann's daughter, Gloria, Chief Balsillie’s wife; her grandchildren, Troy, Theresa, Kayden, Chase, Jeremy; mother, Theresa; sisters, Sabet Biscaye, Julia, Violet; and her partner Joseph Beaulieu; and all of her nieces and nephews. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back, Members. My statement today is in recognition of the Arctic Inspiration Prize. My colleagues and I were fortunate to hear a presentation on the important initiative, yesterday. I know the Premier and some of the MLAs were at a public reception here last evening. The Arctic Inspiration Prize is sometimes known as the Nobel of the North. It awards at least $1 million annually to northern teams with a knowledge-to-action plan in the areas of education, health, social and cultural issues, the environment, or the economy. The Arctic Inspiration Prize was founded in 2012 by philanthropist Arnold Witzig and his partner Sima Sharifi. They have made a gift of their own personal fortune in this unique initiative to benefit northern families and communities. You will recall, last year, the entire $1 million Arctic Inspiration Prize was awarded to the NWT-based group Fostering Open eXpression Among Youth, also known as FOXY. FOXY was founded by Candice Lys, of Fort Smith, and Nancy McNeill, of Yellowknife. FOXY uses drama, music, visual arts, public speaking, and games to help young women learn about sexual health, self-empowerment, positive life choices, and healthy relationships. Since 2012, FOXY workshops, in almost every NWT community, have reached hundreds of young women. Another 80 young women in FOXY's peer leader program develop leadership and networking skills and create community projects that benefit their home, communities, and earn them high school credits. FOXY is currently developing plans to include young men in its program and to reach more communities including in Nunavut and Yukon.

This year, another Northwest Territories group will participate in the Arctic Inspiration Prize. The tri-territorial training project, with NWT Parks and Recreation as one of the partners, was awarded $600,000 for their plan to support northern communities with a specialized community recreation leadership training program in remote communities across the three territories. Knowledge to action, unique and innovative ideas, developed by teams of Northerners to enhance and improve northern life. I would like to recognize and congratulate the members of the tri-territorial training project and wish them the best as they develop their program. I would like to congratulate all the leaders and participants of FOXY for their important work and wish them the best on their expansion. I would like to, of course, recognize and thank Arnold Witzig and Sima Sharifi for their broad vision and selfless contribution to a healthy environment, northern families and communities, through the establishment of the Arctic Inspiration Prize. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Members’ statements. Member for Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through conversation with other Members, I have come to realize the economic realities we’re facing in Hay River, the territory's second largest community, aren't well known outside of the town. Even though this Assembly is in its infancy, the decisions we make in the coming months will have both immediate and lasting effects. Because we need to make informed decisions, I want to provide all of my colleagues with some context regarding the fragile state of Hay River's economy. The economic downturn is evident all over the territory. However, there are certain communities that are more insulated from market forces because of a large government presence. For those places, the slow economy may be somewhat of an abstract idea. In Hay River, the downturn is palpable, and at the forefront of many residents' minds. Whether it is during the week or it is a Saturday night, there is a noticeable lack of people in stores and restaurants and nightclubs or out enjoying the nightlife, especially when compared with the bustle of somewhere like Yellowknife. There are multiple retailers and distributors that I have talked to that are fixtures in the communities whose sales are down 30 to 40 per cent from last year. I have lost track of how many businesses have closed down in the past few years and haven't been replaced. Major employers in town are scaling back hours, cutting shifts, and sending employees home early on a regular basis.

Every time I have come to Yellowknife since being elected, I have returned home to learn about more layoffs. I don't mean two or three layoffs, I mean ten jobs lost, 30 jobs lost, 40 jobs lost. We can't continue to absorb those kinds of numbers. I hate to say this, but a statement I hear more and more from residents is that Hay River is dying. I can assure everyone that Hay River is not dying. However, we are at a critical juncture, where our fortunes could swing either way based on the decisions made in this House. I am optimistic about the future of Hay River's economy. I see the potential. There are projects on the horizon that will do great things for the town. We are in the process of revitalizing the fishing sector and there are emerging sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture that hold great promise for the territory and Hay River.

I also see the entrepreneurial spirit shining through. Because of the lack of traditional business opportunities, entrepreneurs are exploring new and exciting opportunities. In order to capitalize on this potential, it is imperative that we invest in the community, keep people working, and get people working. The people of Hay River are not naive. We understand the fiscal reality and know that difficult decisions need to be made. However, I want to ensure that my colleagues recognize the fragile state of Hay River's economy and consider that when making decisions that will impact the town. I invite all my colleagues to discuss it further with me if they wish. I look forward to working with Cabinet and the Regular Members in the coming months that will develop a plan to benefit both Hay River and the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Members’ statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Mr. Speaker, It is no secret that governments across Canada are facing significant fiscal challenges with the current state of the economy. The Northwest Territories is no different with low commodity prices limiting our resource-driven economy and a shortfall of government revenue that challenges our government's ability to provide the services and programs that Northerners have come to rely on. Our economic reality is felt first and foremost by our people, especially those who have lost jobs or business opportunities as a result of this downturn.

Northerners are now looking to us as their elected leaders to provide a clear plan for our future with concrete commitments that will create jobs and prosperity. It is beholden on us, as leaders, to build confidence in our territory as the best place to live, work, and invest in the North and to deliver a plan that strengthens our economy and supports the needs of our people. Northerners need to hear less from this government on the challenges we face and more about the opportunities our government will create through new economic initiatives, infrastructure spending, and lowering the cost of living and doing business in the NWT.

The Government of Canada has made commitments that place high expectations on the Prime Minister's shoulders. Our government now optimistically looks to these commitments as a way to support the aspirations of our people: a 33 per cent increase in the Northern Residents Tax Deduction, a $40 million increase to Nutrition North, and billions in infrastructure dollars. These ambitious commitments create hope for our future and a concrete path forward for a stronger economy. I encourage our government to do the same. Let us show the leadership our people deserve and give Northerners an ambitious and optimistic plan for our future instead of the doom-and-gloom fiscal mantra that continues to create uncertainty in our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I was campaigning for the position I now hold, voters told me more about homelessness than any other issue. Their concern is for people who are visibly homeless. People who sleep in tents around this building, stairwells, bank foyers, and emergency shelters at night and who wander the streets by day. This is a group of people who need homes. There is some debate about how many people are homeless in Yellowknife today. The last time the emergency shelters publicly reported on the number of unique visitors they had, the number was 936. That was in 2008. This number included men, women, youth, and families. Most stayed in shelters for less than a month, but some stayed year-round.

What has changed in the last eight years? There is a new emergency shelter for youth, and there is transitional housing for women. Yet I believe, and frontline staff tell me, that the number of homeless people in Yellowknife continues to increase. They are all ages. They come from communities around the NWT. Some of them are homeless because of relationships that broke up, poverty, and bad luck, while others may also have addictions and mental health issues that make them hard to house.

This population draws huge emergency response resources from government. Ambulances pick them up and take them to hospital with alarming frequency. The RCMP pick them up for criminal activity, and they end up in court and sometimes in jail. This group is small relative to the whole population of the downtown, but they are disproportionate users of government services. This is a lose-lose situation. Homeless people remain without homes and stability. Government services are provided frequently and with no long-term benefit. It is a cycle that just repeats and repeats. There is a better way. Cities across the country have implemented a solution called Housing First. All the players come to the table: government, business, front-line staff, advocates, and even the homeless people themselves. Together, they create an organization that finds and manages housing units and then invites homeless people to live in them. This is the important part. Front-line staff provide a range of supports to people who are newly housed, including administering medications, troubleshooting problems as they come up, and mentoring people who need some additional skills to be successful as tenants. I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted.

Mahsi. This explanation as simplistic, but the solution is simple because it provides a direct response to a well-documented problem. The good news is that the community advisory board on homelessness in Yellowknife is developing a plan to implement Housing First. There is a group of dedicated people who want to make this program work. The challenge is that the money available for this program is inadequate for the number of clients who need it. I will have questions today for the Minister responsible for Housing about how the territorial government can assist in setting up Housing First in Yellowknife. It is time for the government to make an investment in ending homelessness so that healing can begin. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Members’ statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Tsiigehtchic is scheduled to receive two new public housing units. These units are much needed in the community as always. We are glad to see investments in adequate, affordable housing in our region. But community members are asking, where are these houses? There are only a couple of crates and blocking, and no one in the community has been offered a chance to work on these units. In recent years, the housing corporation has shifted away from stick-built homes to modular housing units that are constructed in the south and trucked or barged into our northern communities. Maybe there are some advantages to this. But in this situation, the modular units were built in Alberta, I believe, put on a truck, and sent towards Tsiigehtchic, only to turn back somewhere in B.C. The trailers were too wide to be allowed to go any farther. Now, my understanding is that the modular units will be barged into Tsiigehtchic later this year.

This mistake has delayed the project and has increased its overall costs significantly. It could have easily been avoided. It also raises some important questions. How much are we really saving? Trucking modular homes into communities may seem efficient, but is it always that much more cost effective than bringing in supplies, hiring local companies to build these houses, bringing in much-needed business to the region, and providing opportunities for local journeymen and apprentices? Are southern-built modular homes ready to withstand the harsh weather conditions in our remote communities? This recent issue causes concern that we are not making the most of our opportunities to bring business north or getting the best value for money, especially when we are paying to ship these units twice.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll have questions later for the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

Mahsi. Members’ statements. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, people in the gallery. Mr. Speaker, here today, I speak on the area of the Sahtu that I represent and the potential I think we can contribute to the economy. It’s been heard many a time since our working in this northern environment, in this building in particular, over the last nine weeks. I feel in my Member’s statement I can highlight some of the principles that the Sahtu region may contribute to the growing economy to create a kick-start to that area. In particular, I am glad that we have this wide-range of list of priorities which focuses on all departments affecting our region. We also realize that there is a high social problem in our area and limited resources and physical positions that we continue facing over the decision-making efforts of our four-year term. In doing so, we should recognize the principles of our priorities that would capitalize and inject towards the projects that are identified. I look forward to our diverse knowledge of experience of the leadership in this territorial government. I think, collaboratively, we can really make a positive difference within four years and look at our progress and measure it doing our midterm review. Later on in the day, I will have questions on a particular project, the famous Canol cleanup, for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Members’ statements. Member for Frame Lake.

[English translation not provided]. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the popularity and salute the success of a course promoting greater use and understanding of aboriginal language and culture here in Yellowknife. The six-week Wiiliideh language and culture course is delivered to about 15 students from classrooms in Detah and Ndilo. Wiiliideh language instructor par excellence Mary Rose Sundberg is the teacher. Now in its third year, the popularity of this course has grown to the point where organizers are getting about four times as many applications as there are seats available. Enrolment is open to all students, including government workers, business employees, and even Yellowknife's Dene First Nation citizens who want to learn more about their own culture and take part in a high-quality community event. The course was developed in collaboration with Arctic College instructor Hugh Moloney. Returning from a year in New Zealand with his family several years ago, Mr. Moloney was impressed with a course he witnessed there that went beyond mere language instruction to explore the roots of language and culture and traditions. The course was based on the concept that, through learning language, a student will be better equipped to understand the culture. A language course is far more than the words learned. It is a window into the landscapes, the experience, and the people who speak the language. Through the process of learning the language, students gain an appreciation of the culture and the ability to understand why people think and act the way they do. Language acquisition enables a learner to build new relationships and strengthen cross-cultural ties.

Judging by the popularity of this course, Yellowknife students are thirsty for cultural knowledge. So far, the course has been offered free of charge. While a similar course is available in Fort Smith, the course here has served to pilot the approach of cultural exploration as the basis of language instruction. We are seeing what has worked here, and we should build on this experience. I want to congratulate Mary Rose Sundberg who is a well-known Yellowknives Dene First Nation citizen and linguist for her work as the instructor for this course and Hugh Moloney who has helped deliver the course through Aurora College. I commend this course to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment for a possible development of similar offerings for other languages and regions. This government spends a lot of money and effort on promoting the preservation and growth of official languages and rightly so. The Wiiliideh language and cultural course is a model that is working. Let's invest in this initiative and not just to spread language use but to build bridges of cultural knowledge and understanding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Members’ statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to be back in the House as a Member of the18th Assembly. I am looking forward to working with both my new colleagues and returning Members over the next four years. As I have done in the past, I would like to update this House about some of the noteworthy activities taking place in my beautiful Deh Cho constituency. In December, municipal elections were held across NWT. I would like to congratulate the new Mayor of Enterprise Craig McMaster and the new Mayor of Fort Providence Sam Gargan, along with their new hamlet councils. Our number one job as a government is to make life better for the residents in our communities. With the right support and encouragement, every person can make a contribution. When you look at the numbers, clearly there is room for improvement. The 2014 unemployment rate in the NWT was 10.6 per cent. In the Deh Cho, the unemployment rate is almost double the NWT average at 19 per cent. It bothers me to hear reports that my constituents qualify for mining jobs but cannot get hired because of Impact Benefit Agreement provisions that are too restrictive.

I also hear that some of our aging and most experienced forest fire workers are challenged by national standards for physical strength tests. This makes no sense to me. Here, where the needs are great and jobs are short in supply, these people should be working if they feel they are willing and able. I am also disturbed by the GNWT's growing trend of bringing in modular capital projects instead of ones that are locally built and provide much needed jobs in our communities. If the government is saving money, but putting our own people out of work, are we really doing our job?

Education is another area where Deh Cho communities face challenges. The percentage of NWT residents with a high school diploma is 74 per cent. In the Deh Cho, it is 47 per cent. Why does this matter? Because in the NWT, the employment rate for people who have a high school diploma or greater is 76 per cent. Without that diploma, the rate drops to 38 per cent. People who get an education have almost a double chance of getting a better paying job. The number of Deh Cho families with a total income of less than $30,000 is 32 per cent, double the NWT average.

Our people who are struggling just to feed and shelter their families need more help than they are getting. When people don't have work, educational opportunities, or adequate housing, they lose hope. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. When people don't work, educational opportunities or adequate housing, they lose hope. That is when social problems increase. In Fort Providence, my home community, the violent crime rate is two-and-a-half times greater than the NWT as a whole. This needs to change.

But the news is not all that bad. There are some bright spots I want to highlight. In Kakisa, the new community hall is set to open in the spring. Planning for this new facility has been underway by community residents and the Ka'a'gee Tu First Nation since 2009. The people of Kakisa, especially the youngsters, are anxiously awaiting the opening. As well, a $2 million renovation of the seniors’ home in Fort Providence is close to completion, which will provide elders in the community with improved living quarters and increased security. Wood biomass an alternative energy industry, is moving closer to becoming a reality in the Deh Cho. In late 2014, the community of Fort Providence became the second to sign a Forest Management Agreement with the territorial government. This allowed joint venture Digaa Enterprises to secure access and tenure for enough timber to sustain a viable forestry industry in the Deh Cho. Aurora Wood Pellets is building on a $12 million wood pellet plant north of Enterprise that is expected to employ more than 40 people and create an annual demand for 125,000 cubic metres of wood serving both Canada and overseas markets. This project is an example of innovation and cooperation and what it can do to improve the local economy.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not emphasize the importance of all parties making their best efforts to move the Deh Cho Process forward. With the new negotiation sessions scheduled to begin next week, I am encouraged by the news that Garth Wallbridge, a respected Metis lawyer, has signed on as chief negotiator for the Dehcho First Nations. It has been a very long road, but I continue to have hope that it will reach an agreement that will open up a new world of possibilities for the people of the Deh Cho. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Members’ statements. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I welcome colleagues to the start of the Second Session.

Today I would like to commend Nellie Cournoyea on her long political career as a leader of the Inuvialuit. Nellie is recently retired, back in Inuvik. I just want to note a few accomplishments of Nellie's during her career. I am going to note a few. Otherwise, we would be here all night. Nellie was elected into the Legislative Assembly representing Nunakput in 1979 and appointed to Cabinet in 1993. She also held office of Premier from 1991 to 1995. Nellie was a first female premier of a Canadian territory, and the second in Canadian history. Nellie also held the chair and was CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation since 1996. Nellie co-founded the Committee of Original People's Entitlement, a group in pursuit of a comprehensive land claim settlement between the federal government and that Inuvialuit officially reached in 1984. She was also the implementation coordinator for the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. Nellie was also a member of the board of directors of the Inuvialuit Petroleum Corporation. Nellie is the founding chair of the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, an organization that successfully negotiated meaningful, equitable, Aboriginal participation in the proposed Mackenzie Valley Pipeline.

She has received honourary degrees from the universities of Lakehead, Carleton, Toronto, Lethbridge, and Alberta. In 2008, she was named to the Order of Canada for her active involvement in promoting social and economic development for Aboriginal people in her long political career. Nellie is a remarkable woman who has shaped the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and the Northwest Territories for the lasting good of Canadian people. Today, I am grateful and privileged to have served on the Board of ICC Canada with Nellie as she paved the way for women in the workforce and political arenas. Her dedication to Canada and attitude of "be a good person, but don't waste time proving it" is what I remember Nellie by.

I wish Nellie a restful retirement, and I also want to congratulate Mr. Dwayne Smith as the new chair and CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. I look forward to working and building a lasting, successful relationship. Also, Nellie being retired, she may be watching. I have a question: Nellie, if you are not too busy, maybe you can come to Yellowknife and be my CA?

---Laughter

That concludes my statement. Mahsi.

Mahsi. I too wish Nellie Cournoyea the best journey on her retirement. Members’ statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I have the great honour to speak about a soccer tournament that was recently held in Fort Simpson, May 12 to 14. It is called the Paul Stipdonk Memorial. This is the third year this tournament was held in his name and the fourth year since it was developed. It is in the honour of this individual for his very active involvement in the community, region, and the Territories. Many who have known this individual has known him as a coach, teacher, volunteer, or recently before he passed away, as a bus driver. I am lucky to say that I have known this man and his family since moving to Fort Simpson until the day he passed away. He is sadly missed, but I know that he would be greatly honoured to have this tournament named after him. As a friend of mine recently, this Saturday, Michael Botterman, as we were talking, three grumpy men wind up in heaven and two are on the ground, we talked, and he said it is great to see Paul up there, watching us, encouraging the kids, and saying what a great tournament this is.

This tournament is very unique in the Northwest Territories. It is about partnerships. It is about the Mackenzie Rec Association, Municipal and Community Affairs using the regional youth sporting events, Thomas Simpson School, the village of Fort Simpson, Bompas and their staff. Also, what is unique about this tournament is that they do not keep track of scores or results. It gives the youth an opportunity to participate and interact with other youths from across the region. It is about playing the sport, developing new skills, and most importantly, having fun. As well, what is unique about this is it is all co-ed. It is U6, U8, U10, U12. It is about girls and boys playing together, having fun and enjoying the sport. The other unique thing is it is about capacity. As everybody has heard, I have talked about capacity of youth, the importance of it. This program, this tournament, is all about youth capacity. It is about young people coaching, young people refereeing, and young people chaperoning with mentors. I would like to ask unanimous consent to finish my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you. It was actually February 12 to 14, not May. I got excited. The communities that were involved were Fort Res, Fort Providence, Behchoko, Fort Liard, and Fort Simpson. But I would be remiss not to recognize these young individuals who helped out: Jordanna Snider, Tyler Lafferty, Jade Tesou, Faith Sibbetson, Nathan Rabesca, Charlene Brown, Newmoon Buggins, Nathanial Tetsu, Emily Hardisty, Akesha Hardisty-Norwegian, Michelle Yendo, Kayra Sanguez, Sahaznay Waugh, Marshal Nahanni-Kwansey, Mikala McLeod, Chase Berreault, Taeresha Berreault, and Arlene Wright. These people are great, involved people that are involved in the community. I would like to thank them very much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Members’ statements. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Members, I would like to draw your attention to those present in our Chamber and also in the gallery. First and foremost, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the Consul General of Korea, Mr. Kie Cheon Lee is here with us. Welcome. I would also like to recognize former Commissioner, former Speaker, former Minister, former Member, former Sergeant-at-Arms, honourary clerk, and honourary Captain, Royal Canadian Navy, Mr. Anthony J. Whitford. I would also like to recognize another former Member that is here with us today. Welcome, Lena Pederson, first woman Member of the Legislative Assembly. Mahsi for being here. Members, I would like to recognize Chief Ernest Betsina of the Yellowknives Dene First Nations.

If we have missed anyone in the gallery, I would like to welcome everyone for being here with us to witness our first opening of our 18th Legislative Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to recognize the following visitors in the gallery: Paul Rowley, De Beers' executive vice-president of global sightholder sales; Kevin Goodrem, De Beers vice-president of beneficiation, global sightholder sales; and Simon O'Brien, diamond integrity manager, De Beers Canada Incorporated.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister responsible for Seniors, I would like to recognize a couple of individuals in the gallery who represent different seniors' organizations here in the Northwest Territories: Ms. Barb Hood, who is the executive director of the NWT Seniors’ Society; Merlyn Williams, who is a member of the NWT Seniors’ Society; Stephen Jackson, who is the CEO of Avens; as well as Kim Doyle, the executive director of the Yellowknife Seniors’ Society. As a note, Ms. Hood and Mr. Williams and Mr. Jackson are also residents of the Great Slave riding, so welcome. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize a friend, a passionate ambassador of the Northwest Territories and all people of the Northwest Territories, the first female Member of this Legislature, as well as a friend of mine, Ms. Lena Pederson. So great to see you again.

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

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two members of the Wiilideh riding: Mr. Darrell Beaulieu, who was my official agent, and also Chief Ernest Betsina.

Mahsi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Chief Ernest Betsina, who I have had the pleasure of playing hockey with once in a while. I would also like to recognize Lyda Fuller, who is the executive director for the Yellowknife YWCA, and she is also a constituent, and any other Frame Lake residents that I can’t see that might be seated up there.

Mahsi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize David Wasylciw who has run for MLA a couple of times. He is an avid politician and an asset to have in our riding.

Mahsi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake.

I would like to take the opportunity to welcome Mr. William Greenland, a man of many talents and also my cousin.

---Laughter

Welcome to the House. I would also like to recognize Alyssa Carpenter who is doing studies here in Yellowknife. I do believe Geoff Ray and Sheena Tremblay from the NWT Recreation and Parks Association are here, who are just recent winners of the Arctic Inspiration Award as well as ambassadors to a great program, the Walk to Tuk Challenge. Welcome, everybody in the House today.

Mahsi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize today Ms. Lydia Bardak. She is a constituent in Yellowknife Centre and a tireless worker with the population of homeless people that I spoke about in my Member’s statement. I commend her for all the work that she does on behalf of those that need it, and I'd also like to introduce my partner and recognize my partner, Janice McKenna, and my mom, Ann Little.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a friend of mine, Blake Noksana asked me to recognize his daughter here in the House today, Laila Noksana, who is one of the Pages. Also, I'd like to thank all the Pages for helping us through our session.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize Mr. Michaud, former mayor in Fort Simpson; now he's retired. As well, Alyssa Carpenter who's one of my soccer daughters, I welcome her, and a couple of former colleagues Geoff Ray and Sheena Tremblay, and as well, Ms. Doyle, my favourite soccer mom.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to welcome a couple of members from Nunakput, Laila Noksana, Whitney Carpenter, and also William Greenland, who's in the House, and also Chief Ernest Betsina, and also everyone in the gallery, welcome. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition of visitors from the gallery. Member for Hay River South, Mr. Schumann.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize my beautiful wife Lori Schumann here today for coming down for the Second Session and everyone else in the gallery.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize Darrell Beaulieu with the Denendeh Investment Corporation and also Tom Hoefer, the executive director for the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines, and everybody else that's come to visit us.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I'd like to give recognition of course to our distinguished and honoured guest here today, Mr. Whitford, who is also a resident of Yellowknife North. Thank you. I want to also recognize our Pages and we'd be lost without them. Our Pages from the riding of Yellowknife North that I'd like to acknowledge today are Niva Stephenson, Aurora Nind, Laila Noksana, Grace Clark, Sophie Clark, Shiri MacPherson, and Ida Fells. Also, I'd like to acknowledge a resident of Yellowknife North previously acknowledged, Ann Little, who also is the mother of our fellow MLA for Yellowknife Centre, Ms. Green. We also have in the gallery today Mr. John Stephenson, a resident of Yellowknife North and the chair for YK1, and all other folks that might be here from Yellowknife North today.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Deh Cho.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recognize constituents from the Deh Cho riding and congratulate the new elected mayor of Enterprise, Craig McMaster, and also leaders that perhaps I can’t see, so I'd like to acknowledge their presence as well, and at the same time, recognize people from the New Day Program: Laura, Lisa, and William as well.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Thebacha, Mr. Sebert.

I'd like to recognize my wife who has come here from Fort Smith today, and also my good friend Jim Umpherson from Yellowknife.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgements.

Members, I'd like to draw your attention to the gallery as well. I'd like to welcome Carmen Moore who’s here with us as well. Thanks for being here with us. Also in the gallery is Lori Cutler. She's Liaison to the Commissioner and she's with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Welcome. Mahsi. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. There's been a lot of stories in the media, a lot of talk about the government's fiscal strategy. The Premier has issued a press release. I am glad to hear that Territorial Formula Financing reduction from the federal government is not as much as first indicated. I'd like to ask the Minister of Finance to tell us what things the government is considering to increase revenues. Thank you.

Mahsi, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Minister of Finance.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will be tabling a revenue options paper early in this session that we had an opportunity to share with Committee, and it points out a number of options we're looking at as far as increasing our revenue.

In the recent press release that I referred to in my first question, the Premier said the government needs to take decisive action to keep our fiscal problems from getting bigger. There are a lot of rumours about what decisive action means. I would like to ask the Minister of Finance what decisive actions are being considered to resolve the fiscal problem.

Decisive action is ensuring that our expenditures don't run away from the revenue that we're able to generate, and we have tasked our officials with putting some of the options together. They will share them with Cabinet, and I will share them with committee. Depending on some of the direction that we take, they will come forward in the May/June budget cycle.

I know the government typically borrows money at the end of each year for short-term until the following year's budget is approved. This is basically bridge financing. In 2014-15, a total of $242 million was borrowed, which is a jump of about $200 million from 2010. I would like to know where this government is going on short-term borrowing. Roughly, what is the goal of the short-term borrowing at the end of this Assembly in 2019-2020?

In the last number of years we've had to use some short-term borrowing, usually beginning of the fall, as our expenditures continue to out-strip our revenues. This is not an option that we want to use too often. I mean, the option's there, we will take advantage of it, but our goal at the end of the day is to ensure that our expenditures don't exceed our revenue.

Mahsi. Final supplementary. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In order to keep the short-term borrowing down, as the Minister indicated, we will need to have more revenues and possibly even cuts to the government. Would the Minister give us a rough estimate for the next year? What is expected to be gained in revenues and how much, if any, is expected to be saved through cuts?

Again, we have prepared a revenue options paper that will look at some of our potential revenue options. As far as the reductions, we're still going through that exercise right now. We will get some decision from Cabinet. I have committed to working with committee to keep them up-to-date as to what we do. Then we will see it go through the business planning process, which is in April and May, and whatever feedback we have back from committee and our back-and-forth, and that'll determine what we table as the main estimates in the May/June budget session.

Mahsi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was delighted to hear in the opening address that the government wants to create solutions to address homelessness, so my questions today are for the Minister responsible for Homelessness. Does the Minister support Housing First as a solution to chronic homelessness in Yellowknife?

Mahsi, Member for Yellowknife Centre. Minister responsible for Addressing Homelessness.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I do look at Housing First as a viable model for addressing homelessness. However, it is one model and one area. Even with Housing First, there will still be other avenues that we need to seek to alleviate homelessness altogether.

My question for the Minister responsible for Homelessness is whether the government is prepared to match the federal contribution of $306,000 annually to Housing First in Yellowknife.

As the Minister of Finance spoke, we are still in the middle of looking at the budget allocations. We do know that the federal government is looking at social infrastructure as a priority. Until that federal budget is allocated, we're expecting at the end of the March, we won't know exactly what we'll be looking at putting on the table.

My final question for the Minister is whether the government is prepared to increase the level of clinical support available to people whose mental health and addictions have made them homeless? That's the staff to go with the housing piece.

Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. During my Member’s statement, I talked about building capacity, so I'd like to ask the Minister, could you please explain to us the process for selecting mission staff regarding the Arctic Winter Games?

Mahsi, Member for Nahendeh. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We have an agreement with Sport North that manages our games. They put a call out for advertisements in the paper for mission staff for the games that are coming up. Apparently, this year they had 80 applications, and they chose them. My understanding is they wanted to get a bit of a regional balance and that too, so that's the process that they use for the selection of mission staff.

Regarding regional balance, six communities out of the 33 have 11 spots. Could you please explain to me what the regional balance is, what they're talking about?

At this point, I'll remind the Members to direct your questions through the Speaker. Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

I would have to have a discussion with Sport North. If you look at the names that came forward and the communities that they were from, I mean the Member's correct, there were a number of communities that weren't included in this. A lot of the folks chosen were from some of the regional centres. I can have that discussion with them and see if there are ways that we can include a lot of the smaller communities. They look at, as I said before, they want a regional-type balance, a gender balance, and they try to get as many people that have been involved in sports before. But I take the Member's point and I will have that discussion.

Mr. Speaker, I apologize, and I’ll direct my questions to the Speaker. I thank the Minister for that response. Is there a rubric that they use to identify how they select their candidates for the mission staff?

I will follow up with Sport North and have a discussion with them as to the criteria that they use for the selection of their mission staff, and again, they are paying attention to the conversation that we're having in here today, so I'm sure that they will take steps to ensure that there's a greater regional balance and small community balance in the future.

Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In follow-up to my Member's statement, I have questions for the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation. Through my last constituency meeting in the community of Tsiigehtchic, my constituents wanted to know why the Housing Corporation is planning to start bringing in modular homes. For many years, our residents in our communities have built the units in each community, so my question to the Minister is: can the Minister explain why the Housing Corporation has chosen to switch to the shipping modular housing units instead of building basic homes in our communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi, Member for Mackenzie Delta. Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to start with now, all market housing within the communities were put out to public tender. All of the market housing that the Housing Corporation are currently contracting with are northern contractors, and they were approved through the Business Incentive Policy. The modulars that you speak of are designed to meet the Housing Corporation design guidelines, as well as national building codes which are the same standards used for stick-built units constructed by the NWT Housing Corporation.

It sounds to me like the department is supporting taking jobs away from our communities, and that's exactly what is going on here. My question is why is the department not building these homes in our communities instead of shipping them from Alberta?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Actually, within the Business Incentive Policy that the GNWT utilizes, northern manufacturers must not be more than 25 per cent of the cost for the same purchase to be purchased down south. The modular homes actually came in more than that. The difference was actually more like 30 per cent, so there is a cost savings. We have 800 people on our waiting list for housing, so we have to be conscious of where the money goes. The Housing Corporation though, in all honesty, are still using our community members to do the repairs, so we're not forgetting about them. And again, I will remind you that it was a northern contractor that got the contract to purchase the modular homes.

I don't think the Minister realizes the amount of money that's not staying in the community. Mr. Speaker, we're talking in the neighbourhood of at least $100,000 worth of employment that's being taken away from our communities. Usually when we have contracts like this we have, like, five people that are working in the community. Right now, the Minister is talking about one person that's probably needed five years down the road. What is the department’s plan, in the future, for our communities?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Housing Corporation is actually looking at bringing in a lot more houses within the communities. We're really focusing on single people and couples for a little while because almost 70 per cent of the people on our waiting list fall within that category. We're also negotiating with the federal government, so I'll be meeting with them early next month to see what they're going to bring within their social infrastructure monies. As well, we are guided by the Business Incentive Policy, which all Members can actually challenge and actually look at and make amendments if they would like to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. Final supplementary. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister mentioned about multiplex units. I hope they don't plan to ship these in as well. We have a lot of positive multiplex units that have been built in the communities over the last few years in our last government. I hope that the department stays on course on those multiplex units. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi. I didn't really hear a question there. However, I'll allow the Minister a response.

Yes, actually the department does recognize that the multiplexes are the most energy-efficient way to provide housing, so we are focusing on the multiplex units within communities.

Mahsi. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Mahsi. Minister responsible for Addressing Homelessness.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Homelessness is a challenge throughout the Northwest Territories and it's not being addressed by just the Housing Corporation. It's being addressed by the GNWT as a whole. Like I had spoken earlier, the ministers will be meeting soon. I will be meeting with the Standing Committee on Social Development, I believe that's right. There are options that currently are in effect, the people can access the Homeless Assistance Fund to pay arrears, if that's the case. We provide shelter enhancement funding that is accessible to any community. Right now, within Nunakput specifically, we're working with the hamlet of Paulatuk, the Hamlet of Sachs Harbour, and the Ulukhaktok, excuse my pronunciation, Community Corporation, which are accessing homeless funds to provide incentives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Are there any specific projects the NWT Housing Corporation is supporting in Nunakput?

As stated earlier, there are the three communities that work in partnership already. As well, we're in preliminary discussions with, and my pronunciation is going to slaughter me here, Aimayunga Women and Emergency Foster Care Shelter in Tuktoyaktuk about the Shelter Enhancement Fund for 2016 and 2017.

My question is: would the NWT Housing Corporation consider building single units in Nunakput communities?

The Housing Corporation will conduct a review of the need for single housing in our rural and remote communities, including the communities of Nunakput. The information will be used towards the development of a capital plan that could be implemented providing the resources are available.

Oral questions. Final supplementary. Member for Nunakput.

Mr. Speaker, my question is: given the cost in transportation in the Northwest Territories and especially in Nunakput where transportation is the furthest in the North, I'm asking the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation if they would consider building modular homes in the community due to the window of opportunity to transport and construct in the fall season? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The NWT Housing Corporation is interested in looking at all different designs of homes, and we do traditionally put them out to tender. Thank you.

Mahsi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In recent years, the NWT has missed out on mining exploration to the benefit of our sister territories. The industry itself has identified a lack of infrastructure as an issue there. I'm pleased to see that the government's prioritizing road access to some of these areas. Will the Minister of Transportation answer what actions have been taken to improve road access to the Slave Geological Province?

Mahsi. Member for Kam Lake. Minister of Transportation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of Northwest Territories views strategic investment in northern infrastructure as essential in capturing economic and mobility opportunities to benefit Northerners and all Canadians. The department is currently assessing economic and feasibility of a P3 potential of building an all-weather road to the Slave Geological Province. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

This could be a significant nation-building project if the connection was made all the way to the Arctic Coast in Nunavut. Has the Government of Nunavut been brought into this discussion about leveraging resources to help finance the construction of the road?