Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Northern Farm Training Institute, or NFTI as it is known, on successfully completing its first full year of operation, which included planting, growing and selling crops, raising livestock, and training 42 students from across the Northwest Territories.

NFTI began in 2013. Back then, the institute would hold short courses on other people's farms. It quickly became clear that there was an appetite for more in-depth training. Three short years later, NFTI is providing that training in spectacular fashion. NFTI’s campus is now the largest farm in the territory and includes a barn, greenhouse, classroom, student accommodations, as well as goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and more.

In total, NFTI has trained 127 people from 28 communities and outside the territory as well. Training now includes short one- or two-day courses, as well as longer internships. In addition, the Institute is used for research by southern academics and hosts conferences which draws attendees from outside the Territory and the country.

However, Mr. Speaker, the most exciting thing about NFTI is the potential it has to transform our territory. Students don’t just learn how to plant seeds and harvest crops, they learn everything they need to know to start farms in the North and turn those farms into sustainable businesses. We’re not just talking about community gardens; we’re talking about food and economic independence for Northerners. Not only will food security be enhanced in our small communities, where it’s desperately needed, but it will create wealth and that wealth will stay in those communities. Where conditions are right for larger-scale farming, like in the South Slave, NFTI will no doubt be one of the leaders in growing the industry and helping diversify our Territorial economy.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to say congratulations to NFTI. The territory and the South Slave is lucky to have them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.