Good afternoon, colleagues. Colleagues, in support of our Take Our Kids to Work Day we have Riley Menard, daughter of Cheryl Menard our finance manager. Today, Riley will be assisting our table officers, so please join me in welcoming Riley to our house.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Transportation.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister for Environment and Natural Resources.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past two decades, caribou herds in the North have declined and are at or near historic low numbers. There are many factors contributing to this decline. Some, like climate change, are known; others we urgently need to understand better.

As Northerners, knowing what we can do to help the recovery of caribou in the North is important. ENR Regional and Headquarters staff, co-management partners and traditional user groups offer caribou education every year. This November, Regional ENR staff is making a special, coordinated effort to provide caribou education throughout the NWT. ENR presented a caribou education workshop to regional staff and will be offering a similar opportunity to co-management partners in November. Materials will be made available to hunters, NWT residents and educators seeking classroom resources about caribou. These efforts will enhance ongoing caribou education.

Throughout November, ENR will engage hunters on caribou conservation; including Sight-In-Your-Rifle events, encouraging harvesting bulls to reduce effects on reproduction and providing information regarding ongoing research projects. Information will also be presented to school-age children, in the hopes they will share important facts about wildlife with their parents. In the Sahtu Region, Sight-In-Your-Rifle and caribou sex identification workshops are being offered in nearly every community.

In the North Slave Region, a renewable resource officer will be talking to students about the need to conserve caribou for the future, and the importance of harvesting only bulls. The students will make signs and post them on hunting trails, so keep an eye out for these messages. In the Dehcho Region, Sight-In-Your-Rifle training is planned for Fort Simpson and Wrigley. November classroom visits are planned for Fort Simpson schools as well as for smaller communities.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, ENR will continue to work with communities to assess and promote alternative traditional foods such as moose, muskox, and fish to minimize harvest pressure on caribou.

Mr. Speaker, ENR is committed to working with NWT residents to conserve caribou for future generations. These efforts, along with those of our co-management partners and other organizations, will help Northerners play a part in the recovery of this important species. Together, we can work towards conserving this precious resource for generations to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Mr. Speaker, the tourism industry offers enormous potential to create economic growth and diversification in our regions and in our communities. In fact, while other sectors around the world are experiencing challenges, the Northwest Territories tourism sector continues to grow. Between 2010-2011 and 2015-2016, the number of visitors to our territory has increased from 65,000 to 93,000. Visitor spending in this timeframe has also increased from $94.1 million to $167.1 million.

These numbers represent new money for our tourism operators, hotels, restaurants, shops, festivals, and events. They mean that our tourism businesses can grow and expand their offerings to attract and meet even greater demand. Ultimately, they mean that the tourism industry is thriving in the Northwest Territories, giving us a foundation for further growth. Later today, I will table Tourism 2020: Opening Our Spectacular Home to the World.

This five-year strategy is our government’s plan for creating a $207 million a year industry by 2021.

Tourism 2020 is a follow up to Tourism 2010 and 2015. It was developed collaboratively with Northwest Territories Tourism, the Aboriginal Tourism Champions Advisory Council, Parks Canada, Aboriginal communities, municipal governments, Government of the NWT departments, and our many stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry. Mr. Speaker, investment in tourism translates to investment in communities. For the first time, we have formally identified community tourism development as an independent pillar in our plan.

In addition to training and mentorship opportunities, we have identified continued funding for the Community Tourism Infrastructure Program and will be developing a Territory-Wide Events and Festivals Strategy. We will be introducing a support program for communities looking to establish Tourism Coordinators in their communities who will develop marketable product packages for sale directly to consumers and travel trade partners.

To invigorate the Aboriginal cultural tourism sector, our plan outlines new and engaging approaches including the Take a Tourist on the Land Program, Elder-in-Residence Program, Aboriginal Community Tourism Guidebooks, and the Aboriginal Youth Tourism Career Path Program.

This week, the Northwest Territories Tourism Annual General Meeting and Conference is taking place in Yellowknife. We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the partnership that was created between the GNWT and NWT Tourism to market our tourism territory. The theme of the conference is especially fitting: Looking Back, Leaping Forward.

As we look back over the past fiscal year, we have much to celebrate. Not only did our tourism industry reach an all-time high for visitors and spending, we also welcomed more people to NWT campgrounds. Our Visitors Centre at the 60th parallel welcomed over 20,000 visitors.

We saw the number of prospective visitors accessing the territorial NWTT website increase by over 12 per cent. One story, generated as part of the NWT’s Spectacular Stories brand, went viral, generating 46,000 shares. We welcomed cruise ships in two of our Arctic coast communities, setting a new bar for well-orchestrated community Aboriginal tourism. Our new Conference Bureau passed the $1.8 million mark in conference commitments. We hosted seven conferences, all secured by our bureau since it opened in January 2015.

Mr. Speaker, the investments that we are making in tourism are working. I would like to thank the men and women who make up our industry — operators and service providers who take pride in delivering excellence and providing true Northern hospitality when welcoming the world. They are the foundation of our industry and we cannot grow without them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Members, before I proceed with Members' statements, I would like to draw your attention to the audience in the gallery. Mr. Roy Erasmus is here with us. He is a former Member of the 13th Legislative Assembly. Welcome. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Today I would like to talk about how we are going to help the elders. That's what I'm going to talk about. NWT Seniors’ society, the way they had written to us, the elders that are living in their home. That way, they can stay out of the old folks' home, and stuff like that. That's what I'm going to talk about. [Translation ends]

Mr. Speaker, the NWT Seniors' Society recently wrote a letter to raise their concerns and questions about the state of homecare services in the Northwest Territories. In their letter, the society states their wish to warn MLAs, other government officials and bureaucrats, as well as the general public, that the goal of enabling older adults to age in place, to remain in their homes and in their communities as they age cannot be realized unless we recognize and act upon enhanced home care as a serious priority.

Mr. Speaker, the government must put money into enhanced home care if they are to make a difference in home care services available to older adults. This makes good social sense, Mr. Speaker, and also makes good financial sense. More money in home care today will result in huge savings today and in the future. For instance, we know that the Department of Health and Social Services wants to make serious inroads into the prevention and management of chronic disease in the Northwest Territories over the next 20 years. A strong, well-funded, quality home care program can help accomplish that, resulting in happier and healthier seniors.

Mr. Speaker, increased home care spending is one of the strategic spending methods that I've emphasized in this Assembly. Home care, along with the NWT Housing Corporation's program designed to extend seniors' ability to live comfortably and safely in their homes, will empower seniors to age in place. To get there, though, the department must work with other groups, including groups like the NWT Senior's Society, as well as other GNWT departments and agencies, to enhance available services.

Home care and the management of chronic disease go hand in hand. The department has developed a chronic disease management strategy, but this strategy cannot be delivered effectively without the delivery of necessary, strong, well-funded home care.

Mr. Speaker, far too often the burden of caring for seniors falls to the spouse, someone who may not be in full health themselves. Grown children with their own families do the best to provide support, but they are ill equipped to do so. Older citizens wish to remain independent as long as possible. Mr. Speaker, let's do all we can in our power to make sure our seniors and elders are able to age in place. Marci cho, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that our Legislative Assembly is moving toward open government. Changing our process conventions to hold more public briefings by Ministers to committees is a positive start. We have promised our constituents we would do this, Mr. Speaker. The mandate that we adopted unanimously in this House calls on us to establish an open government policy to enhance civic participation, improve public access to information, and improve public input into government decision-making.

Mr. Speaker, standing committees are doing their part. They are working on ways to do more of their business in public. This is vitally important to public understanding of consensus government and of the work being done on behalf of citizens of our territory.

Yesterday, the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures provided its thoughtful interim report on public engagement and transparency. Members of that committee have made useful suggestions for improving the openness of committee's work. These can begin to be implemented before the committee's final report and recommendations. I encourage anyone with an interest to take a look at the interim report and to take part when the rules committee begins its public consultation.

I was glad that the committee noted that much of committee's work is driven by action by the government, and that transparency of committees is a necessary follow-up to effective engagement by the government itself. This is one reason we have a Minister responsible for Public Engagement and Transparency, and I am sure he has his hands full with many tasks. Mr. Speaker, there is still much to be done.

We have not yet seen a full, open government policy. We are still looking forward to a draft legislation and concrete plans to establish an Office of the Ombudsman. I would also remind government of our mandate promise to maximize citizens' ability to access government by using consistent approaches to social media, visual identity, and overall communication. Also, I know Members are looking forward to the launch of the government's public reporting on its progress in implementing our mandate. Mr. Speaker, almost a year of our term is behind us. We cannot rest on our achievements. We must forge ahead and continue to make public business public. Later, I will have questions for the Minister responsible for Public Engagement and Transparency. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, many times in this House I have spoken about the importance of building a knowledge economy. Though we can never abandon our world-class mining and energy industries, we need to ensure that our territory is strong enough to withstand the volatility of commodity prices and downturns in resource markets, and an innovative knowledge economy will provide us with the kind of long-term sustainability for growth, attract new residents and create opportunities for investment that our southern neighbours take for granted.

While often my focus to this point has been to spotlight the great work of Dechinta Bush University that they've been doing for almost seven years now throughout the NWT, today I want to speak about another important issue for our future: a Northern Polytechnic.

Mr. Speaker, a polytechnic is a publicly-funded college or institute of technology that offers a wide range of advanced education credentials, four-year bachelor's degrees, advanced diplomas, certificates, as well as in-class training for apprenticeship programs. Polytechnics provide programs that are skills-intensive and technology-based, taking a hands-on approach with experiential learning opportunities that provides students with practical training for jobs in demand. They can also provide R and D for Canadian businesses because an essential aspect of a polytechnic is creating a close partnership with industry.

Now, Mr. Speaker, during the election one of my major commitments to my now constituents was to promote the creation and implementation of a 10-year strategic plan to grow Aurora College into a full polytechnic. This would give Northerners a chance to learn a range of technical, technological, vocational and professional training. This polytechnic would offer apprenticeships, accredited diplomas and certificates without ever leaving the North; also giving these students and Northerners the opportunity to connect locally with industry and begin their professional careers where they grew up and went to school; at home. This commitment also included calling for the construction of a new campus facility here in Yellowknife with full accommodations for students and modern research facilities and upgraded classrooms. Mr. Speaker, at this time I'd like to request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you colleagues. Mr. Speaker, we cannot afford for this government to take a short-sighted outlook on how to manage our economy that puts the next generation of Northerners into a future shrouded by uncertainty. It is clear to me the most significant challenge that this government faces is the lack of skilled northern workers and an aging population on the cusp of retirement. Building a true knowledge economy will undoubtedly require a significant investment by this government, but we need to invest today for the jobs of tomorrow. We need real concrete action and world class knowledge facilities to make that future brighter for the next generation and for all others who choose to call the North home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I'm going to speak about medical travel policy. This past week, I have been dealing with three different medical travel issues. Each issue involved individual patients over the age of 65. Mr. Speaker, the first patient had to move from a small community to a major center because of medical challenges their family was facing. Recently, this individual had to go out for medical travel. Because of the move, this individual does not have the support system in this community.

Mr. Speaker, to make matters worse, this patient was informed that non-medical escorts will not be provided to accompany this person. This individual is over 65 years old. Not only does this patient need a non-medical escort for physical support but for emotional support. Mr. Speaker, to further this issue, the patient continues to tell Edmonton that more advanced notice is needed so arrangements can be made. I understand they are trying their best on their end, scheduling surgery upon cancellations et cetera, but we need to think about the patient too.

Mr. Speaker, the second situation that I had to deal with was a patient that was almost 70 years old. This patient was medevaced out of the community with a non-medical escort. To say the least, this trip was a bit confusing for the patient. He was not sure where he had to stay and did not have enough funds for food. Once this issue was brought to the attention of the staff at Deh Cho, they worked hard to ensure the situation was improved. The family and I are thankful for them and the staff from Yellowknife to ensure the patient was looked after once they were aware of the problem. However, we still had to deal with a person over the age of 65 without a non-medical escort.

Mr. Speaker, the third situation dealt with a patient that ended up travelling to Fort Nelson BC for a medical appointment. The family felt the patient who was over the age of 80 needed to go to Fort Nelson instead of Fort Simpson. They felt the extra hour's drive was not good for the patient. Mr. Speaker, the family ensured this patient had an escort that could help and ensured the concerns were translated to the doctors. Unfortunately, this did not stop here. I spent the Friday afternoon working with a person from BC and the Deh Cho staff to get them home. Thanks to all staff involved, they were able to get a place to stay, have something to eat and made it home. Mr. Speaker, I wish to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consent granted.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the issue is the ministerial policy on Medical Travel Benefits. I was directed to Section 6 provisions for clarification on benefits of approved non-medical escorts. Mr. Speaker, nowhere in the policy does it state that past the certain age a person requires an escort, nor does following up with our HSS System Navigator looking for help if the people are not computer literate.

Mr. Speaker, we were very lucky that these three elders made it home safe and sound thanks to staff and people working together, and I'm thankful for that; however, we should not always rely on luck. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I served on Yellowknife City Council for nine years and understand the importance of that order of government to our communities and the need for them to have broad powers to manage their own affairs. As in other parts of this country, our local governments are creatures of GNWT, established under territorial laws. We have a duty to ensure local governments have the authority to meet the needs of their citizens.

Usually, this works pretty well, so long as the government responsible for the enabling laws meets its responsibility to keep the substance and detail of the law up to date, to meet the challenges of changing times. Unfortunately, the GNWT has been failing in that responsibility and the City of Yellowknife is suffering as a result. Changes are needed to territorial statutes including the Cities, Towns and Villages Act, the Property Assessment and Taxation Act and the Summary Convictions Procedures Act. These changes would give the city authority to do good things. They could loan homeowners money to do energy retrofits that allow citizens to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. Changes would allow the city to introduce a hotel tax to invest in tourism development, to phase-in municipal tax increases, to make it easier for the city to collect back taxes and to allow the city to serve parking ticket notices through the mail, rather than serving summons in person.

For up to a decade now, the city has been politely calling for changes. Some of these changes have been discussed since 2007 when I was still on city council. Resolutions of the NWT Association of Communities have been proposed and adopted. The city has requested these changes in countless meetings with territorial officials, MLAs and Ministers. Losing patience, the city has passed a motion calling for action on the changes and written the MACA Minister to strongly request action. The response seems to be that the Cities, Towns and Villages Act will not be opened for amendment until the next Assembly, and the city must continue to wait. That's not good enough and it fails to meet a number of commitments in our mandate.

I will have questions for the Premier on how this government intends to respond to this clear request from the City of Yellowknife and meet our mandate commitments to enable community governments to meet the needs of their citizens. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statement. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to draw your attention to a study published this year by YWCA Yellowknife titled "Hush Hush No More: Improving NWT Community Response to Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls." It contains some important recommendations about new responses by health providers and communities to sexual violence as well as prevention.

Mr. Speaker, by way of background, this study is based on interviews with women who have experienced sexual assault and service providers from five NWT communities. The study notes that men and boys also experience sexual violence but they were not part of this particular study. The details are depressing. Sexual assault occurs on a continuum from unwanted touching to rape; two-thirds of the female victims are under 24 years old and fewer than 10 per cent report what happened to them to the police. Statistics Canada says these assaults occur in the NWT at nine times the national average.

Mr. Speaker, I want to highlight the need for a better society-wide understanding of consent. Consent is the means to reduce these shocking numbers. Consent means that people freely agree to engage in sexual activity with one another. A person can't consent if he or she is impaired by drugs or alcohol; when there's a physical or psychological threat present; or when there's a difference in their power and authority. It's also possible to consent and then later change your mind. Children under 12 can't consent to sexual activity of any kind, and between the age of 13 and 16 they can consent if their partner is a teenager as well. If consent doesn't fall within those very strict guidelines, then sexual assault is taking place.

Mr. Speaker, the YWCA study highlighted the silence that surrounds this issue. It quotes elders warning younger people not to report assault and not to make trouble. Secrecy has been the norm, in part because of the possible repercussions of reporting these incidents, especially in small communities. As a result, victims often blame themselves for what happened. Sexual assault creates feelings of powerlessness and it's time to turn that around. The report contains 10 recommendations and some of them can be implemented immediately. For example, it's important to engage and support people who have disclosed sexual violence in a non-judgmental way. It's also important for us as parents --

Your time for Member's statements has expired.

I beg your pardon, Mr. Speaker. May I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement?

---Unanimous consent granted

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's also important for us parents to talk to our daughters about the danger of sexual assault and how they can keep themselves safe and the need for consent. The government also needs to put a high priority on increasing awareness about consent, and responding effectively to girls and women who report being assaulted.

Mr. Speaker, sexual assault is a chronic problem in the NWT; but the biggest lesson of all is that it's preventable. What stands in our way is talking openly about sexual assault and creating a culture where it is unacceptable. Mahsi.