Masi. Good afternoon, colleagues. Ministers' statements. Minister of ITI, Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Mr. Speaker, it has been 25 years since Charles Fipke and his team discovered diamonds near Lac de Gras and brought the largest mineral rush in decades to our North.

This year our diamond mines surpass $50 billion in total mineral value produced in these 25 years. The Government of the Northwest Territories’ mandate document highlights the fact that benefits from non-renewable resource production enable investment in many priority areas.

Over $11 billion has been spent to date on Northwest Territories businesses and service providers. Over 22,000 person years of employment have been created by diamond extraction, half of which have been held by Aboriginal residents of our Territory.

Mr. Speaker, through our Socio-economic Agreements with industry, we have seen over $100 million contributed to our communities through scholarships, benefit for participation agreements and donations, each bringing new opportunities to our citizens.

Mr. Speaker, last but certainly not least, federal, territorial and Aboriginal governments have all realized fiscal gains from resource, royalties or taxation on mining activities which are enabling us to improve the lives of Northwest Territories residents, through our investments in the health and well-being of our communities, and the expansion of our territories’ economic horizons.

It is through the responsible and equitable approach demanded by our government and taken by industry that our mineral industry has built a trust and support of the vast majority of our citizens. We see this in a recent third-party poll, completed by Abacus Data, which shows 85 per cent of Northwest Territories residents support the mining sector. A tribute to the quality of corporate citizenship that we have realized from our world-class partners in this industry.

Mr. Speaker, with this in mind, we as a government must continue to facilitate the strong mining and exploration industry in the best interests of our citizens.

Mr. Speaker, our government has made a commitment in its mandate to evolve the legislative, regulatory and policy system to advance a territorial vision of land and resource management, guided by the Land Use and Sustainability Framework. The department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is beginning work to advance the development of a made in the Northwest Territories Mineral Resources Act, a key post-devolution commitment, identified by this government to deliver on the priorities of our Assembly.

New, responsive jurisdictions specific regulations will provide for more effective oversight and enforcement of the Northwest Territory’s Mining Regulations, create more certainty for the mining industry and bring the Northwest Territories in line with Canada’s provinces and the Yukon.

Our aim is to increase our competitiveness in the marketplace and create legislation and regulation which is sensitive to northern deeds with a respect to protection of land, wildlife and water. More immediately, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment continues to implement the Mineral Development Strategy, another one of our government’s mandate commitments. We are providing support to grassroots mining and exploration with successful strategic investment through our mining incentive program.

Our investment in this program last year, resulted in a 3.8-to-1 return on investment, with each dollar invested resulting in $3.80 investment in exploration activity.

Once again this year, Mr. Speaker, we have seen the demand for this program outstrip its $400,000 budget and we have every reason to believe that this year’s results will provide similar success.

We also look forward, this summer, to the opening of our new geological material storage facility, which will house core samples for industry use. This facility will offer a practical method for supporting greater exploration in our territory and create cost savings for industry.

We have introduced a two-year Assessment Work Incentive to encourage more exploration activities in the Northwest Territories. Under the Unlocking Our Potential brand, we have increased marketing and promotional efforts to attract more private sector investment in mineral exploration and development and through the proposed Resources and Energy Development Information campaign, or REDI, we are preparing to offer increased information and awareness about resource development to Northwest Territories residents.

Mr. Speaker, this is Mining Week in the Northwest Territories and we have much to celebrate. I would encourage all Members of this House to seek out and participate in events taking place around town and to take some time to acknowledge the opportunities, mining as afforded our territory historically, and particularly the last quarter century, of our territory’s diamond history. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers’ statements. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to capture opportunities for investment and transportation infrastructure, by working to secure funding to advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Mr. Speaker, the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway is also part of our long-term transportation strategy. The northern-most part of the highway between Inuvuk and Tuktoyaktuk is steadily advancing towards completion. At the same time, our government is also focused on another critical section of the Mackenzie Valley Highway.

In August of 2015, the Department of Transportation submitted a detailed business case to the Government of Canada proposing a $700 million investment, an all-weather highway from Wrigley to Norman Wells, under the new building Canada plan. We continue to provide additional information requested by the federal government in support of that business case.

Mr. Speaker, this project is a cornerstone of our plan to achieve economic prosperity in the Sahtu Region and the Northwest Territories. To maximize opportunities for Northerners, effective partnerships with project stakeholders are essential. I believe we can only achieve these goals by working closely together.

The Sahtu leadership have taken initiative to create the Mackenzie Valley Highway working group. This group includes representative from the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, various communities in the Sahtu Region, industry and political leaders. Additional support from these interested parties will emphasize their critical importance of this project to the lives of Northerners and highlight the benefits to all Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, the construction of this project will hold significant opportunities for communities along the Mackenzie River: allowing goods and materials to be transported by road, year round, will reduce the cost of living and make housing more affordable in the Mackenzie Valley. Increased mobility between communities will create new social, cultural and educational opportunities. New business opportunities will arise as new markets become available and tourism opportunities increase.

Improved access will foster economic diversification as well as supporting those industries that are already significant contributors to the territorial economy.

The highway would reduce costs to industry to move equipment and staff to the Sahtu, the region that holds a wealth of potential of petroleum and mineral resources. This would provide incentives to these communities, who have said their exploration and development costs could decrease by 30 to 40 per cent.

The highway will replace the existing winter road system where many permanent bridges are already in place. Converting to an all-weather highway will help to adapt to effects of climate change, supporting the more resilient transportation infrastructure.

Readiness projects such as the construction of the Canyon Creek access road, south of Norman Wells, will provide an opportunity for residents to gain training experience and experience that will benefit them in the future construction of other segments of the highway.

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the Mackenzie Valley Highway will result in significant prosperity for the people of the Northwest Territories. The success of this project relies on our ability to work together, to achieve our mutual goal of being better connected and position to capture opportunities. With support from Aboriginal governments, northern communities and industry, we can create a bright and prosperous future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers’ statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to take steps to close the skills gap using the Skills 4 Success strategic framework. I am pleased to provide Members with an update on this initiative and to share an important milestone that this government has achieved. Later today, I will be tabling three documents that contain important labour market information about the Northwest Territories including the jobs that are forecasted over the next 15 years. This work is the result of a partnership with the Conference Board of Canada which produced the Northwest Territories Labour Market Forecast and Needs Assessment and accompanying Labour Market Information Resource, which contained data describing our current and future labour force needs for the next several years.

Mr. Speaker, this is vital information, critical for making decisions on our adult and post-secondary education and training supports. We want to be sure that we are making the right investments to support NWT residents to obtain the skills, knowledge and attitudes for employment success. The labour market resources tells us what the in-demand jobs are going to be in the NWT and we want to prepare Northern residents for those opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, the Conference Board of Canada examined the NWT’s forecasted job demands over the next five, 10 and 15 years. We have learned that out of the potential 28,000 job openings anticipated, approximately 78 per cent will require college, apprenticeship or university education. Of those potential jobs, less than 10 per cent will be open to people with less than a high school education.

This is a significant issue for us, Mr. Speaker, where a high proportion of the current NWT labour supply has low skills, according to the highest level of schooling. We know that the demand for skilled labour will intensify in coming years when more people retire and exit the labour market in large numbers. Focusing on the skills acquired beyond high school and gained through higher educational achievement, training and experience is paramount to the overall success of the NWT.

We must carefully choose how and where we make our investments. Education, training and youth development is critical to the future of the NWT and its people and we are responding with the Skills 4 Success Initiatives four foundational goals.

1. Increase skill levels through relevant education and training;

2. Urge education and employment gaps through targeted supports;

3. Grow the NWT workforce through partnerships;

4. Improve decision making with the relevant labour market information.

We now have the labour market information which tells us what the in-demand jobs are and where our focus needs to be. We also heard from more than 700 people who have engaged with and contributed to the Skills 4 Success initiative and voiced the collective call for change to build a strong culture of education linked to employment. Their feedback is included in the Stakeholder Engagement Report, which we will use along with new labour market data to develop a four-year action plan that supports this Assembly’s priority to foster lifelong learning, skill development, training and employability.

We are now working on the action plan which contains a number of clear and measurable goals. As we progress, we will continue to solicit advice from our key stakeholders and partners in adult and post-secondary education and skills training.

Mr. Speaker, early childhood development through junior kindergarten to grade 12 to Skills 4 Success, these are our continuum of education strategies. Throughout all of these strategies, we are looking at ways to innovate, to tailor our education system to the needs of our learners, to provide opportunities and truly have a system in place that responds to education and training needs of northern residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Ministers’ statements. Colleagues, I’d like to draw your attention to the presence in our gallery here today. We have Mr. Thomas Palaia, the United States Consul General for Alberta, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories. Welcome.

Also we have Carmen Moore that’s here with us as part of a GNWT protocol. Masi. Item 3, Members’ statements. Member from Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today Mr. Speaker, I’m standing in front of you and the other Members to speak about medical travel and the issues that seem to be of continuous concern in my riding.

I’d like to share with you a few stories that I have heard and witnessed firsthand over the 15 years. This past March, one of my constituents told me about two experiences that happened this past year. One was when a doctor recommended an exam that needed to be done in Yellowknife. While the constituent felt this was great, let’s try to arrange it during conferencing all night that the constituent was attending. To me, this made a lot of sense. It would be more efficient, a cost-effective way to arrange for follow-up appointments if the doctors wanted while the constituents are already in Yellowknife. It would save the cost of travel for an extra trip, the hotel, the per diem and extra days involved in not being away from work. This didn’t happen. I was disappointed to hear this, but what’s worse is that this happens a lot. I’ve heard similar stories, but the best ones are when potential patients are on scheduled business in Yellowknife or Hay River or Edmonton and appointments come up a day after they’re already on their travels and the books, and they’re already on their way to the community. Instead of medical travel willing to pay for the hotel and meals for the day, patient needs to go back to their home community and then come back or they pay for it themselves. Now, it is very sad to see this but this is what is even more disappointing is that person sometimes needs to get off the plane and then get right back on the same plane to go to the appointment. Now, this defies logic in my mind. However, it seems the department has to spend all this extra money because of department policies.

The other story I hear about is booking appointments at the nearest center for necessity and appropriate insurant health services outside the NWT. While I agree with the concept, but when costs involve large amounts of funds, does it not make sense to see if savings can be made and help the patient at the same time? I struggle with what the policy is about. It doesn’t seem to be about saving money and caring of patient. I know this is not true, but this is what it seems that way.

There are other stories that I could share with you, but I only have two-and-a-half minutes for my Member’s statement and I’m trying to call in with the time. So Mr. Speaker, I’ll have questions for the Minister of Health later on today about medical travel. Mahsi Cho, Mr. Speaker.

Members’ statement. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the internet has revolutionized our society. Even in the past few years, advances in social media, portable technology, and telecommunications have radically changed how governments operate and how citizens participate, and how we live, work, and learn.

Earlier this year, CBC reported on a story in Tuktoyaktuk, where a voice teacher from Alberta was able to teach students at Mangilaluk School using Facetime. From thousands of kilometers away, this teacher was able to deliver lessons and communicate with students, without the extreme expense and complications of flying in specialty teachers for special sessions.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment also delivers a program that incorporates new technology into our curriculum. Through the Beaufort Delta District Education Council's e-Learning Program, students are able to access classes they wouldn't normally be able to take, thanks to video conferencing and information sharing programs like Moodle, students can access the classes they need without having to leave home.

Just this past year, 11 students in the first semester and 15 students in the second semester were able to access classes unavailable in their home schools. Through distance learning, students from Ulukhaktok and Tuktoyaktuk, as well as Fort McPherson, Fort Liard, and Fort Resolution were able to broaden their school experience.

In the years to come, both high school and post-secondary education will be essential in learning and holding jobs in the NWT and beyond. We must help as many students as possible pursue their full learning potential especially in isolated communities who do not have access to curriculum as a student may have in the larger centers in the NWT.

I look forward to watching the distance learning program continue to grow, and also to the completion of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Line, when better quality internet will improve services like this. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the issue of power generation and cost in the Northwest Territories. Power generation, how it's done, what it costs, and who pays for it. These questions affect every aspect of life across our territory. Every individual, family, home, workplace and business have a stake in the decision about power.

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation is the agency that's charged with this task. Its job as a public agency, owned by NWT residents, is to make sure that all residents and businesses have the power they need at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers.

In communities with a big enough population, power is delivered by Northland Utilities, according to franchise agreements with the municipalities. Northland is able to do that on a successful, for-profit basis. As it should, NTPC activities demand a high level of public scrutiny. So some of the recent events relating to NTPC are puzzling.

Without discussion or consultation in this Assembly, the Minister recently replaced the board of NTPC with deputy ministers, claiming this would reduce costs. Even so, he announced that a planned rate increase would remain in place in addition to millions in fuel subsidies that taxpayers have covered for NTPC in recent years.

Mr. Speaker, if the government is moving toward operating the Power Corporation like a department, taking a further step and dissolving the PUB, Public Utility Board, for example, this should be open for public discussion and debate. In Hay River, NTPC has announced a plan to compete with the private sector. Mr. Speaker, I question what impact this may have on the cost of electricity in other markets served by NTPC.

Northland Utilities has approached the government to consult on ways to reduce power costs, recognizing that high rates are a deterrent to industry and economic growth. Northland even took out ads highlighting some solutions to high power costs. Northland also requested meetings with this government to discuss power cost solutions. But I do not believe this meeting has taken place.

Mr. Speaker, the high cost of power affects everyone in this territory. NWT taxpayers deserve to have an open and transparent management of their power corporation, and to understand how it's working, and that the power they rely on is delivered at the best rates possible. Mr. Speaker, I'll have questions for the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today would be to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment on graduation season. We are into the middle of the season of graduation. As a matter of fact, I’m going to one here this coming Friday in Deline. Just recently went to some others including the Aurora College graduation here which seemed to beneficiary residents of the Sahtu in Yellowknife here. It comes to make me think, is there any support programs more referring to post-graduation career seminar supports in place after the students or the youths have graduated from their respective school? So later on today, I would have questions in that regard of support systems for our community youth, if they want to progress in institutions in the South, for example. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Member’s statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The 2016 season of the Yellowknife Farmers Market kicked off its fourth season last week at Sombe K'e Park, in the heart of my riding. The market is an economic, social and environmental marvel that all Yellowknifers can be proud of. Here are the top 10 things you need to know about it.

1. The Farmers Market has an impact of up to $1 million in the City of Yellowknife because vendors purchase locally.

2. Fifty-seven vendors are taking part this year, half of them new.

3. There are vendors selling food harvested in the wild, produce and preserves, as well as food that's ready to eat. There are also 17 Artisanal sellers.

4. This year, vendors are arrayed across the park lawns, reducing congestion at start time.

5. A major Compost & Waste Reduction Program, funded by ENR, makes it mandatory for vendors to use compostable containers and utensils.

6. A grant from the NWT Arts Council is bringing back Music at the Market performances for seven weeks and a partnership with Northern News Services provides a weekly map and list of vendors in the Friday Yellowknifer.

7. A City of Yellowknife Sponsorship Grant provided funding for operational expenses. The City continues to provide in-kind help through supplying an organic waste bin on site, use of public washrooms, access to drinking water, a children's activity table and garbage collection.

8. The Farmers Market continues to offer tables for community organizations wanting to promote their programming.

9. The Farmers Market continues to work on the development of a just and sustainable food system through the Yellowknife Food Charter.

And most importantly of all,

10. The Farmers Market runs every Tuesday right through to September 20th.I'll see you there in the heart of Yellowknife at the market.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, supporting small businesses is one of my number one priorities. Northern entrepreneurs work hard for their success. My riding of Kam Lake is home to many of these successful enterprises that directly contribute to our economic well-being and create jobs for our residents.

We have an obligation as leaders of this territory, to expand employment opportunities and grow a resilient economy that can withstand the boom and bust cycle of resource development. The best place to start is by investing in our local economies through support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Mr. Speaker, our businesses contribute so much to the NWT and they are critical to our future growth. This government made a commitment to lower taxes for small businesses. The cut in the tax rate by as little as one per cent will make the NWT the most tax competitive jurisdiction in Canada’s North.

Mr. Speaker, I have not seen such a commitment from this government in its recent budget and I’ll be asking questions of the Finance Minister today to find out when a tax cut will come for businesses and when they can expect to see some of that money flow back to them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Member for Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the mandate of this Legislative Assembly, states that we will take action so that seniors can age in place. There are good reasons we made this a priority. Aging in one’s own home provides a sense of comfort and independence. Financially, it makes sense for the government to support aging in place, considering the costs to provide a long-term care bed is about $130,000 a year on top of the initial million dollar capital cost.

We are taking some action right now, offering homecare services, a senior’s home heating fuel subsidy, and funding for renovations to help seniors make their homes more age-friendly. These programs are a start, but they don't address the full suite of services needed for a truly successful aging in place strategy.

We want to allow seniors to remain in their homes but we don't want to confine them to their homes. Most communities in the North, Hay River included, have no public transit or handi-van service. Many seniors and persons with disabilities in my community, who don't have access to affordable transportation, are forced to either take taxis, or rely on the kindness of friends and family. A study from the United States found that seniors who can't drive make 15 per cent fewer trips to the doctor, 60 per cent fewer trips to go shopping and to restaurants, and 65 per cent fewer trips to visit friends and families.

This study included communities with public transit, so I can only imagine how dismal our statistics are. This imposed isolation results in a reduced quality of life that can lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes. I don't want to just allow our seniors to age in place. I want them to be able to fully participate in society. Leading an active life and participating in social activities promotes good health, has been shown to help the immune system work better and lowers stress hormone levels.

The lack of transportation for seniors and people with disabilities is an issue that many constituents have brought to my attention and is one we need to begin addressing. We have long winters and even seniors who are relatively mobile in the summer can become housebound most of the year. I have constituents who have to pay for a taxi to the health centre and back three times a week to receive dialysis. I know people with disabilities who've had to miss medical appointments because of the lack of transportation. We need to do more, and we can do more. I will have questions for the Minister Responsible for Seniors at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi.

Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. With devolution, GNWT inherited the management of the Cantung Mine operated by North American Tungsten Corporation. There was a substantial shortfall in the amount of financial security that should have been posted to reclaim the site. Our government had and may still have surface leases covering the mine and its infrastructure, and there was insufficient financial security under those leases and the water licence to ensure an adequate remediation of the site.

As a result of the shortfall and our failure to ensure full financial security of the Cantung Mine, GNWT has now purchased the Mactung property using the $4.5 million special warrant that did not require any oversight of this Assembly. The new water licence was issued for the Cantung Mine in January of this year and calls for $28 million in financial security, an increase of over $16 million. Sadly, this has come too late as North American Tungsten is now in creditor protection and unlikely to go into production again.

This mine does not have a good environmental track record, as reported in the media recently, with 42 spills over the last ten years. In May of this year, more spills were detected and a notice was issued to the company to install erosion-control structures and report spills in a timely fashion as required under the GNWT spill contingency planning and reporting regulations.

Although GNWT was able to turn back the Cantung Mine to the federal government under the provisions of the devolution agreement, it is my understanding that we still hold surface leases for the property. It is not clear why we still hold such leases and whether we still retain any residual environmental and financial liabilities. Later today, I will have question for the Minister of Lands. Merci Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.