Good afternoon, Members.

Colleagues, after consideration of the matter, I wish to give my ruling on the point of order raised by the Government House Leader on June 17, 2016, regarding comments made by the Member for Yellowknife Centre on the previous day. I recognize that we have a great deal of business before us, so I will endeavour to be brief.

In raising the point of order, the government House Leader cited Rule 24(k) of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly, "use of abusive or insulting language of a nature likely to create disorder."

I have now had the opportunity to review the unedited transcripts from June 16, 2016, and have carefully considered the remarks which gave rise to the point of order. In her Member’s statement, the Member for Yellowknife Centre stated that recent increases to Government of the Northwest Territories' sole--source contracting limits "raise the possibility of malfeasance and corruption in the spending of public funds," and further stated that, "these elevated amounts increase the possibility of kickbacks and preferment."

I am guided by the second edition of the House of Commons Procedure and Practice, 2009, which states at page 619: "In dealing with unparliam entary language, the Speaker takes into account the tone, manner and intention of the Member speaking; the person to whom the words at issue were directed, the degree of provocation; and most importantly, whether or not the remarks created disorder in the Chamber. Thus, language deemed unparliamentary one day may not necessarily be deemed un-parliamentary the following day," and further, "expressions which are considered unparliamentary when applied to an individual Member have not always been considered so when applied in a general sense."

Colleagues, it can be difficult to evaluate the words spoken by a Member in terms of tone, manner, and intention. As Speaker of the House, I must trust that all Members will choose their words with care and attention and also to speak with integrity and also respect. As Members of this House, we enjoy and are protected by parliamentary privileges when we speak in this House. When we exercise this privilege, we must do so in a manner that is fitting for this House, and demonstrates respect for the people that we represent.

Whether or not a statement made in this House violates the rules of this Assembly, our words can have unintended consequences. Every time we speak we must carefully consider our words and the impacts they may have. Our freedom of speech as Members does not outweigh our responsibilities to this House, our colleagues, and the people of the Northwest Territories.

After careful consideration of the Member's comments, as set out in the unedited Hansard as well as remarks during the debate on the point of order, I conclude that there is no point of order at this point.

There is no doubt that the Member for Yellowknife Centre used strong and inflammatory language to describe the possibility of a very serious issue. However, on its own, such language does not necessarily constitute a violation of the rules of this Assembly.

During debate on the point of order, the Member for Yellowknife Centre reiterated her view that recent increases to Government of the Northwest Territories sole-source contracting limits increases the risk of "improper conduct" but went on to recognize that the Government of the Northwest Territories has been vigilant in responding to this increased risk. At no point did the Member state that any individual is guilty of a violation of the law or Government of the Northwest Territories' procurement policies.

Democracy relies on a certain level of tension between the various branches of government. In our consensus system, we try to keep that tension at a healthy and productive level. While there is no point of order, I caution the Member, and all Members of this House, to choose their words carefully in the future. I would just like to say masi.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to advise this House that a ceremony was held earlier today to celebrate seven individuals who have made tremendous contributions to education in the Northwest Territories. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment launched the Education Hall of Fame in 2010 to recognize the many Northerners that play an important role in supporting the education of our children. It reflects the valuable contributions made by various educators, volunteers, board members, administrators, and other community members across the territory.

Mr. Speaker, for this year's celebration, nominations poured in from every region, and seven people were chosen from across the territory. The 2016 inductees embody the commitment, diligence, creativity, and passion that we want education to inspire in us all.

From the Beaufort Delta Region, Sarah Jerome is a Gwich'in Elder who was among one of the first Northwest Territories' residents to become a certified teacher. Sarah began working in the education system with the teaching and learning centre in the Beaufort Delta sharing her passion for language and culture. That passion continued throughout her lifetime as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent of the Beaufort Delta Education Council, Languages Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, and most recently as a guest lecturer at Harvard University.

From the Dehcho Region, Valerie Gendron is a tireless advocate for education and activity. A teacher in Fort Simpson for more than 25 years, her commitment to education encompasses coaching curling, hockey, track and field, soccer, figure skating, speed skating, gymnastics, and table tennis. She has lobbied for funding to improve the cooking program and volunteered at the local pool, running classes for parents and children.

From the Sahtu Region, Vivian Pellissey has been a teacher in Tulita for over 35 years. Her dedication to ensuring that her students understand their culture and speak their language has been a driving force for her. She has taught generations of children, and continues teaching today.

From the South Slave Region, Jane Dragon has been active in her community since the 1960s. Acting as a key parent volunteer during the years her six children went to school, she could be counted on for field trips, teaching students about cooking traditional foods, skinning a muskrat, as well as travelling as a coach or a chaperone on numerous school trips and competitions. She has helped guide the development of Chipewyan resources in the community, has extensive traditional knowledge, and maintained an open house to any student that needed a place to stay or home-cooked meals.

From the Tlicho Region, Jim Martin is a Senior Policy Advisor with the Tlicho Government. His efforts in education in the Tlicho region span many years through numerous positions. He has always focused on transforming the education system through leading from behind and empowering local people to take responsibility for their learning and leadership for themselves and their communities. He has been a teacher, principal, superintendent, and the Tlicho Community Service Agency's first Chief Executive Officer. In 2006, under his leadership, the TCSA received the prestigious Silver Innovative Management Award from the Institute of Public Administrators of Canada, and the Public Service Award from the United Nations in 2007.

In the North Slave Region, Rita Mueller has been involved with youth since she arrived in the North in the late 1980s. She has been a lifeguard, a coach, a teacher, a principal, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Tlicho Community Services Agency. At the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, she was the Director of Early Childhood and School Services and now holds the position of assistant deputy minister of Education and Culture. She has consistently encouraged students to set their goals high, and helped them reach those goals through her passion and dedication. Under Rita's principal leadership, Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Behchoko was selected as one of the top Aboriginal schools in Canada.

For the Minister's Choice Award, Muriel Tolley from Yellowknife has been a passionate advocate for education for many years. A pioneer in teacher preparation and induction, as well a long-time teacher and educator at all levels of education in both Nunavut and the NWT, Muriel has a deep knowledge of the history and policies of education in the North. She has made a professional career through advancing education in the NWT focusing on the importance of Aboriginal peoples' history, traditions, culture, and language and has been a dedicated advocate for positive change to take place at the community level, seeing education at all levels as the path for growth.

Of these distinguished people, some are with us today in the Gallery. Mr. Speaker, this is our seventh group of inductees into the Education Hall of Fame. They are truly remarkable people who reflect the principles of dedication and passion in education and inspire us to do more and believe in ourselves.

Education is one of the priorities of this Assembly, and the 2016 Education Hall of Fame inductees are shining examples of reaching beyond barriers and challenges and inherently understanding the need to invest in our students and communities. Please join me in honouring the 2016 inductees and thank them for dedicating their life's work to the students, families, and communities of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Human Resources.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is a diverse workplace, with employees working in many different locations and in a variety of capacities. Regardless of the kind of work they do, all employees have a fundamental right to be healthy and safe in the workplace. Ensuring we have a strong, safe, and healthy workplace allows the GNWT to deliver key services and programs to residents of the Northwest Territories.

As the biggest employer in the Northwest Territories, it is important that the GNWT leads by example. By creating a safe and healthy work environment, the GNWT can maintain its position as an employer of choice. I am committed to ensuring that the Department of Human Resources continues its leadership on the corporate framework that supports the implementation of the GNWT's occupational health and safety program in its departments and agencies.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Human Resources is developing an overarching occupational health and safety framework that will assist with streamlining GNWT health and safety procedures. More importantly, the framework will put consistent standards and directives into place across all departments and agencies to ensure that we are all doing the right things for our employees. The Department is also working to strengthen the occupational health and safety culture of the GNWT through the development of a suite of policies that will complement the existing Occupational Health and Safety Policy.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that for the 2015-16 fiscal year, the GNWT has been successful on the Worker's Safety and Compensation Commission's Safe Advantage Program and the Management Practice Questionnaire. This is an annual process that involves a 48-point questionnaire, as well as a rigorous audit by the WSCC to confirm our responses. This significant achievement demonstrates the government's commitment to health and safety in the workplace and provides us with valuable, objective feedback on how we can continue to improve.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to the GNWT departments, boards, and agencies for our recent success on the Safe Advantage Program and to challenge our entire government to continue to meet and exceed standards for health and safety in the workplace. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has a centuries-long history in trapping and the fur trade. We have a high regard for the cultural values entrenched in this tradition, which set Northerners apart from other Canadians, and for the activities of the traditional economy, which have helped shape our North and remain in many of our communities today. As a proud founder and partner of the Fur Institute of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories continues its tradition of leadership in this industry.

This week, the Fur Institute of Canada will hold its Annual General Meeting in Yellowknife. This is an ideal time to reflect on the important role trapping plays in our Northwest Territories economy and what our government is doing to support it. Mr. Speaker, Northwest Territories trappers are the very best in their trade and so is the fur they ship to market. The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program and the similarly targeted Hide and Fur Procurement Program are testaments to this fact and reflect this government's commitment to support and promote excellence in our traditional economy, from the trap line through to the marketplace.

Mr. Speaker, with over $2.5 million in contributions to the economy, last year, trapping provides individuals in our territory valuable opportunities for income and employment and is as important to the northern economy as small-scale farming is in southern Canada. Mr. Speaker, this is particularly true in our most remote communities where the fur industry has sustained Aboriginal populations for hundreds of years, providing food, clothing, shelter, tools, and goods for trade. An industry that can continue to offer a reliable and sustainable safe haven against the fluctuations of a boom-and-bust economy and helps us diversify and balance our economy in a manner that respects the social and cultural values and aspirations of our people.

Mr. Speaker, trapping also instills a respect for, and knowledge of, our land and wildlife. It requires careful, consistent observation of the environment and the animals which interact with it. Reports back from trappers have long played an important role in the Northwest Territories' conservation efforts. Mr. Speaker, through trapping, our Aboriginal populations pass the practices of our ancestors to new generations. By bringing youth into the fold, cultural pride and an appreciation for getting out on the land can be fostered and encouraged for a lifetime.

Mr. Speaker, it is for these reasons our Government has chosen to remain ahead of the curve in our proactive approach to this important sector, jointly led by the Departments of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Environment and Natural Resources. We continue to connect our trappers to international markets while educating and training resident trappers to maximize their returns with consistent and best practices for trapping and pelt preparation with the world-renowned Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur brand. Through our Hide and Fur Procurement Program, we also connect local artisans with traditional materials to support their arts and their livelihoods, reinvigorating community-based sewing groups, bringing youth and elders together to pass on traditional skills and hear stories of the past.

Mr. Speaker, The Department of Environment and Natural Resources works with trappers to deliver the Take a Kid Trapping Program, and provide fur remnants to schools across the territory for use in crafting projects every year. The Northwest Territories is one of very few jurisdictions offering this kind of support for traditional practices. We are proud of this and of the fact that our programs are the envy of the Canadian trapping industry. The benefits of these small, but extremely dynamic, made-in-the-Northwest-Territories programs to our trapping industry continue to impress. Our government will continue to support and encourage this sector and the socio-economic benefits it brings to our residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Transportation.

Mr. Speaker, investments in the transportation system will help to improve the safety of the travelling public, lower the cost of living, adapt to the effects of climate change, and support economic opportunities. Successful funding agreements with Canada are critical to see these projects to completion.

Last summer, we received federal approval for the first bundle of projects submitted under the New Building Canada Plan, creating significant opportunities to improve Northwest Territories highways. Now, with the summer construction season upon us again, the Department of Transportation will continue to make improvements to highways and airports across the territory.

Mr. Speaker, work is currently being done on nearly every NWT highway. I would like to provide a brief summary of these ongoing improvements, starting in the south and moving north.

The section of Highway No. 1 between Fort Simpson and the junction with Highway No. 3 will see improvements ranging from road widening to drainage improvements and resurfacing. Highway No. 6 to Fort Resolution will also see road widening and drainage improvements, along with sub-base and base course construction. Rehabilitation to increase the structural integrity of Highway No. 7 will take place near Fort Liard. Structural strengthening, road widening, drainage, and resurfacing work will take place on Highway No. 3 between Behchoko and Yellowknife. Final work on the realigned section of Highway No. 4, including clearing the right of way, installing permanent signage, and bridge improvements will be completed this summer. Finally, on the Dempster Highway, embankment will be widened in various sections.

In addition to this work, the 2016-17 federal budget included $21.6 million in funding to pave the section of Highway No. 5 that runs through Wood Buffalo National Park. Parks Canada will be taking responsibility for the project and will identify the full scope and design. We have been in contact with Parks Canada to discuss available granular resources for the project and will assist our federal partners as required.

Mr. Speaker, all airports in the NWT are federally regulated. Improvements to air services and airport infrastructure are mutually beneficial to both our government and the Government of Canada.

The federal Airport Capital Assistance Program, or ACAP, was developed in 1995 to help regional airports pay for up to 100 per cent of the costs of projects aimed at improving safety, protecting assets, and reducing operating costs. The Department of Transportation has taken advantage of this program in the past and there are currently several projects benefitting from its funding. A total of $1.3 million has been dedicated to rehabilitating runway lighting at the airport in Tuktoyaktuk beginning in 2016-17, to enhance operational safety and improve maintenance ability at the airport. In 2016, the Department of Transportation will also finish rehabilitating the runway lighting at the Norman Wells airport. That project received $1.4 million from ACAP, back in 2014. Finally, the Department has received $800,000 to replace the emergency response crash truck at the airport in Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, a great deal is being done to strengthen and improve our existing transportation system. However, the list of priorities continues to grow and additional resources are required on an ongoing basis. Our government must continue to take every opportunity to highlight the infrastructure needs of our territory and work with the federal government to achieve our mutual priorities. The final report of the Canada Transportation Act Review Panel, which was released in February 2016, included a list of recommendations for federal investment in some of our top transportation infrastructure priorities, including investment in the development of three corridors: the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Tlicho All-Season Road and access to the Slave Geological Province. This summer, the federal government is engaging with key stakeholders, governments, and the general public in all jurisdictions to talk about the findings of this report. Our government will use this opportunity to support the implementation of these important recommendations.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to strengthen our partnership with Canada by ensuring that the priorities and challenges of our territory are being recognized. Our government has made significant commitments to increasing NWT transportation infrastructure by contributing 25 per cent of the costs for projects funded under the New Building Canada Plan and delivering project management and ongoing operations and maintenance. Infrastructure improvements provide significant economic and social benefits for NWT residents, including employment and training opportunities, reducing the cost of living in remote communities, supporting local businesses and local economies, and providing more efficient means to bring non-renewable resources to markets. The Department of Transportation is committed to identifying new prospects to increase investment in the NWT transportation system in collaboration with our federal counterparts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my colleagues for allowing me to conclude my statement. “Knowing that there are people in the North constantly working towards providing and sharing the opportunity for our opinions and leadership is refreshing, it fills us with the empowerment for change, self-discipline and the chance to voice the thoughts, feelings and solution of the youth. On behalf of all the NWT youth, please acknowledge the efforts of the youth. If we are struggling, mentor us, do not leave us. If we are succeeding, encourage us and do not tear us down. For me, making a difference in the future is a guarantee if I have the support.” Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I'd like to talk about the Agriculture Strategy for the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, people everywhere have certain basic needs that unite us as humans, such things as shelter, family, clothing, and the need for food. To thrive and flourish, every human being requires access to a healthy diet. Without that, none of the other elements of a healthy and happy life are possible. Like a lot of things, getting access to a healthy diet presents the North with more challenges than most other Canadian regions. Our communities are smaller and sparsely located, we're challenged by transportation between communities and access to the rest of the country, and our climate doesn't favour growing in abundance or during all periods of the year.

Nevertheless, the land has provided for people here, for as long as any of us can remember. Many types of foods thrive on our land, and have sustained people for many generations. There's a history of producing local crops in many northern communities in all regions. Recent years have seen innovation and new initiatives that make producing some of our own foods a reality in most NWT communities.

Mr. Speaker, like anything, food production takes knowledge and hard work. Anyone who has worked the land will tell you, it's not a matter of throwing down some seeds and then harvesting supper. But it is possible to supplement imported processed and packaged food with locally grown crops. Not only does that provide us with a healthy alternative in many cases, it also helps us to become more independent, and less reliant on southern producers. It helps us to be more secure in our own supply of our own foods and ultimately our own health. Most certainly there are economic benefits to our communities that result from spending here at home, as well as reducing the cost of living.

Mr. Speaker, last summer the government consulted with people in the agriculture community. Northerners are excited, and many are passionate, about the potential for growing our own food. In our mandate discussions earlier this year, this Assembly committed to investing in our agricultural sector, and specifically to developing and implementing an Agriculture Strategy, that I am now pleased to see is underway. At the appropriate time today, I'll have questions about the strategy for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. I would like to use this time to speak about the important work the Yellowknives Dene First Nation are doing to enhance skills and employment for members in Ndilo and Detah.

Through strategic planning, the YKDFN have identified gaps and areas of need for skills development. Mr. Speaker, both of YKDFN's Community Readiness Plan and their Labour Force Development Strategy analyze local job market and skill gaps for Members in Ndilo, Detah, and Yellowknife. These studies demonstrate a need for skills development and education upgrading in these communities. Approximately 46.6 per cent of residents in Ndilo and Dettah have a high school diploma, which is below the territorial average of 73.6 per cent. As well, Mr. Speaker, employment rates in Ndilo and Dettah are very low. As is the case in most of the small communities.

Mr. Speaker, YKDFN's solution is a locally delivered skills training to employment program that offers job counselling, personal counselling, targeted skills training, and work integrated training opportunities, all while retaining important connections to culture and tradition. The program, Dechita Naowo, is an upgraded version of a skills development program already delivered by YKDFN's Wellness Department that was successful in moving members from training to employment.

The Dechita Naowo program is an implementation of recommendations outlined in our Labour Force Development Strategy. Dechita Naowo also closely aligns with the GNWT's Skills 4 Success initiative. For instance, goal one of Skills 4 Success is to increase skill levels through relevant education and training. Dechita Naowo has built-in training programs and educational upgrading programs that prepare members to work in emerging jobs in the NWT. Dechita Naowo aligns with goal two of Skills 4 Success through bridging employment gaps through targeted supports by developing targeted training programs. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. By developing targeted training programs to participants that are based on needs of the industry. As well, information about Dechita Naowo participants will be tracked and maintained in YKDFN's labour force database. YKDFN will be able to better monitor their labour force and develop skills training that align with labour market trends. There is alignment between Skills 4 Success, YKDFN's Labour Force Strategy, and the Dechita Naowo program, but there is little synergy between the strategies to implement local skills development. The YKDFN have worked very hard to strategically identify and find solutions to these local skills gaps. Thank you Mr. Speaker

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.

Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to use this time here to share a couple announcements here. One is to Ms. Vivian Pellissey there who the Minister earlier mentioned on receiving the Education Hall of Fame. Congratulations Ms. Pellissey on your over 30 years of dedication to strengthening the educational foundation of the Community of Tulita, truly a large and most recognized reward and I extend my support to you.

The second one is to recognize this day here, 23 years ago we seen the conclusion of the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim, which was signed on this day and received a royal assent that following fall. So it's a contributed recognized achievement for the people of the Sahtu region, so I'd certainly like to share that with my colleagues in this House and the people in the gallery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Mr. Speaker, both on the hustings and in this House, I've spoken about the NWT's need to evolve into a knowledge economy. That is the key to breaking the boom-and-bust cycle that prevents the North from transforming into the long-term sustainable economy we are all working so hard to build. Though this government avoids taking the steps required to achieving this, luckily, a group of Northerners is already taking the caribou by the horns, so to speak, in actively building our knowledge economy.

Since its inception in 2009, Dechinta Bush University Centre for Research and Learning has become a flexible, innovative, and responsive institution that is filling the need for a northern university. It should be noted, Mr. Speaker, that Canada is the only circumpolar country without a university in their northern territories, yet the demand for one has long existed and only keeps growing. Last year alone, Dechinta had 104 potential applicants and a mere 30 spaces. They're receiving three times as many applications as they have funding for and cannot meet this ever-growing demand for potential students. Moreover, 97 per cent of those students who are able to attend are Aboriginal, and 72 per cent are women. And, Mr. Speaker, they have an astonishing zero per cent dropout rate and 100 per cent program completion record. They have built this successful record almost purely on their own resources, tenacity, and devotion to higher learning. They could do so much more for our students and our economy if the government supported them with more resources and legislative change.

Dechinta's commitment to building a knowledge economy is unparalleled, and their graduates are already participating in achieving that shared goal, with all of them either having pursued higher education or have entered the labour force. Breaking that down even more, Mr. Speaker, 49 per cent pursued further post-secondary and 57 per cent are employed, 97 of these in the NWT labour force. This clearly demonstrates they are quickly becoming a major contributor to our future economy and social growth, yet they could do so much more. If Dechinta was given both core funding and recognition under the Education Act, they would create 158 new jobs with 153 of those jobs outside of the capital. Mr. Speaker, I speak unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, an increase in university graduation is directly tied to GDP growth, poverty alleviation, and rise in real income, and we have a responsibility as a maturing jurisdiction to offer the ability to pursue such a degree here, at home. Dechinta has already taken the first steps, the hardest steps, and this government should now assist them with the funding and accreditation to climb even further in their pursuit of achieving a knowledge economy that we can all share and participate in. We need this if we are to attain a truly sustainable future for all peoples of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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