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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today is national Pink Shirt Day. Wearing pink today symbolizes that we, as a society, will not tolerate bullying of any kind. This day of recognition and action was started in 2007 by two young men in Nova Scotia, David Sheppard and Travis Price. As an act of protest and support, they gave pink shirts to their fellow students, after a grade 9 student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school.

These two young men raised global awareness of bullying, starting from one school in Cambridge, Nova Scotia. In the last year, more than 180 countries have participated in this initiative.

Mr. Speaker, I provided pink lapel flowers for all of the Members to wear in the House today. We have done this for a number of years, to show support for victims of bullying and cyber bullying. It is also a reminder that there are many people working hard to bring this issue off the internet and out of the dark corners of our schools. I am proud to see all the pink in the House today, marking our collective accomplishment that bullying in any form is unacceptable.

In 2013, the Legislative Assembly passed Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Education Act to establish a definition of bullying; provide for the establishment, by regulation, of a Territorial School Code of Conduct; and require education authorities to ensure the development of safe school plans. The Northwest Territories Safe and Caring Schools Regulations and Territorial Code of Conduct were established in 2016. The safe schools plans have now been created throughout our education system.

Mr. Speaker, schools across the North are working to create safe and welcoming learning environments for all students. Our schools are actively engaging students of all ages in wellness, resiliency, and inclusion activities, and making sure that all students are, and feel they are, valued members of their community. We have seen some marked successes stemming from these actions, with students growing into advocates and ambassadors. We must continue the work we began in 2013 to make our schools safe places for all members of the school community.

The 2018 national theme for Pink Shirt Day is cyber bullying. The Pink Shirt Day organization states that, in today's digital world, it can be impossible to escape online bullying, whether it takes the shape of harassment, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing information, or threats. This year, Pink Shirt Day is encouraging everyone, young and old, to combat cyber bullying by thinking twice before posting something negative, and instead using the internet to spread positivity.

Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt that all of our schools across the Northwest Territories will be marking Pink Shirt Day. I look forward to seeing the wash of pink across the North. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. The Honourable Premier.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment to support the Intergovernmental Council towards implementation of the vision of cooperative and collaborative management of lands and resources, as set out in the Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement. I am pleased to report that the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Intergovernmental Council on Land and Resource Management took place on Friday, December 15, 2017, here in Yellowknife.

The Intergovernmental Council, or IGC, was created as part of the devolution process and provides the opportunities for member governments to collaborate on issues of land and resources, while acknowledging their respective jurisdictions.

The agenda for the meeting, which is jointly developed, identified topics for discussion, including a report on the activities of the Intergovernmental Council Secretariat; the Arctic Policy Framework; and the need to develop a formalized working relationship.

Some of the outcomes and additional items discussed at the meeting included:

• Identifying the need to complete the Intergovernmental Council long-term strategic plan in 2018. The strategic plan will include timelines, indicators, and required resources;

• The establishment of a working group tasked with developing formal government-to-government working relationships;

• Determining how best to collaborate and maximize federal government Indigenous funding programs; and

• Continued work with Indigenous governments to develop a northern approach to the Arctic Policy Framework, including the NWT chapter.

A summary of these items has been provided to the chair of the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning, who also attended the meeting and is also posted on the IGC website.

Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to report that the Government of the Northwest Territories has committed to working with the Indigenous governments to host a Northern Summit on Economic Development which will take place later this year. Invitations to the summit will be extended to a range of partners, including industry and representatives from the federal government.

I want to acknowledge and thank our Indigenous government counterparts for their ongoing commitment to the goals and objectives identified in the devolution agreement. By signing on to this agreement, we agreed to work together, and I am optimistic that our accomplishments to date are indicative of that collaborative approach. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is just a bit different. Just a bit different is the tagline of NWT Tourism's new marketing campaign. It capitalizes on the unique Northern realities that make our territory a special and spectacular travel destination. As we continue to build our territory's tourism industry, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is investing to maximize the economic growth and diversity that this sector can provide.

Guided by our Tourism 2020 plan, we are investing in training, capacity building, and product development. We are working to ensure that tourism operators have a skilled workforce to draw and rely on and that activities and packages are tailored and available for travellers who arrive to share and experience our territory.

In today's competitive tourism marketplace, programs like our Tourism and Business Mentorships, the Community Tourism Infrastructure Contribution, and Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing offer examples of how the Government of the Northwest Territories is working and investing to ensure that we are, and continue to be, just a bit different.

However, Mr. Speaker, there is another half to our tourism equation. We can have the best tour operators and packages in the world, but if no one travels here, we will not have a tourism industry. It is NWT Tourism, under contract to our government, that is responsible for marketing and selling our spectacular territory to the world.

To remain competitive, our marketing needs to be nimble, to derive opportunities from trends, and to recognize our strengths and build on them. The Northwest Territories Tourism Marketing Plan for 2018-2019, which will be tabled later today, does just that. It includes a transition from print to online content marketing and a digital audit to gauge attitudes and sentiments about the Northwest Territories.

To better reach potential travellers, Northwest Territories Tourism will use social media platforms in each targeted market to deliver their messages. The Explorers' Guide will get a new look, styled as a lure piece rather than a catalogue.

While NWT Tourism will maintain its broad marketing reach, increased emphasis will be placed on Asia this year, especially China, where we are seeing exponential visitor growth and around which we can leverage broader Canadian investments focused on the Year of Canada-China tourism.

To support this new approach and add to its marketing assets, NWT Tourism will be investing in the second of five region-specific photo shoots this year. Each of our regions has something spectacular to offer visitors and travellers. These shoots capture that, focusing on one region per year and rotating annually. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the new fiscal year and prepare to implement the new and innovative approaches highlighted in our marketing plan, we are also approaching a new camping season.

In what was a record-breaking 2016-2017 season that saw over $200 million in visitor spending, I am pleased to advise Members that a new high was also set for people enjoying our territorial parks. Our parks welcomed over 35,000 overnight visitors in 2017, an increase of 20 per cent over the previous camping season.

It is yet another indicator of the growth that we are seeing in our tourism industry. More so, Mr. Speaker, it demonstrates that our partnership approach to developing the NWT's tourism industry is yielding the results we are looking for and that it is contributing to the growth and diversification of our economy.

What the Northwest Territories offers travellers is just a bit different, and it is this difference that truly makes the territory a world-class destination. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spoke about the old Canadian idea about the Roads to Resources. The idea started in the 1930s but was popularized by the Diefenbaker government in the 1950s as a way to open the "frontier," as they thought of us in the old days.

The idea of generating wealth and creating opportunity is not out of date, Mr. Speaker. The road to the Slave Geological Province can be an important element in creating new paths to prosperity for the NWT.

Mining, as we know, provides generational opportunities for individuals, families, and communities. It provides training that can create portable skills, which can build long-standing careers. It provides wealth at the community level and investment in community infrastructure.

The life of any major project extends from exploration to development to production to eventual rehabilitation and reclamation. At all these stages, jobs, training, and opportunities are created. The benefits start with a good income, a good job for this year and many more to come. They develop skills in trades like carpentry, heavy equipment operation, construction, kitchen management and food services, electrical, and mechanical. More still, they help grow our knowledge economy, building expertise in geoscience, design, environmental science, project management, engineering, and traditional knowledge.

Mr. Speaker, in the past, the mining industry has been seen as a grubby, destructive, fly-by-night business, but today's industry is actively working to break that mould. It respects communities and Indigenous landowners. It commits to projects from exploration through to remediation. Today's miners aren't just hard rock drillers with headlamps, picks, and shovels. They are geological and environmental engineers.

Above and beyond mining, Mr. Speaker, this road will offer access to a region currently only accessible by air and winter road. That can provide more opportunities in tourism and recreation.

I know that there are deep concerns related to environmental impacts of this road, specifically for caribou habitat. Mr. Speaker, part of building the knowledge economy lies in finding ways that allow us to pursue development without environmental degradation.

Challenges always face us. We need to build on our skills, knowledge, creativity, and the resources of our people to surmount these challenge. We know we will have obstacles to overcome, Mr. Speaker. That should not stop us from moving forward on our long-term economic goals. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the privileges of being the Member for Hay River North is having the opportunity to rise in this House and acknowledge the contributions of the many residents and organizations who give freely their time to help make Hay River the great community that it is.

Today, it is my pleasure to tell you about the good work being done by the members of the Catholic Women's League of Assumption Catholic Church in Hay River. The parish council in Hay River is part of the Catholic Women's League of Canada, a national organization which is rooted in Christian values and which calls upon its members to serve God by serving others.

The members of the Catholic Women's League are tireless fundraisers and volunteers, and they contribute to a number of good causes.

The league's main annual fundraiser is a Mother's Day tea and raffle which is always well attended. I am telling you this now, Mr. Speaker, so that you and all of my colleagues in this House can get your tickets early and join us for tea in Hay River this May.

The league provides funds to Hay River schools to support the breakfast program, which helps get students to school and make sure they are able to learn. The league makes a monthly donation to the Hay River Soup Kitchen, which, unfortunately, struggles to meet a growing demand.

At Christmastime, the Catholic Women's League is very busy. Members provide a Christmas donation to the Family Support Centre and give gifts and quilts to our residents in long-term care facilities. They are also active internationally and sponsor a child through the Hay River-based charity which provides tuition and supplies so that children in Ghana can attend school.

These are just a few of the ways that the league supports our community. Many of the members are also active volunteers outside of the league, as well. Their overall contribution is beyond measure. Included among the 60 members are co-presidents Shirley Gutierrez and Dee Dee Lepine and board members Sheila Ryan-Hachey, Teresa Swallow, Sylvia Boyer, Marilyn Green, Liz Buckley, Doris Cadrone, Tessie Gonzalez, Rosa Loutit and Yvonne Maurice.

I want to thank all members of the Catholic Women's League of Assumption Catholic Church in Hay River for all they have done and continue to do for our community. Mr. Speaker, I have said before that Hay River is a beautiful place to live. It is safe to say that its natural beauty is rivalled only by the beautiful hearts of the giving and caring people who call it home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' Statements. Member for Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the following athletes, coaches, cultural delegates, and mission staff representing the Nunakput region at the 2018 Arctic Winter Games in Hay River next month. Mr. Speaker, the following names are Jennifer Giffin, Casey Tai, Junji Tai, Matthew Anikina, Noel-Leigh Cockney, Cole Felix, Karlene Green, Jasmine Gruben, Jemra Gruben, Brayden Gruben, Kristen Jacobson, Mikayla Jacobson, Kobe Keevik, Agnes Krengnektak, Henson Nasogaluak, Joe-David Nasogaluak, Larsen Nasogaluak, Clorese Nogasak, Robin Jr. Raddi, Sophie Stefure, Kyran Alikamik, and Jacob Kengenberg. Also, Mr. Speaker, my step-daughter, Marie Carpenter, who is a Page here today.

Mr. Speaker, I wish all the athletes luck at the winter games, most importantly to have fun and make new friends all over the circumpolar world, work hard in school, and make time for family before attending the games. I would also like to recognize two New Youth Ambassadors from my riding: Alexandria Sayers and Mahlena Ross-Gruben. We as a community are always proud to see our youth involved in anything that improves their leadership and skills. It is an honour to have them represent and inspire other communities. Good luck, play fair, and represent the Northwest Territories proudly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Frozen Rock studios, an artistic studio located in my riding of Kam Lake. Frozen Rock Studios is the creation of three notable NWT carvers: Eli Nasogaluak, of Tuktoyaktuk, John Sabourin, of Fort Simpson, and Derrald Taylor, also from Tuktoyaktuk, who now all call Yellowknife home.

These stone, snow, and ice carvers have been doing their work in the North for much of their lives, working to sustain themselves from their artwork; and most importantly, offering a reflection of our northern culture. All three artists are well known in the North, throughout this country, and in many nations across the world. They have helped spread the word of our culture through competitions they have attended and participated in at all levels. All three have won in snow and ice carving categories and have even won the Canadian championships. Their artwork is now located throughout the North, the South, and all over world.

Our NWT carvers have worked tirelessly to spread the word of our northern culture through their art and have created Frozen Rock Studios, located at 5 Coronation Drive, in my riding of Kam Lake, to keep doing just that.

While still in its infancy stages, these studio sessions are now available to the public and to tourists alike in workshops. These workshops allow even the most amateur of guests to create their own takeaway soapstone art, under the guidance of our NWT carvers. This passing along of thousands of years of NWT culture is a unique experience that all can take pride and participate in.

Northern carvers Eli, John, and Derrald are responding to the call of our government's desire to spread the word of the North and its cultures. This hands-on carving workshop approach is doing exactly what we want for our locals and tourists alike. Each session they complete means that a handmade piece of northern culture is taken away by someone to another corner of the world. It is important for us to recognize and support theses carvers, and encourage them to continue doing this valuable act of cultural exchange.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, February sees many Canadians celebrate Valentine's Day, expressing their love to friends and family; but there's no reason to limit that to just one day a year. I encourage everyone to look beyond the post-Valentine's chocolate sales and take a few moments to talk about heart disease.

February is also Heart Month, a time when the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation ramps up its efforts to raise awareness as well as funds for its life-saving research efforts. Mr. Speaker, we know that the heart plays a critical role in our health. Our hearts keep us alive, but we often don't appreciate this hard-working muscle like we should. When the heart is healthy, it works steadily 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to pump blood through our bodies; but when it's not healthy, we're in serious trouble.

Together with cancer, cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death for NWT men and women, and accounted for nearly half of all Canadian deaths in 2014. Those are intimidating numbers, Mr. Speaker, but we are not powerless. Although some heart conditions are congenital, affecting people from birth, up to 80 per cent of coronary heart disease and one third of cancers can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes: quitting smoking; eating well; staying active; and limiting alcohol consumption. Each of these things helps keeps heart disease away.

Your heart will also be happier if you're able to take steps to manage stress in your life, like talking to friends and family about things that are bothering you, and to practice your traditional lifestyle. That could mean staying active through hunting, trapping, wood-cutting, or going out on the land, and eating our delicious country foods. It's surely no coincidence that making these kinds of lifestyle changes can improve our physical and mental health across the board, not just for our hearts.

Mr. Speaker, every year scientists, doctors, and other researchers make new advances in the fight against heart disease, from new pharmaceuticals and surgeries, to public awareness campaigns, to new diagnostic techniques. There is hope and there are ways for all of us to help. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, like governments across Canada, the GNWT is working to meet the federal government's deadline for the legalization of marijuana later this year. In the fall of 2017, the GNWT consulted with communities in the Northwest Territories about the proposed legislation to make marijuana legal in the Northwest Territories.

Unfortunately, Fort McPherson was left out of this consultation. The Hamlet Council, the Tetlit Gwich'in Band, and the Designated Gwich'in Organization are not happy about that. As they pointed out in a press release earlier this month, the hamlet has concerns about legalization and the serious implications it has for communities struggling with addictions issues. They also noted that there is a lot of public interest in the issue, which merits more examination and conversation.

Unfortunately, when the GNWT took its consultation to communities, there was no invitation to and no direct correspondence with the mayor, hamlet council, or the residents of Fort McPherson about the consultation planned for Tsiigehtchic. Surely, this should have been done.

While the GNWT may have failed Fort McPherson in this matter, there is an opportunity for this oversight to be corrected, and I am looking to my Regular MLA colleagues to step up and do what the GNWT wouldn't. When the cannabis bill is referred to the standing committees for review, the committees will have a chance to do their own consultation on the proposed legislation. I will be speaking with the chairs of the appropriate standing committees to request a commitment to visit Fort McPherson during that upcoming consultation process. The community has a strong interest in this issue and they deserve to be heard. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to complete my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT must do better when it undertakes consultation on important issues. In the consultation of cannabis legislation, a simple letter of invitation could have been signalled to the people of Fort McPherson that their input on this issue is important and valued. Instead, they were passed over and let down. I trust that my Regular Member colleagues will do what they can to help bring consultation on the cannabis bill to Fort McPherson, and I give the community this public commitment that I will do everything in my power to make that happen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Member's statements. Member for Sahtu.

Mr. Speaker, Northerners need to be the ones making decisions about their future. We are the ones who live here and we know what is best for our regions and our communities. This is why I support the Premier taking a stand on the Northwest Territories red alert last November. The Sahtu region has a vast store of renewable and non-renewable resources. We want to develop those resources so we can get the economic benefits from them and keep people off government support programs.

Mr. Speaker, developing our resources in a responsible manner is a fundamental principle of prudent land management stewardship. Northerners know best how to develop responsibly and safely. Mr. Speaker, the Sahtu isn't seeing any signs from Canada that they understand how important resource development is for our region, or that they are in any hurry to get the economy of our region restarted.

Mr. Speaker, we need the Government of Canada to help us do that by investing in infrastructure projects like the Mackenzie Valley highway. We also need to know they support resource development as the engine of the Sahtu region and the Northwest Territories economy.

Mr. Speaker, we have negotiated land claims and the devolution to give our people the power to make their own decisions in important areas like economic development, but we are still having difficulties exercising those powers, Mr. Speaker, especially when the federal government still retains decisions that affect our independence.

Mr. Speaker, Ottawa agreed to review the transfer of authorities it held back under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act within five years of devolution. That review comes to us next year, and we need to get ready by reminding the federal government that decisions about the North need to be made here by Northerners. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi, colleagues. Asserting for more authority through the Red Alert announcement by our Premier last November was a positive step and something we should all support. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions later for the Honourable Premier.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.