Good morning, Members. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has significant and varied energy resources. As Canada's gas and liquefied natural gas industry takes steps towards competing in the global market, the Northwest Territories' resources are positioned to both improve energy security locally and help Canada compete.

The responsible development of these resources will also create meaningful jobs for residents, opportunities for business, and sources of revenue to support territory-wide public programs and services for NWT residents.

In particular, the Northwest Territories' petroleum resources offer a frontier for exploration and represent, in their development and delivery to market, significant opportunities to grow and diversify our economy.

In time, our natural gas resources will also contribute to regional energy security, lessen our reliance on imported diesel, reduce the energy costs, and lower Northwest Territories greenhouse gas emissions.

None of this will happen overnight. Realizing the benefits of the Northwest Territories' petroleum resources will take time, commitment and innovation. All of which, Mr. Speaker, we have.

On May 1^st, as part of our government's transition to a strong, healthy economy, one in which the Northwest Territories' residents and communities are resilient and adaptive in the face of a changing climate, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment introduced a Petroleum Resources Strategy as committed in our mandate.

The Northwest Territories Petroleum Resources, A Path to Northern Benefits and Energy Security presents a balanced, viable and made-in-the-Northwest Territories approach to advancing petroleum development in the NWT for the benefit of all residents.

Its aim is to realize both short and long-term economic benefits of our territory's petroleum resources, positioning and preparing the NWT to realize eventual industry investment, while pursuing local energy security and advancing our growing knowledge economy.

The Petroleum Resources Strategy, Mr. Speaker, is framed by a family of GNWT strategies and policies, including the Northwest Territories 2030 Energy Strategy and the NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework.

It outlines actions to improve the NWT's competitive edge for investment including support for infrastructure projects that facilitate activity in the NWT's petroleum resources sector; improvements to the NWT's oil and gas regulatory framework, and investment in greater public understanding and awareness.

It also highlights opportunities to provide locally produced energy to communities, build the NWT's workforce and business capacity, and take an active role in the governance of offshore oil and gas policy and co-management.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, we will work, through the implementation of this strategy, to create a sustainable, innovative petroleum resources sector by ensuring decisions about the development of NWT petroleum resources consider both science and traditional knowledge and by encouraging the application of the knowledge economy to petroleum resources.

Mr. Speaker, access to secure, affordable, and environmentally sustainable sources of energy is essential to the prosperity of the NWT, and everyone has a part to play in achieving a more sustainable territory.

I look forward to working with colleagues, stakeholders, and Indigenous governments to implement this pursuit of economic opportunity and prosperity on behalf of all residents of the Northwest Territories. Later today, at the appropriate time I will be tabling this strategy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the federal government implements its plan to legalize cannabis this summer, the Department of Health and Social Services, in partnership with other Government of the Northwest Territories departments and agencies, has already begun public education and awareness efforts.

Mr. Speaker, in late April, we launched our campaign in order to equip residents with the health information they need to make informed decisions about cannabis use. While all Northwest Territories residents will be provided with cannabis-related health information, groups that are especially at risk for harm from cannabis will be our immediate focus. This includes youth under 25, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those at risk for adverse mental health outcomes.

Mr. Speaker, this will not be an easy task. The challenge for us is in striking the right balance in providing information about the very real health risks associated with cannabis products while acknowledging that residents will soon have the option to legally purchase and consume cannabis.

Our goal is to provide residents with evidence-based and culturally appropriate harm-reduction information on safer cannabis use so that they can feel confident in their ability to make informed health decisions.

Like other controlled substances, there are risks associated with cannabis use that people should be aware of. We know that cannabis use negatively impacts brain development in infants and young people, possibly up to an age of 25. For this reason, some of our most important audiences for this education and awareness campaign are youth, their parents, and youth influencers. To this end, we provided residents with the Cannabis Talk Kit: Know How to Talk With Your Teen, a publication from Drug Free Kids Canada and endorsed by Health Canada. This simple talk kit was sent to all households and businesses in the Northwest Territories. Over 13,000 kits were distributed to help start and guide the conversation regarding cannabis use. This kit is one of the many initiatives that will raise awareness regarding cannabis use.

To make sure that the important information in the Cannabis Talk Kit reaches all residents, we have worked with local translators to provide a summary of the kit in all of our Indigenous languages. These translations are currently airing on local and commercial radio stations and are available on the Department of Health and Social Services website.

Other elements of our public education and awareness campaign include social media and newspaper advertising, videos, and posters that will provide fact-based health messaging for our target audiences. Our work with the schools and educators is an important part of how we are working together as a government and with our partners to make sure that our youth are getting important information about cannabis.

On June 11, 2018, a brain expert from the University of Calgary will host a live video conference question-and-answer session with students and educators in schools across Northwest Territories on the effects of cannabis on the brain. Similar information sessions are also being provided to health professionals and Northwest Territories recreation leaders on how to talk to youth and people who use cannabis about the health effects. As Community Healthy Living Fairs begin in the fall, we will also have materials available for the wider public.

We hope that these new resources and activities will prompt further discussions in our communities and in our homes.

Mr. Speaker, ensuring that our young people and residents have the most up-to-date information on cannabis is not a one-time effort. We know that we will need to continue to be a trusted source of information for residents and that this will require longer term planning and dedicated resources. That is why the Department of Health and Social Services has submitted a detailed, multi-year funding proposal to the federal government that will allow us to expand our campaign to support even more public education activities in communities.

Part of the proposal will help us identify community champions and provide information to our communities in culturally appropriate ways. This would be in addition to the scheduled Community Healthy Living Fairs that will take place this fall, which provide healthy choices advice and information directly to communities.

We applaud the work that the federal government has begun on cannabis public education, including using social media, paid advertising, and promotional materials, all of which is helping to provide important information to residents in NWT and across the country. We hope to leverage this campaign and extend our own campaign.

Our government is committed to making sure that NWT residents and communities have the information they need to educate themselves and their children in order to make informed decisions on cannabis use. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the release of an action plan to support the 2017 NWT Aboriginal Languages Framework.

The Northwest Territories Indigenous Languages Action Plan has two goals. The first is language revitalization, with efforts intended to slow down, stop, and reverse the decline of Indigenous languages in the Northwest Territories. The second goal is to improve people's access to public services in the nine Indigenous official languages of the Northwest Territories: Inuvialuktun, Inuinnaqtun and Inuktitut; Gwich'in, North Slavey, South Slavey, Tlicho, Chipewyan, and Cree.

Mr. Speaker, the Framework and Action Plan together support the 18^th Legislative Assembly's priority of increasing cultural programming in education --

I'm sorry, Mr. Speaker. I'm missing a page. I apologize, Mr. Speaker. I am missing a page from my document. Thank you. Sorry. I'm going to try to find where we are. I can't believe this just happened.

Mr. Speaker, the Framework and Action Plan together support the 18^th Legislative Assembly's priority of increasing cultural programming in education and revitalizing Indigenous languages. Indigenous languages are essential to the history, culture, and traditions of the Northwest Territories. They are vital to the identity, well-being, and prosperity of Northwest Territories residents now and in the future.

Revitalizing Indigenous languages is an enormous task, one that takes the effort and commitment of many people. Parents, families and language communities; Indigenous governments and non-government organizations; early childhood programs, schools, and postsecondary institutions; language representatives, boards and the Government of the Northwest Territories; all share the responsibility for strengthening Indigenous languages.

Mr. Speaker, our investment in Indigenous languages has increased to $21 million this past year, which includes $5.9 million from Canadian Heritage as part of a multi-year funding agreement. We provided a total of $4.8 million last year to Indigenous governments to design and deliver Indigenous language programming in their communities. This amount includes support for Indigenous languages in early childhood programs. A further $10.6 million was invested in Indigenous languages and culture-based education in schools.

Forty language partners were supported in taking Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literacy Development Institute courses through the University of Alberta to increase the quality and success of their local Indigenous language programming.

The new Revitalizing Indigenous Languages in Communities Program provided multi-year funding to innovative, community-based Indigenous language learning and revitalization training programs, such as the Elder and Youth Language Mentoring programs and Family Language Learning initiatives. As well, we continue to support community radio stations across the territory to provide Indigenous language programming.

Our schools are doing their part towards achieving the action plan goals. Nineteen schools piloted the new Our Language curriculum this school year. We will be piloting the program in all Northwest Territories schools beginning in September 2018. This means students in all schools will hear and use Indigenous languages during their school routines and in interactions with staff and other students.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Official Languages Board and the Aboriginal Languages Board, many of whom are here today. They played a vital role in the completion of the NWT Indigenous Languages Action Plan: A Shared Responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, we must act now to revitalize Indigenous languages in the Northwest Territories and improve access to public services in Indigenous official languages. Our government is committed to meeting these goals, together with our key language partners. We are working with them to achieve a shared vision where Indigenous languages are supported, respected, and thriving. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer our sincere thanks to the many people and groups who were involved in the 2018 Arctic Winter Games held in the South Slave Region from March 18^th to March 24^th.

I acknowledge Mr. Greg Rowe, President of the Arctic Winter Games Society, his dedicated Board of Directors and staff, whose efforts over many months resulted in the delivery of a very successful Games. All Northwest Territories residents should be proud.

I would like to recognize Mayor Lynn Napier-Buckley of Fort Smith, Mayor Brad Mapes of Hay River, and Chief Roy Fabian of the K'atlodeeche First Nation for being tremendous hosts to the athletes, coaches, mission staff, cultural delegates, and visitors from across the circumpolar region.

One of the many benefits of hosting the Arctic Winter Games is the infrastructure legacy that the community receives afterwards. This year, we saw investments in the Hay River airport, the new arena, and upgrades to the snowboard park, which residents will be able to enjoy for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to congratulate Mr. Doug Rentmeister, Chef de Mission, and his staff. They helped the 350-plus members of Team NT make a great showing in 19 different sports, with our athletes bringing home 102 ulus.

I am sure that all Members of this House will join me to thank the many parents and volunteers who helped make the 2018 South Slave Arctic Winter Games a success. Hosting an event of this scale in one community is a large feat, but hosting across a region required an amazing effort from many people in the South Slave.

Congratulations to all those who supported these games by opening your homes to visitors, volunteering at events, or by attending and cheering on the participants. As volunteers, you are the heart of our communities, and without you, these games simply do not happen. On behalf of all Members, thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to extend my appreciation to all of the Members who took time from their busy schedules to take part in the Arctic Winter Games. We only have the opportunity to host this event every decade or so. Having a strong show of support from this House for our athletes and cultural performers demonstrates our commitment to the young people of the Northwest Territories. They are our future.

There is also still some work to be done to wrap up the 2018 Arctic Winter Games. Currently, many who were involved in different aspects of the games are supporting the completion of an economic impact study. Its findings will help demonstrate the economic effects this event had on the South Slave Region. Studies of this nature reflect the need for us to continue to support the Arctic Winter Games and to invest in our economy in all parts of the Northwest Territories.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would once more invite all of my colleagues to join me in offering our thanks to all those who were involved in the 2018 Arctic Winter Games for a job well done. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to go to item 5 on the orders paper.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you can see, we have a full gallery today. It is the annual grade 6 class trip. The gallery is full of students from Princess Alexandra School, and we are happy to have them. We have a long list of names here. I don't want to miss anyone. Let's get started.

The students, we have Ashley Angulalik-Elder, Chayce Beck, Emerson Beck, Esha O'Brien, Kaiden Broedner, Jadeane Brown, Glacia Gordon, Teagan Hedderson, Kyzer Hehn, Angelia Nitsiza, Nora Lecouter, Teagan Lefebvre, Theron Mabbitt, Grace Schaub, Joshua Cayen, Sienna Daniels, Alijah Famorcan, Linkin Giesbrecht, Teddy Lefleur, Angelina Maerz, Tyrel Thomas-Comeau. We have chaperones, as well: Wayne Korotash, Reverend Francais Delaplain, Stephanie Haas, Miranda Orr, and Joe Ganier, who got them all here safely.

Masi. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Hay River South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member stated, we have students from Hay River, our growing population. He only read half of the people who are here. I would like to introduce 24 other participants: Kale Beck, Dawson Bourque, Tyler Brockway, Keira Coakwell, Zoe Cross, Adison Korotash, Breanna Makepeace, Emma Peters, James Graham, Brooke Delorey, Marie Buggins, Albert Jensen, Alanna Klause, Hayden Braun, Teegan Brockway, Lainey McPhee, Ava Pokiak, Dominic Sim, Payton Walters, Liam McIntyre, chaperone Colleen Cochrane and Darlene Lamb, and also Paulette West and Lynnette Moore, and also my CA, Myrtle Graham. I would like to wish happy birthday to Paulette, Lynette, and Myrtle today, as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. I would also like to recognize Tammy Dechamel, my Edzo neighbour, and my good friend, as well, we call her Dr. James, nowadays. Thank you for coming. Thank you for coming. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this morning, I would like to recognize our language board members who are here in the gallery: Tammy Steinwand-Deschambeault, Jonas Landry, Deanna Marie Jacobson, Emily Kudlak, Richard Latourneau, Vance Sanderson, Angie Lantz, Sarah Gargan, Bella T'Seleie, Betty Elias, Joshua Oliktoak, Karen Mitchell, Mary Cardinal, Mary Rose Sundberg. I want to thank each of you for sharing your expertise and stepping forward in our efforts to revitalize and strengthen our languages. Thank you.

Masi. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my wife, Anne, who has travelled from balmy Fort Smith to be here with us today. Thank you.

Masi. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize some people in the gallery today, two members of the language board that are from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, Angie Lantz and Maro Sundberg, and I would like to recognize Vance Sanderson, father of my grandson Syi Sanderson. I would like to recognize Zoe Beaulieu Cross, my great niece from Hay River. I would like to recognize the interpreter for us this week, Tom Unka, from Fort Resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce to the House three pages from my riding of Kam Lake, Mr. Kyle Rogers, Ms. Lydia Taylor, and Ms. Rhuwina Javier. Thank you very much for serving with us today.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize the board members of the language program and also in particular Bella T'Seleie from my home community in Fort Good Hope. Welcome. Thank you.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to recognize the language board members. Welcome to everybody, especially three of my constituents, Joshua Oliktoak from Ulukhaktok, Emily Kudlak from Ulukhaktok, and Betty Elias from Tuktoyaktuk, as well as my relative Ann Peters, who is somewhere in here. Welcome, everybody, and have a good weekend. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a page from Yellowknife South, Jaida Dowe, and also thank all the pages that are here this week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too want to recognize some pages from the riding of Yellowknife North that will be assisting us during this sitting. I want to recognize Christopher Mathison, Ellie Mia Taylor, Ramanda Castillo, and Thomas Willoughby. Thank you for your work, and we would be lost without you. Welcome to the House. Thank you.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, me too, I would like to rise and recognize the language board members that are here and thank them for the work that they do in terms of initiating revitalization projects throughout the Northwest Territories. I would like to especially recognize Jonas Landry, a constituent of mine from Fort Providence who got to go through training; also, Sarah Gargan from K'atlodeeche but from Hay River. I would like to welcome them to the House. Mahsi.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take the opportunity to recognize a former Inuvik resident working here in Yellowknife, Mr. David Bob, as well as Richard Latourneau and Diana Marie-Jacobson. I will also take the opportunity to just thank the official board members for all the work, dedication, and passion that you guys have for languages. Mahsi.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Karen Mitchell, who is marked down as from Yellowknife but is originally from Fort McPherson. I would also like to take this time to thank her for all the work that she has done for the Gwich'in language. Mahsi cho.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm sorry if I garbled anyone's name earlier. They always give the MLA for Hay River South easy names, but I failed to mention my constituent, Ms. Myrtle Graham, is with us today, and I would like to wish her a happy birthday. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we are missing anyone in the gallery, thanks for being here with us. It's always great to have an audience as part of our proceedings. Masi. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the global population grows, the climate changes and Arctic ecosystems experience unprecedented warming. Marine shipping companies have continued to expand operations through the Arctic as a result of increased traffic. One of the concerns that have been raised at the international levels is a prevalent use of heavy fuel oil, or HFO, that fuels marine vessels, as well as a lack of infrastructure in the Arctic, such as deep sea ports, small and medium craft harbours. This is something that needs to be addressed by the Government of Nunavut, the Government of Northwest Territories, the Government of Canada, Inuit and Indigenous people that live in the Arctic, working together to ensure our communities and the people are prepared as traffic increases in the Northwest Passage.

HFO is dangerous in that it is several times more polluting than other forms of fuel. For instance, HFO spills are 50 times more toxic to fish than medium and light crude oil spills. HFO produces higher amounts of black carbon than other fuels, which is the second-largest contributor to climate change after CO2. In 2012, more than 75 per cent of the fuel mass of the vessels in the Arctic was composed of HFOs. Recognizing the dangers of HFO, it has been banned in Antarctica, Mr. Speaker. However, in the Arctic, there are no regulations.

The International Maritime Organization, or IMO, is the United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. As part of its work in developing international shipping-related regulations to prevent pollution of marine environments, the use of HFO in the Arctic is currently a topic of concern. This is especially true for Inuit and Indigenous people that live in the Arctic.

Mr. Speaker, there are currently no independent organizations to represent the Arctic and Indigenous peoples at the IMO. This means that the Inuit and Indigenous groups who will be most affected by the potential setting of new international policy have no direct say in how Arctic policy is developed. Instead, Indigenous groups must rely on United Nations member states to effect change.

Indigenous knowledge plays a fundamental role in Inuit culture. Without adequate representation at the IMO, Inuit voices are not heard and Indigenous knowledge is not considered, leading to potential policies that do not take into consideration the views of those who will ultimately be the most impacted.

There currently exists a gap in setting international Arctic policies, where Indigenous knowledge of Arctic Indigenous people is not considered. Until a better solution is found, Inuit and other Indigenous groups continue to partner with Arctic states to carry our voice as we regulate marine shipping. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about the unfair allocation of capital resources by this government. For three terms, Mr. Speaker, I have been asking this government to increase spending in smaller communities. In addition and as a mandate of this government to create employment where jobs where needed most, all one has to do is to examine some Northwest Territories statistics to know that our smaller communities are where jobs are needed most.

Mr. Speaker, over the years, I have asked this government to work with our small communities on a wide variety of community projects and strategic spending items. Some of these include building more access roads around the communities, building a new healthcare centre in Lutselk'e, building a new school in Detah, all of which would stimulate our economy by creating new jobs and improving services.

Moreover, Mr. Speaker, I have asked for a more economic and feasible way of allowing seniors to age in place in their homes and in their communities. This could be done by increasing homecare services and making seniors' homes barrier-free. Instead, Mr. Speaker, this government is choosing to invest in more expensive models of senior care by building long-term care facilities in Hay River, Inuvik, and Yellowknife. Don't get me wrong, Mr. Speaker, I think that these long-care facilities will be needed by our government, but, for a government that is struggling to increase revenues, it is very apparent that other economic alternatives are needed.

Mr. Speaker, there is a proven and acceptable economic model that shows that, if you put people to work, the government will see returns of at least $2.50 for every dollar that is spent.

Mr. Speaker, Ministers have told me that this point is true but that the returns were too long-term, and the government often chooses to prioritize short-term returns. Indeed, some of this spending does take time to return results. As an example, in the last 15 years, the percentage of high school graduates has gone up by 35 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, investments that produce more immediate returns can be seen in things such as healthcare costs. It is a fact that a higher individual income means a healthier life. Moreover, other immediate returns can be found through investing and other prevailing social issues such as social housing, mental health and addiction services, which take cost pressures off health care, justice and income support. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Many of our people either end up homeless or incarcerated due to the high rates of alcoholism, drug addiction, and a chronic lack of employment opportunities. Overall, Mr. Speaker, there are many initiatives that this government can do that can help turn things around and improve the quality of life for the people of the NWT. Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I've avoided making public comments about the ongoing negotiations between this government and the UNW, because I've been under the assumption that both sides are working in good faith towards an agreement. However, I've seen nothing in the past two and a half years to indicate that a deal will ever be reached. It's beginning to look like a strike is more likely than a timely resolution, so I can't keep quiet any longer.

Just look at the centerpiece of the last offer from this government: a 0.1 per cent wage increase over their previous offer. That's the negotiating equivalent of saying, "Here's a quarter. Call someone who cares." Of course, there's more than one party to the negotiations, so it might not be fair to put all the blame on the government. However, I've spoken with a lot of UNW members, and they're more than willing to negotiate. They're aware of the hit that the economy has taken, and they see the struggles that the private sector is facing, so they're not looking to fleece the government. They're just looking for a fair deal, and I know their leadership is aware of that.

Regardless, I'm not here to provide oversight of the UNW. I'm here to make sure that this government is working in the best interests of the people, and I don't think that Cabinet's strict adherence to their untenable offer is in the people's best interest. It's clear to everyone that it won't lead to a deal. What the government's position is doing is alienating its employees, putting their backs up against the wall, and making a strike seem like their only recourse.

Mr. Speaker, we all know that a strike won't do anyone any good. It won't be good for the public. We already struggle to provide services, and a strike will only make things worse. It won't be good for government employees. They have bills to pay just like everyone else, and not all of them will be able to make those payments on strike pay. It won't be good for the private sector, either. Government contracts will dry up, and, if people aren't working, they won't be spending money.

To be clear, I'm not taking a position on whether the union should strike or not. It's their right to do so if they see fit, and I'm confident they wouldn't do so unless they deem it absolutely necessary. What I am doing is telling Cabinet to get their act together and get back to the negotiating table with a mandate to actually make a deal, a fair deal, so our constituents in the public service don't have this hanging over their head and so the people of the territory don't pay the price for Cabinet's stubbornness. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Member's statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Masi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for most, Enterprise is a drive-through community. People stop to take advantage of the facilities and its essential service provided by the communities, such as the gas station. Located at the crossroads of NWT Highways No. 1 and No. 2, Enterprise is an important connector to southern Canada.

While Enterprise's location on the NWT highway system generates some economic activity for the community, residents are concerned about the safety of pedestrians, especially children, around the community. My constituents have expressed concerns over the fact that, in the rush to continue on with the travels, some drivers end up missing signs that are there to protect residents.

Mr. Speaker, Enterprise hosts a busy highway intersection. I would like to see the Department of Infrastructure put up more visible signage to improve the safety of our residents. Simple measures may be enough to make a difference in preventing accidents. I encourage the department staff to reach out to residents to determine how to improve intersections, and I am available to assess, as well. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure at a later time. Mahsi. Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Member's statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Mr. Speaker, I want to speak today on a subject that often goes unnoticed but deserves to be addressed immediately, and that is child marriage. It is estimated that each year 15 million girls around the world are married before the age of 18. In September 2013, the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario released a report that counted 219 confirmed or suspected cases of forced marriage in Ontario and Quebec from 2010 to 2011. These problems are not far away, but very close to home. Marriage laws vary among provinces and territories, with the legal age of marriage generally set at 18. However, in many provinces, a person with consent from both parents can be married at age 16 or 17. We are one of those jurisdictions, Mr. Speaker, and that needs to change.

In 2017, this government updated the Marriage Act. Prior to the update, a minor actually could be married under the age of 15 in the Northwest Territories, as long as they got a special dispensation from the Minister of Health and Social Services, which would only be handed out if the female party was pregnant. Also, according to the prior version of the act, consent was not necessary from the minor, only from the parents. To say this version of the act was in major need of an update would be putting it lightly, Mr. Speaker.

Sadly, though, after reviewing the updated version of the act, there's still a section of the legislation specifically there to allow minors to marry: section 16. This section stipulates that minors can be married under the age of majority, as long as they have personally consented, their parents or guardians have consented, and they have proper documentation, like a birth certificate or statutory declaration, to prove their age. I must state that I am confounded as to why the department felt we still need to have section 16 of the Marriage Act as part of the updated 2017 version.

You cannot vote until you are 18, you cannot buy alcohol until 19, and, generally, you cannot sign a legally binding contract until you're 19, as well, but you can enter into a marriage at 16 in the Northwest Territories. This seems a very antiquated part of the act that really needs to change.

Mr. Speaker, it's 2018, and child marriages should be relegated as a distant memory of our past. Governments have a responsibility to ensure safety and security of minors, and to have updated our act so recently and not removed Section 16 was, at the very least, an unfortunate occurrence that could cost a minor dearly in the future. I urge the government to remove Section 16 of the Marriage Act entirely, and I'll have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services later on today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Member's statements. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, recent news highlighted "GNWT Partners with Royal Military College of Canada Engineering Projects."

Mr. Speaker, engineering services are the most needed proponent of any construction team. Advancing forward, I foresee a beneficial partnership.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories covers 13.5 per cent of Canada, and attributes to 1.3 million square kilometers, a vast area covering a large amount of untapped resources and communities' cost of living reductions by road connections to the rest of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, given the high demand for infrastructure projects, like all-season roads, one budgetary aspect for project engineering is usually estimated between 10 and 15 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, given this innovation for project cost savings, I'm grateful for the potential Sahtu projects by the Department of Infrastructure's initiative to engage and structure a collaboration arrangement between our government and the Royal Military College of Canada for the supply of project engineering services.

Mr. Speaker, this preparatory arrangement gives me confidence that steps are underway to utilize this idle time while we await the decisions by our federal counterparts for the application submitted by our government last November, in particular the MVH or Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Mr. Speaker, this is truly a proactive measure. We have potentially northern projects and engineering students that are eagerly looking forward to meeting the challenges of designing infrastructure under northern conditions, including climate change elements.

In project theory, the more administrative savings, the more project embankment we can see realized. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the appropriate Minister. Masi.

Masi. Member's statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I gave a statement on the real impacts of the cost of living. Some people suggested that I should be more positive and upbeat in my messages. Well, I want that person to know that his point did not fall on deaf ears, and today, I am happy to commend the Department of Infrastructure for the ongoing progress made on the Ingraham Trail.

Mr. Speaker, roads are the most cost-effective way to bridge the distances that separate residents from their extended families, lands, and resources. That is why the biggest items on our infrastructure to-do list are highways. They are important for mines and jobs, for tourism, and for the people and families.

The Ingraham Trail started off as a dusty old mining trail, but now it is a successful multi-use highway. In the past, it supported our gold mines; now it resupplies our diamond industry, and it is crucial to the exploration that will generate our future prosperity. It is the beginning of the road to the Slave Geological Province after all.

Beyond that, the trail supports important recreational and economic activities. It supports economic diversification, tourism, and access for visitors to the spectacular NWT. It supports some of our agricultural pioneers and commercial enterprises. The trail has parks and campgrounds and hiking trails everywhere, and Mr. Speaker, the trail is home to many full-time residents.

I commend the department for its many improvements to the safety and usability of the road: new guard rails, widened sections and shoulders, extension of paved surfaces are important additions. The reconfiguration and growth of the Prosperous Boat Launch in particular is a great contribution to accessibility and safety. The responses I have heard from users and constituents living on the trail all commend and appreciate these improvements.

There are still some challenges we will have to confront in the coming months and years. How will maintenance needs change as climate warms? How will traffic flow be changed by new resource developments? How will increasing numbers of tourists sharing the road with residents and diamond mines resupply change safety traffic enforcement requirements? These and other questions will need our continued attention.

Mr. Speaker, most important, the Ingraham Trail is an example of a successful multi-purpose transportation corridor that serves not just one but many of the NWT's economic and social needs. We can use it as a model for our territory's future growth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, I am going to continue providing my version of the mandate letters that should have been giving to the Ministers who took on new portfolios in April. As I said yesterday, the Premier's mandate letters repeat letters that he provided to prior Ministers. It is as if nothing has happened in the last two years. There is no indication of priorities, just a long list of objectives; so let me try and fix that, this time with the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

First, childcare: childcare is the second largest expense for most families in Yellowknife, and not only in Yellowknife, who have children under four and/or have children who need care after school, on the innumerable teacher education days, and during the summer. It is a priority of the 18^th Assembly to make childcare both more accessible and more affordable, and the mandate letter acknowledges this point.

The three-year plan negotiated by the previous Minister will provide for professional development for staff and access to childcare in more places, but there isn't one word about affordability. Mr. Speaker, the new Minister needs to reconcile these competing visions of the future of childcare in the NWT to ensure that it is both accessible and affordable.

Second, Aurora College: the college has faced significant uncertainty and disruption for more than a year, following the previous Minister's decision to suspend the Social Work and Teacher Education programs and to dismiss the board. Resolving these issues and others have been put on hold pending the completion of the foundational review. Now that it is complete, I eagerly await the public discussion of the results of the foundational review and the department's vision for the college's future, as well as the future of post-secondary education in the NWT.

Third, income support: I receive many calls from constituents who have issues with service delivery. For example, I have a constituent who has been trying to sort out payment of childcare expenses in order to attend Aurora College. The issue has been unresolved for more than six months. I appreciate that IA staff have rules to follow, but a few take a punitive approach to clients, who have no other choice but to apply for help. Mr. Speaker, there is no reason to further diminish their dignity on purpose.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is large and diverse. I could have chosen another half-dozen issues to talk about today. What I am looking forward to is the Minister's own vision for her new role. Mahsi.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Let's talk housing in the NWT, or lack of housing. Mr. Speaker, as it stands right now, housing is a major issue in our communities. There are families that have been on the waiting list for months and, in some cases, for years.

Fort McPherson has had the same concerns with housing: just not enough units available for families that are growing and not enough units for single adults. We have new families that are just beginning their lives together with little or no housing available.

Mr. Speaker, in all of our communities, we have homelessness: people who are couch-surfing because they have no home. Fortunately, we have large extended families that will take in family members on a short-term basis.

The elders in Fort McPherson have been put on hold once again in terms of getting their new elders' home built. In 2015, after a few years of designing the building, selecting a site for the building, trucking all of the materials to Fort McPherson, finally, construction began on the new elders' home.

Mr. Speaker, the building barely got off the ground. The project was undergoing some problems with management. This was nothing to do with the elders, who are excitedly waiting to see who is going to be residing in the new units. The project was stopped and left unattended for months and months. In early 2017, negotiations took place, and, once again, the project was in full swing. Employment was up, people were busy, and everyone was happy.

Just recently, the project has been put on hold, and everyone is questioning: what is going on, and when will the construction start again, and what about our elders? Mr. Speaker, we need to complete this building as soon as possible. I will have questions later today. Thank you.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, monsieur le President. It seems that we have a "roads" theme day here today. My message is going to be a little bit different.

This April, the federal government denied GNWT's funding application for its National Trade Corridors Fund towards the construction of the Slave Geological Province Road. This is a proposal to turn the current winter road to the diamond mines into an all-weather corridor and join it with the proposed Grays Bay Road and Port Project to Nunavut's Arctic coast.

Nunavut's proposal for the Grays Bay Road and Port Project was similarly denied, and the Nunavut government quickly pulled out of that project on April 14^th, and then the Qikiqtani Inuit Association requested that the environmental review of it be suspended on May 2^nd, a request which was accepted two days later. Now that this project has been shelved indefinitely, it is time that our government did the same thing with the Slave Geological Province Road and focus on other infrastructure.

A business case has yet to be completed, and there has been no independent analysis of the costs and benefits of the Slave Geological Province Road. Quite simply, our government doesn't have the fiscal capacity to build this $540 million road with our limited borrowing capacity, even if the federal government was to make a substantial contribution. Our government should stop raising unrealistic expectations that this project can be started within the mandate of the 18^th Assembly.

On the environmental side, there is no approved range plan, management plan, or recovery strategy for the Bathurst caribou herd or a legally binding land use plan for this region. No additional funds to implement any of these initiatives were included in the 2018-2019 Main Estimates.

Until this work is completed, funded, and implemented with a documented rebound in the health of the Bathurst caribou herd, an all-weather road into the Slave Geological Province, especially a publicly funded road, would not be in the public interest. If we want caribou and the food security, tourism, and other ecological and cultural benefits that caribou bring, we cannot have an all-weather road into the heart of their range.

I will have questions later today on why Cabinet continues to pursue the Slave Geological Province Road when there is no economic case for it, no fiscal capacity to build it, and no plan to protect caribou. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Member's Statement on
Eulogy for Allan Browning

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Al Browning came into this world like a sheep on July 10, 1963, and departed like a lion on March 19, 2018, much too soon for all of us to comprehend or believe. He has left a great void in the lives of those who loved him deeply.

Allan is the second oldest child of Rose and Tommy Browning. He is a descendant of a great family who has a rich history around Fort Simpson and the Deh Cho. The Browning family is part of northern history, and his grandfather ran a sawmill that provided much of the lumber for the community's early infrastructure. Allan and the great members of his family will forever be remembered for their contributions to the growth of this community, the region, and the North.

Allan was a caring and loving man who truly cared for the people he loved, especially his family. He did not only say it; he proved it in many ways. Just prior to his sudden departure, he visited his parents' resting place and prayed by their gravesite. He did the same for his sister's gravesite. It brings great comfort to know that he is united with his parents and his loving big sister, the beautiful and courageous Yvonne.

Allan had a strong presence in his nieces and nephews, especially Tiffany. He made sure that he was there for all special moments. He was a special uncle who enjoyed being part of their celebrations and achievements. As well, he loved his brother Foster with all of his heart and supported him.

Allan attended Akaitcho Hall and formed lifelong friendships with many people from all over the NWT and Nunavut. When people from the past bumped into him, he always remembered them and made them laugh. Through good and bad times, he made people look at the good. That was one of his many gifts as a friend.

Allan worked as a recreation director in numerous communities and, as a result, knew many people and friends wherever he went. Some of the youth that he inspired are now adults with families and fondly remember his passion and inspiration and continue to bring this to their children and others to this day.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, Allan's true love was Angela Kuliktana, whom he met during his school years. As fate would have it, they connected later in life and did not miss a beat. They loved each other deeply, and when they were together, there was a twinkle in their eyes. He will be sadly missed by all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Our condolences to the family as well. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to return to item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. David Bob. He recently relocated to Yellowknife from Inuvik, where he has taken the position of president of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, and he has wisely chosen to live in my constituency. Mahsi.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgements. Member for Nahendeh.

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgement 4-18(3):
Ted Grant, Recipient of Senate Sesquicentennial Medal

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Ted Grant, owner of Simpson Air. In the fall of 2017, he received the Senator's Sesquicentennial Medal. Ted volunteered his time with coaching hockey and generously donates to kids' sports teams in the community. He has also showed his dedication by promoting tourism to the Nahanni Park.

Ted has been a long-time resident of Fort Simpson, dating back to his days as an RCMP officer in the community in the 1970s. His favourite thing about Fort Simpson is that he does not have to live in the city, where everything is hectic, and, in Fort Simpson, it is quiet and the scenery is beautiful. He likes how everyone knows everyone and is willing to help those around them. Congratulations, Ted, and thank you for everything you do in our community. Thank you.

Masi. Acknowledgements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Acknowledgement 5-18(3):
Eric Bussey, National Emergency Management
Exemplary Service Award

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge my constituent Eric Bussey, who recently received the national Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award.

Mr. Bussey was the senior emergency management official for the GNWT for 25 years, including 15 years for Nunavut prior to division. He expanded participation in the Territorial Emergency Response Committee and helped create the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, or CASARA, and the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. He led the development of highway emergency alerting protocols and brought northern EMO issues to national forums.

Please join me in saluting his career of service. Mahsi.

Masi. Acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Masi. The Honourable Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories has advocated for the inclusion of Northwest Territories Indigenous governments, including the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and work around the Arctic Policy Framework.

At the Intergovernmental Council meeting in December of 2017, I agreed that the Government of the Northwest Territories would work collaboratively with Indigenous governments to develop a northern approach to the framework, including the Northwest Territories chapter.

Government of Northwest Territories officials held a roundtable discussion with Indigenous governments in January 2018 to get initial thoughts on the Arctic Policy Framework and what should go into a Northwest Territories chapter. We have also received written submissions and continue to meet with Indigenous governments.

When it comes to Arctic marine shipping and other Arctic policies, we are not involved significantly as a subnational government. The federal government guards their responsibilities very seriously, and we have minimal input into Arctic marine policy framework.

I should add that Arctic Indigenous peoples have more representation in international venues, such as the Arctic Council where they are permanent participants, than our own government does. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the response. It is good to see that the Premier and the GNWT is looking at all Indigenous groups, not just in the NWT, but looking at the relevance and the issues and concerns from other regions.

Mr. Speaker, my second question is: what has the GNWT's involvement been on the development of the Arctic Policy Framework?

The Government of the Northwest Territories is currently co-chairing the Provincial-Territorial Official Working Group of the Arctic Policy Framework. Drafting is underway for the front end of the Arctic Policy Framework and is being shared with Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories, including the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

I thank the Premier for that. Mr. Speaker, my final question for the Premier: when we talk about Indigenous peoples, we talk about Indigenous knowledge and everything like that, as well. Language was here, as well. Mr. Speaker, how has the GNWT ensured that Indigenous knowledge is considered in the development of the Arctic Policy Framework?

A priority identified by the Northwest Territories Indigenous governments at the roundtable session in 2018 was the importance of the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in the Arctic Policy Framework. That priority has been shared with Canada, and we advocate for language that emphasizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge.

Indigenous governments and organizations across the North have also been vocal about the need for language around Indigenous knowledge during the roundtable sessions held by Canada.

I should add that Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami has the advantage of their own chapter. They also have input into the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter, the Northwest Territories chapter and also the Nunavut chapter, if they seek to do so.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Question 292-18(3):
Mandate of Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. In my statement, I addressed three of my priorities. I would now like to hear what her priorities are for the next 18 months. Mahsi.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Mr. Speaker, I would first like to start with saying I found it very interesting that the MLA actually expressed her mandates for education, culture and employment because, in my personal opinion, we need more women in leadership. Nothing against our Premier, I love our Premier, but wouldn't it be wonderful to see a woman Premier that could actually give mandates out to departments? I would like to start with that.

What are my mandates? Of course, I do have to listen to our Premier because I do respect him and I like the man very much. He has actually given me a direction that I have to abide by. I also recognize that I have to abide by the mandate commitments that were made at the beginning of this Assembly by all of us, together.

Personally, what I want to do on top of that, recognizing yesterday too that a really wise statement was said, that, when there are too many priorities, you have no priority, I took heed to that last night and I thought about that because that is true. However, I'm a workaholic, and I'm going to move forward.

What I would like to see done besides the mandates from the Premier, the mandates from the House, is I think we need to focus on early childhood development. One of the mandates is getting daycares into the communities. We have problems with drop-outs. We have problems with kids getting into schools, so I would like to see a daycare like a school, that becomes a hub for a community. I have already given direction to look at a pilot with that. If I can, the basic would be putting in a daycare into a community setting. The ideal would be putting a child development centre into a school setting. That's one thing I'm working on.

We need to look at our JK to 12, actually. We have children that are dropping out, so we need to look at what's going on. I'm a big supporter of the Pathways Program. I'm liking that we are going to be strengthening it to actually work with younger children so that we give them the choices and the options when they finish school and we talk to them about the skills they will need and the courses, the curriculum that they will need to be able to succeed in their future.

Post-secondary, definitely, it's been on the table for not only this Assembly, many Assemblies. We need to make sure that, not only our post-secondary, that every education support we have is based on best practices, that we look at making sure that we do cross-jurisdictional, we have measurable outcomes, we have evaluations in place. That's a priority for me.

Languages, absolutely need to do that. I was honoured to have the language officials here today because we need to strengthen them.

Income security, we need to look at that productive choice things. We need to look at self-employment in small communities and, if I can, move that into a productive choice. Because, in small communities, we have no employment, so let's see if we can look at self-employment options in our productive choices.

Masi. I see more of a written question coming out.

---Laughter

I appreciate the Minister's sincere efforts to answer my questions, and I'm really pleased that there is some overlap in our concerns. I want to look at childcare. I heard her say that she's got a pilot project. That's all well and good, but the mandate calls for not only accessible childcare but affordable childcare, so how is the Minister going to make childcare more affordable?

Before I took the new position actually, the previous Minister was working diligently at that. There were increases to the daycare providers, licensed daycare homes that were provided, a large increase for infants, a smaller increase for the older ages up to three, and then a small but still an increase for the after-school children. The junior kindergarten also is huge for parents. I had my own concerns about it when it was going through, and I'm happy to say that those concerns have been alleviated. Parents are saying it is working. They are saving money. Affordability is being addressed. We gave increases to junior kindergarten. A lot of parents are excited.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to discussing the Aurora College foundational review. I wonder if the Minister can give us a sense of how and when that is going to happen in public.

The Aurora College foundational review is one piece of the puzzle. The big thing is our post-secondary education. This is not something that should become political in he-said-she-said and what are you going to do about it. This is our future. This is critical, so I have made a commitment, and I would like to say, if I'm allowed, and I might get slapped on the hand after, but the Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Development is onboard as well.

We need to work as a whole government on this one, so I am not going to be the Minister to stand up and say, "This is what I am doing." I am going to be the Minister that says, "Let's work together to make sure that these are the best post-secondary options for our youth for our future, for our grandchildren, and many to come." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I am going to ask that question again because I didn't hear an answer in it. What I asked specifically about the review is if the Minister could give us a sense of how and when we are going to discuss that document.

I apologize. The Member is correct. I should have been a little more blunt. I'm excited about the possibilities.

The document, the Aurora College Foundational Report, will be tabled next week. We are already in the process, so it will become public next week. We are already in the process of working with the standing committee on the review and how we move forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Question 293-18(3):
Child and Youth Care Counsellor Positions

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during the last budget process, we talked about new positions called the children and youth council position, and we are very excited about it. However, there seems to be some confusion about a person's qualifications. Can the Minister briefly describe what qualifications these positions need to do the job? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the qualifications for the child and youth care counsellors and clinical supervisors are an extension of the current structure of the Community Counselling Program, where the knowledge, skills, and abilities (which are really the key to the job) are typically acquired through a Master's level education. This has been the case from the early stages of this current initiative. We have taken timely action to actively recruit for these positions. Information packages have been sent to post-secondary institutions with applicable programs, as well as Northwest Territories students enrolled in those programs. I'm pleased to report that these efforts have already resulted in a high level of interest from individuals enrolled in Master's programs from across the country, including individuals from the North who are excited at the possibility of returning to provide these new services.

I thank the Minister for that answer. It's great to hear all these things. Good things are happening, but can he please explain how they come up with the requirement of having a Master's degree for these positions?

Mr. Speaker, the child and youth counsellor initiative was developed at the table of the Interdevelopmental Child and Youth Mental Wellness Action Planning Working Group, a group put together to help us lead this initiative. The work of this group was guided by the feedback of Northwest Territories youth, who expressed that they wanted access to specialized mental health supports to assist them in the very serious and very complex challenges they are facing. In addition, they spoke clearly and strongly about the challenges of living in small communities and feeling apprehensive about accessing services because of perceived lack of privacy and confidentiality. The youth also spoke of the need to have professionals to talk to who are not necessarily related to them and/or friends or partners of their families.

The job description of the counsellors has been drafted on the needs expressed by the youth during these discussions. The qualifications for the positions are based on the requirements of the job and the professional knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to fulfill those requirements. Following GNWT protocol for drafting job descriptions, it has been determined that a Master's level education in counselling-related fields, such as clinical social work or psychology or educational psychology or even art therapy and other related jobs, is a typical way of an incumbent entering the field in today's market. As such, in our job descriptions, we identified the knowledge, skills, and abilities which are key, as well as how these skills are typically acquired, which, if you're entering the field today, is often through Master's preparation

I thank the Minister for that answer. When looking at the requirements of all these positions, you need a Master's of Social Work degree. We are looking at 49 positions, so that has a huge impact on it. It also has caused a huge issue for staff presently in these counselling positions who have years of experience, know the youth, but they don't have a Master's degree. Then I'm hearing rumors through the grapevine that, you know, that they're not even going to be looking at these positions here. So, can the Minister ensure that these people are getting a fair opportunity to do the job? I'm not asking him to give the job, but I want him to give the fair opportunity to do that.

I truly appreciate the Member's concerns as well as the concerns of some of the staff out there. The department has taken action to actively recruit for these positions, as I've previously indicated. I anticipate that the positions will be posted in the very near future and am hopeful that we will receive applications from many qualified individuals. Mr. Speaker, while a Master's level education is identified within the job description, as is the case with all GNWT competitions, equivalencies will absolutely be considered. A Master's degree is one way that an individual may develop the knowledge, skills, and ability as outlined in the job description. Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, we are looking for individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide the high-quality counselling services that the youth are demanding. Decisions will be made on competencies to perform the job, not just the educational qualifications that typically lead to these knowledge, skills, and abilities. So we will be working with our current employees, and, where appropriate, they will have opportunities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for that answer because we can reassure our staff out there and the people that are doing a great job. I mean, I know in my riding and my colleague's riding from Deh Cho, we have two really good people out there that are doing a great job and doing really good work with our youth, and so I appreciate that. Can the Minister explain, though, we have a Master's degree for both the supervisor and the counsellor's position. What's the difference? I would have assumed that, you know, you'd have a social work degree and then you'd have the Master's degree actually supervising that. So can the Minister explain what the different roles are with these two positions, and the qualifications?

Mr. Speaker, clinical supervisors are also professional counsellors requiring the same level of knowledge, skills, and abilities typically acquired through a Master's level education, as I've previously indicated, similar to the counsellors. However, they are also typically senior counsellors who, in addition to the counselling education and experience, have often undertaken additional training in management or supervisory areas that allow them to have the knowledge, skills, and ability to provide that supervisory responsibility and/or leadership responsibility. So, yes, they both need to have the Master's, typically have the Master's in counselling, but they also need additional skills in order to provide that supervisory and management responsibility. So it's the same plus, if you will. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Question 294-18(3):
Status of Fort Mcpherson Elders Facility

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a follow-up to my Member's statement, I have a few questions for the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Minister: what were the reasons for the recent halt of work to the elders' home in Fort McPherson? Thank you.

Masi. Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Part of it is the building seasons that we have to do work up in the high Arctic. There were also some discovered structural design issues with that, and we had to do a new design, get a new consultant to develop a design, and then get that to us at the Housing Corporation.

Mr. Speaker, you know this is a serious issue, but it's kind of funny because these issues were identified during the negotiations with the new contractors, and I'm glad that the department woke up and smelled the coffee and realized that this work needed to be done. So I'd like to ask the Minister: when can we see construction starting up again for the summer months?

On Monday, the NWT Housing Corporation is going to be meeting with the current contractor as well as the structural engineers to look at the redesign, and, as soon as the ferry opens and the road opens, we'll start working on that building again.

Mr. Speaker, I know this put a little delay in the construction, but I'd like to ask the Minister: are we still on target to complete the elders' home for the fall?

Yes, we're still on target for this fall. Thank you.

Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I lost Cabinet with my earlier statement, so I'll try and get them back with a compliment here. The Department of Infrastructure, at least the transportation portion of it, does a pretty good job of informing the public and stakeholders of fee increases, and they've had a lot of practice lately, so I'm sure they are getting better day by day. Maybe I lost them again. The Department of Lands hasn't been around as long as Transportation, and maybe that's why they're not quite as adept as Transportation in getting that type of information out. The recent changes to the cost of territorial land is one example where there could have been better communication, and that's received quite a bit of attention as of late. Another example is the doubling of the quarrying fees that occurred on April 1, 2018. I did some research, and I found that the increase was mentioned in the House by the Minister once in early 2017 and once in early 2016, but, beyond that, it wasn't conveyed to the public in any meaningful way.

When a business is bidding on a job and they use materials from quarries, it needs to know what its costs are, and, as a result of this change, some small businesses are out thousands of dollars. So now, what's done is done, but I'm sure the Department of Lands will increase fees again in the coming years, so my hope here is that we can improve their communication process to avoid these types of incidents in the future. So, first, I'd like to ask the Minister of Lands if he could explain how this 100 per cent increase in quarrying royalties was conveyed to the public and the stakeholders? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Minister of Lands.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is important that we do communicate with the public as well as MLAs. There are several processes that we follow, which were also followed with respect to the changes in the lease fees. In this case, with respect to the specific question, the department in late 2016 engaged SCOPP with our intent and duty to consult Indigenous governments on the proposed fee changes. This consultation included changes to fees for administrative services, quarry royalties, and lease rent minimums. This was followed up in November 2016 with consultation letters to IGOs to inform them of the department's intent to change fees and royalties, as well as to hear any impacts that the proposed changes may have to their organizations. The NWT Chamber of Mines engaged the department in February 2017 specifically on the subject of the granular resource fee increases. There was concern with respect to the proposed change and impacts on the mining sector. Department officials advised the chamber that their concerns were noted and that there would be a pre-gazetting period when written submissions could be submitted. So we followed a similar process with respect to the changes in lease fees. So there has been consultation, therefore, with the IGOs, and there also has been direct communication with the mining industry through the Chamber of Mines.

So did the Minister say that they brought the information to the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning in 2016, and they consulted with Indigenous governments, and the Chamber of Mines actually approached them regarding these fees? That's in contrast to the Department of Transportation, or now Infrastructure, which will put on Facebook and Twitter and the radio that there are changes to the fees to cross the Deh Cho bridge for commercial vehicles. So that's the type of communication that I'd like to see coming out of Lands to avoid these types of issues that I've been talking about. So will the Minister commit to reviewing their communication policy and updating it so it's something similar to what Infrastructure does?