Good afternoon, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Mr. Speaker, with the conclusion of the seventh annual Dead North Film Festival this past weekend, it is appropriate that I speak today on our vibrant film industry and its growing importance to our economy.

First, I would like to congratulate all of the participants in this year's event. Nearly 40 films were submitted to the festival this year, with entries from across the North, each region of our territory, and from as young as nine and 10 years old.

Winners were recognized with Zombears. These awards recognize excellence in a variety of fields. In addition, the Northwest Territories Film Commission's Best Locations Award was presented for recognizing the use of the Northwest Territories' unique and world-class backdrops for film. This year's winner was a film called Long Story Short, which offered an alternative telling of the story of the Mad Trapper.

The annual Dead North Film Festival is about more than just films and screenings. The festival hosts seminars, networking opportunities, and workshops. This year, the festival expanded its reach to include a photo competition, further engaging the arts community, and offering the chance for creative growth and new projects. It was an opportunity for media artists from across the territory to showcase their talents, to encourage new entrants in the sector, and to build below-the-line production skills that will increase the capacity of our local industry.

It is precisely why our government, through the Departments of Industry, Tourism and Investment; Education, Culture and Employment; and the NWT Film Commission, are committed to supporting events like this. It offers yet another step in our mandate for greater economic diversity.

Mr. Speaker, the talent showcased at this year's festival underscores how far our film sector has come since the start of this Legislative Assembly. We have more producers in this territory than ever. We have a professional media association working in tandem with our Film Commission to promote our territory on the global stage. We have made-in-the-Northwest-Territories films making waves in the festival scene and even realizing distribution contracts.

We have celebrated NWT filmmakers, like Keith Robertson, who got his start at the Dead North Film Festival, moving on to a fellowship at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity and even more success within the film industry. We continue to see award-winners like Yellowknife's France Benoit telling our Northwest Territories stories on the world scene.

To support the industry, our government has developed the Film Apprenticeship Program, in partnership with the Northwest Territories Professional Media Association, and enhanced the funding available to filmmakers. We have also partnered with producers and the industry to market our territory and its talent to Canada and the world.

Mr. Speaker, the credit really needs to go to the industry. The drive and resourcefulness demonstrated by the territory's pioneers and leaders are second to none. In some ways, the Dead North Film Festival is the only circumpolar film festival in the world that offers an excellent demonstration of the grit and determination that sets the North, and particularly the Northwest Territories film sector, apart.

Our government will continue to support the film sector, push the media arts as a viable career path, and lay the groundwork for more growth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. On December 20, 2016, the Prime Minister announced that a new Arctic Policy Framework would be co-developed in collaboration with Indigenous, territorial, and provincial partners to replace the 2010 statement on Canada's Arctic Foreign Policy. The framework is also to be informed by Mary Simon's report from the Shared Arctic Leadership Model Engagement. Our Premier sent out the latest draft of what is now known as the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework to selected stakeholders with a request for comments by February 28^th. I commend the Premier for continuing to seek input in the development of this document, which will guide federal investment in the Canadian North for at least the next several years.

Last week MLAs received a submission by Alternatives North, and I will table that letter later today. Alternatives North noticed a significant difference between the introductory chapter and the NWT chapter in the document in terms of priorities. The introductory chapter starts with a focus on resilient and healthy people before moving on to issues related to infrastructure, economy, and environment. In contrast, the NWT chapters focused on large infrastructure projects and continued non-renewable resource development. The NWT chapter focuses on sustainable growth rather than sustainable development, and, Mr. Speaker, there is a big difference.

The NWT chapter is economically pessimistic rather than acknowledging that the diamond mines are coming to the end of their natural life and that we need to diversify our economy. The chapter correctly notes that nearly 50 percent of diamond mining jobs are filled by people from outside the Northwest Territories.

The GNWT has failed to find ways to fairly distribute mining benefits across the NWT and across generations. We have seen more than $30 billion worth of diamonds produced and exported while our Heritage Fund is only about $17 million. The NWT chapter fails to provide any alternatives and, in fact, suggests more of the same, with subsidies for further resource extraction and mega projects that will take money away from community development and diversification. Strategies to seize and develop available sustainable opportunities, especially in the knowledge economy, with the prospect of a polytechnic university for the Northwest Territories, and the conservation economy, with opportunities such as Thaidene Nene, have largely been ignored.

I will have questions later today for the Premier. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past Saturday the Hay River Chamber of Commerce held its annual gala. As always, it was a great event. The room was beautifully decorated, the food was delicious, and the service was top-notch. The theme was "A Night of Elvis," and yes, Mr. Speaker, attendees were treated to performances by the winner of the world's largest Elvis festival.

The chamber also used the gala as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of some local residents by presenting two awards. I had the honour of presenting the first award, Customer Service of the Year, to Mr. Randal West-Pratt.

Mr. West-Pratt is the manager of Tri R Recycling Depot, warehouse and storage in Hay River, whose positive attitude has created an upbeat and happy workplace. He is eager to help each and every customer and is always present in his communications, offering kind words, direction, and support. He is always willing to lend a hand to coworkers, customers, and even strangers.

This willingness extends beyond his occupation, as demonstrated by his extensive volunteer work with organizations such as the Arctic Winter Games, the Hay River Museum Society, the Elks Club, and with the residents of supported living services. Regardless of whether he is at work or volunteering, each interaction receives his full attention, warm smile, and generous spirit.

Mr. Speaker, the second award of the night was for Citizen of the Year. This went to a man who is well-known in this House, Mr. Paul Delorey. Over the last five decades, Mr. Delorey has spent an incalculable number of hours contributing to his community. His volunteer service in Hay River began in the 1970s with the Royal Canadian Legion, where he spent time fundraising and writing various programs. In the 1980s, he joined the Knights of Columbus and ended up serving in most of the organization's positions. That's where he dreamt up the now infamous "Lobster Do," which kicked off in 1987 with 85 attendees. Thirty years later, the event is still going strong. It now draws 700 attendees, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the community, and has brought thousands of people together to celebrate friendships and bond of community.

He was also the mastermind behind Hay River's Chase the Case fundraiser that raised $700,000 and ensured a stable future for the Hay River Curling Club. Mr. Speaker, I speak unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Of course, Mr. Speaker, we can't talk about Paul Delorey without talking about curling. He has been a prominent volunteer with the curling club for decades, and, during that time, he has done it all. He has been a coach for nearly 40 years and has led countless curlers, primarily youth, in many events, including the Arctic Winter Games, the Canada Winter Games, the junior nationals, the Tournament of Hearts, and more. For his efforts, he was nominated and selected to become a member of the prestigious Governor General's Curling Club and in 2014 was a runner-up for the Canadian Curling Association volunteer of the year.

Beyond his contributions, of which I have only named a few, Mr. Speaker, the citizen of the year award also recognizes the intangible qualities that Mr. Delorey displays every day: an appreciation for community, patience, understanding, hard work, and dedication.

I ask the House to please join me in congratulating both Mr. Randy West-Pratt and Mr. Paul Delorey. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to visitors in the gallery with us here today. We have with us the grade four class from Ecole Allain St-Cyr. Thank you for joining us today. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to celebrate a very impressive addition to the Fort Simpson Territorial Park. In previous years at the park, Deh Cho ITI parks division heard concerns that the area around the kitchen facility did not have a gathering area where guests could meet and socialize. The manager of tourism and parks, ITI, attended to this concern by developing a vision with a community manufacturer, PR Contracting. After developing the vision, PR Contracting worked on a fire pit design that would depict Deh Cho wildlife while also including a seating and gathering arrangement.

Once the design was agreed upon, the project was well under way, and, as evidenced, the workmanship and the final products were outstanding.

On June 1, 2018, as part of Tourism Week, the Fort Simpson Visitor Information Centre along with ITI and the territorial parks held an open day for the park season, showcasing this new addition to the park. This event brought together more than 50 tourists, local children, and adults for an evening of food, storytelling, and friendship. The group connected through conversation and food around the newly unveiled fire pit with the seating and gathering area.

Mr. Speaker, the department was able to invite a local elder, Bob Norwegian, to come and partake in the celebration and the official unveiling of one of the new additions to Fort Simpson Territorial Park. He shared some of the history around Fort Simpson and surrounding areas and stories of his ancestors, who have been in the area for more than 600 years.

After the stories, more food was shared throughout the group. As a way to say thank you to everyone who participated, a river tour for two was raffled off, with a local resident claiming the prize. This is an excellent opportunity for community connection through tourism.

Mr. Speaker, this past season, this project and the new addition was very popular for the park. Throughout the summer, the facility was well-utilized by multiple groups, such as Parks Canada, ITI parks events, VIC interpretation program, Nahanni tourism companies, tourism, tourists, and community members.

I would like to thank the Deh Cho regional staff from the department as well as PR Contracting for developing this new addition to our community. Thank you for a job well done, and much appreciated. We will enjoy the use of it this summer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the 18^th Assembly, we have made progress in a number of important mandate areas. We have moved forward in resource development, health, education, progress on housing. Our residents count on these investments to make their lives better and to allow families and communities to grow and flourish, so it's important not to lose the big picture because, no matter what grade you are in in school, what you do for a living, or the condo, cabin, or shack you live in, you must have fresh air you can breathe and clean water you can drink, Mr. Speaker.

That is why I am troubled that, over the course of this Assembly, there have been systemic reductions in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This is the fourth year in a row of planned cuts to the department, with a reduction of 10 percent of its budget in the past three years.

This amounts to cuts in service, plain and simple, Mr. Speaker; less money in environmental protection, less support for community-based climate-change monitoring, significantly less on water quality. In general, we are investing less in science and knowledge about our own lands and waters than we were three years ago.

Mr. Speaker, right now more than ever, we are feeling the impacts of the changing world. Climate change is affecting everything. Our roads, shorelines, water levels, fire seasons are in flux. Caribou herds are in crisis. Now is not the time for us to be less committed to science and knowledge. Now is the time for us to invest in that research, in expanding our capacity by knowing more and being better prepared for the changing world.

Mr. Speaker, the tradition of our territory is written by the Indigenous ancestors who coexisted with this environment for many generations. They were and remain stewards of a healthy land that supported and sustained their civilization over many thousands of years. Now, in the 21^st century, I believe ENR should be using all available tools to continue that stewardship of a sustainable, healthy environment.

Yes, we can support flourishing, healthy families living in thriving, empowered communities, but, Mr. Speaker, now is not the time for short-sightedness. We need investment in critical knowledge. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On February 28, 2019, the Fraser Institute released a 2018 annual survey of mining and exploration companies. The survey is an attempt to assess how mineral endowment and public policy factors such as taxation and regulatory uncertainty affect exploration investments.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT Industry, Tourism and Investment Department developed the mineral development strategy, which I must say is bearing evidence of results, which we know take some time, productive time, for Indigenous collaboration, industry marketing presentations, advertisement campaigns, capital investments for geology core sample inventory. Bearing results are now shown from the Fraser Institute news release. The NWT is the 10^th most desirable mining investment spot on the planet and ranked fourth in mineral potential worldwide. This is improved from the 21^st position held last year.

Mr. Speaker, an overall Investment Attractiveness Index is constructed by combining the Best Practices Mineral Potential index, which rates Geology and Policy Perception index, principles of a survey that has placed the NWT jurisdiction in the global investors community. I am confident this recognition will be maintained and exceeded by the department staff and inserted in our 18^th Assembly mandate reports.

Mr. Speaker, historically, the mining industry held significant landholdings in the Sahtu, a land area covering 16 percent of the territory. On diversification through essential resource development planning, later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of ITI. Mahsi.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The social justice organization Alternatives North just released its updated calculation of the living wage required by families in Yellowknife, and, for the first time, there are calculations of the living wage for Hay River and Inuvik, as well.

The living wage is calculated using a national framework to ensure results are consistent among jurisdictions and over time. The calculation is for the most common family type, two parents working full-time, one child in childcare full-time, and one in elementary school.

Mr. Speaker, the principle of the living wage is that, if you are working full-time, you can afford to pay for the basics. Some people in this House like to say, "The best social program is a job." That is fine, but the job has to pay for accommodation, childcare, food, clothing, and transportation. People working full-time should not need handouts from food banks or subsidized rent.

The analysis released today quantifies the wages required to pay for the basics. Each parent in the Yellowknife family of four has to earn $23.95 per hour; in Hay River, $24.75; and in Inuvik, $23.78. In terms of annual income, that means the two working parents in Yellowknife together need to make $87,500; in Hay River, $90,000; and in Inuvik, $85,000. The number for Inuvik may surprise some people, but it accounts for the fact that two thirds of the population is Indigenous, and they have access to programs non-Indigenous families can't access, such as non-insured health benefits.

Mr. Speaker, what is the government doing to combat the rising cost of living? The government has not provided any new relief for the largest expenses in this budget, accommodation and childcare. In the meantime, there has been an increase of fees and taxes that apply across the board. It is my firm belief that no one who works full-time should be living in poverty. Government needs to figure out how to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem when it comes to stretching the budgets of low income families. I'll have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Mahsi.

Members' statements. Member for Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is very welcome news that the new power plant will be constructed in Sachs Harbour. My hope is that this will be a first step to reduce the cost of electricity for residents in the community and, of course, a cleaner source of energy.

Mr. Speaker, the current power plant is 43 years old, so there's plenty of room for improvement and modernization. I think we can expect a new 6-kilowatt plant to be more reliable when it goes into service in 2020.

The new plant is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power plant by 283 tonnes per year and improve fuel efficiency by 18 percent. It will not save the world from climate change, but it shows that the GNWT is doing their part in the North, Mr. Speaker, where the impact of climate change is the greatest.

There are also future benefits to be held from installing the new plant announced earlier this week. It is a much more flexible system that makes it easier to incorporate renewable energy.

Sachs Harbour has a lot of wind, and we know from experience with our previous turbine that wind power is viable in the community. It is just a matter of getting the technology up and running. In the long term, the plan is for 20 to 30 percent of the community's electricity to come from wind, but it could be more. The technology is certainly out there.

The first step of putting in the new plant will cost almost $10 million. About three quarters of the money is coming from Canada's Arctic Energy Fund, with the rest from the Government of the Northwest Territories. This kind of investment is really overdue across the Northwest Territories, especially in Nunakput.

Mr. Speaker, the cost of generating electricity in the region is very high, but we also have some of the best potential for wind generation in the Northwest Territories. In time, we hope to see more of these systems sprouting up in every community in Nunakput. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I awoke to a story in the news that I believe many of us have seen, a Colville Lake man who is taking housing into his own hands. As a trapper, he spends much of his time on the land. I have no doubts that his hard work and innovation will see him through the process and challenges of getting his dream home built.

I want to commend this man and all those like him who are the embodiment of northern self-reliance, tackling the problems our communities face with grit and determination. This should be an inspiration to all of us.

Mr. Speaker, it was reported in the article that the feelings and sentiments expressed in the community of Colville Lake are that "the best way for them to live in their home communities amidst the housing shortage is by building their own homes." Well, that is not an option for all. I am inspired by this man's story, and I truly wish him and the community of Colville Lake all the best as they work to solve the challenges of community housing.

Mr. Speaker, housing problems are by no means new to this territory. Northerners know the tragic state of disrepair of many of our dwellings in the NWT. In Yellowknife, we know that the affordability issues can place housing solutions out of reach for many people and their families. This is a tough problem, and there is no doubt about that. What will work in Yellowknife, Hay River, or Inuvik will not likely be a good fit for our smaller communities.

Mr. Speaker, I was happy to read that the NWT Housing Corporation is working with community builders to advance their own housing projects, and I want to commend this government for its continued investment in public housing. What's clear, though, is that money alone will not solve this challenge. We need to empower Northerners to build their own homes, work with the private sector to pursue innovation outside government initiatives and government funding, and work with all Northerners who have creative and innovative solutions to solve these challenges.

Mr. Speaker, housing needs to remain one of our top priorities as a public government. We need to ensure that we're caring for Northerners, because housing is fundamental and foundational to all other issues in life. You can see the social issues in the community relate to how many people have a lack of needed housing. So, I'd like to applaud this individual, and again, I'd like to commend the government for continuing to support housing and supporting this individual in particular. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know, elders play a very important, vital role in our communities. They have helped build this territory. They have given us a lot of experience, education, promoted our languages, our traditions, our culture throughout the North. Today I would like to recognize one particular elder, and I do hope she is watching, Mr. Speaker, and it's my mom. It's her 76^th birthday today, and I want to wish my mom a very happy birthday, and hope Members can join me in wishing you a very happy birthday. Thank you, and happy birthday, Mom.

---Applause

Masi. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, acknowledgments. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize Francis and Violet Nahanni, who will be celebrating their 50^th wedding anniversary today, March 6, 2019. Francis was originally from Jean Marie River and Violet was from Wrigley. They met in Fort Simpson while Violet was working at the hostel and Francis worked for the DPW. When they first dated, Francis would flash his lights at the end of the street and Violet would go out to meet him and they would go to see a movie. They are strong pillars of the community and the region. They have two children, Glen and Valerie, and seven grandchildren. They are both great role models for all of us. I would like to congratulate them for this huge milestone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I spoke about the announcement for the Sachs Harbour power plant, and my questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure. We have heard that the new power plant in Sachs Harbour will be much more efficient than the old one, but it seemed to mention a lower power rate. I'm not sure if the Minister can answer this, but what can the community expect in terms of savings? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As far as power rates go, that question probably would have to be directed to the Minister of the Power Corporation. One thing I can say about installing these new fuel-efficient engines in the community of Sachs Harbour is the documentation and data that I've received shows it's going to have an 18-percent improvement on expected GHG savings, which is going to be about 283 kilotonnes a year, and it's designed, this construction, as all Members know, we're doing a wind study in that region. It's going to be able to build that addition to the power system.

That's all good news. Strong wind is a local resource in the community. I am looking forward to even more efficiency and a smaller carbon footprint. When can we expect an addition of a wind turbine or turbines in Sachs Harbour?

We're working on our wind study there. All indications support the idea of us installing one in Sachs Harbour as well as Norman Wells. We are doing our wind study, as well. I think, once all the data is finished being collected along with this announcement that we see with the federal support for this new generator in Sachs Harbour, I suspect that procurement for the windmill would be within the next 24 months.

When you have big announcements like that, and especially the one the Minister just mentioned, there is a chance to build capacity in the community, and I look forward to that. What is the government's plan to roll out more efficient power systems in Nunakput communities, including renewable energy components?

If you look at our energy plan going forward, we have a three-year rolling plan that is continually being adjusted as new technologies and different communities put their energy plans forward to us. We work with all the communities in the Northwest Territories. As for the Member's exact question around his communities, a lot of that is going to depend on what type of community involvement they are going to want to be able to participate in some of these projects going forward. With the power purchase agreements, if the community looks at our strategy, there is an opportunity for them to be participants in this. We will work closely with the Member and his communities on how they want to be able to participate.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's commitment. Just on the last answer there, what is the timetable for upgrading electricity systems in Paulatuk, Ulukhaktok, and Tuktoyaktuk? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I don't have that detailed information in front of me, but I can work with our Minister in charge of the MTPC and get that information to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Previously, I was asking questions to the Minister responsible for Lands about equity leases and that. They were talking about positions and stuff like that. Can the Minister please advise us: have all the positions been filled at this point in time? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Minister of Lands.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to advise that all five positions have now been staffed. The final staffing process has been completed. The final person who was being put in the position will be starting shortly. All positions are now filled or about to be filled. Thank you.

That is great to hear, that the positions are filled. Previously, when the Minister was talking about the process and they were talking about training and having the positions located in Smith and then taking the training there, now these positions are located in various locations. Has the department started developing training plans for these positions?

I can advise that training has been ongoing. As these positions have become staffed, each of the people in the positions, of course, come with different skill sets and backgrounds. The training has been a combination of specific to the individual as well as training for the equity lease team. Of course, as I mentioned, training will be ongoing and will be adapted as issues emerge. Yes, training has been conducted and will be continued in the future.

That is great to hear. Since the training has started and is individualized, which is great, has the department and the staff started to work on reviewing these files?

Work is ongoing. The equity lease team will be reviewing the files to outline and identify the status of each file and the issues that may be involved. There may be issues such as survey requirements and so on. Yes, work has started and is ongoing.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I thank the Minister for that answer. I am very grateful that the department is still working towards that and we are getting to the bottom of this issue. Can the Minister advise us when they anticipate the work will be completed with these files? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Of course, the work is ongoing and will proceed in stages. In the settled land-claim regions, work has begun. Of course, I anticipate that that work will be less complicated than in the unsettled land-claim regions. In those regions, of course, there will have to be consultation. I am talking about the unsettled land-claim regions. There will have to be consultation with Indigenous governments. As to when the work might be completed, that is obviously going to take some time. It is not as though all these leases are the same. They are not all different, but there are certainly variations amongst the leases. I can't give a final time for this work to be completed. I know how important it is, and I certainly would be prepared to advise the Member opposite as to progress. I realize, as I said, this is an important issue. We are moving ahead. Thank you.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to my statement to the Minister of ITI, could the Minister tell me why he thinks the perception of the NWT as a place to invest in mining improved so much since the last year's Fraser Institute survey? Mahsi.

Masi. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I think it is quite clear that the message that we have been putting out there to the global industry is getting through to them. We have participated in a number of events the last number of years and got in front of a number of people. We put the message out there that we have a world-leading jurisdiction with extraordinary mineral potential, we have great Indigenous participating around the mining industry, and we have the history getting some of these responsible projects off the ground.

At the same time, I think that the message is getting out there, as well, because one of the big topics of conversation when we are talking to these people is our infrastructure deficit. You can clearly see that, with our engagement with the federal government, we have been successful lately in securing some funding to look towards securing these projects. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thanks to the Minister for that answer. I think it is clear that Indigenous participation and collaboration are important, particularly in the Sahtu. We have a settled area. What can the Minister tell me about how this is being advanced under the mineral development strategy?

The mineral development strategy recognizes the importance of preparing Indigenous governments and communities to capitalize on mining exploration. That is well said and done. At the corporate and political leadership level, we have been working with our client-service relations unit, which has done a great job engaging with communities and Indigenous governments and facilitating their participation at events like roundup, PDAC, the NWT geoscience forum that we participate in. Those are some of the things that the department is working very closely on with the Indigenous people and community relations unit. They are doing a great job. They are pretty much our boots on the ground. We also have our other initiative, which is REDI, which travels around the Northwest Territories to give the community a better understanding of the mining and resource development and public education outreach for residents of the Northwest Territories.

As the Minister knows, there is an interested party, an interested company pursuing exploration. When I checked with the agency, the Sahtu Land and Water Board, they are pursuing permits accordingly. My third question is: what kinds of things has the government done as part of the mineral development strategy to increase exploration in the Sahtu and/or the NWT as a whole?

I think probably one of the best things that we have done was the MIP program, the Mining Incentive Program. We have allocated some money there, and we thank the Members for helping us increase that for our department. We have $1 million there now for each year to put toward promising exploration projects and prospectors across the Northwest Territories. I can say that we have actually leveraged quite a bit of capital on that. It has leveraged $8.82 million in spending over a $2-million investment for the first four years of this program. In fact, in the Member's riding, Evrim Resources, which he asked me about in the House here a couple of weeks ago, are one of the people that actually leveraged that and found one of the best global gold explorations in the Sahtu last year.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks for that reply there. My last question to the Minister is: what opportunities does the Minister see on the horizon for the Sahtu, and how can the Mineral Development Strategy support that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As I have said, the Evrim Resources project is an exciting one. That was supported by the strategy and the incentives that we supplied through the MIP program. There are also people like Danny Yakeleya, who is in his riding, who has been successful with some gold prospecting efforts that he has done up in that area, and he has also accessed some prospector training and funding through our program, as well. The other one that we are working on to market is the Cantung project. Along with the federal government, we don't just want to get our money back from this project; we want to be able to lay the foundation for good-paying jobs for residents of the Northwest Territories and opportunities for people in the Member's riding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my statement today I outlined and shared my concerns with cuts to ENR's budget. I would like to just start by asking the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources whether these cuts have impacted our ability to react to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When we went through the reduction exercise of a couple of years ago, the department felt that they were able to continue to do the high-quality work that they do with the budget that they have. We have been fortunate that we have been able to tap into a lot of federal money that has been coming forward, allowing us to keep doing the work that we do. We are through the reduction exercise and, as we move forward and the departments start coming forward with some new initiatives, I am sure that the department will look at this as an opportunity to refocus and gear the new initiatives more toward climate change and the mitigation and the adaptation to it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you to the Minister for the reply. Many Northerners are genuinely concerned that we are not investing enough in the caribou, that the department absolutely needs to do more. With the recent announcement with regard to the Tlicho all-season road, I would like to know: can the Minister tell us what the government is planning to do to ensure that the boreal caribou are protected and are going to thrive again?

In discussions with a lot of our Aboriginal partners, we understand their concern with the caribou and the caribou numbers and the work that has gone on with them. I know that we are close to finalizing an agreement with the federal government on section 11 funding, and the plan is that we are hoping that we are in the position to make an announcement during this session. I am sure that Members will be pleased with the announcement when it does come out.

Thank you to the Minister for the reply. We are obviously going to look forward to hearing the announcement. Of greater concern to the residents of Yellowknife North, and in particular in the North Slave region, is the decline of the barren-ground caribou. Similar to the last question, can the Minister tell this Assembly what we are doing to ensure that the caribou population of the Barren Grounds will rebound?

In our discussions, again, with our Aboriginal partners and hearing from people across the Northwest Territories, they are very concerned with the declining caribou numbers. I think that we shared the numbers with you, especially on the barren-ground caribou, where the numbers dropped dramatically. Building on those discussions, I have actually directed the department to develop a plan to improve our monitoring, develop and implement mitigation plans, involve our Aboriginal partners, and improve the science related to the barren-ground caribou herds that are currently facing population challenges in the NWT. As we get close to finalizing the plan, I will be sharing it with committee, get some input from committee and, if needed, come forward with a supplementary appropriation.

I have directed the department to do a lot of work on this, because it is something that we have heard from the folks during our tour of the Tlicho, for example, and their concerns. We thought that we needed to start making some significant investment into the protection of the caribou herd.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Minister for his reply. The Minister didn't mention this, but we are aware that the department has also put out, recently, an incentive with regard to hunting and trapping wolves in an effort to also have some positive impacts on rebounding of the caribou, but there have been some concerns shared with regard to that particular program. Some folks are fearful that this is going to have a stream of inexperienced hunters start to line up to go out trying to hunt wolves. That may even result in some public safety issues. I am wondering: can the Minister share with us what the wolf incentive program is entailing, and has the Minister given any consideration to the concerns that folks have been raising? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In going back to the tour that we had through the Tlicho, we spoke to a number of elders there, and these are folks who have lived amongst the caribou their whole life. They provided us with some insight, wolves being some of the main predators of the caribou herd.

I have read the story, as well, where we have somebody from basically outside the country telling us that our program is not going to be effective, and somebody from southern Canada telling us that our program is not going to be effective, but I am listening to those who have a Master's degree in the environment, who have lived amongst caribou and wolves their whole life. Those are the ones whom we listened to, and those are the ones whom we should listen to. They were telling us that the wolves were a problem, so we have come forward with the wolf incentive.

We have our folks who are actually out in the area. They are monitoring the hunters who are going out, making sure that nobody actually brings wolves into the area and says that they shot them there. We are monitoring quite closely. As far as inexperienced hunters go, it is a significant distance that they have to go, and I think that the more experienced, well-qualified hunters will be out there. We have heard from hunters that it has been a good incentive for them to go and get the wolves, as well. Again, it goes back to listening to what the elders are telling us throughout the Tlicho. They have told us that wolves are a problem, they would like to see that addressed, and we have listened to them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, and they concern the living wage, and particularly the NWT Child Benefit. What we know from the most recent calculation, which was the same as 2017, is that this reference family of two adults and two children would not qualify for the NWT Child Benefit. My first question for the Minister is: how was the threshold for the NWT Child Benefit set? Thank you.

Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have just taken over the portfolio for Education, Culture and Employment in April. I do not know how the income threshold was developed for the child benefit. I will have to get back to the Member with an answer on how that income threshold was developed and defined.

I appreciate the Minister's willingness to find that information. I hope she will be able to answer the next question, which is whether the thresholds can be changed, and what effort would it take to change them and raise them?

I would like to think that all thresholds can be changed and negotiated. I know that it's a partnership with the federal government, so I will have to check out on how that works, if we define the threshold or if the federal government defines the threshold. However, as stated yesterday, we are in a complete review of our income support. I believe, when we are doing that process, then it makes sense to look at our NWT child benefit, as well, so I will look into that as soon as this session is finished.

I appreciate the Minister trying to answer that question, as well. I also wonder, as well as adjusting the threshold, whether the child benefit thresholds could be sensitive by region to higher-cost-of-living situations and lower-cost-of-living situations? Would it be possible to target the thresholds in that way, by region?

I do know that I will look into that, as well. I can't say if the Child Tax Benefit is defined by regions, but I know that most of our programs are defined by regions. Income support, we just did a review of the regions, and, like I said, we are doing a complete review of that program as soon as this session is finished. Any income that we can provide better to parents, my understanding or my interpretation is that anything we can do to support parents is the best thing we can do and is the best thing we should be doing. My commitment is that I will be looking at all services that we provide to parents within the control of Education, Culture and Employment and doing as comprehensive a review as possible, with the goal of supporting parents.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The Minister and I share the same goal of assisting parents to help their children grow up with everything that they need in terms of food, accommodation, and so on, so that the poverty cycle is broken, especially by people who are working full-time. My final question here, and likely for the same answer, I realize, is whether the NWT child benefit could be indexed to inflation. The federal government recently took that step with the Canada child benefit, and it means, of course, that the benefit retains its value. That is an important feature, so can the Minister also look into that?

I will make a commitment to look into that, as well. I do want to state, though, that sometimes, if there are questions that are really specific, it does help if the Ministers kind of get a heads-up. You don't have to even give me the actual questions, but, if you can, tell me the topic because that does give me an indication of what I should be looking for. The NWT child benefit is one that I am not as versed in because that is a partnership with the federal government and therefore it's a set rate, but I will commit to looking into it. I have more authority over my income support programs and my childcare programs. Always, though, if they are direct questions on a specific topic, it's always better to give the Minister a heads-up. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I did take the Minister's advice and give the Minister a heads-up about the questions I am going to ask today. In my statement, I raised some questions and points about the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. Can the Premier provide an update on the status of his involvement in this federal policy? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. The Honourable Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Member for giving me advance notice of his line of questioning. In this case, the federal government has not provided any updates on the validation document or the timelines for the release of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework as a whole. We have asked for clarification, but have heard only that the final document will likely be ready in May of 2019.

I want to thank the Premier for that information. All MLAs received a copy of the submission from Alternatives North on the latest draft of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. Can the Premier confirm what other submissions have been received and how he intends to share them with MLAs and the general public while incorporating that input into the final speaker?

I have received comments from the standing committee, both during a briefing on February 28^th or 26^th and in written correspondence from the committee. I have also received input from stakeholders since the briefing. Further comments are expected this week from Indigenous governments and also francophone organizations, which receive the translated document later than other stakeholders, primarily due to translation. The comments will be incorporated into the document over the next week and shared with Indigenous governments, standing committee, and stakeholders.

I want to thank the Premier for that commitment to share that correspondence with standing committee. I look forward to seeing that. The introductory chapter of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework starts with "healthy and resilient people" and then has a focus on sustainability. The NWT chapter, though, starts with mega projects and more non-renewable resource developments. Can the Premier explain why there is not a better balance in the NWT chapter, with some coverage of the potential of the conservation economy and the knowledge economy?

I don't believe there is imbalance, but, as I said, we will see what Indigenous governments and stakeholders have to say. Committee has provided positive feedback in this regard, and this is currently being considered, and we will take feedback and develop another draft and share that draft with Indigenous governments, standing committee, and stakeholders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Premier for that commitment to share the next draft or version with standing committee, as well, and I look forward to the opportunity to provide further comments. However, on the face of it, the NWT chapter looks a lot like the pan-territorial vision for sustainable development, and that was just developed by the three northern premiers, without any public input. So can the Premier explain what's happening in terms of collaboration with Indigenous governments and the governments of Yukon and Nunavut to develop a balanced, forward-looking Arctic and Northern Policy Framework?

The Government of the Northwest Territories has held engagements for the development of the Northwest Territories-specific chapter in January of 2018 and has been working with Northwest Territories Indigenous governments through the intergovernmental council. In February of 2019 we shared a draft Northwest Territories chapter with Indigenous governments and the territory. At the same time, we are working on a pan-territorial [chapeau] with the governments of Yukon and Nunavut and will share that document with standing committee once a consensus between the territorial governments is reached. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Oral questions. Item 8, written questions. Item 9, returns to written questions. Item 10, replies to Commissioner's opening address. Item 11, petitions. Item 12, reports of standing and special committees. Item 13, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 14, tabling of documents. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I would like to table the following document. It's a letter from Alternatives North to the Premier, with comments regarding the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework document dated February 28, 2019. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Tabling of documents. Item 15, notices of motion. Item 16, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that, on Friday, March 8, 2019, I will move that Bill 44, Forest Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Notices of motion for first reading of bills. Minister of Justice.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that, on Friday, March 8, 2019, I will move that Bill 45, Corrections Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 17, motions. Item 18, first reading of bills. Item 19, second reading of bills. Item 20, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Bill 26, Statistics Act; Bill 31, Northwest Territories 911 Act; Committee Report 12-18(3), Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2018 Report of the Auditor General of Canada on Northwest Territories Child and Family Services; Committee Report 13-18(3), Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of Bill 31: Northwest Territories 911 Act; Minister's Statement 131-18(3), Sessional Statement 44; Minister's Statement 151-18(3), New Federal Infrastructure Agreement; Minister's Statement 158-18(3), Developments in Early Childhood Programs and Services; and Tabled Document 322-18(3), Main Estimates, 2019-2020. By the authority given to me as Speaker by Motion 7-18(3), I hereby authorize that the House will sit beyond the daily hour of adjournment to consider the business before the House, with the Member for Hay River North in the chair.

I will call Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of committee? Mr. Testart.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Committee would like to consider Tabled Document 322-18(3), Main Estimates 2019-2020, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Finance as the items under consideration by committee. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. Does committee agree?

Thank you committee. We will consider the document after a brief recess.

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I will now call Committee of the Whole back to order. Committee, we have agreed to consider Tabled Document 322-18(3), Main Estimates 2019-2020, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, followed by the Department of Finance. To begin with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, I will turn to the Minister for any opening comments. Minister McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here today to present the 2019-2020 Main Estimates for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Overall, the department's estimates propose a decrease of $1.329 million, or 1.5 percent, compared to the 2018-2019 Main Estimates.

Highlights of the proposed estimates for the department include the following:

• new forced-growth funding of $381,000, which includes a term position to meet the government's commitments related to the environmental assessment of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway; and
• new initiative funding of $540,000, which includes resources to implement the 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework.

These estimates continue to support the priorities and mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories by:

• improving coordination and effectiveness in resources management systems, recognizing traditional knowledge, land claim agreements, and devolution;
• mitigating and adapting to climate change in collaboration with other governments, businesses, and non-government organizations;
• continuing action on conservation planning, which includes finalizing and implementing existing Candidate Protected Areas and using made-in-the-North approaches to new protected areas, such as Thaidene Nene, Ramparts, and Dinaga Wek'ehodi;
• the department also continues to work with the federal government and co-management partners to develop a new and ambitious suite of tools to research, monitor, and manage range planning in support of conservation of barren-ground and boreal caribou in the NWT;
• ENR continues to conduct and support environmental monitoring and research in the NWT to ensure informed decision-making in resource management and improve our understanding of cumulative impacts on our ecosystems;
• continuing to work with partners to identify opportunities for country food programming, fur harvesting, and traditional knowledge promotion as part of our commitment to promoting initiatives that foster and support sustainable on-the-land livelihoods for residents of the NWT; and
• development of the Water Stewardship Strategy Action Plan, including the implementation of trans-boundary agreements with Alberta and British Columbia, Yukon, and negotiations towards establishing an agreement with Saskatchewan.

That concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister. I understand that you have witnesses. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses into the chamber. Minister, you may take your seat at the witness table with them. Committee, the department begins on page 61 of the document. The departmental total can be found on page 65, but as always, we will consider the activities prior to voting on the total department. Minister, would you please introduce your witnesses for the record?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. To my left, I have Dr. Joe Dragon, who is the deputy minister of Environment and Natural Resources. To my right, I have Mr. Dennis Marchiori, who is our director of Corporate Services with Environment and Natural Resources. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. Welcome to the witnesses. Committee, the first activity begins on page 68, corporate management. Before we get started, I just want to ask that the committee members and the witnesses keep their questions, comments, and answers very pointed. I know that sometimes there are quite open-ended questions, and an answer can go on for forever. If we can just try to keep things tight and keep things moving, that would be greatly appreciated. Questions or comments from committee on corporate management? Mr. O'Reilly.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. The department, and the Minister said this in his opening remarks, is taking a cut again. This is the fourth year in a row. The department has lost 10 percent of its overall budget over that period of time. When I checked the Department of Finance website for the business plan, there is a list of the mandate items. Only five of 25 mandate items have been completed, and one of the ones that was marked as completed is the Centre of Excellence feasibility study, which hasn't even started, so I'm not sure how that made it in there.

Before the Minister says anything about me throwing the staff under the bus, that is not the case at all. I have worked with many of those staff for 20, 25 years. Great staff, but they are just not getting the resources that they need to get the job done. The lack of progress on the mandate items is probably the best example of that. Can the Minister explain briefly why the department is continuing to take a cut for the fourth year in a row? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am appreciative of the Member's support for our hard-working staff, who do a lot of good work over at ENR. I am glad he recognizes that, so I will say no more than that.

As far as the reductions go, initially, when we started the 18^th Legislative Assembly, for the first two years departments were given a reduction target. Because some of the proposed reductions or revenue streams that ENR had initially proposed weren't where they should be, ENR had come back to the FMB and said that they may need to put off their reductions for one year. As Members recall, I said that there were going to be reductions for the first two years, I think, when we initially started the 18^th Assembly. Some of these are residual effects, and some are because we had to reinstate some of the funding that the department had initially identified as part of their cost savings. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I take it from the Minister, then, that this is just a continuation of the reduction exercise and it is being spread out over a longer period of time with this department, which I think is a real shame.

I would like to ask the Minister a couple of very specific questions about corporate management, as well. The department has been developing five bills, and those are slowly making their way over into the House, and so on. Where did the resources come from to develop those bills? Did the Minister go to the Financial Management Board, or were they just found internally? Thanks, Mr. Chair.