This is page numbers 6413 - 6444 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was assembly.

Topics

Members Present

Hon. Glen Abernethy, Mr. Beaulieu, Mr. Blake, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Ms. Green, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Bob McLeod, Hon. Robert McLeod, Mr. McNeely, Hon. Alfred Moses, Mr. Nadli, Mr. Nakimayak, Mr. O'Reilly, Hon. Wally Schumann, Hon. Louis Sebert, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Testart, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Vanthuyne

The House met at 10:02 a.m.

Prayer
Prayer

Page 6413

Stephen Kakfwi

[Translation] Thank you, my people. We look at the culture of our people. We keep praying in our language. We use the drum. That is why we pray. That is what I will say to you. We use this to help each one of us what we do within our faith, our culture. Someday, we bring it to the Creator some things that we ask. We show it to the other people and all the other world. [Translation ends]

Today, this is your last day together as an Assembly. You have come to the end of this road, and you will all start new roads from here. I will sing you a song. It is a song about the land. It is about travelling on the land. It is about being alone, facing the winds and the elements. It is about embracing everything that is around you, the people, the communities, the different peoples who we are who choose to live together. It is about the mountains. It is about the river and the lakes and the ocean. It is about calling the spirit of the land that sustains us, that we all may find a way to connect to a land that loves us, that takes care of us. This is a song that you can remember as you travel and as you see the land that is all around you. [English translation not provided.] Thank you.

Prayer
Prayer

Page 6413

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Please be seated. Good morning, Members. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Lands.

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude all Ministers' statements filed with the clerk today.

---Unanimous consent granted

[English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT's Land Titles Office is responsible for recording and maintaining the validity and security of all land titles information in the Northwest Territories. These public records have previously only been available during office hours and, if requirements were needed to view the actual file, these files could only be examined in person at the registry office.

In order to allow citizens throughout the Northwest Territories the ability to review land titles documents where and when they need them, the Department of Justice has developed and launched an online solution that will allow access on a 24/7 basis from any computer.

The newly designed online Northwest Territories Land Titles System allows the user to view the registered documents as if they were being viewed at the registry office. The system is fully bilingual, in French and English.

The ability to view these documents is valuable to lawyers, surveyors, and land administrators, as well as the public, so that they can verify the ownership of privately owned surveyed lands and determine who holds an interest in the lands. As this information is relied upon mainly in real estate transactions, the need for reliability is of utmost importance.

The new online system provides easy 24-hour-a-day access to information about any parcel of land that is registered with the Land Titles Office. This includes access to certificates of title, plans of survey, and associated documents. These documents can be downloaded and printed immediately.

The ability to search online will save thousands of dollars in time for professionals and for people who previously had to physically search files. Residents of our smaller communities will have the same immediate access to the system. For those who need or would prefer to work with the registry in person or by phone, fax, or email, staff will still be available to assist.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Land Titles System was launched on May 21, 2019, and I hope I got that date right in French but if I didn't, that is the date, and is operating smoothly. User uptake has been very good, with over 200 registered users to date. Feedback from members of the public and professionals has been positive, and many stating that the new method for access is a vast improvement.

The Department of Justice is committed to improving the way we provide services in the most efficient and effective way possible. This includes ensuring that our residents have the same level of access to the information that they need no matter where in the NWT they reside. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. It took you four years to do a statement in French but it was worth it. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, today there are increasing numbers of women leaders who are working at the local and regional level for the betterment of our communities, but only a handful of women have ever taken seats in this Legislative Assembly. Mr. Speaker, it's time to change that. Our governing bodies should be representative of the populations they serve, and women make up half of our population. We need more women in political leadership at all levels, but especially here in this House.

We are seeing progress. The municipal elections in the fall of 2018 saw several women being elected into positions as mayors and councillors throughout the territory. Several of the successful candidates represent a younger demographic, and that's great news for the future of our territory.

Mr. Speaker, these women candidates succeeded with support from family, friends, donors, and campaign workers, but it all starts with the women themselves. Each woman who puts her name forward inspires women throughout the Northwest Territories to run for office, whether it is for the local education authority, a municipal council, an Indigenous government, the Legislative Assembly, or the Parliament of Canada.

The results of the municipal elections last year show that Northerners do see women as leaders who belong in the political realm. Better yet, more and more women see themselves as leaders.

Mr. Speaker, every Member of this House has been concerned about the low numbers of women in leadership, especially on boards and agencies and in political leadership at the territorial level. The mandate of the 18th Legislative Assembly committed our government to improving gender equity on boards and agencies and to taking steps to increase the participation of women in politics.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has sponsored Campaign Schools for Women over the term of this Assembly. Some of the successful municipal candidates last year were past participants of these workshops. We have also developed a "made-in-the-North" curriculum to support the workshops.

In developing this training material, we sought and received input from women across the Northwest Territories, and the training material is designed to apply to any elected position. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories and the Status of Women Council, who worked with us to pilot this training material.

I am also happy to report that a communications campaign has been designed to help increase the number of women seeking political office by reinforcing the message that women are capable leaders. Phase One of the campaign was launched this month, and it will run until nominations for the territorial election close in the first week of September. Phase Two will run from October 24th to November 15th, leading up to the municipal elections in nine communities.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the support that this government has provided to women in an effort to increase their representation in the Legislative Legislative Assembly. This House established the Special Committee to Increase the Representation of Women in the Legislative Assembly and unanimously supported each of the recommendations made in the final report. I was also pleased to provide funding for a very successful initiative led by the Member for Yellowknife Centre and the Yellowknife Women's Society, who offered a series of workshops and networking opportunities to prepare women to run for the Legislative Assembly.

We see evidence of the positive impact of our work in the number of women who have already announced that they will put their names forward in the upcoming Northwest Territories election. All of us in this Assembly, both women and men, have done our part to promote women in elected positions during our term and to fulfill our mandate commitments.

Mr. Speaker, I have more good news. We are not alone in our quest for gender equity in political life. The Government of Canada is stepping up, as well. On August 8th, I was with the Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, Michael McLeod, to announce new funding for our government from the Government of Canada. On behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, MP McLeod announced $525,000 in new funding to bolster our own investment in women's leadership initiatives. This funding will be used to create a new online portal for the Campaign School for Women that will allow us to reach more residents, more often. It will help us continue pilot-testing the new "made-in-the-North" Campaign School curriculum, with additional workshops throughout the Northwest Territories, and it will help us continue our communications campaign to encourage women to enter politics at all levels.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that the mandate commitments of the Government of the Northwest Territories to support the delivery of workshops that help to get women into politics and to support a communications campaign to increase the participation of women in politics have been achieved, but our work is not yet done. It must continue until women are equally represented at all levels of elected leadership.

This government has worked very hard to increase the number of women in politics. I would like to thank all of the inspiring women who have decided to run in the upcoming territorial elections. It is time for women to take their seats at the table, and in this House. This territory wants more women leaders, we need their talents at all levels, and we will make it happen. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. The Honourable Premier.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Mr. Speaker, as the 18th Legislative Assembly comes to an end, now is a good time for us to look back at the past four years and the good work that we have done together for the people of the Northwest Territories.

The 18th Assembly has been the first full Assembly since the federal government devolved responsibility for public lands, resources, and waters to the Government of the Northwest Territories. Devolution significantly increased the responsibilities of the Government of the Northwest Territories and expanded the areas in which this Legislative Assembly has legal authority. At the time of devolution, the 17th Legislative Assembly mirrored existing federal legislation, making the decision to first devolve and then evolve. It fell to the 18th Assembly to do the heavy lifting on the "evolve" part of the equation.

Devolution was just the beginning, Mr. Speaker. It was this Assembly that had to do the hard work of understanding our residents' priorities for newly devolved authorities and turn them into sound legislation and policy to reflect northern views and aspirations.

I am pleased to say that we were up to the task. The first made-in-the-Northwest Territories Mineral Resources Act will receive assent today, setting out for the first time ever how the Government of the Northwest Territories will manage the rich reserves of mineral resources that we share, in line with the views and priorities of northern decision-makers. We have also amended the Petroleum Resources Act and the Oil and Gas Operations Act to take into account our new responsibilities and reflect Northerners' priorities.

Part of managing the land and resources of the Northwest Territories responsibly includes making our own decisions about how land will be protected and conserved. A new Protected Areas Act passed this past June now gives Northerners the legal tools for creating a network of permanent protected areas that conserve the ecological and cultural worth of the Northwest Territories' most valued places.

We have updated and modernized the Environmental Rights Act, establishing the requirement for government departments and certain public bodies to consider a statement of environmental values in their decision-making, and mandating a State of the Environment Report.

We have passed a new Public Land Act, bringing together two previously separate regimes for managing public land in the Northwest Territories and setting the stage for further development of a more unified approach to land management.

Work to strengthen and improve the Government of the Northwest Territories' approach to managing land and resources will continue, Mr. Speaker, including work on the Waters Act and the Forest Act, but the work we have done in four short years to establish a new made-in-the-North legislative regime for land and resource management is an accomplishment that we should all be proud of.

Another priority for Northerners, Mr. Speaker, was improving government openness and transparency, and our government has responded. During this term, this Assembly passed the Ombud Act and appointed the first ever Ombud for the Northwest Territories.

Following a comprehensive review undertaken by the Government of the Northwest Territories, this Assembly also made significant amendments to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

We have complemented this legislative work with the creation of our government's first-ever Open Government Policy, including a new guide to public engagement that will help ensure that we are taking a consistent approach to soliciting the views of the public on important matters of public policy and factoring those into our work.

Mr. Speaker, we have worked together to pass several important pieces of legislation to protect public health and safety, including the Northwest Territories 911 Act, which will provide for a territory-wide 911 service beginning this fall. We also passed a new Emergency Management Act.

Responding to legislative changes at the federal level, Mr. Speaker, we passed the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Implementation Act. We have also passed new legislation to control and reduce smoking and legislation to control the sale of tobacco and vapour products.

Mr. Speaker. In all, we have considered 93 bills, including money bills, over the past four years, representing a significant amount of work. Over these four years, the Government of the Northwest Territories has also invested in initiatives meant to advance the priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly and better serve the people of the territory.

Together, we have invested more than $82 million in health, wellness, and education initiatives, including $33.5 million in health services, $17 million in children's programs, nearly $11 million in long-term care and seniors, and $6 million in shelters and vulnerable populations.

We have invested $29 million in community operations and safety, including $12 million in housing, $7.5 million to address the cost of living, $5 million for community government operations, and $2 million for 911.

We have invested $22 million in climate change and another $5 million in the environment, Mr. Speaker.

We have also invested more than $42 million in the economy and labour market, including $14 million in the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line, nearly $12 million in adult education and training, $5 million in economic diversification, and $3 million in tourism and parks.

We have also invested more than $19 million in government services, including $3 million in service delivery improvements, almost $2 million in cannabis implementation, $2 million in intergovernmental relations, and $1.5 million in devolution implementation.

We have also invested millions in literally building the Northwest Territories during the term of this government, Mr. Speaker, including our biggest-ever capital plan in the current fiscal year.

Over the past four years, we have invested over $155 million in the new Stanton Territorial Hospital, and another $92 million in other health facilities in communities around the Northwest Territories.

We have invested $44 million in schools and $88.5 million in Northwest Territories Housing Corporation capital. We have invested over $112 million in community capital through our community government capital formula funding.

During this Assembly, in addition to the Stanton Territorial Hospital, the Government of the Northwest Territories celebrated the completion of two other major capital projects: the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway; and the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line.

Looking to the future, we have invested almost $114 million in the Tlicho All-Season Road and $142 million in other road projects under the Building Canada Fund. With the planning and permitting work now complete, I am pleased to note that Minister Schumann will be hosting an official ground-breaking ceremony in Whati tomorrow with representatives from the Tlicho Government and a number of MLAs and Ministers to mark the start of work on the Tlicho All-Season Road.

We are also advancing energy, transportation, and other infrastructure projects in partnership with the federal government through the Investing in Canada Plan and the National Trades Corridor Fund.

We continue to advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Mr. Speaker, as well as the Slave Geological Province Corridor, two important roads to resources that will help unlock our territory's potential and create jobs and economic opportunities for our residents and all Canadians.

Our government has also made substantial investments in energy during the life of this Assembly, addressing multiple priorities, including economic development, cost of living, and environment and climate change. This includes projects like a 40-kilowatt solar project in Tulita and the Inuvik Wind Project. We have secured federal funding for a new and more efficient generator in Sachs Harbour, and for upgrades to the Snare Forks hydroelectric facility.

We continue to collect wind data in Norman Wells, Sachs Harbour, and Snare Rapids, and are monitoring water flows in Gameti to assess the potential for a mini-hydro project.

We continue to work with the federal government to advance the Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project, Mr. Speaker, and have secured $2 million in funding already, with a commitment for a further $18 million over the next three years.

These efforts have been guided by our government's integrated approach to addressing energy and climate change that was announced in May 2018 with the release of our 2030 Energy Strategy, Climate Change Strategic Framework, and Petroleum Resources Strategy.

The Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes that Northerners care deeply about the land, environment, and wildlife, Mr. Speaker, and we have worked throughout this Assembly to reflect that concern in our actions and decisions.

Earlier this week, our government was part of the celebrations in Lutselk'e to announce the creation of Thaidene Nene with the Government of Canada, Lutselk'e Dene First Nation, Deninu Kue First Nation, and NWT Metis Nation. The new national and territorial parks that will be established on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake represent the culmination of a 50-year dream for the people of the region that our government was pleased to be part of.

We have also continued to take steps to manage and protect wildlife in the Northwest Territories, including the implementation of significant new regulations under the Wildlife Act and the creation of a Boreal Caribou Recovery Strategy, a Bathurst Caribou Range Plan, and a Boreal Caribou Range Plan.

We also recognize that a strong territory starts with strong people, Mr. Speaker, and we have continued to support healthy, educated people over the four years of this Assembly.

During this Assembly, the Government of the Northwest Territories undertook a comprehensive analysis of labour market needs and launched the Skills 4 Success initiative to improve employment success for Northwest Territories residents, close skill gaps for in-demand jobs, and more effectively respond to employer and industry needs.

We completed the Aurora College Foundational Review and have responded with a plan to create the first polytechnic university in the Northwest Territories, built around our existing campus communities and community learning centres that will create new and expanded post-secondary educational opportunities for our people. We continue to invest in the college, including with a $10-million Centre for Mine and Industry Training we opened in Fort Smith at the beginning of this year.

We have completed the roll-out of free, optional junior kindergarten to all communities during the life of this Assembly, Mr. Speaker, giving Northwest Territories families more options and flexibility and giving our kids the support they need to grow and develop right from the start.

Our government has also launched a new community-based child and youth care counsellor initiative, Mr. Speaker, aimed to provide critical mental health supports and counselling at the community level.

We have invested in a new long-term care addition for Woodland Manor in Hay River, a new health centre and long-term care facility in Norman Wells, a new health centre in Fort Resolution, and the Jimmy Erasmus Seniors' Home in Behchoko.

During this Assembly, the Government of the Northwest Territories has also completed a significant transformation in the way that health services are delivered and managed with the creation of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority. The new authority has helped to break down systemic barriers to efficient and effective care and service delivery and built the foundation for a system with improved accountability and performance, informed by regional wellness councils.

We also understand that we must meet people where they are at, focusing on the needs of the individual, not our systems and processes. That is why our government has introduced a cultural safety action plan for our health system, to create an environment free of racism and discrimination, where people from all cultures and identities feel safe. It is also why we have embarked on a new primary care reform initiative that will ensure our health system is based around the needs of the patient and their families, focusing on outcomes for our people.

We continue to invest in justice in our communities, Mr. Speaker, including a new women's correction facility that will be opening in Fort Smith at the end of this month. This brand-new facility has been designed to provide female offenders with culturally appropriate programs and activities meant to help them become productive, healthy members of their communities.

To support safe communities, our government has agreed to construct 45 staff housing units at the request of the RCMP in five communities, including Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, Inuvik, and Norman Wells.

Our government has also continued to address the critical need for housing in the Northwest Territories, including convening the first-ever Northern Housing Summit in Inuvik earlier this year and successfully negotiating for $36 million under the National Housing Strategy and a $60-million carve-out under the National Housing Co-investment Fund.

Earlier this month, the Government of the Northwest Territories opened a new seniors nine-plex in Fort McPherson and a 17-unit singles building in Inuvik. We have invested in supportive housing project in Fort Simpson, Behchoko, Aklavik, and Fort Good Hope under our Northern Pathways to Housing program. We partnered with the Salt River First Nation to open two housing units, and also partnered with the Centre for Northern Families to open eight semi-independent units for people who are experiencing homelessness in Yellowknife.

We know homelessness is a challenge across the territory, Mr. Speaker, and each year the Government of the Northwest Territories works across departments and with many different service providers in communities all across the North to provide programs, services, and funding intended to support community members who may be experiencing homelessness or other related challenges. We continue to work on this issue through innovative approaches like Housing First, integrated case management, and the Homelessness Assistance Fund. We have increased resources to address this issue, including the new combined Sobering Centre and Day Shelter in Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, today is day 90 of our sitting days in this Third Session. Session is a major focus for the public and for us as Members, but we need to remember that government is a 365-days-a-year business. We have accomplished a lot since the First Session of the 18th Assembly took place on December 17, 2015. We should be proud of our accomplishments as an Assembly.

I want to thank the Members who have worked with us on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories, and I want to thank the hard-working members of the public service who have supported us in turning our priorities into plans, policies, programs, and services for our residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Members' Statements

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Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we wrap up the 18th Assembly, it is my privilege to confirm what most folks already know: that I will be running for a second term, and I am excited and energized to hit the campaign trail.

To the constituents of Yellowknife North, Yellowknife has never failed me. Being entrusted as your representative and decision-maker at this level has been an incredible honour. It's been a dream come true to be your MLA for this unique, stunning, and diverse riding.

Mr. Speaker, I have enjoyed so much about this experience and being a part of this consensus government. I especially enjoyed my role as the chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment.

To all of my MLA colleagues, I applaud you for your commitment and thank you for your dedication to our territory.

To the amazing Assembly staff who supports us, it's been a tremendous pleasure working with all of you. We, as Regular Members, all Members, would be lost without your tremendous effort and dedication.

To my constituent assistant, Keith McNeil, you carried a lot of the weight of my day-to-day workload and you did a fine job of it. I can't thank you enough.

Outside government, we work with Indigenous leaders, community leaders, NGOs, and business leaders. Their knowledge and insight has helped me to understand my role and the importance of collaboration and respect. You have my utmost respect, and I thank you for your wisdom.

I came to the Assembly with experience in municipal government. My views may have been somewhat narrow, but the many Northerners I have met and worked with have helped me to understand our territory much better. I am proud to be a part of this great territory, and appreciate what it has to offer, which is a lot.

Mr. Speaker, our form of government is evaluated by our citizens, and also people throughout Canada and around the world. I have always believed I have an obligation as an MLA to stay focused on the long-term benefits of our territory. We are doing great things, but there is plenty of work to be done. I will continually pursue the best interests of my riding, and all the citizens of this great territory.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the city and territory that have given so much to me over the years, and I am thrilled to continue on this journey. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

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Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I reflect on the work of the 18th Assembly, I think back to the early days, when we set our priorities and the ambitious mandate that was put forward by all Members of this House. It is the spirit of compromise and cooperation that was the through-line for this Assembly. This is contrary to sensationalist claims of a dysfunctional institution. One need only look to our record to see that the vast majority of decisions, laws, and government spending have nearly always received the unanimous support of this House. To focus on our differences is to do a discredit to what has brought us together, which is service for the people of the Northwest Territories.

Is our system perfect? No, of course not. There are clear deficiencies in our democratic institutions, as there are in all democratic institutions, but I have been envigoured by the debates we've had on this subject, both in this Chamber and in public forums. I look forward to seeing the 19th Assembly continue the debate and find new and better ways to strengthen our Parliamentary traditions and achieve meaningful, democratic reform.

On this final day of session, I would like to thank all those who have supported me over the years; my constituents, my hard-working staff, my friends, and most importantly, my family, who have stood by me always.

I would also like to thank my honourable friends in this House. I have learned something from each of you, and will never forget the time we spent together in service to the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.

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Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, want to make closing comments as we conclude our last sitting day and recognize a lot of people out there, and a lot of accomplishments that I'm hoping that I have made, and contributions to fulfilling the platform that I sought out four years ago, and recognize the government's support for the people out there.

As an example, there are many social challenges in our remote communities, particularly having served the Sahtu in five communities without an all-season road. It really makes it a seasonal challenge to fill your grocery shelves, for example, and accessing a road trip. Those have to be scheduled.

I really support the recognition of the Sahtu leadership and the Sahtu residents, and I thank them for their support throughout the last four years. I also want to thank my family, who looked after our home while I was away. That gave me comfort to concentrate on the challenges to be addressed in this Assembly, to bring prosperous hope to the people of the Sahtu, and to the Territories, as well, with the number of highlighted resources pledged as identified in the Premier's statement today.

To give you some examples, here, in particular I campaigned on the Mackenzie Valley Highway and I was quite happy, I would say, or pleased this morning to reflect on what we've done in order to achieve where we are today in that regard. We've got a regional office in the Sahtu region, now, based in Norman Wells, bringing employee benefits and employee security to the region. The Department of Infrastructure did nothing but help to make that a realization, and realizing and continuing on with the services. Our government purchased some barges; now, I can feel free to go to the communities and say, "You've got a supply chain that would fill up your resupply of petroleum products in your homes." Mr. Speaker, I see unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. In the area of health, there were a number of problems that was brought to my attention, and I have come to realize that this job is really not what it may seem to be on the audio. I, many of times, thought about that when I had seen my predecessor on audio, wondering what do they do outside of that. Now, I've seen it from the inside, and I can really say and respect the colleagues who set aside time from their life to work for the people. In that regard, I've grown to respect all Members of this House, and recognize the continued support from the staff of this House, and the staff from the departments that make them look good.

In the area of the health department, there were a number of suicidal challenges based in...

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Member for Sahtu, you're supposed to have concluding remarks, not another Members' statement.

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Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

I'm hoping that I'm trying to capture a lot here. That's why the opposition is just smiling. Nevertheless, I think we made a change, and I hope, I'll just summarize, but I'll go back home and mention that to the leadership. I thank everybody, and thank the former Members who brought us advice when we became newcomers to this Assembly. Mahsi cho.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I served as chairman in Priorities and Planning. I'd like to thank support staff that we had in the room. I'd like to name them: Lee Selleck and Stephen Dunbar, Doug Schauerte, Sarah Kay, Michael Ball and Glen Rutland.

I'd like to thank my constituents. I have a constituent up there today, in fact, and constituents back here; it was very good work working with the constituents. I'd like to thank my family, my mom, my siblings, my children, my spouse, Monique.

I hope that I have made a difference in the work that I have done. I know that it seems like we're doing a lot of work. At the end of the day, it always feels like there's so much more to do. It's a difficult place to leave, representing people, because you never know what is coming. You will never know. If you don't stop, you never know what is to come. Better opportunities, maybe, other MLAs could bring to the riding that I currently represent. Mainly, I represented four communities. I'd like to again just thank the constituents. Not so much the leaders. I talked about them yesterday in my reply, but definitely, I would like to say, thank you, marsi cho, to the people of Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Marsi.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

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Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank the residents of the Nahendeh riding for giving me the privilege of representing them for the past four years. I am and always will be humbled for being elected to this job. It is about the people. I am representing their voice and their ideas.

To the community and regional leadership, these past four years, I enjoyed your honesty and frankness as we tried to address concerns and issues with the GNWT, federal government, or others. I would like to thank you for opening your homes, offices, and community to me as we work for the residents of Nahendeh.

To the Nahendeh residents, thank you for trusting me to address your issues. I am honoured you feel comfortable to reach out to me at any time during the day to discuss your issues.

It wasn't about trying to get the issues completely addressed, but being successful to help the residents move forward.

I would like to thank those who were my sounding board and advisers. I appreciate the time and direction you offered throughout these four years. Your ideas and concerns help me do my job better.

To my constituent assistants, I would like to thank them, it was Pearl Norwegian, Mary Drake, Maja Echtay, Deborah Richards, and Charles Blondin, for doing a great job running the Nahendeh office. Their commitment and professionalism were a great asset to the residents and myself. They were the first face you saw, and they were always making people feel comfortable to come in and share their concerns. I could not have been as effective without them.

To my colleagues of the 18th Assembly, I'd like to thank you for all your help as we move forward to a better NWT. I know there were times when we didn't agree;, however, this is what makes life better. We have to work together to get things done. We should all be proud of the work done during this Assembly.

To the unsung heroes of the GNWT, thank you for all the work you do for the residents of the NWT. Sometimes, it's hard, but you do a job well done with professionalism. I appreciate the important work you do for the residents. Sometimes, we don't say it enough, but thank you. Mr. Speaker, I'd like unanimous consent to conclude by statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Page 6420

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This will be the last I'll ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement this session.

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank all the legislative staff and the Executive Branch staff. You were so helpful and supportive. They were very important as we did our work, and they helped give us good direction.

To friends and family, thank you for your support throughout these four years. I know I've missed some important life events, but you are very understanding of this.

Finally, I'd like to thank Ms. Grace. I know I'm not supposed to thank her, but I'm going to anyway. She has been, and always will be, a big part of my foundation. She's made sure to balance my life, and I'm thankful for this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 6420

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

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Page 6421

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my constituents of Aklavik, Fort McPherson, and Tsiigehtchic for the honour of representing the Mackenzie Delta for the last eight years.

Also, to my fiancee, Jamie, and my children for their love and support, especially while I am away from home for session, committee work, and constituency business.

Also, to my constituency assistant, Liz Wright, in Fort McPherson for your hard work and dedication over the last eight years. I'd also like to thank Eugene Pascal from Aklavik for being my contact person, helping when needed with constituency work.

Mr. Speaker, last but not least, I'd like to thank my colleagues; yourself, Mr. Speaker, Cabinet, and Regular Members. When we first started, we had an ambitious mandate for the 18th Assembly, with 230 mandate commitments, but working together, we completed 202 with 10 in progress, and 18 unfilled, which is a success.

Also, to the MLAs who have decided not to seek re-election, I'd like to thank you for your service to your constituents and the Northwest Northwest Territories. Our Premier hasn't announced yet, but whatever you decide, I will respect and honour.

Mr. Speaker, with our election this fall, I would like to wish all the candidates all the best on the campaign trail. I will be running myself, as I already announced. You just never know in elections. I always put my faith in the Lord. Whatever He decides, I will respect. I would just like to wish you all the best. It was an honour working with you all. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 6421

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Reflections on the 18th Assembly
Members' Statements

Page 6421

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Today is good. It seems like a new day for us. [Translation ends] [Microphone turned off] to stand in this House many times on behalf of the people of the Deh Cho riding. This truly is a special place of united people for the good of the NWT.

Four years have quickly passed. I have to say a few words of gratitude to some people I am blessed to have in my life. I must say that I am blessed with my children and my grandson. Yes, winter is dawning. I am grateful and appreciative from the support of my relatives and extended families throughout Deh Cho and Denendeh.

Mr. Speaker, I represent the most beautiful riding of the Deh Cho. The people and communities of K'atlodeeche, Enterprise, Kakisa, and Fort Providence are one of a kind, the Dene, Metis, and Mola. Thank you for your engagement and talks. Whether we agreed or not or just chit chat, mahsi for those moments.

I would like to thank my friends and colleagues of this House. Mahsi. I would like to thank Premier McLeod for his leadership and the Cabinet and the Ministers and the departments and the staff that make the wheels go around.

Yes, last but not least, my constituency assistant, Trisha Landry, and her family and the rest of the staff who worked behind the scene. Thank you to yourself, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.

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Page 6421

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

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Page 6421

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to just start off by looking back on the last four years. We have learned a lot. We have learned a lot as Regular MLAs working with Cabinet. It is not an us-versus-them system. It is consensus government.

Mr. Speaker, this past week, when we passed all of these bills, it showed how consensus government works. I am proud of that, actually. Coming from a small community, it really did voice my concerns from my region coming from the most expensive region in the territory, maybe in Canada, maybe in this world. When you think about it, the cost of living in the North is higher than anywhere else. For myself to be able to express the concerns, whether it is health, the cost of fuel.

Mr. Speaker, working with our Cabinet colleagues, I think the relationships that we have built during this time, these four years, is such a short time when you think about it. I am grateful for the conversations. I have learned a lot. I have learned tremendously from people like Mr. R.C. McLeod, sitting there in his office, whether it is having a conversation. We learn more when we talk about our family. It is a fact. We ground ourselves and remind ourselves that we are here to do a job. Representing our region is key in what we do.

Anyways, Mr. Speaker, getting down to it, I would like thank my constituents from Tuktoyaktuk, Ulukhaktok, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour. In my constituency, I have four CAs. Maybe we need to focus on them and look in the next Assembly. Maybe we need an office in every region, in every community in this territory. We have GSO offices in most of the communities in the territory. Think about that. We can represent the government better. It is not always just about us. It is about the people that we work with.

Mr. Speaker, I would just like to close in saying thank you for being the amazing human being that you are yourself. To other MLAs on this side from Tu Nedhe Wiilideh and from the Deh Cho, for keeping the language strong and alive in this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I hope, looking forward, that we all can work together and whoever is here next can do a better job than we did because we can always do better. We did a lot during this Assembly. I would like to congratulate everybody here and the staff for being the people that they are to make the Northwest Territories as great as it is. It is an amazing place. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 6422

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is the last day that these Members will gather together on the floor of this House. Like everyone else here, I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to be a Member of the 18th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories and to represent the people of Hay River.

To say it has been an honour is an understatement. When I speak at high school graduations, I always tell the graduates it is okay if they don't yet know what they want to be when they grow up. It wasn't until I was 35 and was elected to this position that I really figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up. If I don't get re-elected, I guess I'll have figure it out all over again, but that is okay.

However, if I am not re-elected because people think that's what's best for Hay River, then, even though I love doing this, I can't complain, because that is democracy in action. It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time, and I have to agree. We're extremely lucky to be able to vote for the people who represent us and make decisions on our behalf.

Everyone who wants a shot at being an MLA is about to go through a very public, four-week long job interview, and at the end of it, we, the people, each get to have a say on who gets the job. As long as you're at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, and have been a resident of the territory for six consecutive months as of October 1st, it doesn't matter how much money you have, it doesn't matter what you do for a living, it doesn't matter what your gender is, it doesn't matter what your ethnicity is, or anything else. Your vote counts as much as every other person's vote.

Now, Mr. Speaker, there is no reason not to vote because Elections NWT and all the returning officers who we have here in the gallery today have made voting easier than ever.

The first thing you should do is go on the Elections NWT website and check to see whether or not you're registered. The process to check and to register if needed is ridiculously easy. I just did it yesterday.

In Hay River, you can vote on the ordinary polling day, on October 1st, at the Community Hall in the rec centre. I assume that once again, there will also be a number of opportunities prior to October 1st to vote in the office of the returning officers who I know from the last election are very helpful and accommodating.

If you aren't going to be in the NWT during the election like most college and university students you can still vote by signing up for an absentee ballot on the Elections NWT website and chose whether you want to vote by mail or, for the first time ever, Mr. Speaker, online.

Like I said, Mr. Speaker, there is no reason not to vote, so I encourage everyone to get out there and exercise their right to have a direct say in our democracy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Women in Leadership
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Page 6422

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. We are about to make history here in the Northwest Territories. I am hopeful and I believe that voters will elect the largest number of women Members ever. I don't think we will reach gender parity, but I think we will surpass the goals that all of us set for ourselves for the 20th Assembly this fall.

The reason for my optimism is this: in 2007, 10 women ran and three were elected. In 2011, nine women ran and two were elected. In 2015, 10 women ran, and two of us were elected. By my count, 20 women have announced their intention to run in this fall's election, double the number of candidates we have ever had and in one fell swoop. These are 20 well-qualified women; a lawyer, a corporate vice-president, an engineer, a community development officer, a land claim negotiator. It is an impressive list. These women have a lot to offer all residents of the Northwest Territories if they are elected. Some of them will be elected. I am predicting four based on the historic ratio of those who run and those who are successful in winning a seat.

Mr. Speaker, this change has been the result of leadership and hard work. I would like to thank you for championing the idea of temporary special measures to bring more women into the Assembly. Even though the idea didn't gain traction, it sparked a conversation and interest in other solutions. I would like to thank the clerk, as well, for his work on the discussion paper and for his help in creating the Special Committee to Increase the Representation of Women here.

I would also like to thank all of the Members of the committee, including the Minister responsible for the Status of Women, the Member for Range Lake, my colleague and friend, who has worked tirelessly with me every step of the way to figure out how to address the barriers to women's representation. Thanks, as well, to the committee staff, Jennifer Franki-Smith and Cathleen Knotsch, for their help planning our travel and writing our reports. We can all be proud of the seat change that we are about to witness.

Mr. Speaker, I am going to take a few moments to thank a few more people, starting with my constituency assistant Craig Yeo, whose unfailing support and hard work has enabled me to do so much good work for my constituents and the people of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

Women in Leadership
Members' Statements

Page 6423

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank my family and friends for their support, especially my partner, Janice McKenna, and my mom, the late, great Ann Little. I will miss her even more during the forthcoming campaign, along with my friend and mentor, the late Ruth Spence.

Finally, thank you, colleagues, for helping me to appreciate the diversity of the Northwest Territories and the people who we represent. Best wishes for your campaign. I look forward to returning to this House to continue to represent the constituents of Yellowknife Centre and further their aspirations for a safe, happy, and productive life. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Women in Leadership
Members' Statements

Page 6423

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

French First-Language Education
Members' Statements

Page 6423

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. [No translation provided.]

Mr. Speaker, I am going to save my reflections and thanks for the replies to the Commissioner's address a little later. I have spoken several times, though, in this House about the often strained relationship between the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the NWT francophone community.

On October 16, 2016, the then-Minister said, "That's where we don't want to end up, is in the courthouse, and then have a court order against the government." Unfortunately, that is where this government has gone again on the issue of the directive on French First Language School Non-Rights Holder Admission Policy.

On July 2, 2019, the NWT Supreme Court ruled against this government in relation to constitutionally entrenched French language rights. The Minister did not properly apply the policy on admission of non-rights holder. The Minister was directed to reconsider her decision while paying attention to the need for a restorative approach to French first language education.

I am disappointed with the Minister's decision, again, to go to court. Many of my constituents do not understand why our government would continue to spend money on adversarial court proceedings rather than fixing the problem of a faulty ministerial directive that is out-of-date and too narrow.

I will have questions later today for the Minister on why we continue to devote resources to court proceedings rather than working with the francophone community and families to ensure that our children have access to an adequate francophone first language school system. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

French First-Language Education
Members' Statements

Page 6423

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Range Lake.

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Members' Statements

Page 6423

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to thank everyone in this Assembly. It has been an interesting process. I think that most people know that, when I came in, I was pretty street-knowledged, knew a lot about programs with my background, and knew nothing about politics.

I have learned over the four years. I thank the people who have brought that to me and provided that knowledge. I think that we have done some great jobs working this Assembly, and not everyone, but I think that I have also made some great friendships in this Assembly as well, and that is something that I will carry with me, as well, throughout that.

I want to thank the many women who have stood behind me in my work. I want to start with my staff, Brenda Fowler, Mira Dunn, Sabet Biscaye, all wonderful women who have stood by me and put up with my little antics, but were there for me.

I want to thank the hundreds of women in the GNWT. Although I only had the one worker who was actually allocated to me for women in politics, women in leadership, women came out from every single department all over the place to help with the cause, and those are the unsung heroes. Thank you all for all of the support that you provided to that.

I also want to, of course, thank my family, who put up with many late nights. There were not many cooked dinners and lots of sinks full of dishes. Thanks for sticking by me through all of that.

As my colleague, MLA Green stated, we are seeing more women come up and I am hoping that there will be more of an awareness of the representation that is needed in this House, and we will see more women in this Assembly for the 19th Assembly. I will be putting my name forward, and I am hoping that I will be, and my colleague will be, part of that wave that is coming.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to everyone for the work that we have done. Thank you.

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Page 6424

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Members' Statements

Page 6424

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been an honour to serve in this Assembly two terms. I think that my colleague on the other side said it well yesterday, that we only average about four years. I am lucky that I was able to do two terms, and I think that anybody who goes above the four years shows the work that they do for the people of the Northwest Territories. I just wanted to say, if you're doing 12 years, you have been doing a good job.

I just wanted to recognize Tom Beaulieu, Glen Abernethy, and R. C. McLeod. You look at the years that they have put in, the experience, and the work that they have done for people, not only serving in this House, but serving the territory. That is something that needs to be recognized. I just want to thank all of them for giving me the advice to do the job that I did and get over that four years.

Before that, I also want to say that the legislative staff, for anybody who doesn't know the work that we do in this House, they are the backbone. They are the backbone that holds this government, this House, the committees, and our Cabinet together. I know that there have been a lot of people who have come and gone, and I did recognize some of them last night, but we do have some of them in the House today. I know that there is probably going to be a passing of the torch at some point, but a lot of responsibility, looking at you, and I know that you guys are going to be doing a good job. I just want to thank the clerks whom I have had the opportunity to work with over these last two terms, as I said last night, giving me sound advice to do the job that I did.

I have worked in public service for about 14 years, Mr. Speaker, and behind the scenes, outside of the Legislative Assembly, we have a lot of great people who work at the deputy minister's level, senior level, and I just want to thank them. I want to say that I have been honoured to be a Minister working with the departments that I have had the opportunity to work with.

I know that we are going to get into recognition of the visitors in the gallery later, but at this point, Mr. Speaker, if you will allow me, I would like to recognize some people in the gallery at this point. Ronna Sharegan. Long history. We worked together in the industry, and I'm glad that she had the opportunity to come and work with me in my office and learn about government. Sheila. Strong supporter. She has worked for you, Mr. Speaker, worked for me, and I just want to say thank you, Sheila, for all the support that you've given over these years.

Mr. Speaker, I've always recognized Judy McLeod, a constituent of mine, and I want to recognize her again; and also Hilda Camirand. We've chatted about this many times, where, as the Delta Boys who would walk down the hall, Hilda would always ask how you were doing and always say hi and good morning.

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Page 6424

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, there will be an opportunity to address those areas, as well.

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Page 6424

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

[Microphone turned off] then I'll be finished. In the last eight years, Mr. Speaker, I've never recognized one constituent of Inuvik Boot Lake, and I'd like to recognize him today and thank him for all the work that he's done, and it's my constituent Mr. Robertson McLeod. Thank you.

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Page 6425

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.

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Page 6425

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's been an honour and a pleasure to serve with all of you over the last four years. The Premier has outlined many of the things that we've accomplished, and I'd like to, at this stage, thank all of you, and also the staff who has worked with us over the years. I think in particular of Stephen Dunbar and Heather Riviere, my MSAs over the last few years.

We have accomplished much, and I am particularly proud of some of the legislation, in particular the Ombud Act, ATIP, Corrections Act. These were either new acts or improved acts. The Public Land Act. Progress has been made, but there is clearly much, much more to do. I attempted to resolve the thorny issue of equity leases over the last few years, and some progress, fortunately, has been made.

I was particularly happy, over the years, to hear from you, Mr. Speaker, and others who spoke languages in this Assembly other than English. I apologize to the French community for my stumbles today. It seemed easier when I was preparing upstairs than it did down here. When I was referring to the launch of the land titles system, I think I used a rather strange date. It should have been "vingt-et-un deux-mille-dix-neuf," not some strange date that I think I might have mentioned. Clearly I need more work. I undertake, should I be returned, to take more classes at College nordique.

Many years and many roads have led me to this position. I was a lawyer in my former life. I worked on the Main Street, and I also worked on Bay Street. This is the best job I've ever had, and I want to thank all of you. You know, we may disagree, but I hope we're not disagreeable, because there is much we've done, much more to accomplish, and I've been very proud to work with all of you. Thank you.

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Page 6425

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife South.

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Page 6425

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was going to go last, but my colleague to the left of me pulled rank on me. I just want to take this opportunity to thank the Members of Cabinet who will not be running again. I want to thank Minister McLeod, Minister Abernethy, and Minister Moses, thank them for all their support; and, of course, Tom Baulieu. We both got elected at the same time; we were colleagues in the civil service, so I wish him the best.

I want to recognize some people in my office, and all of these people work very hard to have a very smooth-running machine. Some of them are here, some of them are watching, but I want to recognize Gary Bohnet, Melissa Cyr, Jennifer Dallman-Sanders, Contessa Stead, Trista Haugland, and, of course, Shaun Dean, Eileen Marlowe, and Krystal Pidborochynski, and my constituency assistant Darlene Mandeville.

If I may, Mr. Speaker, I have a couple of Yellowknife South constituents. A lot of people don't know that I had royalty working in my office for many years. I want to recognize a constituent of Yellowknife South, Hilda Camirand, and also another constituent of Yellowknife South, Pat Thagard, who is up there. There she is. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I want to thank everybody else, all the Members. I wish them all the best, especially the ones who are running again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 6425

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin lakes.

Reflections on the 18th Assembly
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Page 6425

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did give a long retirement speech back in march, but I think I want to use this two minutes and 23 seconds left to thank the constituents of Inuvik Twin Lakes for allowing me to be their representative. I hope that I've represented them well. I hope I've conducted myself well in this Assembly. I know we've had our differences, but I would expect nothing less. Some of my biggest debates, arguments if you want to call them, were with people who I consider friends of mine, and that's what we do. So you're doing your job, I'm doing mine, but at the end of the day I hope we decided what's best for the people of the Northwest Territories.

To prospective candidates and those who are running again, bring that attitude when you go hit the campaign trail. Don't just tell them that you're going to do something for them; show them that you're going to do something for them. You may even last 15 years; and I think that's been one of my trademarks. I'd like to believe that is faith that allowed me to come down and work on their behalf.

We've been thanking a lot of people today, and I think I should, as well. Tim Mercer and the Legislative Assembly staff, thank you. I always recall our first conversation --I won't tell you exactly how it went -- back in 2004, but I've always appreciated you and your counsel, so thank you.

Thank you to the staff that I've had over the years. I've had the privilege of having good people. If you surround yourself with good people, that allows you to do yourself better. My current executive secretary, Rachel, up in the gallery. Mr. Ralph Collinson, who has been with me for my whole 11 years as a Minister. He provided me with a lot of good counsel. I bug him a lot, but he knows. You started out as an employee; I consider you a friend, now, and remember I said that at Christmastime.

I've had the opportunity to work with a number of deputies over the years, from Jeff and Mike and Willard, Tom Williams. I'm going to give him the "C" now, because he's the captain. In this Assembly, I've had Erin, Kelly, Joe Dragon, David Stewart; I actually remembered his name. A lot of you don't realize that I was at a meeting with David Stewart one time; I'm going to go a little over, so I should seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consent granted

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Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. I was a little worried there for a second that it might not happen. I was at a meeting with David; I don't know if he's up here, but he's probably listening. I was sitting there and I was introducing my staff, and for the life of me I forgot his name. He was sitting right here, and I'm thinking, "I should know his name." So I don't know if committee realizes, a lot times we come before committee. Whenever I introduce David Stewart, him and I, we have a little smile; that's where that story comes from.

Colleagues, it's been an experience with all of you. Like I said before, we haven't always agreed on everything, but I would expect nothing less. You're doing your job, and you do it well, and I have nothing but respect for those who put their name forward, because we do put ourselves out there for criticism. We are criticized, but we take that criticism because we believe in what we're doing and we have to continue.

Lastly, and most importantly, Mr. Speaker, I need to thank my family. I've been fortunate; you've only had to tolerate me for 14, 15 years; some of you just four years. My wife Judy has had to tolerate me for 40 years. We just celebrated our 40th anniversary in July, so she's had to tolerate me for a long time. I appreciate the support that she gives me, and as I have said so many times, and I am sure that you all have heard about my grandchildren too many times, but one more time: I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with them. Thank you.

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Page 6426

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. O'Reilly on August 16, 2019, regarding Food Establishment Safety Regulations.

The Food Establishment Safety Regulations were amended as part of the Department of Health and Social Services' efforts to advance the GNWT Agricultural Strategy and better support the sale of locally produced, low-risk foods, as well as to reflect current best practices and standards for food safety.

These amendments reflect engagement with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Environment and Natural Resources, and Lands, in order to support the NWT's emerging agricultural and food production sector. Feedback was also received from food establishment operators during routine work of the environmental health unit with permit holders, including active engagement with Yellowknife and Inuvik Farmers' Market operators. For example, the amendments address some of the concerns brought forward to the department earlier this year in Inuvik, around permitting, durations, and restrictions.

Supporting resources, such as an event coordinator forum, were also developed to assist emerging community market requirements. A version of this forum was piloted with the Yellowknife market prior to being finalized for implementation with these new regulations. These amendments are just one step in developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for safe agriculture and food production practices in the Northwest Territories.

Looking forward, the department had begun work on meat inspection regulations under the Public Health Act to provide the necessary regulatory framework for abattoirs and meat sales. As this work progresses, the department will participate in work to advance an overall regulatory framework for safe food production and sales in the Northwest Territories.

This work will be a partnership with ITI, ENR, and Lands in order to ensure that the regulatory framework addresses human health, animal health, environmental protection, as well as land use management. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6427

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the visitors in the gallery. I would like to recognize the important work that they are about to undertake on behalf of the whole Northwest Territories.

First, I would like to recognize Chief Electoral Officer Nicole Latour, who is here with us today; deputy Chief Electoral Officer Pat Thagard; and absentee ballot officer Brenda Norris.

I would also like to recognize all of the returning officers who are here with us this morning for the whole Northwest Territories. The returning officers are here in Yellowknife for their final training session. It is a bit of a tradition to visit the Assembly's last day of session. Masi for being here with us.

[Translation] I would just like to say that we have a visitor in the gallery. Harriet Koyina is in the gallery. She has been working with elections for many years. Everything has been running smoothly, so I would like to thank her. [Translation ends]

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

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
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Page 6427

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a feeling that this is going to go on a while. I want to recognize the returning officers for Hay River, Ms. Marny Twigge and Ms. Heather Coakwell, who do great work as returning officers, but also do a lot of other stuff in the community as well. I want to thank them for, not just this work, but everything that they do. Then my constituency assistant, who hates being recognized, but it's the last day, so I am going to do it: Ms. Anne Peters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6427

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 6427

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my constituent, Grace Martin, who will be a returning officer for the Mackenzie Delta. I know that she will do a great job. Also, our Chief Electoral Officer, Nicole Latour, and all your staff. Mahsi.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize the Chief Electoral Officer and staff, Nicole Latour, and the Sahtu returning officer, Michael Erb, and also recognize my former CA and my current CA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to recognize four constituents from the riding of Yellowknife North. Earlier today, providing our prayer song, was the Member and former Premier, Stephen Kakfwi. I also want to recognize and welcome Andy Young, a former fellow city councillor when I was on City Council, and the returning officer now is Amanda Mallon. We also have in the House today the constituency assistant to Frame Lake and Yellowknife Centre, Craig Yeo. Thank you, and welcome. Thank you for being here.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to welcome and acknowledge our elections officers. You are the front line of our democracy, and I very much appreciate the hard work that you do. Particularly, I would like to recognize Ms. Yvette Schreder, the Kam Lake returning officer.

I would also like to recognize two people who have been very important to my work as the Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Garett Cochrane, who served as my constituency assistant for the first half of my term, and Mr. Mike Burchill, who is my current constituency assistant. I couldn't do this job without you, gentlemen, and thank you very much for your service to the people of Kam Lake. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

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Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize Chief Electoral Officer Nic Latour. I would like to recognize a returning officer, Antoinette "Tony" Lafferty, from Fort Resolution.

I would like to recognize Tom Unka and Maro Sundberg as our interpreters. They don't just interpret for the riding of Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. They also do interpreting for Monfwi, interpreter for people in Thebacha, to people in Hay River North, Hay River South, and Yellowknife.

I would like to recognize my CA, Pascal Erasmus, and I would also like to make special recognition of my spouse, Monique Marinier. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize a couple of people up there: the returning officer from the Nahendeh, as well as a constituent, Vanessa Waugh, as well as Nicole Latour, Chief Electoral Officer. We go way back. Welcome to the House. Thank you.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I, too, would like to recognize a constituent, Mr. Tamlin Gilbert. He is going to be serving as one of the returning officers in the upcoming election.

We also, of course, have Nicole Latour, the Chief Electoral Officer. I want to thank her for her work at improving elections and electoral reform in general. I want to recognize returning officer for Frame Lake, Ms. Mona Durkee. I might be by to see you in early September.

Lastly, and not least, my constituency assistant, Craig Yeo. No matter what he did to try to make me look good, it often just didn't work. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Craig is my constituency assistant as well, and if Kevin was a better listener, he would have had better results. Thank you, Craig, for everything that you have done for us.

I would also like to recognize Nicole Latour, who is my constituent, and the returning officers who are here from Elections NWT. I look forward to a good campaign. Thank you.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Deh Cho.

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Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the Chief Electoral Returning Officer. Also, at the same time, I just want to say thank you to our translator, as well, Joe Tambour from K'atlodeeche First Nation, being the South Slavey translator for the duration of the session here. Mahsi. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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Page 6428

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Mr. Pascal Erasmus. Yesterday, I mentioned that he worked for myself and Mr. Beaulieu, the representative of the riding of Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Mr. Speaker, I am going go on this again: when you have someone working for two different ridings, it really broadens their horizons. I see that in Pascal. I appreciate the work that he has done. He has written some good statements over the past couple of weeks.

Also, all the staff, there are many all over who have responded to some emails and some really pressing issues that affect constituents' social and maybe even financial ways of life. I would like to say thank you to everybody for the work that they have done and the responses that they did. They represented Ministers very well. The relationship that we have with the Ministers is that. It is in person. The real work that people do is behind the scenes. I would just like to thank them for that. I see a lot of them sitting up there behind me.

Also, Mr. Speaker, general staff. It might be a useless statistic, but I will probably walk through two doors today. I would like to thank those two people in advance who might open those doors for me. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Almost a Member's statement. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Thebacha.

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Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They are not constituents, but I would like to recognize Heather Riviere and Brittany Gosse, who have helped me over the last number of years. Thank you.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

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Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my wife, Judy. I appreciate all the support over the last number of years. It makes it a lot easier. I think someone pointed out that they really have to look after the home front while we are down here and has done a great job. I am looking forward to spending a lot more time at home. I would also like to recognize a couple of the residents of Inuvik. I think here with the returning officers is Mr. Chris Garven. Good to see you here, Chris. Mr. Mitchell McQuarrie, welcome to the gallery. I failed to thank my constituency assistant in Inuvik before, who has been with my office for nine years, Sharleagh, and thank her for the service she had had. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, very much for our friendship over the last 14, 15 years. I hope it continues. Thank you.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Certainly welcome. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Great Slave.

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Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize three people in the gallery who have been who have been incredibly important to me over the last three years as both an MLA and as a Minister. First, I would like to recognize Cathy Olsen, who is not only a constituent of the Great Slave riding but has been one of the most amazing constituency assistants I have ever had. She has helped me keep my office in order and make sure that I am responding and working for the residents of the Great Slave riding on a daily basis.

I would also like to recognize from my ministerial office Ramie Ireland, who is, in my mind, probably the greatest executive assistant that I have ever had and has been a gem and an amazing person, has kept my office in order. As well as Susan Laramee, who has been a special advisor for me for the last four years. I often say she is the one who makes sure I make it where I need to be when I need to be and remember which speaking notes I am supposed to be talking from.

I would like to recognize these three amazing people in the gallery and thank them for all their incredibly hard work. I am going to miss them. I am going to miss seeing them every day. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, I am incredibly excited to be putting down my phone so I don't have to take calls 24 hours a day, and I will be able to spend some incredible, uninterrupted time with my beautiful wife, Carolyn, and my amazing 16-year-old son, John Russel Smith Abernethy. Thank you.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Sixteen months. Masi. For the record, that is 16 months. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Range Lake.

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Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know you are going to get mad at me, but I want to take a moment more, probably. I want to start by recognizing the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories. I am not going to read off their names, but I want to say that this organization has stuck behind me 100 percent for the last four years with no lateral violence, with no backhand. They have been behind me as an Indigenous woman. I sincerely thank you for what you do for Indigenous women. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize in the House my sister-in-law, Karen Cochrane, who is here, married to my brother. Welcome, Karen. My nephew Garrett is here, as well.

Mr. Speaker, a little bit emotional, the most important woman in my whole life is here today. My mother is here in the House, Ms. Shirley Cochrane. She has never stepped foot in this Assembly before. I apologize, Mom. Over the last four years, I have only been able to see her two or three times because of the job. I love you to the world. Even though I don't see you, you are the most important thing in my life. Thank you for being here. Thank you for having me. I owe everything to you, Mom. Thank you.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake.

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Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Mr. Chris Gargen, joining us here today from the constituency of Inuvik Boot Lake. I would also like to recognize, as I mentioned earlier, Sheila Kotchilea, who has been a very strong supporter, not only for my office, but for all Members and providing information to Members of the Legislative Assembly. I know she is going to continue to do great work. Ronna Sharegan, she has been a really great job. I know that you are going to have a good future in this House. As well as, of course, Judy McLeod, Hilda Camirand.

Just for the record, Mr. Speaker, this is my last day in the House. I would like to recognize a very special constituent who has done a lot of hard work for our territory, the NWT, nationally, internationally, regionally, local. That special constituent is, I am not going to say his middle name, Robert C. McLeod. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

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

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Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize today in the House Marny Twigge and Heather Coakwell for their continued work with NWT Elections and the coming up elections. I would like to welcome Mrs. Trentor to the House today, as well. Nice to see you, Mrs. Trentor.

I didn't do any closing Minister's or Member's statement, but I want to take one second to thank everybody for the last four years. I think, most importantly for me, I want to thank the Premier. This has been a tough four years, and he's been a mentor to me, and he's done us an honour serving us for the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Premier.

---Applause

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. I think there are a couple of individuals that we didn't highlight earlier, but they are here with us today, and that's from the Government House Leader's Office, David Hastings and Soledad Boado. Thank you for being here today. If we missed anyone in the gallery, thanks for being here with us. It's always great to have an audience as part of our proceedings. Masi cho. Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my questions are for the Minister of ENR. Mr. Speaker, in the Nahendeh riding, in particular Fort Liard and Nahanni Butte, we've had some issues with the buffalo. The community has reached out and asked: what are we doing there? Can the Minister please provide us an update on what plans they have to help mitigate the problems that these animals are causing? Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bison normally come into the community. I was actually on a constituency tour with the Member a couple of winters ago, and there were actually bison right in the community. We work closely with the community of Fort Liard and Nahanni Butte to try to address this issue. In Liard, when bison come into the community, we try to herd them out by the local renewable resource officer, and we are considering a similar program in Nahanni Butte.

If bison do not leave and pose a public threat, they are removed by ENR or a community member with a bison tag. If the bison are removed, the meat is shared within the community for dry meat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Can the Minister advise: has the department's staff reached out to the leadership in both of these communities moving forward to try to address this issue?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

We have worked with both communities to develop a Nahanni bison management plan. That was completed in August of this year, and I believe I may have tabled that a couple of days ago. That includes approaches to reduce bison-human conflicts. We've also provided a range of public information to promote awareness of wood bison in ways to avoid conflict.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

When I've been talking to the residents in both those communities, they talked about the opportunity to maybe increase the number of tags for outside the region, not just the community. Has the department looked at that potential opportunity?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

There are a number of options that our department needs to look at. I think we've heard from the Member from Mackenzie Delta about their programs with grizzly bears, and if we would consider the number of tags that are used or allocated. It is something else we would have to look at. In this particular area, we would have to look at it, the bear problem in the Beau-Del, as well. We need to take all these factors into consideration as we try and help alleviate the problem of animal-human conflict.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate the Minister's answers. I have to give a big shout-out to his department, especially in Fort Liard and Fort Simpson. They do manage these areas here, and they're doing a great job, and they're communicating with the residents, and they're trying to address this issue locally, as well. Can the Minister advise if the department has reached out to the Department of Infrastructure to look at bordering the airports, putting fences around them, similar to what is done in Fort Providence?

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

We have worked with communities and MACA to fence off some key areas to keep bison out. I think one of the examples is in Fort Liard, and we will continue to work with the community of Nahanni Butte to explore options for fencing the Nahanni Butte airstrip again. Our departments will work closely with each other to try and find ways to help alleviate some of the problems that they're facing in the Nahendeh region with regard to bison, so we will continue to work on that and ensure that the public safety of the people is our first priority. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. In my statement earlier today I mentioned the difficult relations between our government and the NWT francophone community over education. Can the Minister tell me how many applications for admissions by non-rights holders she has received under the 2016 directive, and how many were approved? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The Honourable Premier.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have to take that question as notice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The question has been taken as notice. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. Later today I will table information on costs of mini-hydro projects for the Tlicho communities of Whati, Gameti, and Wekweeti. I shared this information with the Minister of Infrastructure earlier today. These projects would allow each community to meet its energy needs, offset diesel for electricity, and could displace home heating oil while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the cost of living. Is the Minister aware of these mini-hydro studies, and can he tell us whether the cost of these mini-hydro projects is comparable to the proposed Whati transmission line?

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I'm well aware of these projects. These were led by the Tlicho Government. Costing goes back as far as 2009, and these things would have to be re-costed to present-day costs to compare it to what the present line that we are proposing in our energy strategy to connect Whati, which we haven't defined, as we discussed in this House yesterday. I can't compare the costs.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I want to thank the Minister for that response. It's my understanding that the costs for some of those projects may actually go down with an all-weather road providing easier transportation. Can the Minister tell us whether there has been a comprehensive evaluation of energy options for the Tlicho communities that include mini-hydro, transmission lines from various sources, greenhouse gas reductions, and most importantly, perhaps, value for money?

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

I don't have that detail in front of me, but what I can tell you about this project is that, if we connect the transmission line to Whati, we're going to eliminate 475,000 litres of diesel fuel annually. We have to look at this situation. Maybe the Member is not well aware, but what he's not thinking about in the short term is joining this transmission line to the community of Whati. The long-term goal, if the Tlicho Government and the Government of the Northwest Territories decide to go ahead with the Lac La Martre project, which I would assume would be at some point for future growth and supply and help resiliency in the North Slave, the line would help look after that.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

I want to thank the Minister for that information. Of course, we may be able to reduce or eliminate all the diesel for the three Tlicho communities for the same cost as building the line that the Minister put forward in the Infrastructure Acquisition Plan. Given that there hasn't been this evaluation of options, why are we proceeding with a transmission line?

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

I think I have to clarify here. Maybe the department has done it; I just said that I don't have that level of detail in front of me. We can certainly have a look and check with the department if they have done that cost analysis. As I have said, we believe in the short term to join the Whati to the Snare system through our transmission line, and once potential growth in the region and industrial development happens, the Whati would certainly feed into that growth and help stabilize the North Slave grid.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. Yesterday the Minister said that this Whati transmission line is about displacing diesel and "potential economic development in that region, and we will have to build in some capacity." All I am asking, Mr. Speaker, is that our government be open and transparent about the purpose of the Whati transmission line. Is this transmission line the best option to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, who benefits, and does it deliver value for money? Can the Minister tell us whether there will be a contribution from Fortune Minerals, or is the Whati transmission line a subsidy for the proposed NICO mine? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Clearly, what we have laid out in our 2030 Energy Strategy is how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the Northwest Territories. Part of that strategy is a T-line to Whati, no different than the T-line from Hay River to Fort Providence and Kakisa.

We will have to continue to look at ways to grow our economy in the Northwest Territories and, at the same time, honour our commitment to the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth. This is what we have come forward with. We went out and reached out to all of the communities when we did our Energy Strategy, and this is one of our plans going forward to be able to accommodate and meet our obligations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Item 8, written questions. Item 9, returns to written questions. Colleagues, at this time, I am going to call for a short break.

---SHORT RECESS

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

We left off after item 9. Item 10, replies to the Commissioner's opening address. Member for Yellowknife North.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to move to item 11 on the orders of the day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consented granted

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Member for Yellowknife North.

Cory Vanthuyne

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition supporting the matter of a children's advocate. The petition contains 359 electronic signatures, including 31 electronic signatures of Northwest Territories residents. The petition's request is that the Government of the Northwest Territories create a children's advocate position with the Department of Health and Social Services, providing a voice for the decisions affecting children and giving direction in the best interest of children.

Further, Mr. Speaker, this petition was originated by Mr. Andy Young of Yellowknife, who is a foster parent. Mr. Young's petition is calling for the establishment of a children and youth advocate. The Child and Family Services Act is very clear that decisions regarding children must be made in accordance with the best interests of the children. This petition recognizes that there may be many reasons why decisions need to be made for our children's protection, but emphasizes that decisions need to place the best interests of children first.

As a foster parent, Mr. Young understands the difficult challenges that the department faces regarding children needing protection. Nevertheless, he has seen instances where decisions place the interests of the children second to other considerations. Such instances are confirmed in the 2018 Auditor General's Report on Child and Family Services, which states, in part, that the authorities did not meet key responsibilities for the protection and well-being of children, youth, and their families.

The department has now responded with its Quality Improvement Plan, which is a very detailed and ambitious document. However, the conclusions of the Auditor General report emphasize the need for oversight. To achieve that, this petition calls for the creation of a child and youth advocate for the NWT. The advocate would review departmental decisions affecting children and, if necessary, provide direction, ensuring that decisions reflect the best interests of the children.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Young is committed to this issue, and I want to thank him for bringing this petition forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Petitions. Item 10, replies to the Commissioner's opening address. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to return to item 7 on the Order Paper. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mahsi, colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Premier as the Minister responsible for implementing the Cabinet policy on the naming of government buildings.

I will return now for a third time to the naming of the NOB, the new government building that is in downtown Yellowknife. The building opened in the summer of 2015. The naming process started in 2018, and in May of this year, the Premier reported that we had received many suggestions by public nomination. I am wondering when we can expect an announcement on the name for that new building and two others. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The Honourable Premier.

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I updated the House earlier in one of the sessions, the Government of the Northwest Territories received a total of 89 nominations of names for three government office buildings located in Fort Simpson, Inuvik, and Yellowknife, and we expect to make the announcement shortly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Can the Premier tell us why there is a delay in making this announcement, given that the nominations have been in hand now for about three months?

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

We have received the recommendations from the NWT Honours Advisory Council, and I guess it's a process issue. Some of the names are in a special font; there's a special pronunciation which we don't know how to pronounce, or are difficult to pronounce, so we have to make sure we work out all of these details before we can make a public announcement.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Thank you to the Premier for that. When the announcement does come, will there be community events or activities planned to commemorate these new namings?

Bob McLeod

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

That would be my expectation. Whenever we open new buildings or commission new buildings, we have done that, and so I expect that would be the case, as well.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Oral questions. Item 10, replies to the Commissioner's opening address. Member for Frame Lake.

Mr. O'Reilly's Reply
Replies To The Commissioner's Opening Address

Page 6433

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. It's not unusual for me to be a bit out of step with some of the other Members, here.

It has been my honour and privilege to serve the residents of Frame Lake, and indeed all the people of the Northwest Territories. It is an amazingly diverse riding. I've done my best to follow up on constituency matters, and hope to do the same in the 19th Assembly.

I need and want to acknowledge some people who have supported me, indeed all of us, while we've been here for the 18th Assembly. Most importantly, all of our families that loaned us to this great institution to make decisions on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories. Thanks to my wife, Suzette; daughter, Amber; and son, Rene.

Thanks to all our fantastic staff who keep this place ticking over for us all. They are the unsung heroes of democracy, and few will ever know the sacrifices and hard work that they have made for the Northwest Territories.

I wish to especially acknowledge my constituency assistant, Craig Yeo, for his dedication and hard work.

Thanks to my colleagues in this House. You have put up with a lot from me. I'm the slowest and pickiest eater, I have a healthy scepticism of some traditions, and I'm never at a loss for words, Mr. Speaker.

That being said, I think you would have to agree that I do my homework, and more; I've been honest and respectful; admitted mistakes; and remain open to persuasion and new ideas. People do not send us here to agree with each other. Differences are healthy and lead to better decisions, even if it is a difficult journey.

I especially want to recognize those Members who do not live in Yellowknife. You have carried a much larger burden. I have the luxury of going home every evening, even if it is very late sometimes, and being with my family and friends. Thanks to the Members from outside Yellowknife for the additional sacrifices you have made.

I wish to commend you, Mr. Speaker, for your promotion and support of all of our official languages. Merci, mahsi, marsi, quyanainni, and thank you. Special thanks to the interpreters, who help keep all our official languages alive.

We have accomplished a lot together: a binding code of conduct with an independent Integrity Commissioner; modernized elections, with more opportunities than ever to vote; support for women in leadership; and making this Assembly friendlier for those with young families. More of our committee business is conducted in public than ever before, and we have improved communications of our proceedings.

We have 911 service for the Northwest Territories; an Ombud for the Northwest Territories; a much-improved Corrections Act; leading-edge access to information and protection of privacy legislation; a new hospital, that just happens to be in the Frame Lake riding; serious planning towards a university for the Northwest Territories, to help us build a knowledge economy; new protected areas legislation that lays out a clear process and accountabilities; and a lot more, Mr. Speaker. Forgive me if I've forgotten anything significant.

Much work remains, including action on our climate and caribou crises; system-wide improvements to education; universal childcare; better services for our seniors; adequate, affordable, and suitable housing for all our citizens; completion of Indigenous land rights agreements; and lots more.

Whether we are here or not for the 19th Assembly, I am convinced that we will all continue to do our part to make the Northwest Territories the best that it can be. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. O'Reilly's Reply
Replies To The Commissioner's Opening Address

Page 6433

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Replies to the Commissioner's opening address. Item 12, reports of standing and special committees. Item 13, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 14, tabling of documents. Minister of Justice.

Louis Sebert

Louis Sebert Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following four documents entitled "Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 16-18(3): Report on the Review of Bill 29: An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act"; "Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 34-18(3): Report on the Review of Bill 45: Corrections Act"; "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 18-18(3): Sexual Assault Reporting"; and "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 838-18(3): South Mackenzie Correctional Centre Therapeutic Model." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled "NWT Mineral Development Strategy Progress Report 2016-2019." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents entitled "Follow-up Letter to Oral Question 786-18(3): Nursing Services in Tsiigehtchic"; and "Follow-up Letter to Oral Question 787-18(3): New Services in Downtown Yellowknife." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled "Focus for the Future: A Strategic Response to the Challenge of Community Government Funding, August 2019." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I wish to table the following document. It's an August 22, 2019 email from Mr. Pentti Sjoman, Whati, 1,200 kW Nailii Hydro Project." Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Tabling of documents.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Pursuant to section 5 of the Indemnities, Allowances and Expense Regulations of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, I wish to table the Summary of Members' Absences for the Period December 7, 2015, to August 22, 2019; and, colleagues, pursuant to section 40.23(2) of the Public Service Act, I wish to table the 2018-2019 Annual Report of the Equal Pay Commissioner for the Northwest Territories. Item 15, notices of motion. Item 16, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 17, motions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

WHEREAS this Assembly referred the Members' Conduct Guidelines to the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures for a comprehensive and public review, including a thorough examination of conduct guidelines from other organizations, both parliamentary and non-parliamentary, all relevant legislation, and the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, and that the standing committee report back to this Assembly during the fall sitting of 2016;

AND WHEREAS the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures provided an interim Report on the Review of Members' Conduct Guidelines to this Assembly on October 25, 2016;

AND WHEREAS the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures provided its final report, "You Are Standing For Your People: Report on the Review of the Members' Conduct Guidelines" to this Assembly on February 28, 2017;

AND WHEREAS the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures recommended that the Members' Conduct Guidelines serve as the basis for a new Members' Code of Conduct, including more specific and enforceable provisions, and that the new code be presented to the Assembly for consideration and adoption;

AND WHEREAS a Draft Code of Conduct for Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories was tabled in this House on March 11, 2019, and referred to the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures for review;

AND WHEREAS, on August 15, 2019, the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures presented its Report on the Review of Bill 56, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2, and the draft Code of Conduct, and recommended changes to the Code of Conduct;

AND WHEREAS a revised Code of Conduct for Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories was tabled in this House on August 21, 2019, and identified as Tabled Document 509-18(3);

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that this Legislative Assembly adopt the Code of Conduct for Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, identified as Tabled Document 509-18(3). Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The motion is in order. To the motion. Member for Kam Lake.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to request a recorded vote.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The Member has requested a recorded vote. All those in favour, please stand.

Recorded Vote
Motions

Page 6435

Clerk Of The House Mr. Tim Mercer

The Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Nunakput, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Yellowknife South, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Hay River North, the Member for Mackenzie Delta, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Yellowknife North, the Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Frame Lake.

Recorded Vote
Motions

Page 6435

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. All those opposed, please stand. All those abstaining, please stand. The results of the recorded vote: 18 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Motions. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. WHEREAS the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories and all of its standing and special committees are conducted in accordance with the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS the current Rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories were adopted on May 27, 2015;

AND WHEREAS the current Rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories were considered by the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures, and recommendations for amendments were then referred to the caucus of the 18th Legislative Assembly for further consideration and approval;

AND WHEREAS a copy of the revised and approved Rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories was tabled in the House on August 21, 2019, and identified as Tabled Document 510-18(3);

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that this Legislative Assembly repeal the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories originally adopted on May 27, 2015, and adopt the newest version of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, identified as Tabled Document 510-18(3);

AND FURTHER, that the new Rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, upon adoption of this notice, come into effect August 23, 2019. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Question has been called. All those in favour. All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Masi. Motions. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that, notwithstanding rule 4, when this House adjourns on August 23, 2019, it shall be adjourned until Thursday, October 24, 2019;

AND FURTHER, that, at any time prior to October 24, 2019, if the Speaker is satisfied, and after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice, and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Masi. Motions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Julie Green

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

WHEREAS, under section 11(1) of the Northwest Territories Act (Canada), the Commissioner may dissolve the Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS, under section 11(2) of the Northwest Territories Act (Canada), writs for the election of Members of the Legislative Assembly are to be issued on the Commissioner's instructions;

AND WHEREAS, under section 39(5) of the Elections and Plebiscites Act, subject to the power of the Commissioner to dissolve the Legislative Assembly under subsection 11(1) of the Northwest Territories Act (Canada), polling day for a general election must be the first Tuesday in October in the fourth calendar year following the polling day for the last general election;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that this Legislative Assembly request the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories to dissolve the 18th Assembly of the Northwest Territories on August 31, 2019, to permit polling day for a general election to be held on October 1, 2019;

AND FURTHER, that the Speaker transmit this resolution to the Commissioner. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The motion is in order. To the motion. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would request a recorded vote.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The Member has requested a recorded vote. All those in favour, please stand.

Recorded Vote
Motions

Page 6436

Clerk Of The House Mr. Tim Mercer

The Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Nunakput, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Yellowknife South, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Hay River North, the Member for Mackenzie Delta, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Yellowknife North, the Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Frame Lake.

Recorded Vote
Motions

Page 6436

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. All those opposed, please stand. All those abstaining, please stand. The results of the recorded vote: 18 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Motions. Member for Deh Cho.

Recorded Vote
Motions

Page 6436

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to return to item 5. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

Recorded Vote
Motions

Page 6436

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Member for Deh Cho.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)

Page 6437

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a constituent, Jim Thom of Fort Providence. Jim is the former chief of the Deh Gah Got'ine First Nations and also the former Dehcho negotiator for the Dehcho tribal council. Also, he is a former original member of the Fort Providence canoe team that raced down the Mackenzie during the centenary race. He is also the partner of the Commissioner. Last, but not least, we all call him "Uncle J.T." Mahsi.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)

Page 6437

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

The legendary J.T., welcome to our Assembly. Mahsi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)

Page 6437

Herbert Nakimayak

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a couple of special people. I think that I have a couple of grandchildren in the gallery, Scarlett and Tucker are both young babies, and also Alyssa. Alyssa, actually, is doing amazing things. She is working with organizations like the Edmonton Eskimos. There is so much debate about whether we are Inuit or Eskimo and what that means to us. Alyssa is actually helping with that in what she does to educate people and educate people properly. There are so many misconceptions of the word, and even through this government. There is so much good work that the government does, and sometimes it's brought down negatively. Alyssa is one of the people who actually stabilized that, and I appreciate the work that she does, so I'd like to recognize Alyssa. Also, my daughter Maddy who is there. It's good to see kids around here.

Sometimes, we spend so much time being serious. We can't even sit down and have a conversation and laugh. I think we need to incorporate that into the work that we do here, especially with the advice that we get from all the professionals. I believe my mother, Helen, is in the gallery. My wife, Yvonne.

Mr. Speaker, family is so important for me. It's been the foundation of everything I do, whether it's here at home or working on projects around this world. My life before coming here was working on projects around this world educating the general public, and also advocating for Inuit in our drive to self-determination, and without family, I could do nothing of that, Mr. Speaker.

I'm grateful for my parents, who actually grew me up properly. I really give credit to my mom and dad for helping me out at a young age. They sent me away from Paulatuk when I was 15. They're like, don't come back until you have a good education or something. I still don't know what that means today, but I appreciate it. I'd like to welcome my family. Mr. Speaker, without them, I don't know where I would be today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery (reversion)

Page 6437

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Maybe someday, either one of them will be sitting in your chair. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 18, first reading of bills. Minister of Finance.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that Bill 61, Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), 2020-2021, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The motion is in order. The motion is non-debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 61 has had its first reading. First reading of bills. Item 19, second reading of bills. Minister of Finance.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that Bill 61, Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), 2020-2021, be read for the second time. Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the Government of the Northwest Territories to make appropriations for infrastructure expenditures for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill?

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried.

Bill 61 has had a second reading. Second reading of bills. Item 20, Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Minister's Statement 151-18(3), New Federal Infrastructure Agreement; Minister's Statement 158-18(3), Addressing the Caribou Crisis; Minister's Statement 211-18(3), Addressing the Caribou Crisis; and Tabled Document 442-18(3), 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework 2019-2023 Action Plan, with the Member for Hay River North in the chair.

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 6438

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

I will now call for the last time Committee of the Whole to order. "What is the wish of committee" is how I would usually begin, but today is the day for speeches. I will keep it brief, committee. No worries. This is the last time the 18 of us will sit together as Committee of the Whole, so I just want to say a few words.

Prior to becoming an elected Member of this House, I really had no political experience. I hadn't really attended any formal meetings, let alone chaired any. It was a little intimidating to come here and chair Committee of the Whole right off the bat, but I have to thank all of the Members of this House for making my job very easy, especially when you compare this Committee of the Whole to Committees of the Whole around the country. The level of civility displayed in this committee is far and above that, that we see in virtually all other legislatures, not just in Canada but around the world. It's really not even comparable.

There are disagreements, and while some Members can get close to the line, and I know some Members have gotten really good over the years at getting close to the line, the Members' ability to discuss and debate has never been hindered by that. I have been fortunate enough to go to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conferences, and I talk a lot with other deputy speakers and other presiding officers, and it amazes me, some of the things that go on in those legislatures. Members will stand up to speak and will be heckled so that they can't get their words out. I hear a lot of stuff like that, and it amazes me. It makes me grateful that I have been able to chair this committee.

I also want to thank the unsung heroes of the Committee of the Whole, those people who ensure that, as legislators, we can focus on the issues at hand and we don't have to worry about having the right papers on our desk, or anything else. First and foremost -- I won't say "foremost"; everyone is important. First, I'd like to thank the clerks who have been by my side in this sitting. We have Mr. Glen Rutland, Cynthia James, and with me right now, we have Mr. Michael Ball and Jennifer Franki-Smith. In the past, we've had Doug Schaurerte, Ms. Gail Bennett, Sarah Kay, and our law clerks, Sheila MacPherson and Alyssa Holland. Some of these clerks have had decades of experience, and some have had less than me up here on this desk. I've learned a lot from those with the experience, and those who I basically learned with. I want to thank them.

I also want to thank -- I was going to name everybody, but that's how you leave people out. I'm not going to name anyone other than the clerks at the table, but I want to thank the back office staff. They're the ones who prepare the motions, who prepare the scripts, who prepare the House documents. If you've seen the volume of bills and motions and reports that we've been dealing with, you know that that that's an amazing feat.

I want to thank the sound and broadcasting techs, the ones on staff and from Pito Productions who make sure that we can be seen and heard and that the people of the NWT can keep their eye on us. There have been a lot of advances in how we can be seen and heard over this Assembly. We're now broadcast over various forms of social media. The satellite and TV broadcast has gotten better, and so I want to thank them for all the work they've done.

I need to thank the Hansard staff, the ones here and the ones who work outside of here. Their jobs as keepers of the official record is vital to democracy, and I want to thank them for what they do.

The Sergeant-at-Arms. I want to thank the Sergeant-at-Arms' staff for helping me maintain order. Although I've never had to ask them to escort a Member out, I know they would, and I've confirmed that they would.

The security team. I want to thank the security team. When we're here late, they're here later. The same with the guys in the back office. The same with everyone else I'm talking about.

Finally, I want to thank the people over at Cliff's Café, who I think put in more hours than anyone else in this Assembly to make sure that we get breakfast in the morning, and, when we go late, we get fed at night.

Once again, thank you all to the Members, and thank you all to the staff who make this happen.

---Applause

What is the wish of community? Mr. Beaulieu.

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 6438

Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Committee wishes to thank you for your work, and the committee wishes that you rise and report progress. Thank you.

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 6439

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. There is a motion to report progress. The motion is in order and non-debatable. Minister Moses.

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 6439

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

I want to reiterate, thank you. The Members' comments, you've done a tremendous job over the last four years in your role as chair, as well as the other deputy chairs. I just want to thank you for what you've done. Thank you.

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 6439

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried

I will rise and report progress.

Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 6439

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

May I have the report, Member for Hay River North?

Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Page 6439

R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee would like to report progress, and Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Page 6439

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Do we have a seconder? Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Third reading of bills. Minister of Finance.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, that Bill 61, Appropriations Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), 2020-2021, be read for the third time, and Mr. Speaker, I would request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. The Member has requested a recorded vote. The motion is in order. To the motion. Member for Kam Lake.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to speak to this appropriation bill. I acknowledge that there is a bit of levity in the air today, but the business of the House still must get done, and in this case, it is passing a very large capital budget.

I do not stand in support of this budget on principle, because one of the most important issues to my constituency and to my constituents is the issue of municipal funding and the funding gap that has remained stubbornly unclosed since the start of this Assembly, despite repeated calls for it to be addressed. This budget was last opportunity to add some additional and much-needed funds to our municipalities, and it was not delivered.

After tireless advocating on this side of the House, through business plans, through reviewing budget documents, nothing has still been done, and I told myself that eventually a line would be crossed, and for me, that line is this lack of attention to detail.

The Members on this side of the House and the House itself is not here to rubber-stamp government decisions. It is here to advise government on how to make the right decisions. In this case, there were a number of projects, and this one was very important to me and my community, that were left on the cutting room floor. This has happened time and time again. At this point, I cannot bring myself to support a bill that has essentially been rubber-stamped. It is important that the Ministers are not just there to explain government decisions to this side of the House, but to hear this side of the House, and to incorporate our recommendations into their plans, and especially into their budgets.

Although there are a lot of great projects in this budget, that fundamental issue, which is so important to not just Yellowknife, not just Kam Lake, but to every community in the Northwest Territories, and it is still unaddressed? That is something that I cannot stand for, and I will not stand for this budget as a result. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. To the motion. Member for Frame Lake.

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. I, too, will not be supporting this bill and the appropriation. We have had a great last day here, and I do appreciate the sentiments from everybody. We have accomplished a lot together, but I still need to do my job as an MLA.

In my view, the review of the capital budget was rushed. I wish that we had had more time to carefully consider it and go through it. I did note that there were, I think, opportunities for the Regular MLAs to get input into it, but that didn't happen. I would hope that that changes in the next Assembly, Mr. Speaker.

I know that this is the largest-ever infrastructure acquisition plan by our government, and I am all in favour of investment and creating jobs, but it is a matter of priorities, and sometimes our priorities differ. I guess that is why I have to get up and say this today, Mr. Speaker.

I am concerned about the potential to increase our debt as a government. As I said, I don't agree with some of the priorities set out in this budget. There is a very large portion of it, around 34 percent, that is dedicated to roads. Some of those are winter roads and so on, Mr. Speaker, but when I see a decline in spending or expenditures or money to the NWT Housing Corporation at the same time, I wonder about our priorities, Mr. Speaker.

There are a number of other issues, I believe, with the capital budget. The City of Yellowknife had requested assistance with a water line replacement. It asked for $8 million. That support is not contained in the budget. I had hoped to see some progress with the Mackenzie Valley fibre link, to ensure that all of our communities are connected and that the promised benefits accrue to our communities down the valley, but that's not to be found in here. I question why there is no funding for visitors' services in three communities, Tuktoyaktuk, Whati, and Yellowknife. I think that there is a missed opportunity there.

Lastly, I am very concerned about some of the energy project investments in this capital budget. In particular, there is a replacement of the diesel plant in Lutselk'e. I just hope that that includes high-efficiency turbines or variable-speed turbines so that we get the best value for that. There is also a river, Snowdrift River, right next to the community that has, I think, great potential for mini hydro. I wonder whether the money spent on the diesel replacement might be better used for a mini hydro project in that community.

Then there is the Whati transmission line that I raised earlier today, Mr. Speaker. I am not convinced that there has been a thorough evaluation of all of the options for the Tlicho communities. Earlier today I tabled some information about the costs of mini hydro projects in three of the communities, and I wonder whether we are getting good value for money and whether the money that might be spent on the Whati transmission line might actually fund mini hydro projects in three Tlicho communities, allow them to get off diesel, allow them to use electricity for home heating, commercial space heating, make a more significant reduction in greenhouse gas reductions, and lower the cost of living in those communities, all at a cheaper price than the Whati transmission line.

I challenge the Minister to make more information available about the options and make sure that the public understands what the real purpose of this project is, whether NICO is making a contribution, the NICO project by Fortune, whether they are making a financial contribution towards this line, and to really look at who benefits, as well.

For all of these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I cannot support the capital budget today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. To the motion. Member for Sahtu.

Daniel McNeely

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I support this bill, as mentioned in our vetting yesterday in Committee of the Whole, looking at the bill. I mentioned yesterday, and I'll mention today, and I'll just give one example. I don't want to go through the whole document.

There is a capital cost allowance for a new school in Colville Lake. You have two buildings. This government is supporting education by establishing a new institution there, a new building, with the help of the community leaders, who will help design and agree on the colour of the building. Right now, you have bookshelves dividing classrooms, and the students are told that they have to whisper, so that they are not interrupting their neighbouring classes. Those are just examples that I have witnessed there.

There are many allowances. We have acts, we have policies, and I have every confidence than this government has scrutinized, balanced, and put forward a legitimate, sound capital plan. I agree with the capital plan. I agree with all of the benefits that it is going to produce, as the Minister said yesterday. Building the school, for example, in Colville, the community will prosper by the paycheques of the father hammering the nails on the building that will house education for their students.

I support this bill. Mahsi cho. I think that we can carry on and conclude. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. To the motion. Minister of Finance.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is unfortunate; I didn't want to have to stand up and speak and have to defend a $410 million capital budget that provides opportunities for folks across the Northwest Territories, especially in a lot of the smaller communities.

I have heard some of the concerns. I do recall sitting before committee on a number of occasions with this particular appropriation, plus others that we had been working on. To say that there was no input from committee I think is misleading the public. To say that this is a budget that doesn't seem to address the municipal gap, it is good fodder for the campaign brochures, but Members know as well as I do that that is an O and M issue. There has been money put into the capital side of the budget for communities.

Mr. Speaker, I apologize for having to stand up and do this. I have always thought, what we do in here, we need to bring our concern to the floor. At the end of the day, we take our blinders off and look big picture and see that this is a budget that is good for the people of the Northwest Territories because it allows a lot of projects to get done. Respect to those who see big picture and realize that we need to try to do what we can.

I know I am supposed to speak to the motion. That is exactly what I am doing. I will say, for those who are running and want to come back, I have said when I didn't run that I wanted to see some new energy for Inuvik, which is true. I also want to see some positive energy from people across the Northwest Territories, because we have important work to do. Appropriation budgets like this are part of that important work we do. We may not disagree on everything. At the end of the day, we have to look big picture, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. To the motion.

Some Hon. Members

Question.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Question has been called. All those in favour, please stand.

Recorded Vote
Third Reading Of Bills

Page 6441

Clerk Of The House

The Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Member for Hay River South, the Member for Thebacha, the Member for Hay River North, the Member for Sahtu, the Member for Yellowknife North, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, the Member for Nahendeh, the Member for Yellowknife Centre, the Member for Deh Cho, the Member for Nunakput, the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, the Member for Range Lake, the Member for Great Slave, the Member for Yellowknife South.

Recorded Vote
Third Reading Of Bills

Page 6441

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. All those opposed, please stand.

Recorded Vote
Third Reading Of Bills

Page 6441

Clerk Of The House

The Member for Kam Lake, the Member for Frame Lake.

Recorded Vote
Third Reading Of Bills

Page 6441

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. All those abstaining, please stand. The results of the recorded vote: 15 in favour, two opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 61 has had its third reading. Third reading of bills. Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if the Honourable Commissioner Margaret Thom is ready to enter the Chamber?

Recorded Vote
Third Reading Of Bills

Page 6441

Commissioner Of The Northwest Territories Hon. Margaret Thom

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, good afternoon. [English translation not provided.] Mahsi.

I am pleased and honoured to once again sit with you in this Chamber. I will assent to the bills that you all have worked hard and deliberated upon so carefully. Today marks the day that I imagine is mixed with many emotions as well as much personal and public planning for each of you. As Members of this 18th Legislative Assembly, each of you has become an instrument of change and enhancement within this government. You have acted on the wishes and concerns of the people of our vast territory during your elected term. For that, I applaud you with huge mahsi cho. Know that we owe you a debt of gratitude, and we have much to be thankful for.

Being in politics is difficult, not only for the politician, but for your families, as well. As difficult as it is, we must remember the sacrifices of your families who contribute immensely to how you function as individuals, as a team player, and as a member of our great consensus form of government. On behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories, I extend my deep admiration and gratitude to your families.

Some of you have already announced your intention to seek re-election. I wish you well and every success in your platforms and in your campaigns. If you are elected again and return to this House, know that it was meant to be. If you do not get re-elected, close this chapter of your life knowing that you have done your very best in representing your constituents and the people of the Northwest Territories.

Some of you have announced your intention to not seek re-election. Rather, you have chosen to pursue new adventures and perhaps to rest and relax. I applaud you with sincere appreciation for your commitment and dedication in the service to your constituents and to all the people of our territory. I sincerely wish all of you success, good health, and happiness in the next chapter of your journey you will embark on, take on from here.

In closing, I am deeply honoured to have been part of your political journey. I will keep your kindness and how you welcomed me to my role as Commissioner close to my heart. Mahsi cho.

Assent To Bills
Assent To Bills

Page 6441

Commissioner Of The Northwest Territories Hon. Margaret Thom

Now, as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to assent to the following bills:

  • Bill 34, Mineral Resources Act
  • Bill 45, Corrections Act
  • Bill 61, Appropriations Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), 2020-2021

Mahsi cho. Thank you. Quyanainni. Merci beaucoup. Quana.

Assent To Bills
Assent To Bills

Page 6442

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Please be seated. Well, it's that time of our term. I would first like to extend the appreciation of this House to the Commissioner, Margaret M. Thom. As always, it was a pleasure to have her in the House today.

Colleagues, this is our last day together in the Chamber as Members of the Legislative Assembly. For those who are not seeking to return as Members of the 19th Assembly, I would like to thank you for all of the services that you have provided to this institution and to the people of the Northwest Territories.

We have previously had the opportunity to recognize the contributions of the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes and the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Today, I wish to take a moment to recognize two other Members who will be ending their time in the Assembly.

First, I would like to recognize the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake. He was first elected in 2011 and has served two terms. In the 17th Assembly, he served at the chair of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, work which I know he took very seriously.

In the 18th Assembly, he was elected by Members to serve on the Executive Council and has served as the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. He has also served as the Minister responsible for Youth, Homelessness, and the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission.

Few can dispute the Member's commitment to the young people of the Northwest Territories or his passionate delivery of replies to questions in this Chamber. Masi for that.

Next, I would like to recognize the Member for Great Slave. First elected in 2007, the Member has served in three Assemblies, three terms.

In the 16th Assembly, he served as the deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, which foreshadowed the important role he would play in the 17th and 18th Assemblies.

The Member was elected to the Executive Council in 2011 and has served as a Minister since that time. He has served as the Minister of Health and Social Services, as well as the Minister of Justice, Public Works and Services, and the Minister responsible for Seniors and Persons With Disabilities.

He has also served as the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board, Human Resources, and as Government House Leader, where he had the chance to work collaboratively with the Speaker, myself. The Member and I go way back, so it kind of gets emotional at times.

The Member for Great Slave will be remembered for his approach on various initiatives and his passion for consensus-style government. The Member will be taking time to enjoy life with his young son, David, and his wife, Caroline.

Members, join me in wishing both of these Members all of the happiness that they richly deserve.

---Applause

For Members seeking to return to this Assembly, and all those residents who have or will be putting their names forward to serve as a Member of this Assembly, these departures leave big shoes to fill. However, I am confident that the Members of the 19th Assembly will rise to the challenge.

As we reach the end of the Assembly here today, it is a time that reminds all of us of an important truth: this building that we are in. This Assembly is about more than the people of the Northwest Territories, who come and go over time. It is about the people whom we come here to serve. We are the trustees of responsible government, not the holders.

While not all Members of the 18th Assembly may return, your work here will be remembered as the Commissioner has indicated. A common misunderstanding of a consensus-style government is that we must all agree, but that is simply simply not the case. We work together.

Consensus government is all about voices, voices of the North that we hear as we move forward with the decisions that we had to make in this House, in this Chamber. While we may not always agree on certain issues or certain demands, we will always listen. As Members, each one of you has brought a distinct voice to this Assembly and to our proceedings. That will not be forgotten or lost.

I want to thank the interpreters who ensure that distinct voices are heard by residents in our official languages. Your work is greatly appreciated.

I also want to thank those pages who have been with us throughout our journey the last four years. They have done a tremendous job. They provided us lots of patience, dedication, and simply for being here with us. Thank you. Masi.

I also want to thank those contractors who help us out with our jobs: Pido Productions, Tinwin Janitorial, Twilite Security, and ASAP Reporting Services.

Finally, I have to do this again: the Pages. They are the young leaders of the future, and they have been here with us. Your presence in the Chamber is much more important. Your presence here reminds us that the decisions we make today will certainly and definitely affect your future. Thank you for your services, particularly in the last few days of our session here.

I would like to thank all the Members again for being part of this Assembly and remind Members to refrain from leaving the Chamber. There is a special surprise after I come back. Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.

Orders Of The Day
Orders Of The Day

Page 6443

Clerk Of The House Mr. Tim Mercer

Orders of the day for Thursday, October 24, 2019, at 1:30 p.m.:

  1. Prayer
  2. Ministers' Statements
  3. Members' Statements
  4. Returns to Oral Questions
  5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
  6. Acknowledgements
  7. Oral Questions
  8. Written Questions
  9. Returns to Written Questions
  10. Replies to the Commissioner's Opening Address
  11. Petitions
  12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees
  13. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills
  14. Tabling of Documents
  15. Notices of Motion
  16. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills
  17. Motions
  18. First Reading of Bills
  19. Second Reading of Bills
  20. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

- Minister's Statement 151-18(3), New Federal Infrastructure Agreement

- Minister's Statement 158-18(3), Developments in Early Childhood Programs and Services

- Minister's Statement 211-18(3), Addressing the Caribou Crisis

- Tabled Document 442-18(3), 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework 2019-2023 Action Plan

  1. Report of Committee of the Whole
  2. Third Reading of Bills
  3. Orders of the Day

Orders Of The Day
Orders Of The Day

Page 6443

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Mr. Clerk. This House is adjourned until Thursday, October 24, at 1:30 p.m.

---ADJOURNMENT

The House adjourned at 1:42 p.m.