Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Justice.

Mr. Speaker, like other departments across the GNWT, the Department of Justice saw its operations, administration programs, and service delivery impacted by COVID-19. Some functions or activities were delayed as more urgent tasks took over and staff were redeployed. Yet, as we begin to take stock of the last few months, there are challenges and opportunities that have appeared. I want to speak today on the response and emerging opportunities within Court Services and Corrections.

Our correctional facilities have implemented numerous measures, including modifying intake assessment procedures and practicing physical distancing. The department worked closely with the Chief Public Health Officer on developing these new protocols. One of the first and more critical responses to COVID-19 was to reduce the number of inmates at the correctional facilities. With support and cooperation from all those who work within the justice system, including the judiciary, the Federal Public Prosecution Service, and the Defense Bar, there has been a strong focus on some of the core principles of both judicial interim release, or bail, and sentencing to ensure that only those who must, by law, be separated from society are directed to the correctional facilities.

Within the Department of Justice, we are ensuring that inmates who are eligible for temporary absence release are aware of their opportunity to apply, have support from case officers to make those applications, and will have those applications examined promptly. The application process for temporary absences includes a thorough risk assessment, because one of the goals of the correctional service is to preserve public safety; but it has been an opportunity for many individuals nearing the end of their formal custodial sentence to complete their period of rehabilitation outside the walls of the correctional facility. All of this work monitoring access to bail and supporting applications for temporary release can continue past the current COVID-19 measures.

Another challenge that we are still facing is the lack of Internet services available to inmates. For safety reasons, inmates do not have unrestricted access to the Internet. With visits cancelled in order to reduce the risk of an outbreak in our correctional facilities, this created a very real challenge to ensuring that inmates can keep in contact with their loved ones. The Department of Justice has responded by bringing in dedicated lines that can be set up to facilitate virtual contact sessions. Looking forward, this improved connectivity could also help facilitate access to new and innovative education and programming opportunities.

Court Services have also implemented measures to allow court operations to continue in accordance with the protocols set by the Chief Public Health Officer and as directed by the judiciary. To reduce the number of people present in a courtroom, hearings are only being held for urgent matters, and video appearances and videoconferencing are being utilized where feasible. Court circuits have been postponed to protect our communities. Additionally, we have reduced the hours of our court registries and installed depositories for the safe drop-off of court documents to protect both staff and the public.

Like other jurisdictions across the country, we are now examining how technology worked for us during the pandemic and considering how we may be able to continue to provide the court with flexible tools so there are options available in the future. The pandemic forced an increased reliance on technology for the delivery of court services, but, going forward, we have an opportunity to decide how technology can mean better service for the people of the Northwest Territories. That can include not only the efforts made to date, but also looking at where we can continue to grow, including improvements to video and other telecommunication processes and electronic filing opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, Court Services and Corrections were not the only divisions within the Department of Justice impacted by COVID-19 and that worked to deliver a swift response. Lawyers in the Legal Division have been called on to provide opinions and draft documents in a situation without precedent; Community Corrections has worked to deliver their programs, even when our method of community engagement has been upended; Legal Registries and the Public Trustee developed new work processes and found new ways to interact with clients. In every case, we are seeing some of our challenges more acutely, but also seeing opportunities for improved service delivery and innovative responses. The Department of Justice will continue to ensure health and safety first for all residents and will also continue to grow the creativity and innovation that has been a part of our response to COVID-19. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every June, the Government of the Northwest Territories, together with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Mines and the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, mark Mining Week in our territory. This year will be no exception. From June 21^st to the 27^th, we will once again recognize this industry that is a foundation of our economy.

What will be different this year is that, with COVID-19 restrictions in place, Mining Week will take place entirely online. A robust calendar of social media content is being planned. A dedicated Mining Week page on the Mining North website will provide access to geologist-led virtual rock walks, an opportunity to engage with representatives of the Northwest Territories Geological Survey, short videos, a kids' activity booklet, and links to feature stories, infographics, and a list of resources and information.

For its part, Mr. Speaker, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment's Mineral and Petroleum Resources Division will be introducing an app with two guided walking tours that we hope will encourage the public to explore our local geology. One walking tour will feature the Ranney Hill Trail, while the second will walk participants through downtown Yellowknife. Both will highlight and offer information on this region's varied geology and the rich mining industry that it has sustained.

Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to mark Mining Week this year, I would also like to recognize the importance of not just our diamond mines, but the exploration companies and prospectors that also make up our resource sector. Just as it underpinned our economy before the pandemic struck, we will need mining, exploration, and development to anchor our economic recovery from COVID-19.

Mining and exploration have always been the biggest source of private-sector jobs and income for our residents. When they return to full operations, or when new projects advance, they will once again be major buyers of products and services from Northwest Territories companies and employers to our residents.

We recognize that these are trying times and, beyond addressing health and safety concerns as a first priority, we have worked to protect the livelihood of Northwest Territories residents and the many associated businesses working in our resource industry. Like we have with all sectors of the NWT economy, we continue to consider how we can best support our mineral sector through this period of reduced or limited activity.

We initially suspended payment and work requirements to protect mineral tenure holders until the end of June. I am happy today to announce that this relief is being extended for another three months until September 24^th. This is an ongoing interim measure while we continue to work on more fulsome relief measures that require legislative change and consultation with our Indigenous partners, including those who share in the NWT's resource revenues. We have also made changes to our Mining Incentive Program to strengthen our support this year for proposed mineral exploration projects.

Overall, priority will be given to projects that offer the greatest potential to advance both mineral exploration and economic recovery in the Northwest Territories. Applicants are being advised to improve the attractiveness of their applications by committing to use services provided by Northwest Territories businesses and contractors to conduct most or all components of their work.

Mr. Speaker, through this COVID pandemic, our resource companies and their contractor partners have, once again, proven themselves to be strong corporate citizens. In particular, our diamond mines have worked with the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer and the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission to identify and put into practice very stringent guidelines and conditions governing the movement and interactions of their workforces. I want to thank them for their continued commitment to our territory.

Mr. Speaker, I have committed to being a strong advocate for our mining sector, and I stand by that today. I encourage all Members of the Legislative Assembly to seek out the online presentations and resources events that will mark Mining Week beginning on June 21st, and to take some time to acknowledge the opportunities and benefits which have been afforded to our territory by our historic relationships with mining. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will defeat the scourge of COVID-19, and when we do, we will be better prepared to attract and welcome new residents.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide an update on the new immigration-related initiatives that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has implemented or undertaken in the past six months, including an immigration settlement and integration pilot project, development of a new immigration stream, the creation of new resources for newcomers, and a refreshed website. I am also happy to officially announce the launch of the all new online application portal that will replace the current paper-based application process.

ECE delivers the employer stream of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, which assists employers in filling workforce gaps with skilled and semi-skilled foreign nationals when local workers are not available. While the vast majority of nominees supported under the Nominee Program are already working in the territory, we continue to receive requests for information from people around the world who are interested in coming here. The entry of foreign nationals into Canada is a federal responsibility, so, like other provinces and territories, we work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to ensure that processes and supports are in place when we welcome new residents to our territory.

In order to assist employers to build a skilled workforce while also supporting the immigration of foreign nationals who contribute to the economic development and success of the NWT, the Government of the Northwest Territories developed an immigration strategy, titled "Building a Skilled Workforce and Vibrant Economy 2017-2022."

Recent progress on the actions from the strategy include the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote the NWT and the Nominee Program to both employers and foreign nationals at the local, national, and international levels. We are also working to introduce a new program stream specific to francophone foreign nationals, which we hope will encourage new residents to become a part of our vibrant francophone community in the North.

With the input of local community organizations, we have developed a "Welcome to the NWT" resource booklet to provide key information to foreign nationals and newcomers on the services that they need to settle, integrate, and succeed in their new communities. This booklet shows newcomers what it is like to live here and describes everything from initial checklists to information on schools, community and government services, employment, healthcare, and weather. It is a very comprehensive, plainly written resource in both English and French and available on the ECE and immigratenwt.ca websites.

Mr. Speaker, the immigratenwt.ca website has been refreshed to a more vibrant story-centric site with testimonials, narratives, and multimedia. It is one stop for all of the information we have on the Nominee Program, and now includes an online application portal.

The new online application system will be more user-friendly for the applicant, allow the departments to better track and manage the lifecycle of an application, and enhance accountability. It will eliminate the need for paper applications, while maintaining efficiency and improving the collection of information under the program.

Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to note that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Conseil de development economique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest, and the Federation Franco-Tenoise are piloting the delivery of immigration settlement and integration services through an integrated service centre for newcomers in Yellowknife. The goal of the pilot is to enhance the coordination and delivery of settlement and integration services, provide a one-stop shop for these services, and support the success and retention of newcomer immigrants in the NWT. The centre officially opened in December 2019 and will continue in pilot for the remainder of the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

To improve partnerships with immigration stakeholders, we are holding semi-annual meetings with federally funded settlement service providers and offering information sessions and resources to newcomers and employers.

Mr. Speaker, from 2009-2019, the employer stream of the Nominee Program has welcomed 427 nominees to the territory. With their families, the total number is 819 people attending school, shopping at our stores, and contributing to their communities.

Since 2016, the business stream of the Nominee Program, delivered by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, welcomed 17 business nominees. Five are currently operating their businesses in Hay River and 12 are operating in Yellowknife. Together with their family members, these nominees bring new business services and a number of new residents to the territory.

Mr. Speaker, we continue to have requests for information from potential new residents to come to the NWT to live, work, and contribute to a growing economy. Now more than ever, addressing workforce gaps and supporting the development of a strong labour market is critical to the territory's economic future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Seniors.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The month of June is designated as Senior Citizens Month in the NWT. It is a time to recognize and show appreciation for the contributions made by seniors and elders to our communities, our families, and society in general.

In the Northwest Territories, seniors continue to be the fastest growing demographic in our population. In fact, it is projected that seniors and elders will comprise approximately 20 percent of our territorial population by 2035. This presents opportunities as well as challenges, Mr. Speaker.

We must ensure our seniors have a good quality of life that enables them to thrive and continue to be respected and contributing members of society.

One of the priorities of this 19^th Legislative Assembly is to enable seniors to age in place with dignity. We must ensure that seniors have the necessary supports that allow them to live at home for as long as possible.

The GNWT is working across all levels of government and with community partners to ensure a wide range of social programs are available to meet the needs of our seniors, including housing, financial and income supports, healthcare supports, and accessible community infrastructure and transportation.

Mr. Speaker, one serious challenge that negatively affects many of our seniors' quality of life is elder abuse. June 15th is designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to bring awareness and encourage dialogue around this important issue.

This is a topic that is uncomfortable to acknowledge or discuss, as elder abuse, financial, emotional, or physical, can happen in a senior's own home. We must continue to address this to ensure vulnerable seniors are protected.

The NWT Seniors' Society has worked closely with the GNWT and has been instrumental in taking the lead on elder abuse prevention initiatives by way of awareness workshops and by providing a toll-free Seniors' Information Line. To complement this support, the NWT Help Line service offers confidential counselling support for residents of all ages in need of support.

Mr. Speaker, one of our first responses to the COVID-19 pandemic was to ensure the safety and well-being of our seniors, particularly those residing in long-term care facilities. We implemented a range of protective protocols and worked with families to ensure that residents could stay connected to those who love and care for them.

As the COVID pandemic response carries on, we will continue to deliver the services that seniors rely on. We are collaborating with community agencies and non-government organizations to ensure they are aware of the federal funding available to provide local support to seniors during this challenging time. We are also working with the NWT Seniors' Society to ensure communication material related to COVID-19 gets out to seniors in their Indigenous languages. This material will hopefully increase their awareness of the situation and how they can protect themselves, as well as reduce their anxiety about contracting the coronavirus.

The Department of Health and Social Services is also currently revising and updating the Seniors' Information Handbook, Mr. Speaker. This is a valuable resource for seniors and those who support them that provides listings of available services and numerous helpful resources. This handbook was developed in partnership with the GNWT departments and the NWT Seniors' Society and is updated periodically. It is available as both a hard copy handbook and online now, and the updated version is in process.

In closing, I would like to assure our NWT seniors that the GNWT remains committed to protecting their health and safety during the uncertain times as well as moving forward. We will continue to work cooperatively with Indigenous governments, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to achieve our goal of applying quality services for our seniors to ensure they are able to enjoy long and healthy lives here in the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Member for Hay River South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The United Nations General Assembly designated June 15^th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It is to bring attention to the world that abuse of elders is a public health and human rights issue that must be addressed.

The issue of COVID-19 has brought the treatment of elders to the forefront as we hear of the appalling treatment that some are being subjected to in both public and private care homes. It is not only care homes. We know of elders being abused by government through outdated policies and lack of support by family and friends. I am not saying this is an epidemic, but it is a reality.

Mr. Speaker, we hear of incidents of bullying, insults, abandonment, belittling, humiliation, harassment, isolation, privacy breaches, financial exploitation, and withholding of basic necessities of life all being revealed across the country. Most elders, out of love for their family or for a number of other reasons, almost never complain about this treatment. Because of health issues, they may not be in a position to vocalize how they are being treated, no matter what their living arrangement.

Elders, like the rest of the population, are looking for social interaction, a sense of belonging, and a sense of worth. It is important that we, as a society, as family, and as friends, provide that social aspect while safeguarding the protection these elders require. COVID-19 has forced the lockdown of many elders in government and other care facilities. This limits their opportunity for social interaction and visits from family and friends. We are fortunate in the NWT that our facilities are staffed with competent and caring staff, but loneliness continues to exist and needs to be addresses.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask all persons throughout the NWT to visit with elders, talk with them, sit with them, and above all else, listen to them, because one day, it may well be you in that exact position and wondering why you have been forgotten. It all comes down to showing respect and standing up for elders and not just on June 15^th of every year, but every day of every year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Most of us love and respect the elders in our lives, yet abuse of this growing population is a problem all across the country. The detail of the problem is documented by Statistics Canada. NWT has the second highest rate of elder abuse in the country, and that rate is rising.

What is "abuse" in this context? The World Health Organization says it's a single or repeated act, or the opposite, a lack of appropriate action, which causes harm and distress to an older person, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust. It's a sad fact that all across Canada, elders are most likely to be victimized by those who are closest to them, namely, their own adult children.

Elder abuse can take many forms, but financial abuse and neglect are the most common in the NWT. It is important to note that overcrowded houses, poverty, and the legacy of residential school experience can make matters worse. The end result of any and all abuse is the same. It compromises the dignity, independence, health, and security of elders. It diminishes and frightens them. It's not what any of us want for our parents or for ourselves.

In 2015, the NWT Network to Prevent the Abuse of Older Adults released a five-year strategy with the title "Creating Safe Communities for Older Adults." The purpose of the strategy is to acknowledge and educate us about how widespread abuse is. The strategy starts from zero tolerance and offers 20 recommendations in four areas. Those four areas are public engagement, education and training, community responses, and policy and legislation. We all have a role to play in preventing elder abuse and creating safe, secure, and caring communities.

In the last four years, there have been some successes. The network itself is dormant, but the NWT Seniors' Society has been providing workshops called Creating Safer Communities for older adults. The workshops reflect NWT cultural practices and preferences. The goal is to empower communities to take on the issue of elder abuse themselves. Naming and speaking out about the abuse of older adults is one of the first steps to prevent it, and that's what today is about.

As Members of the Legislative Assembly, we have a special role to play. We can advocate in all four areas, but particularly those recommendations directed to government. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been three months since COVID-19 lockdown. Getting used to the new normal of wearing masks and not able to hug or handshake anymore is a new normal. We have been really fortunate that the fast acting of our communities widespread are extremely lucky that no lives have been lost in the Northwest Territories. All the hard work that our staff have been going through.

Mr. Speaker, I am worried about the people who will become complacent. Today, as a reminder to my constituents of Nunakput and across our territory, not to let your guard down. When it comes to this deadly pandemic, you have to keep social distancing, hand-washing, self-isolating, and if you have to travel, you should be avoiding large crowds, any situation, socially distance yourself, and wearing a mask.

To date, 97,000 Canadians have caught COVID-19. Approximately 8,000 Canadians have lost their lives to this pandemic. Worldwide, over seven million people contracted the virus and 400,000 have died. Now is not the time to be careless. We still are in this pandemic. Experts say there is a chance that there will be a second wave of COVID-19 this fall. There's a risk that the virus could spread to our governments who start to relax restrictions. I encourage the people of Nunakput and across the territory to continue to be careful. Remember, if you've travelled, to isolate yourself, especially if you visit vulnerable children or elders. Keep sanitizing your hands and hand-washing. Keep a good supply of dry goods just in case. Remember, call your local health centre if you feel sick or have a fever. Out there on the land, our summer weather is the best kind of social distancing there is.

I know that there has been some confusion this week around our travel, whether our borders are closed or not. I understand that, if someone wants to come to the NWT, they can, but they have to have an isolation plan. Friends and relatives who want to visit, they need a plan to self-isolate for two weeks when they get here. If not, they shouldn't come at this time. This goes for travelling south. The disease is still out there. Some places have widespread community transmission. Please don't travel if you don't have to. Use caution. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent given

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Premier and Cabinet, please remember to stay visible to the public and also to keep the promise that we made to our communities: no evictions and no power limiters or cut-offs. Help our people at this time. Don't forget how much our people are hurting. Help our communities when asked upon. I want to wish the constituents and all residents in the Northwest Territories: have a happy, safe summer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week was National AccessAbility Week in Canada, which is an annual occasion for Canadians that brings attention to the issue of accessibility and recognizes the efforts of individuals, communities, and workplaces that actively work to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion.

Mr. Speaker, the issue of accessibility across the NWT has become an increasingly pressing issue for those with less-able bodies, and the longer our government does nothing to change things, the longer we will continue to marginalize those with disabilities. This has been said by numerous territorial organizations, such as the NWT Disabilities Council, the NWT Human Rights Commission, and the Yellowknife Chapter of the MS Society of Canada, to name a few. To put it into perspective, according to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, the NWT has a total of 6,350 people with a disability over the age of 15. Furthermore, according to the NWT Human Rights Commission 2018-2019 Annual Report, in total, 66 percent of all new complaints were allegations of discrimination based on disability.

I would like to also add that, even those without disabilities can have troubles accessing certain spaces across the territory. I say that from experience, Mr. Speaker, because even for myself, I am at a point in my life where I must consider my own accessibility needs before I travel to most places. I do not have a disability, but if someone like me, an elder with minor mobility issues, cannot access certain spaces adequately, consider what it is like for someone in a wheelchair or a walker entering those same spaces.

Mr. Speaker, part of the problem with the NWT and accessibility is that our jurisdiction is one of 10 other provinces and territories who do not have any legislation on accessibility. Absent of any legislation, our territorial building codes have no frame of reference, no standards to follow in constructing buildings as barrier-free. By comparison, Ontario is one of the three provinces with accessibility legislation, and they have set the goal to be barrier-free by 2025, setting a standard for designing public spaces, transportation, and other customer services. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Accessibility is an issue that must be addressed and advanced with greater substance during the life of this Assembly. The Government of the Northwest Territories has already released a Disability Strategic Framework in 2017, along with a Disability Action Plan the following year. Let's build on that and put in the work to pass legislation on this very important issue of accessibility. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The abuse seniors go through is lost on the public, as most people don't see or hear of it. It is not just the physical abuse that should be concerning, but the mental abuse, as well. Most seniors put their trust in immediate family, whether they be a son, daughter, brothers, or sisters, and even the caregivers who are trusted to provide services for them. Many seniors will lose faith in their loved ones at some point, should that trust be broken. They may lose faith, but still have the love they so dearly want in return.

Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Yellowknife Centre will be tabling a motion on behalf of the seniors of the Northwest Territories, requesting supports that will enable them to live in dignity. I will support that motion. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement today, I am going to join with my colleagues and discuss the importance of caring for our elders and people with mobility issues in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, most of our elders have worked hard all their lives. They have paid their dues and helped lay the foundation of the road before us, so we as a government owe it to them to let them thoroughly enjoy their golden years with peace of mind. When I say they have worked hard all their lives, it's not just in the traditional 9:00 to 5:00 jobs. A lot of our elders worked hard out on the land. My great-grandfather hunting, checking fish nets, providing for the family; my great-grandmother used to tell me stories about going out in 50 below at Little Buffalo River with a shawl and checking rabbit snares for food, and still set in her ways. Even late in life, when I was in school, we bought her a washer and dryer. She refused to use it, and she still stuck with her old ways and had a washboard, because she wanted to get my socks just the right way. I still think about that, and it makes me smile. Hard-working, and I wish we could teach our youth some of that hard work ethic. I'm still trying, and hopefully, we can get there.

Going on with what I was saying, in our list of 22 priorities of the 19^th Assembly, one of them is to enable seniors to age in place with dignity; the key word there being "dignity." This priority item is also expanded upon in this Assembly's mandate.

Mr. Speaker, our mandate says that this government commits to increasing supports for seniors to remain in their own homes in their communities; to protect our elders from abuse and neglect; and to fund actions that enhance inclusion, safety, and removal of community-level barriers to aging in place.

As we recover from this pandemic, I will work as best I can to ensure that this government will stay true to these commitments. As well, Mr. Speaker, for the reasons I have just mentioned, I will be supporting today's motion, or any motion about supporting our seniors here in the NWT. Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.