The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Thank you. Minister of MACA.

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the value and benefits of sport and recreation of youth opportunities sits really deeply with me. When I was 12 years old, my mother got me involved to become a volunteer and I've been volunteering ever since. I also spent 28 years in the field of sport,rbc recreation and youth. And some of the programs that we developed are still here today. And it's been very beneficial. However -- and I can commit that MACA is continuing to work closely with organizations who work with youth to help develop broad programming including cultural program so that we have positive opportunities. But in regards to what the Member has asked, I can commit to work with the department and committee during the main review to consider future funding because, again, this hasn't been done in a long time. So we need to look at this and see how we collaboratively can work together. And this addresses some of the challenges that I've heard on the floor here this past session. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the Children and Youth Resiliency Program is a meaningful program but it's severely underfunded. Will the Minister commit to look at the current funding allocation and potentially increase it to an acceptable level? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, this program continues to support children, primarily from the age of 0 to 5, for program opportunities to support physical literacy, an important part of development in long -- you know, lifelong active lifestyles. As I said previous in the other question, I can commit to work with the department and committee during the main review to consider future funding for this program. It is very important. It does some really good benefits. It starts at a young age and the work that's done in the community. So, yes, I will work with committee to review this program as well. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. You know, Madam Speaker, we talk about NGOs and all the good work that they do throughout the years year after year. So, Madam Speaker, as with most NGOs year to year funding is an issue when what is needed is multiyear funding that allows for stability.

Madam Speaker, will the Minister commit to establishing multiyear funding through the NGO Stabilization Fund for organizations such as the Hay River Ski Club? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Wow, I think he's just trying to go on a run here. I don't know if I can keep on saying yes because it's starting to hurt me here.

Madam Speaker, I understand that NGOs are seeking multiyear agreements for their organizations. I recognize these agreements support long-term planning and provide security that organizations require to hire and maintain staff. The NGO Stabilization Fund, however, has never provided core funding. It exists solely to provide short-term support to organizations who require assistance to stabilize management or operations or address extraordinary costs. Contributions are intended only to address the stabilization or extraordinary needs rather than core long-term funding. I know that previously that EIAs working on some stuff on this, and as a Cabinet we're looking at this. So with the stabilization fund, it's, again, short-term, but I think we are looking as a whole-of-government on that very issue. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Hay River South.

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Madam Speaker. You know, it's good to hear that because, you know, here in the last few weeks, you know, we've been talking about youth and all the things that we should do for youth, and so it's time for us to, you know, walk the talk and step up to the plate and that's providing them the services that they require.

So the other issue -- another issue here is -- and I've talked to youth in -- and parents also in Hay River, about access to facilities. And I'm finding that some of the Indigenous children, and maybe some that are at risk, don't feel like they're being served. So, Madam Speaker, will the Minister commit to working with other departments and community youth to identify the need for a youth facility in communities where none exist and find ways to establish one? Thank you.

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Municipal and Community Affairs does provide funding for 36 youth centres across the Northwest Territories under the Youth Initiative Program. We contribute about $14,000 to each facility to support their operations. MACA is committed to establishing an interdepartmental working group on youth to provide the GNWT a forum that will be able to coordinate youth programs and services to support local community priorities. And that's part of the youth strategy that we're working on.

However, the question that the Member asked, if there's a community that wishes to establish a new facility dedicated to youth, there are MACA staff that can support the government -- their community government with their plans both to establish a facility and to coordinate youth-based programming. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Honourable Premier.

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The question is really difficult. I mean, I'm going to start with the last part of it that says what I can do to make sure my luggage is put on the train that's already left, I'm guessing you kind of wait for the train to come back. But, really, and seriously, in seriousness, Madam Speaker, I hear the Member, and I do agree with him that we can't be working in silos anymore. We've done that for too long. And so I think that that's recognized by this government. And so we're trying to look at ways that we can work better with the Indigenous governments. You know, we've always had the intergovernmental council meetings with devolution groups. But this government brought forward the council of leaders so that all Indigenous governments would have a chance to have a voice. And we're working on serious issues at that table, like climate change. Like the Minister said, 42 policies that were brought forward to the council of leaders for housing policies and looked at. That was their number one goal at that council of leaders when we defined the agenda and so that's what they're working on first, and we'll move from that. We also brought the modern treaty groups so that groups that have settled claims can actually look at the implementation. So I think the best thing we can do to make sure the priorities are -- all priorities are addressed is that we continue to meet together. We don't -- even though the discussions are hard, we need to sit there. It's only when we work together and listen to each other, be willing to compromise and be able to understand each other, that we'll actually serve the best for residents all throughout the NWT. Thank you, Madam Speaker.