The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier.

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I would like to start today by acknowledging the devastation experienced by residents in Hay River, K'atlodeeche First Nation, and West Point First Nation. Thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes and their lives behind earlier this month when floodwaters rose to unprecedented levels in the area.

Last week I visited the three communities with, the Honourable Shane Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs; the Honourable Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance; and the Honourable Diane Archie, Minister of Infrastructure, to assess the situation and meet with leadership. It was devastating to see the damages to homes and property and hear the heartbreaking stories of people who have lost so much.

The Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to support residents and leadership in flood-affected communities and help with the re-building process. It will take time, but we will be there every step of the way.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to giving residents and communities the best opportunities to achieve success. The COVID-19 pandemic has put us all to the test over the last two-plus years, and I express my sincere condolences to the families, loved ones, and communities of those who have died from the disease or have been severely impacted by it.

COVID-19 took a huge toll on residents and businesses and as a government, we are laser-focused on the social and economic recovery of the territory. Mr. Speaker, there have been positive steps made that impact this important work.

Last May, our government tabled Emerging Stronger: Planning our Economic and Social Recovery Together, in the Legislative Assembly. This plan builds on the commitments made in the mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2019-2023 to revitalize our economy and support communities and people to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, and to bridge the social gaps exposed by the pandemic.

Since the release of Emerging Stronger, our government has sought and received input from Indigenous governments, business, and industry groups, Regular MLAs, and the public on our actions to support social and economic recovery. We have reviewed that input and made updates to the plan that reflect our shared priorities as Northerners as we continue to build the future together.

Mr. Speaker, I will be tabling an update on Emerging Stronger this sitting that will highlight the progress the Government of the Northwest Territories has made to recover from the pandemic over the course of the past year despite numerous challenges both in terms of the spread of COVID-19 and the broader economic uncertainty and social instability. I expect the conversation around social and economic recovery to be ongoing and to continue to evolve, with a further update to Emerging Stronger to be provided one year from now.

A fundamental part of our success as a government, and the future prosperity of our territory, depends on the productive and collaborative partnership with Indigenous governments. The decisions we make as a government must reflect our commitment to reconciliation and the affirmation and advancement of Indigenous rights and self-determination. We have tried to foster constructive and respectful government-to-government relationships with Indigenous governments who have or are in the process of negotiating land claims or self-government agreements with the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories. We are trying to advance reconciliation, recognize and affirm Indigenous rights, and support expanded program and service delivery. A huge part of this process is building trust. Indigenous people have not had a lot of reasons to trust colonial models of government.

Mr. Speaker, I say this often: Nothing about us without us. The relationships we foster with Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories is a key part of our collective success. The pandemic has demonstrated that we must work together with Indigenous governments, as well as the federal government, municipal governments, the business community, and other key stakeholders to achieve success.

One of our biggest accomplishments in the life of this government has been the strong and collaborative partnership we have developed with Indigenous governments. However, we still have a number of unsettled land claims that our government has committed to advancing.

We recognize that Indigenous governments being able to make and implement their own decisions is a fundamental part of self-determination. Settling and implementing agreements with Indigenous governments is one of the most important ways that the GNWT can advance reconciliation and demonstrate respect for Indigenous people.

Mr. Speaker, settling and implementing treaty, land, resources, and self-government agreements is a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories that will help secure respectful relationships with Indigenous governments, clarify responsibilities for land and resources, and create new economic opportunities for Indigenous governments and residents of the NWT.

That is why we've committed to reviewing, updating, and publishing territorial principles and interests for concluding and implementing land, resources, and self-government agreements that reflect the Government of the Northwest Territories' new priorities and mandate.

Mr. Speaker, I have heard two common themes when talking to Indigenous governments about negotiations: clarity of our mandates and dislike of our need for core principles and objectives within the agreements.

The NWT Core Principles and Objectives were a set of high-level statements that described the fundamental characteristics of social programs and provided the context for the development of operational standards associated with consistent program delivery in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, our approach to negotiations has not changed in decades but the world that we live in has. As such, we will be taking two steps to improve our approach to negotiations.

First, we have reviewed, updated, and will publish Principles and Interests: Guiding the GNWT at Aboriginal Rights Negotiations with Indigenous Peoples. I will table this document later today.

It is time we better articulate our principles and interests to help clarify and help build trust in negotiations.

As well, Mr. Speaker, we will be removing the requirement for core principles and objectives from self-government agreements being negotiated, pending agreement of Indigenous governments.

The NWT Core Principles and Objectives were a set of high-level statements that described the fundamental characteristics of social programs and provided the context for the development of operational standards associated with consistent program delivery in the NWT. Indigenous governments expressed the view that the current approach to core principles and objectives is not aligned with their interpretation of the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Mr. Speaker, we recognize that flexible, innovative approaches may be needed to help resolve long-standing negotiations and we are committed to working with partners to find creative solutions that are in the best interests of the parties and the people of the Northwest Territories. I am optimistic that removing these two barriers will assist and look forward to continuing to advance the negotiations of outstanding land claims in the Northwest Territories.

Partnerships and collaborative relationships with all levels of government are the foundation of our success as a territory. By working together with Canada, other provinces, Indigenous leadership, community governments, we are able to make great strides in building a better territory for everyone. I have had the opportunity to have important and productive discussions as part of the Northern Premier's Forum earlier this month, and the Western Premier's Forum just last week. These meetings are opportunities to continue to build on our relationships, advance shared priorities, and continue to find ways to ensure our voices are being heard by leaderships across the country, including the federal government.

Since our last sitting, I have had conversations with federal Ministers, and continue to advocate for investment in the Northwest Territories. There are economic and social challenges that impact us in ways that our neighbours south of the 60th parallel take for granted: basic infrastructure, affordable and reliable housing, roads, broadband, and cleaner sources of energy.

For decades, the Northwest Territories has been playing catch up to southern Canada. It is time for Northerners to be given the same opportunities afforded to the rest of Canada, and I remain committed to advancing our priorities in Ottawa. Supporting people to have comparable quality of life and benefits wherever they live is a fundamental Canadian value and an important part of reconciliation, Mr. Speaker.

Governments across our territory rely on a collaborative partnership with the federal government. The gaps we are seeking to close are those identified in Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework that was developed collaboratively with Canada and will be implemented with the NWT Council of Leaders.

The Council of Leaders has agreed to collaborate on areas of shared interest and to become the regional implementation body for the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework in the Northwest Territories. We view this as the roadmap to closing the gap and will continue to work with Canada to ensure the framework becomes a reality and provides positive long-lasting benefits to Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, in April, I attended the Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage, Alaska. It was an opportunity to discuss shared opportunities and challenges with Arctic leaders and policymakers from around the Circumpolar North. Given the tragic situation in Ukraine, there is a heightened sense of urgency when we talk about Arctic sovereignty and security, and the symposium provided an opportunity to talk about how we contribute to improving the quality of life for Northerners and ensure the safety of our residents and support the need for global stability. This was an opportunity to work closely with other Arctic leaders to increase awareness around Arctic security, economic development, infrastructure development, housing, climate change, and women in leadership.

If we are going to advance our priorities as a territory to ensure residents and generations to come have the best opportunities available to them to achieve success in life, we must continue to build important relationships with others around the world. It was clear to me over the course of the symposium that many shared common concerns and faced similar challenges as we do in our territory.

By building stronger relationships and learning from one another, we can grow stronger in our collective efforts to improve the lives of Northerners, not only in our territory but around the world.

I know this is a short sitting before we go into a lengthy summer break but I am hopeful that we can continue to advance the priorities of this government. The life of this government is short now and I, along with Cabinet, are committed to advancing and completing our mandate priorities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Honourable Premier. Members' statements. Member for Hay River South.

Rocky Simpson Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the flooding that just occurred in the South Slave was, perhaps, the largest natural disaster this territory has ever seen. The number of persons and properties compromised was extensive. The cost for the initial response and evacuation, which include contractors, additional staff, equipment, transportation, and continued accommodation needs, will only increase. Private and commercial properties will require abatement, repairs, and possibly replacement. The DAP applications received may well exceed 400 and costing an estimated $150 million or more. In addition to this amount, we must consider the cost of mitigating future damage to those homes in floodplains throughout Hay River and the NWT. Then, we may well be talking a billion dollars and counting. If we do nothing to mitigate flooding, then the cost will only increase overtime.

Mr. Speaker, this government has been dealing with flooding throughout the NWT for decades. Last year, it was Fort Simpson, Jean Marie, and Fort Good Hope. This year, it was Hay River, West Point, and K'atlodeeche.

Apart from modifying the Disaster Assistance Policy and placing pathfinders and assessors on the ground quickly, what, if anything, was learned from this and previous floods? Did this government, with all the resources at its disposal, do all it could to assess, predict, and mitigate the potential for flooding in the South Slave? Or was that responsibility placed on the shoulders of the communities, which lack capacity and expertise when it comes to predicting floods.

Mr. Speaker, when one looks at the extent of the Hay River watershed, we can see it extends well into Alberta and northeastern BC. As spring arrives, the quantity of water within the watershed is impacted by snowfall, ice quantity, ice thickness, glacial melt, rainfall, fluctuating temperatures, deforestation, natural and manufactured obstructions, and climate change, all being indicators when developing modeling to predict flood potential.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to personal abatement, mitigation, and repair of homes and businesses, we need to question what measures are available to mitigate future damage and what will that cost be. To determine mitigation measures, we need flood mapping to determine flood risk areas and elevations, an assessment of not only the river and climate conditions in around Hay River, and extensive analysis of the Hay River watershed if we expect to predict flood risk and develop long-term mitigation measures. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the past, blasting and drilling at the mouth of the Hay River was used. This method artificially pushed the location where ice jams occurred further out into the lake thereby allowing ice to flow in the river. Dredging occurred in the mouth of the Hay River but was discontinued many years ago. With some success, the latest method used is that of earth and berms along the shoreline at the West Channel. Whatever the methods we choose, it must be based on science and actioned sooner than later. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Lesa Semmler Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past winter, the homeless shelter and the emergency shelter have been operated by the Housing Corporation. Since being elected, I raised issues that have been brought forward to me impacting them and their operations. The emergency shelter was having difficulty and needed support; however, the homeless shelter, from my discussions with the past board, were running somewhat well by the board minus their concerns for minimal funding and ongoing search for funding.

Mr. Speaker, the past board had stated that they would assume to take over the emergency shelter before Housing Corporation assumed control over both. Why the Housing Corporation did not let this happen, I am unsure, and I never really got an answer.

These two shelters were run by separate not-for-profit boards, and they have both since dissolved.

When advocating for support for the emergency shelter last spring, the Housing Corporation took over control of both shelters and hired employees into GNWT positions and ran it throughout the winter.

Mr. Speaker, there is now an RFP posted to try and go back to have it a non-for-profit run the organization again. I raised the issue of assuming full control over the shelters and then tried to give them back will not be an easy task. I have also been asking for the homeless strategy and have yet to see this after many promises of "the next sitting, we will have it ready", "the next sitting we will have it ready." I heard this a few times, Mr. Speaker.

I'm worried for the future of our homeless and emergency shelter in Inuvik and will have questions for the Minister responsible for Homelessness. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.

Ronald Bonnetrouge Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out to this Assembly that the Hamlet of Enterprise is the only hamlet in the Northwest Territories that does not have a school of its own.

Mr. Speaker, can you imagine that in today's climate of reconciliation and with the national focus and the utmost importance of quality early learning and childcare that the parents of young children in the Hamlet of Enterprise are still forced to send their children to the town of Hay River, which is approximately 40 kilometres away, in order to receive an education. Mr. Speaker, this situation is completely unacceptable.

This government has made a commitment to the people of the North that every effort will be made to reconcile the horrific history and legacy of the residential school system, including the long history of sending our students away from their community to attend day schools. I wonder how many of our Cabinet and Regular Members, who themselves may be parents or grandparents of young children, would be comfortable in having their four, five, or six-year-olds sit on the bus each day, and even in extreme weather conditions, to be transported to a school 40 kilometres away.

Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Enterprise and the education working group have been advocating for numerous years to have a small elementary school established in their community. The elementary school would focus on educating students from junior kindergarten to grade 6. The hamlet has identified existing infrastructure that could be converted but does require the assistance from ECE.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment at the appropriate time. Mahsi.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

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

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. It certainly came as a surprise when the merger of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Lands was announced on May 17, 2022. I thought this sort of change might cause our Cabinet colleagues to engage this side of the House before final decisions on government reorganization might be made.

To be clear, I never really understood why there was a Department of Lands created at devolution as some sort of a buffer or arbiter between the pro-development Industry, Tourism and Investment and the pro-sustainability Environment and Natural Resources.

I am not opposed to this merger but would like to know more about the basis for this decision already taken by Cabinet and believe that the principle of "no surprises" has not been followed by this government. Who had input into this decision and how was that process designed and approved?

I had understood that some government reorganization or efficiencies might come about from the so-called "government renewal initiative" that is apparently underway, but this merger was not announced as part of that process.

There are other more urgent needs in terms of government reorganization that should be addressed by this Cabinet.

The conflicting roles of ITI as both a promoter and regulator of resource development could and should have been avoided at devolution by having surface and subsurface resources administered by one department and leaving the promotion to ITI, which they are very good at.

Support for NGOs could be better coordinated out of the Executive where local government affairs would also be better situated.

Back in October 2019 the soon-to-be Premier promised to change the name of ENR to the Department of Environment and Climate Change, but that hasn't happened either.

I'll have questions for the Premier on government reorganization and whether regular MLAs and the public will be engaged now and in the future. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.

Frieda Martselos Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in March I made a statement about homelessness, where I highlighted a tiny homes pilot project which Salt River First Nation is trying to get underway with the help of additional funding. At the time, the housing minister would not commit to allocate any funds to this project because it is a project solely for members of the Salt River First Nation.

Well, Mr. Speaker, that is a narrow view of looking at the situation. I like to look at things in a broader context to see the bigger picture.

This tiny home project is an innovative solution in addressing the issues of homelessness within Fort Smith. Sure, the funding would go directly to the Salt River First Nation, but the benefits of the project would help the whole town when all is said and done. Besides, allocating funds to help Salt River with housing is not a new concept.

Premier Cochrane spoke in March about her time as housing minister in the 18th Assembly where she worked with Salt River to allocate funds to build homes on reserve for the members of the Salt River First Nation.

Mr. Speaker, how is that situation in the last Assembly any different from the situation we are in now?

I would encourage our current housing minister to approach this housing project in a similar way - with an open heart and open mind - as her predecessor did. After all, how is the Salt River First Nation tiny home pilot project any different from any other housing projects that the Minister listed off last Thursday, May 26th during question period?

In an exchange with the Member of Great Slave, the Minister mentioned various new housing project applications around the NWT, which includes:

• the Family Support Centre for $3.7 million and 14 units;
• Habitat for Humanity with 10 units;
• Avens Society with 102 units expansion;
• Borealis Co-Op with 50 units in affordable housing;
• Spruce Bough receiving $640,000;
• the Nahanni Butte Dene Band with 10 new units;
• YWCA with 21 units;
• NWT Community Services for a project valued at $6 million; and,
• the Deline Got'ine Government with 10 new units.

The people of Salt River are residents of the NWT as well so they deserve equal consideration for territorial funding to help address homelessness just as any other community, region, organization within the NWT. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mr. Speaker, the finance minister told me that officials with Housing NWT would meet with Salt River Nation in April to discuss details about their Tiny Home Pilot Project. However, I spoke to Chief Poitras recently, and he confirmed they did not meet in person with Housing NWT to discuss the project so I can only assume discussions took place virtually via Zoom.

As the MLA for Thebacha, I will continue to work with Cabinet to ensure Salt River First Nation is properly assisted in their application to the National Housing Co-Investment Fund for their Tiny Home Pilot Project. I hope to see Cabinet working closely with Salt River First Nation to help them apply for and successfully receive the funding they require for this innovative homelessness project.

I will have questions for the Minister of Finance at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.