Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to acknowledge the efforts of Indigenous governments and the federal government on their approach in addressing housing and infrastructure needs.

I would like to congratulate the Gwich'in Tribal Council, the Tlicho government, and the Deline Got'ine government, on the recent federal funding announcement of $78.6 million for community infrastructure and housing. This funding includes:

• $11.4 million for the Deline Got'ine government;
• $25.1 million for the Gwich'in Tribal Council; and
• $42.1 million for the Tlicho government.

Mr. Speaker, the success of these Indigenous governments in accessing this funding directly from Canada is to be celebrated. It will allow them to chart their own course and address the areas they decide are their top priorities.

Mr. Speaker, this funding does not in any way reduce Housing Northwest Territories' obligation and commitment to providing housing supports in the regions receiving funding. This funding is in addition to Housing Northwest Territories' unprecedented new public housing delivery across the Northwest Territories.

If and when called upon, Mr. Speaker, I want to confirm that Housing NWT looks forward to working collaboratively with these Indigenous governments to realize their housing-related goals, whether this involves sharing blueprints, expertise, or other assistance.

We also stand ready to support Indigenous governments with applications for other available funding that can be accessed for housing priorities, such as the Rapid Housing Initiative and the National Co-Investment Fund.

Mr. Speaker, consistent with Housing NWT's strategic renewal, we support all approaches to increase the total funding for housing to serve citizens of the Northwest Territories. The GNWT will continue to advocate for direct housing funding to all territorial Indigenous governments for funding.

We cannot address the territories' extensive housing needs alone. In collaboration, we need Housing Northwest Territories to stand to work with our partners, whether that be Indigenous governments, the federal government, private industry, or non-governmental organizations to address the housing needs of the territory.

Mr. Speaker, it is my hope and expectation that I will have the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the successes of other Housing Northwest Territories partners here in the Legislative Assembly in the future. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.

Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update Members on the work being done to recruit and retain health and social services staff in the Northwest Territories. This work responds to the mandate commitment of the 19th Legislative Assembly to increase the number of resident healthcare professionals by at least 20 percent.

The recruitment and retention of health and social services professionals has become increasingly high profile over the past year, as the COVID-19 pandemic has made shortages of health and social services personnel across Canada worse. The department has identified several reasons for the shortages we are experiencing here in the NWT, and they are working hard to address these issues.

Mr. Speaker, the market for nurses and other health professionals has become increasingly competitive across the country. The result is staff shortages and service reductions or closures in many jurisdictions, including our own.

Within the Northwest Territories, these challenges became more serious last summer and led to the temporary closure of the obstetrics unit for three months for the first time in 20 years.

Despite these challenges, I am pleased to report that the most recent vacancy rate data is trending downward for positions that the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority is actively recruiting. These positions include child and family services positions, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses. Still, we recognize that the recruitment and retention of health and social services professionals requires a sustained effort.

The health and social services system human resources plan, which will be tabled later today, provides a roadmap for how we will continue and enhance recruitment and retention efforts over the long term. Several of the plan's initiatives are specifically designed to attract Indigenous and northern residents to pursue careers in this field.

Mr. Speaker, our vision is to establish a robust and representative workforce supported by strong leadership and an organizational culture rooted in the principles of cultural safety and anti-racism. I believe achieving this vision will allow our workforce to thrive and, in turn, support continuous improvement in the delivery of health and social services to meet our goal of best health, best care, for a better future for NWT residents.

The plan's overall success will be measured through improved employee engagement and satisfaction, decreased vacancy and turnover rates, and increased representation of Indigenous and northern employees.

To attract more Indigenous people and Northerners into these careers, we have created the Annual NWT Health and Social Services Career Guide, with the 2022 edition launching this month. We are also rolling out the Graduate Transition Program to support new graduates moving into permanent positions within the health and social services system. The clinical observership and job shadowing programs will provide additional tools to encourage youth to explore health and social services careers.

The Family Medicine Residency Program begins its third intake of doctors this July, with our first two residents graduating from the program this month. This vital program is helping to develop, recruit, and retain local family physicians committed to living and working in the Northwest Territories.

To better understand why staff are leaving, we began conducting exit interviews and staff movement surveys over the past year. We also began sending new staff entry surveys three months after their start date to help us understand their experiences and address their concerns early in their career with us.

Using the data and insights gathered from these interviews and surveys, we have been able to prioritize certain action items within human resources that focus specifically on employee engagement and are key to addressing a decline in staff morale and overall staff retention.

This summer, we will launch an updated orientation program, as well as a strategic onboarding framework for all new staff, as well as for those who are new to their position. These programs welcome new employees and help them integrate into their role and environment. They also provide new employees with development opportunities and mentorship.

The launch of a system-wide learning management system to support equal access to mandatory and job specific training is still on track for this summer.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the launch of the Elsevier Clinical Solutions in November 2021, two new programs have recently launched to support nursing and nursing development.

The Specialized Nursing Transition Program will assist registered nurses who wish to expand their scope of practice into specialized areas. It will start as a pilot program within the obstetrics unit at Stanton, and then expand to all specialty areas within the system.

The Community Health Nursing Competency Program provides training to nurses to develop the competencies required for practice in a community health nurse setting.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would once again like to express my gratitude to the staff within the health and social services system for their continued hard-work and dedication to the well-being of residents of the Northwest Territories. The entire health and social services leadership team recognizes and appreciates their tireless efforts during challenging times. We remain committed to providing the tools and supports needed for our workforce to thrive and succeed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

Mr. Speaker, today is the third-year anniversary of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. I wish to honour the Indigenous women and girls and gender-diverse people who have lost their lives or who have experienced or continue to experience trauma and violence.

Mr. Speaker, most people in the Northwest Territories, and certainly everyone in this room, knows someone who has attended a residential or day school, whose grandparent lost a family member during the 50s and 60s tuberculosis outbreak, or whose sibling was taken away during the 60s Scoop. We may also know someone whose friend, sister, or mother, suffered from violence or who was taken away from her family too soon.

Rooted in systemic factors, this violence is often the results of economic, social, and political marginalization, as well as racism and discrimination. The emotional and psychological effects of these events and actions manifest into the present day, with multi-generational and intergenerational trauma continuing to impact Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories and across Canada.

I have said this before, and will continue to say, violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people is a crisis that demands an urgent response. Those words come from the Native Women's Association Northwest Territories' first of four core recommendations to the national inquiry calling on all levels of Canadian leadership to acknowledge this crisis.

Mr. Speaker, despite the increased attention being paid, the crisis is far from over and, therefore, we must continue to meaningfully and sincerely acknowledge.

In December of 2021, I tabled the GNWT's draft action plan in response to the Calls for Justice on the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people. Entitled "Changing the Relationship," the draft action plan aims to transform the GNWT's approach to service delivery and begin to undo the effects of colonialism and racial and gendered discrimination from all levels of government and public institutions.

The gender equity unit is expected to begin visiting communities in the spring to talk to people about our draft action plan and how we propose to respond to the Calls for Justice. Our territory's gradual emergence from the pandemic stalled our progress in gathering people together, but we are making important progress.

Just this week, the GNWT and the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories co-hosted an Indigenous language terminology workshop with interpreters and elders on common terms related to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and gender-based violence. The purpose of the workshop was to address potential language barriers that may prevent residents from providing feedback on the draft action plan.

The terminology workshop was an important first step ahead of further community engagement on the action plan. Over the summer, we will visit communities throughout the Northwest Territories to engage with Indigenous governments, community governments, and all Northwest Territories residents about the Calls for Justice and our draft response. The work done at the terminology workshop will be incorporated into the development of Indigenous language materials for community discussions, leading to more meaningful engagement with elders and people with lived experience. Materials will also be available online and distributed in advance of all public engagements.

Earlier this week, I had the honour to share lunch with the participants at the translators' workshop. It was a deeply moving experience. When I walked in, the room was almost literally buzzing. Groups of elders, knowledge-keepers, and language experts representing almost all of the official languages of the Northwest Territories were each gathered at tables. They were not merely asking how to explain a particular word in a different language. They were discussing the root meanings of those words and the cultural understanding or expression underlying it.

When I was there, the group was wrapping up discussion around the translation of 2SLGBTQ and QIA peoples. Representatives from several tables stood to summarize their discussions.

From one table, I heard that historically sexuality, sexual preferences, and gender expression was more fluid and that discrimination against 2SLGBTQQIA peoples was something taught or imposed by colonialism.

I learned that there were traditional words for people whose genders had changed after birth and there was no disrespectfulness associated with this. Rather, it reflected the individual as a person.

From more than one table, I heard sadness and frustration at the cultural loss of the traditional esteem once accorded to two-spirited people. The speakers described that people who were gifted with elements of both genders were revered because having gifts incorporating both genders placed them closer to the Creator.

Mr. Speaker, imagine the impact as communities reclaim this kind of knowledge. Imagine the impact when leadership and governments reflect these kinds of cultural and social understandings. This is a reminder of why our draft action plan must be more than a collection of discrete actions department by department but, rather, a way of thinking and serving that builds on seeing people as they are, where they are, and builds trust.

Mr. Speaker, the release of the final report of the national inquiry was momentous and brought to the forefront the need for change in all levels of leadership, all governments and across society. Social change takes time, but we have an opportunity to take an active role in a process of change to improve the safety and well-being of Northwest Territories Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, as another school year comes to a close for students across the Northwest Territories, I would like to recognize this year's graduates. Whether they are graduating from kindergarten, high school, or a post-secondary institution like Aurora College, the territory's graduates have a lot to be proud of.

---Applause

The pandemic has created unprecedented disruptions in every sector of society. The last two years have posed great challenges for residents, with the impacts of COVID-19 taking an emotional, mental and physical toll on the health and well-being of NWT residents, communities, businesses and industries, and these impacts extend to NWT's students and educators.

Mr. Speaker, during the pandemic many educational institutions in the NWT closed their doors for in-person learning with lessons moving online and in-person exchanges replaced with virtual interactions. Teachers had to change the way they taught and students had to change the way they learned. It was a challenging time, Mr. Speaker, and this year's graduates persevered and have shown resiliency and dedication, skills that will help them achieve even more success in the future.

Despite the excitement of graduation, it is important to acknowledge that the impacts of COVID-19 on students and educators are still very real and may be felt for months and years to come. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has been compiling information on school closures and remote learning to inform future decision-making. We are currently using existing wellness data, referrals for school-based mental health and wellness services, and academic progress reports provided by education bodies to monitor the needs of NWT students and guide future decisions and supports.

While there is not a single solution to the challenges that result from school closures and remote learning, ECE provides support services that can help, including mental wellness counselling through the child and youth care counselling initiative and career and education advising to help our students prepare to take their next life step. In addition, the annual territorial teachers conference this fall will focus on how to best support learning and instruction post-pandemic.

Mr. Speaker, as part of the NWT's graduation ceremonies, in the coming weeks eight deserving individuals will be inducted into the NWT Education Hall of Fame for 2021 and 2022. Reading the nomination letters was a wonderful reminder of the important role that educators play in students' lives and careers. Not only do they equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their education and career goals, but they also help students build the confidence to dream big and set high expectations for themselves.

Mr. Speaker, pursuing any level of education is never easy, but we do it because it is important. It is important to each of us as individuals, and it is important to all of us as a community. The knowledge and skills we gain through education benefit everyone, and create a stronger and more resilient territory.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the graduating class of 2022. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to let you know I wrote that statement for the Minister.

No, just kidding.

Mr. Speaker, as this school year ends, I would like to recognize and congratulate all those students from Hay River, Enterprise, West Point First Nation, and K'atlodeeche First Nation, who are graduating from Ecole Boreale, Diamond Jenness Secondary School, Chief Sunrise Education Centre, and Aurora College. I know that each of the graduates will not forget the year they graduated. This year it will not because of COVID but it will be remembered as the year of extensive flooding.

Mr. Speaker, we can all appreciate and acknowledge the commitment, sacrifice, and the years of hard work these students put in to achieve their status as graduates. These students started their educational journey as young children and have now finished as young adults. That chapter has now closed and it is time to take that next step, whether it is to further their education, join the workforce, or travel the world. It is only the beginning of their new journey.

Mr. Speaker, the only advice I would offer each student is show respect to others, show compassion to others, and always be open to new ideas. And most importantly, follow your dreams and passion as it will be each of you who will shape the future.

Mr. Speaker, for the graduates to achieve the success each celebrates, we must recognize the parents, caregivers, family, and those teachers who, throughout the years, supported and encouraged each of you to succeed. In the future, I hope that each graduate will look back and understand the importance of this achievement and, in turn, convey the importance of education while sharing their experience with others as they move forward in life.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I congratulate the graduates of 2022 and wish them all a bright, successful, and healthy future. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

Here, here. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to rise today and speak about transparency in infrastructure budgeting.

Last fall in this House, we passed a confidential amount for the Whati Power Project. We're not allowed to say how much we passed. We also know the total amount of that project but it's confidential information. And when you ask the government why we can't talk about how much a specific project says, they say oh, it'll affect tendering. Yet, Mr. Speaker, I just don't believe that is remotely true.

A comparable project, the Fort Providence Transmission Line, we know costs $60 million. In fact, we knew that one year before any money ever came to this Assembly because the federal government announced it. And every time the federal government gives us money, they announce the total cost they are providing to the GNWT and the total project cost, and it takes about a year, actually, before that money ever even gets approved by the Assembly. So it's announced as if it's a done fact, and we're just going to rubber stamp whatever amount is.

Additionally, Mr. Speaker, at a municipal level, it would be impossible to ever approve a project without talking about the total project cost. The vast majority of infrastructure is actually municipal, and often whenever a council is approving a project, not only is the total project cost there, but actually the design and a cost estimate.

Mr. Speaker, I have never seen a public GNWT cost estimate. Every once in a while, we're lucky if we get a business case. I know we are all eagerly awaiting the Taltson business case, but I strongly doubt we will ever see a Fort Providence Transmission Line business case or a Whati business case.

And Mr. Speaker, yesterday in this House, the government let $125 million in infrastructure spending lapse. And they didn't think it was important to tell the public which projects they are letting lapse. Perhaps there is a very important infrastructure project in your community that you were previously told was going ahead has now disappeared off the books, and there is no public record of what those projects are, Mr. Speaker.

$125 million, of money that this House previously approved, has now just been removed without telling the public what actually happened.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure about how we can get some more transparency in our budgeting.

This is a uniquely GNWT project. You can go to almost any other jurisdiction in Canada and look at their long-term capital projects. You can look at their long-term needs assessment. You can see the cost estimates for individual projects. You can see what years that money will be dispersed, and then you can track through time whether it's on time and on budget. We have asked repeatedly for staff to try and find out if projects are on time and on budget, and with publicly-available information, Mr. Speaker, it is an impossible task. And given we are letting about half of our capital budget get carried over or lapsed, it's very clear that consistently the GNWT's projects are not on time and not on budget.

I'll have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for my statement today, I want to wish all the Indigenous leaders across the NWT a wonderful summer. I know it is difficult for anyone to put their names forward for elected office. So as a former chief, I want to wish all my former colleagues well and I hope they, and their constituents, all have great assemblies this year in person.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish all my colleagues here, including you, Mr. Speaker, a good and restful summer break. I also liked to wish all the staff of the Assembly for keeping us on track and making sure we follow protocols and their continued support for our work as leaders, including my own staff member, my CA, a good and happy summer as well.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to wish all the amazing constituents of Thebacha a great summer season.

I would also like to extend this message to all the leadership of Fort Smith, which includes the Salt River First Nation, the Fort Smith Metis Council, and the Town of Fort Smith. Thank you to all the leadership and to my constituents for your continued support in me as MLA for Thebacha.

Thank you as well to my community team for always being there for me and for the people that I serve in our community. You know who you are. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also wish you a very good summer.

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Skills Canada is back. Last week, the medal results of the 2022 Skills Canada national competition, held in Vancouver were announced. From May 27th to the 28th, 350 students and apprentices from across Canada competed for the title of national champion in 45 skill areas, both in person at the Vancouver Convention Centre, and virtually from their home territories and provinces. Team Northwest Territories is proud to announce they have taken home five medals in skilled trade areas.

Over 3,000 student visitors, industry leaders, government officials, and industry celebrities participated in this national event. HGTV's Kate Campbell; the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training,
and the Honourable Andrew Mercier, parliamentary secretary for skills training, all took part in the event.

Skills Canada NWT's team consisted of seven competitors in a variety of skilled trade competitions, working hard over the two-day competition. These competitors set a record for percentage of a team medaling on the national stage when they brought five medals home to the territory. As well, two of the secondary school competitors did a fantastic job considering it was their first time virtually participating in a skilled trade competition.

Team NWT's competitors included:

• From St Pat's, Kaitlyn Stewart, who competed in fashion technology; and,
• Jaida Dowe, who competed in hairstyling and won a bronze medal.

In the post-secondary and apprentice categories:

• Adam Nitsiza of J&R Mechanical won a bronze medal in plumbing;
• Deanna Buckley of Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine/DeBeers Canada competed in the industrial mechanic/millwright category, also taking home a bronze medal;
• Connor Fleming of GAP Electric competed in electrical installations; and,
• Teammate Austin Brown of Aurora Ford/Ekati Diamond Mine won a silver in automotive technology; finally,
• Emma Taylor of Mint Hair Salon, who is currently attending school at Madam Chair College brought gold home to the territories.

Skills Canada Northwest Territories' mission is to engage Northwest Territories youth to explore career opportunities in skilled trades and technologies. Engagement through workshops, presentations, and competitions gives secondary, post-secondary students, and apprentices a chance to learn more about these lucrative and viable career options in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you. The good news is I won't do this again this session.

Contributors to the event include the Government of Canada, ECE, the Royal Bank of Canada, Rio Tinto Diavik Diamond Mine, and WSCC.

I want to send an extra special thank you to the school districts, educators, and volunteers throughout the Northwest Territories that support this fabulous organization. I personally had the opportunity to participate several times in their Power Up Youth Mentorship Workshops hosting a water treatment filter building workshop with 13-year-olds. It was always the highlight of my year as a consultant, and I'm excited for the organization to get back to all the important work they do.

Additionally, like my colleagues, I would like to congratulate all the graduates in the NWT, and specifically those in my riding. The fact that you have persevered over the last few years is a testament to your resilience and strength. Congratulations. Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. In July 2021, the Minister of Finance was undertaking public budget consultations. I want to compliment the Minister for this important initiative, which has happened in each of the last three years. Despite urging from Regular MLAs, the last Minister did not do this.

For the 2021 budget consultation or dialogue, the Minister of Finance posted a revenue options discussion paper just the day before public engagements. I would certainly encourage that the discussion paper be refreshed, with a more balanced approach to taxation, and be released well in advance of any meetings.

I am quite concerned about what it will cost us to ensure our residents in Hay River can recover quickly and fairly from the devastating flood in May, the need to rebuild GNWT infrastructure there, and any further preventative measures such as relocations or diking. With inflation running at 6.8 percent nationally and 7.1 percent here in Yellowknife compared to April 2021, we must find more revenues to maintain the same programs and services.

In the past I've suggested a number of ways to raise more revenues including:

• Adding at least one more high-income tax bracket to personal income tax;
• A capital tax on financial institutions as we are one of only five jurisdictions in Canada without such a tax;
• Raising more revenues from mining royalties which are comparatively low against most other regimes; and
• Negotiating a new fiscal relationship with Ottawa where we get to keep more, if not all, of our own source revenues.

The current fiscal path is completely unsustainable. Now is the time to examine our core values of sharing, justice, equity, and whether these are truly reflected in our revenue efforts as we recover and rebuild.

Another way to spend more on our programs is to reduce our capital spending. As shown in the supplementary appropriation we just dealt with, we could not spend the money in the last capital budget. We need to become more realistic and focused on those projects that provide real benefits to our people, especially housing.

I will have questions later today for the Minister of Finance on preparations for Budget 2023-2024 later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, and TGIF to everyone.

Mr. Speaker, in June of every year, we celebrate National Indigenous History Month. During this month, we celebrate the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples across Canada.

There's a writer who shared that since time in memorial, our oral traditions have been passed from generation to generation, teach our beliefs, history, values, practices, customs, rituals, and relationships. Mr. Speaker, this goes across all nations.

Our elders, also known as knowledge-keepers, pass on our culture and teachings so we will not forget our roots to Mother Earth and to preserve our way of life.

The drum is a gift which enlights us all and it is through this unity that we form a circle of life allowing us to share the drumbeat of a nation in dance. Go out and enjoy life with Indigenous people, and feel the connection. Taste the traditional foods of our people. Feel the spiritual connection with the feeding of the fire, and let your troubles soar away.

Mr. Speaker, June 21st is recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day across this country and here in the North. We celebrate this day in many of our communities so come on out and get your drum dance on. Mahsi.

Thank you Member for Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.