Colleagues, before we begin, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize some visitors to our proceedings today. I am pleased to welcome the Grade 3 class from Ecole Itlo. It's great to see students here learning about consensus government. Thank you for joining us today. Mahsi.

Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories transportation system is critical to connect residents and communities, to support the economy and allow for the delivery of goods and services. Our government is committed to improving, maintaining, and expanding our highway system to offer safe and reliable infrastructure that can adapt to effects of time and climate change while also creating training and employment opportunities for our residents.

Mr. Speaker, we had another busy highway construction season last year. In fact, this year alone we spent more than $45 million improving our highways, bridges, and access roads. Some of the highlights of the work included:

• more than 160 kilometres of chip seal overlay; 68 kilometres of roadway rehabilitation;
• five bridge rehabilitations;
• pre-engineering work for the rehabilitation and replacement of several structures; and,
• the completion of approximately 135 bridge and culvert inspections.

On Highway No. 1, chip seal overlay was made to 138 kilometres of road, including the Fort Simpson Access Road and the Fort Simpson Airport Access Road. Rehabilitation work including embankment widening and drainage improvement on a 12-kilometre section are in progress and will be completed this summer.

On Highway No. 3, we have had very positive discussions with Transport Canada on the replacement of the Frank Channel Bridge. Pending approval funding, permit applications for this project will be submitted this year with construction commencing once these authorizations are received. We also completed surface repairs and rehabilitation on Highway No. 3 during the past year, including chip seal overlay of 23 kilometres of the road.

Similar work was done on the Ingraham Trail on a section that is a little over four kilometres long, and work on 14 kilometres of Highway No. 7 in progress and will be completed this summer. Both projects include embankment widening and culvert replacement.

The Dempster Highway received embankment widening and rehabilitation on a 10-kilometre section on the Marine Bypass.

On the Whati Access Road, the first phase of rehabilitation work was completed last year, which included right of way clearing and material production for Phase 2 work. In Phase 2, the 12-kilometre access road that connects the community to the Tlicho Highway will be improved, including road embankment re-construction, installation of drainage culverts, and replacement of culverts with a short span bridge. Work on this project is expected to begin later this year.

Mr. Speaker, this is just an overview of the hard work the Department of Infrastructure and its contractors are carrying out. More work will be completed this summer and fall and new projects will be initiated, including rehabilitation on the Inuvik-Tuk Highway. We recently received federal funding for this project which will include raising low-profile embankment areas, improving drainage, and installing guardrails as needed.

We continue to work closely with all of our public and private sector partners to build and maintain transportation networks that meets the current and future needs of the territory.

Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.

Mr. Speaker, in the past two years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has provided over $50 million in funding support. This year Housing NWT is again delivering an exceptionally large capital program of over $104 million.

Under the federal budget 2022, Housing NWT will be receiving an additional $60 million for the delivery of 100 new public housing units. This annual capital delivery plan involves the construction and renovation of more than 510 housing units in the Northwest Territories. This plan includes investment in public housing units, hundreds of major retrofits and biomass district heating projects, and supporting the construction of some market housing units.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise that approximately 80 percent of this delivery is now either already completed or in the construction phase. To date, Housing NWT has awarded negotiated contracts to eight Indigenous governments and businesses for the delivery of 30 new housing units that were awarded to:

• Delta North Alliance;
• Fort Smith Metis Council;
• Norman Wells Claimant Corporation;
• Hay River Metis Government Council;
• Liidlii Kue First Nation;
• Deninu Kue First Nation;
• MYB Construction in Tulita; and
• Techi Limited in Deline.

Also under the Tlicho Infrastructure Cooperation Agreement, Housing NWT awarded the construction of a local housing organization office and duplexes in Behchoko and Whati.

Mr. Speaker, as part of Housing NWT's strategic renewal, Housing NWT has put a focus on engagement with Indigenous governments, and a good example is the implementation of this capital plan delivery. This engagement does not only include negotiated contract opportunities but also opportunities for Indigenous governments to directly participate in housing design and other delivery aspects such as site selection. Engagement and strong communication have been a major focus of our renewal efforts.

In addition to our own delivery, we will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous governments, community governments, and non-governmental organizations to help them access funding through the Government of Canada's National Housing Co-Investment Fund.

Mr. Speaker, as part of our renewal, we have taken a more client-focused approach. The co-investment fund application process can be very cumbersome and requires significant resources to move through the different application phases. Housing NWT's community relations advisor works closely with Indigenous governments and non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and other partners to support applicants from across the Northwest Territories as they move through this complex process. This supports Housing NWT's mandate to ensure the well-being of individuals and communities and assist those most in need.

Mr. Speaker, beyond the benefits of adding housing options in communities where new units are built, the economic benefits of construction delivery can provide meaningful opportunities for employment. Housing NWT is committed to working with northern contractors as much as possible in order to maximize the benefit of these projects. I am very proud of Housing NWT's track record in being able to support our local and northern businesses. 99 percent of Housing NWT's contracts were awarded to local and northern businesses during this past year's capital delivery and similar levels of support are expected again next year.

Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT's capital plan delivery continues to support critical training and skill development opportunities for our residents.

In April 2020, Housing NWT amended its construction contracts to require general contractors to support at least one northern apprentice for the duration of the construction project. I am very pleased to advise that, in addition to the 12 apprenticeship positions that Housing NWT is supporting with local organizations, this new apprentice hire requires for general contractors to support and create 35 new apprenticeship work assignments to date.

Mr. Speaker, this coming year, we will see the completion of our partnership in building market housing units for RCMP. During the renewal conversation, Housing NWT heard that a number of partners are interested in exploring market housing delivery. As a result of those conversations, Housing NWT will soon be engaging with partners across the Northwest Territories to further explore the need for market housing units in smaller communities. Although this the delivery of housing units and repair projects will make a meaningful difference, there is still a lot of work left to be done to ensure all residents of the Northwest Territories are provided with equality and quality, affordable, housing options. By continuing to work with our partners, I am confident that we will continue to make progress towards our shared goals to be able to help the people across the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, last month I attended the annual Association for Mineral Exploration Roundup conference in Vancouver with fellow Cabinet Members and government officials. We were there to advance this Legislative Assembly's priorities to increase resource exploration and development in our territory; adopt a benefit retention approach to economic development; make strategic infrastructure investments; and, to identify, prioritize, and strengthen key actions to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

Achieving meaningful progress on these multiple and complex priorities is far more effective through partnerships. To most effectively achieve strategic investments and economic development alongside the advancement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, we need partners, collaborators, supporters and advocates across all levels of government, with industry, and stakeholders.

Building effective partnerships happens with time spent together, meeting both formally and informally, in different settings, with different combinations of parties to bring a variety of perspectives to the exchange. Having those kinds of opportunities was a major part of the work we did at Roundup. One of the messages that we carried with us is the commitment that we have at all levels, to evolve how development is done in partnership with Indigenous people.

For Northwest Territories leaders, the depth, strength, of what we have in common is never more obvious than when we are working together, particularly outside of the Northwest Territories, as advocates for the North. I was pleased to participate in multiple events alongside Indigenous governments from the Northwest Territories. The mineral resource industry and, in particular those who invest in it, is changing rapidly. The recognition of environmental, social, and governance factors, as well as Indigenous relationships, is the way of the future for resource development.

As I have said before, this is the way we have done business in the North for a long time and together, with Northwest Territories delegates and Indigenous delegates, the GNWT was able to showcase the partnered and sustainable approach to resource development that exists here. Our collective presence at a forum like Roundup, and strong advocacy for the Northwest Territories, made each of our messages stronger.

This year was a particularly strong showing of our movement towards a more whole-of-government approach to governance. Our delegation included, at different times, Premier Cochrane, Minister Archie, and also officials from Infrastructure, Lands, Environment and Natural Resources, Finance, and Industry, Tourism and Investment. We were also supported by the presence of MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong, the Member from Monfwi, as a representative of Standing Committee on Economic Development and Oversight. Together we met face-to-face with operators and company executives interested or already working in our territory as well as those who are new to the opportunities in the Northwest Territories.

The GNWT supported three networking events to promote the territory to investment audiences and to encourage dialogue about the Northwest Territories' attractiveness for investment.

First, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment held an environmental, social, governance Indigenous-themed event that welcomed Indigenous governments from across the Northwest Territories, mineral resource companies, and investors. We were especially pleased to have the Tlicho drummers start this event off.

Next, led by Premier Cochrane, we celebrated last year's creation of a Northwest Territories chapter of Women in Mining and the election of Tlicho-born Gaeleen MacPherson as its president. Tlicho Grand Chief Lafferty spoke, recognizing the transformational accomplishments of Northwest Territories women, not only in mining but throughout the Tlicho.

Finally, supported by officials with the Department of Infrastructure, Minister Archie hosted an event promoting the territory's green energy potential while reiterating the importance of federal investment in three key infrastructure projects: The Taltson Hydro Expansion, Slave Geological Province Corridor, and Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Northwest Territories' mining community and Indigenous governments and industry stakeholders who took time out of their own objectives at the Association for Mineral Exploration Roundup to support us in advancing ours.

We are at a pivotal time for the Northwest Territories. Resource availability, technology, market demand, and global interest are coming together to create extraordinary opportunities for investment. As part of our marketing efforts, the Northwest Territories geological survey released a new compilation of critical mineral showings in highlighting the distribution of critical mineral finds in the Northwest Territories. On the conference's exhibit floor, we promoted our region and its geology to explorers and responded to the growing interest that we are seeing in the Northwest Territories' known and potential deposits of rare earth and other critical minerals.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is positioned to play a key part in advancing the world's new technology-based green economy. More importantly, we have the opportunity, as governments, and industry together, to contribute to economic growth and prosperity in Northwest Territories communities where it is so needed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the illicit drug trade, it is all about money, power, and control for those higher on the food chain, and all about access to drugs and the high it provides for those addicted. Life is unimportant to those in the drug trade, as many of us have attended numerous funerals and services for friends and family murdered because of it. Families are being torn apart with little or no consequence for those responsible. It is time for this government to provide our frontline enforcement and health workers with the tools needed to effectively deal with the illicit drug trade and addictions.

Mr. Speaker, all levels of government continue to talk about how to address the drug problem. Billions of dollars is being spent on drug enforcement and addictions treatment yet the problem is only worsening. Over the last several decades the tools used by the enforcement personnel to combat the drug trade continue to be eroded. The public, although not pleased with what is happening, are often reluctant to get involved due the possibility of retaliation by what is a well-organized criminal element.

Mr. Speaker, as I said previously, it is about money, power, and control. We have seen photos of piles of cash confiscated by the RCMP. What we do not hear and see is when, due to insufficient evidence or a technicality, that same cash is given back to the person it was confiscated from or allowed to be used to pay for that accused's legal counsel.

Mr. Speaker, I want this government to consider and pursue a piece of legislation that would aid in our fight against the manufacture, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs in the NWT. Mr. Speaker, the legislation I am talking about is that of civil forfeiture; legislation that would allow for the seizure and ownership transfer of property without compensation when the property is suspected of being acquired through an illegal act or used to commit an illegal act. The property, if retained, could be placed in a trust where it may be used to compensate victims, support addictions programs, support crime prevention initiatives, and for other productive uses.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation is used throughout most of Canada, including Nunavut, and we need it enacted here if we expect any chance of winning our fight against the illicit drug trade.
Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.

Mr. Speaker, Happy Friday. I rise today, like many of my colleagues, to acknowledge the wonderful work of all of the athletes, staff, parents, etcetera, that attended the Arctic Winter Games in Wood Buffalo. I had several constituents from Great Slave that participated, and I would like to acknowledge them here today. So we had Arctic Sports. We had Danicka Taylor in basketball. We had Abigale Nevet Jazard, Ashton Mercado, Emanuel Ramos, and Francesco Stefanos. And I'm probably going to butcher a few more names here, Mr. Speaker. We also had Adam Clinton and his coach Steven Dunbar, who we're all very familiar with in cross-country skiing. Noah Jackson Grow and Isabel Nevet all in -- oh, sorry -- and Nathan Stefanos who all participated in the futsal tournament. And we had Kalie Grant who was coaching ice hockey and her participant, Adrena McDonald. Mission staff included Rami Lashay, Tyler Rentmeister, Oliver Williams. We had table tennis with Sophia Baracello. And both volleyball, Fea Samantha Marzan, Trey Grantner, and their coach Chad Hinchey.

I just wanted to say, Mr. Speaker, I really enjoyed watching all of the posts that were being made by various participants as well as the organization at Team NT. It seemed like everybody was having a wonderful time. And I know, for myself, that as a child those opportunities to travel and meet other kids from other places are -- go well beyond sport and, you know, build those future leaders for us as a territory. So I just wanted to say congratulations to them all. They did wonderful and they made us proud. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past Tuesday, the Government of the Northwest Territories shared its plan to address changes to the Affirmative Action Policy. In their announcement, it states the government's intention to replace the existing Affirmative Action Policy with two new policies in its place. The Indigenous Employment Policy and the Employment Equity Policy.

The Indigenous Employment Policy would prioritize hiring persons who are descendants of Dene, Inuit, and Metis people who are Indigenous to the present-day boundaries of the NWT. And the Employment Equity Policy would provide preferred hiring to Indigenous Canadians, rationalized persons, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and long-term Northerners.

Well, Mr. Speaker, there's a lot of new ideas in there, some of which I agree with but some that I do not.

I do agree with the Indigenous Employment Policy which is nearly identical to the existing Affirmative Action Policy. And I do agree with providing priority hiring to long-term Northerners, whether Indigenous or not. However, I don't agree with them doing priority hiring to all Indigenous Canadians at large. To be clear, I have no issues with Indigenous Canadians who are not born in the NWT being employed by our public service. I just take issue with that group of people getting the same affirmative action status as the Dene, Inuit, and Metis people born in the NWT. To me that does not solve the issues with the Affirmative Action Policy. It just widens the net for who qualifies as priority one hiring, which I'm sure is not what the majority of the Dene, Metis, and Inuit people of the NWT wanted to hear. I seek unanimous consent to complete my statement, please, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consent granted

In addition, Mr. Speaker, I don't know how the government is unveiling these new policies. Before announcing this to the media, Cabinet should have first come to Regular Members for input and feedback. Cabinet also should have taken these proposed changes to the Intergovernmental Council to consider the input from the Indigenous governments who are part of that council.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, on the news release on these policies, the Government of the Northwest Territories announced they will be hosting public engagement sessions in various communities across the NWT. I am concerned that Fort Smith was not on the list for the public meeting; however, I since emailed the Finance Minister about my concern and she has assured me that Fort Smith will host a public engagement session on March 28th, 2023, which I'm looking forward to. I will have questions for the Minister of Finance at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about carbon tax. I specifically want to talk about what we're doing as a territory to mitigate the cost of living and the cost of business impacts on carbon tax. I understand that we don't have a choice about imposing the tax. If the GNWT doesn't impose the tax, Ottawa will do it for us. But we do have a choice about how we spend the revenues from the carbon tax.

The government has decided to go with a made-in-the-NWT approach. But this approach leaves some residents, most businesses, and all community governments, Indigenous governments, and NGOs worse off.

The main estimates in the department documents provided breakdowns next year for 2023-2024. The GNWT expects to collect $63 million in carbon tax revenue but only $48 million of those revenues are earmarked as offsets. The remaining $15 million, about 25 percent, is going into general revenues. In other words, our made-in-the-NWT carbon tax is not revenue neutral. We are keeping $15 million in general revenues as we provide zero offsets to community governments who are already underfunded and will face pressure to raise property taxes or cut services, local businesses who will be forced to raise prices for goods and services, and NGOs who will have to stretch scarce dollars even further to provide vital services.

At the same time, of the $48 million in offsets that we do provide, the biggest piece, $24 million, or half, goes to the large emitters. That's more than the $20 million in the COLO payments to households. How fair is that?

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues on the other side share my frustration and disappointment at the way Ottawa is pushing its carbon tax with too little regard for our unique northern circumstances and its historical responsibilities to our region. But if we are going to go with a made-in-the-NWT approach, then we ought to have something that is better than the federal approach, something that is fairer too so that the government returns all revenues, and all sectors of societies can mitigate the tax. I'll have more questions for the Minister of Finance on making our carbon tax offsets fair. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. The Diavik Diamond Mine is set to cease production in 2025 and there are some questions about what this government is doing to plan for that event. Under the devolution agreement, GNWT is fully responsible if the operator cannot, or will not, carry out any required remediation, so there is a lot at stake.

The final closure and reclamation plan was submitted to the Wek'eezhii Land and Water Board on October 13, 2022. It is undergoing a thorough review and is subject to approval of that board. There are some curious statements in this plan regarding the airstrip which is 1600 metres long and has a 45 metre-wide granular surface. It is capable of accepting Boeing 737 jets and Hercules aircraft. The plan for the airstrip is that "it will be recontoured to remove steep sides and berms, scarified where human and wildlife access routes are not envisaged and targeted for re-vegetation." The plan also states, "DDMI is awaiting an expression of interest from the GNWT and, if there is interest, a path forward and schedule for transfer of airstrip responsibilities." All activities associated with decommissioning these facilities will occur between 2027 and 2028.

It appears from the cost estimates submitted by Diavik that the reclamation of the airstrip will cost them about $132,000 using equipment already at the site, and a portion of the re-vegetation costs for the entire site that are set at about $1.4 million. If a third party had to do this work after the site is abandoned, the airstrip reclamation would be exponentially higher with mobilization, demobilization, and other associated costs. It is clear that Diavik would save money by not having to reclaim the airstrip but it is not clear whether those eventual costs or interim operational and maintenance costs will be funded by Diavik for any residual infrastructure it, or others, want left at the site.

Another big issue for GNWT is what happens to the NWT-based workforce at Diavik when it closes in 2025. According to the latest Diavik socio-economic monitoring report from 2021, 500 of the 1200 employees, or 40 percent, are NWT or Nunavut residents. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

The Socio-Economic Monitoring Agreement is extremely weak and the only mention of closure is in appendix D on cultural and community well-being. It states, "DDMI will introduce and maintain the following measures to assist northerner employee to perform well in their jobs and to help their local communities cope with any potential effects of the project item X on closure, gradually reduce employment at the site." That's it. That's all that's in the agreement.

I understand that Diavik has an extensive program, though, in place for individual career planning and placement post-closure. My question is, what is GNWT doing? I will have questions later today for the Premier as the closure issues at Diavik cut across several departments. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community at this time.

Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we heard in the Minister's statement today that the NWT Housing Corporation is currently completing construction renovation of more than 510 housing units in the Northwest Territories. But this does not adequately address our housing infrastructure deficit in the Northwest Territories. This is primarily required operations and maintenance on existing units and includes a hundred new units over these last four years. When some of this long-standing public housing has been devolved into homeownership already. So I'd like to, instead, talk about the absolutely outstanding announcement from the Nunavut Housing Corporation that was announced yesterday.

Nunavut's Housing Corporation announced their plan of Nunavut 3000, which is a plan to build 3,000 new units by 2030. Nunavut plans to achieve its goal by incentivizing and pursuing partnership with Inuit organizations, the private sector, and other levels of government to expand the housing continuum and provide safe, secure, and affordable housing. Nunavut 3000 will add 300 transitional housing beds, 1,400 public housing units, 900 affordable housing units, and 400 market housing units because the northern housing crisis, as we all know, goes beyond a need for public housing. We need supportive and transitional living solutions as well as affordable and market housing. We have seen multiple examples of much needed jobs unfilled or hard to fill because of lack of housing across this territory. This plan spans the Nunavut housing continuum and increases the range of housing options, reduces the social and economic costs of inadequate, unaffordable housing, increases the housing stock that meets modern building codes and performance standards, supports the development of a stronger housing supply chain, realizes true partnership to improve the social and economic conditions of Inuit through housing, and provides training through earn-while-you-learn opportunities that increase pre-apprentices, apprentices, and skilled trades people.

Nunavut suggests that for every $1 million in housing capital investment, 5.9 jobs, each paying $64,000 a year, are generated. With a track record of building on average 90 new homes per year for the last three years, Mr. Speaker, Nunavut Housing Corporation has shot for the moon and intends to complete Nunavut 3000 within the next eight years, but not alone.

Mr. Speaker, true housing success can only be achieved through partnership, and Nunavut plans to incentivize private participation in addressing the housing crisis. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and a huge 'thank you' to my colleagues as well. Mr. Speaker, while I don't know what these incentives will look like, Nunavut estimates Nunavut 3000 will cost a whopping $2.6 billion and about 35 percent of that will come from the private sector. If the NWT wanted to proportionately match Nunavut's housing goals, the NWT's goal would be 3700 units. Mr. Speaker, this is the same number of homes that I asked for in my 2022 motion to increase the population of the Northwest Territories.

I'm going to be honest, Mr. Speaker, this is a lofty goal with a huge price tag, but this plan makes Nunavut a step ahead, ready to clearly seek specific funding. You know what they say, Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. With a goal of delivering 360 new homes in the first year, I'll be watching and cheering for Nunavut's success and hoping our own government shoots for the moon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I stood up in the House and made a statement regarding lack of first responder services in our community. And I spoke about the past incidences where we counted on the nurses and the RCMP, and they did at that time help respond to serious incidents within the community, whether they were accidents or deaths. And I also spoke about lack of RCMP attention to assist our community members even though they were called yet the RCMP is noted in our community to attend to check on people on probation even, or they attend to accidents. So their service is pretty sketchy.

You know, our communities face numerous challenges on delivering these type of programs as we don't have the population or the funding levels that the larger centres receive. So we're really up against a brick wall. We don't have -- well, as I said, it's the funding or we don't have people that are trained. And, you know, when you take up the illicit drug trades -- and it's hitting my community, you know, Fort Providence too and many other small communities. And with that, there's always the fear, and it has happened that we're dealing with overdoses. You know, whether it be from poison or whatever, it's still an overdose. And it's becoming rampant. There's nothing that we -- you know, we can do as community members without the help of the RCMP services there and, also, they help out the nursing profession. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, and mahsi, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, we're dealing with a policy with the health department, or I think it's across all GNWT departments because I notice other employees have a ball and chain that they're stuck to their desk. And it's happening with the health department. There was no consultation with the communities in the past about this situation, which is a very serious situation for our community. And we need to see that changed. We would like consultations with communities in addressing this issue. Let's meet face-to-face with the community leaders and see what we can come or resolve. This is very important.

Another thing, too, we keep getting directed to MACA but it's going to be under the volunteer fire department, which is already stretched to its limits and very limited funding. We are asked to get a first responder from that department. We're not going to get that without serious funding, you know, and attention by this GNWT to assist us to get to that goal. There's nothing in this budget that's going to help to improve emergency services for our small communities. We require serious attention to these matters by this government and not the ongoing lip service as a way out of this situation. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my riding in Nunakput are resource rich and cash poor. Our land, we have enough oil and gas for the Inuvialuit to prosper for generations. But, Mr. Speaker, resources are all locked up by our federal government.

Mr. Speaker, people in my riding are overcrowded homes, they have the highest cost of living, and they're the most food insecure. The struggle with the drug and alcohol addictions is everywhere, and there is little opportunity to work.

Mr. Speaker, we lack hope. We lack opportunities. We need the economy back. We need the oil and gas development so that the people could go back to work, earn a good living, pay their bills, buy their own homes and put food on the table. And when the oil and gas was going, all nine communities were prospering in the Beaufort Delta. Everyone was working. But, Mr. Speaker, this government is preventing Nunakput riding from getting ahead. Why isn't our Premier standing up for us? This federal government has extended the moratorium on the offshore for another year. It can't develop offshore resources. Why? But last year the federal government approved the oil and gas project off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador so they can approve the projects in the East Coast but why they're taking so long to provide for the North?

Oil and gas has been in the Delta since the '70s, '80s, '90s, and early 2000s, Mr. Speaker. I'm born and raised in Tuk, and I've seen it all. I've seen oil companies come and go. But everybody had work, and everybody had food. Why is the GNWT allowing this moratorium to drag on when our people need work? Mr. Speaker, the federal government is delaying development also and resources for settlement on M18, a natural gas project right outside of my home community of Tuk on 718 Inuvialuit lands. It is a settled land claim. We settled that land claim in 1984, 39 years ago, Mr. Speaker. And they're holding up the project. It's unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, this project is delayed, and what is our GNWT doing about this? What is the GNWT saying to the federal government to get this project back on track and what is our Premier saying about the offshore? And I'll have questions for her later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It seems our health system's on a pretty clear trajectory, which is that its deficit keeps going up and the number of services we offer keeps going down. And, Mr. Speaker, I recognize that many of these are due to the inability and the struggle to find specialized services. And the latest victim in this is our rheumatology program, which has recently been discontinued and transferred down to Alberta. However, Mr. Speaker, after this program was cancelled, we all found out in the news that perhaps it wasn't so hard to find a rheumatologist. And in fact, there was one who had been working with the health system and had intentions to start a multidisciplinary arthritis program. But in order to do that, that rheumatologist would have needed an extra added health position to ensure the continuity of care. And what happened here is asking the health authority for an extra position takes time; I get that. But over a year went by with no response and eventually the rheumatologist gave up.

But he tried one more time with another plan that would not have just as much not continuity of care but at least it would ensure we are providing some rheumatology services in the North. Well, once again HHS didn't get it together, and we didn't get that plan. And so the plan became we'll ship this down to Alberta. And, Mr. Speaker, I think we have to stop relying on Alberta's healthcare system for increased specialized services. We see their wait times. We see the struggles they are going through. And, Mr. Speaker, we need to invest in these.

I'm also not convinced that the math is being done because now what you have is you have an increase in out-of-territory services and payments we're making to the Alberta health system, and you have an increase to our ever and growing medical travel budget, Mr. Speaker. If we just worked with the specialist, who was initially here, to provide those services, work to slowly grow the practice and provide that continuity of care, I believe our patients would be better off. And, Mr. Speaker, I'm not convinced that the department worked with those patients because I am now hearing from many people, who have rheumatoid arthritis, of the struggles they are going through to work in that Alberta system. They much would prefer to have access to a rheumatologist here and someone who has that continuity of care to fill the gaps when a rheumatologist is not in our system.

I will have questions for the Minister of health about what we can do to bring this service back to the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the following young Indigenous Tlicho citizens who participated in Arctic Winter Games 2023:

• Jimmy Joe Drybones;
• Tenisha Steinwand;
• Joshua Wedzin;
• Patsy Wetrade. Patsy is originally from Whati but she is living in Behchoko to attend Chief Jimmy Bruneau school;
• Rusty Mantla is an admission coach; and,
• Ryan Barbeau is a teacher and a coach.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of these young people's dedication and commitment to sports. They work hard and represented the NWT, especially the Tlicho Nations, but we do more participants from the outlying communities. We have less representation at the Arctic Winter Games.

Mr. Speaker, sports and recreation is critical to life in the NWT. We need to ensure that our children and youth always have outlets and opportunities to play and compete in sports. We know that sports give discipline, structure, and opportunities. Exercise and sports is good for mental health as it is widely reported, and it is a healthy outlet.

Mr. Speaker, one of the Tlicho community governments, specifically Behchoko, the recreation budget is about $2 million but they get very little support from MACA for recreation program, less than $100,000. The funding and recreation programs are using the funds by renting out the sportsplex to other people to generate funds. And even the rent is not enough to sustain the program and services delivered.

Our infrastructure funding, the community government funding, CPI and gas tax, is about $1.7 million, which is nowhere near our infrastructure need, for example, replacing aging pipe in Behchoko and Edzo. This project will take up - Mr. Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you. The infrastructure funding CPI and gas tax is about $1.7 million, which is nowhere near the infrastructure needs of the community to replace the aging pipe in Behchoko and Edzo. This project will take up to $30 million, and this is a big challenge. The community government operation and maintenance and water and sewer subsidy funding are not increasing. And as you are aware, the fuel prices, power costs, food - the increase in groceries are all increasing. The cost of living are increasing, and it is -fficult to make ends meet. Sports is so important to children and youth it is recognized to reduce the risk of suicide.

Mr. Speaker, due to lack of funds, community government are struggling to deliver program and services. Communities in my ridings are having to do cutbacks in workers. Mr. Speaker, we must ensure that we do not cut the recreation department. We need to ensure that above all else that children and youth always have access to playing and competing in sports. Thank you. I will have questions for the Minister of MACA.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, before I get into my Member's statement, I'd just like to wish my two daughters, Nancy and Deborah, a Happy Birthday today.

Mr. Speaker, Brian Kotchea was born on June 7th, 1970, in Fort Liard, to Frederick and Martine Kotchea. He was one of 11 children. They raised their children at the family's traditional camp at Francois, British Columbia. This is where Brian gained many traditional skills from his parents and spoke fluent Slavey. At the camp, Brian developed his traditional skills and knowledge to become a successful hunter and trapper. Over the years, Brian was always known to be good in the bush and a very skilled hunter. According to his brothers, "Brian was one-of-a-kind hunter who would skin a moose fast and would always be happy when he was on the land."

In 1987 Brian had met Alma in Trout Lake, and in 1988 they had their first child - Bianca, then followed by Neil, then four more children - Brianne, Blair, Brett, and Briant. His family was his everything, including Alma's oldest daughter Tanya who lived in Trout Lake.

Not only was Brian a skilled hunter and trapper but he was also a self-taught mechanic and carpenter. It did not matter if it was crafting a boat or a toboggan, fixing snowmobiles or outboard motors, or fixing log cabins or fireplaces, he was at home in the outdoors, As Brian had knowledge of making birch bark basket and canoes which he loved doing with his wife.

Brian was a good teacher and taught his children the importance of appreciating the land and using the resources that were presented. He always had his children or young nieces and nephews with him. Brian was the happiest when his children were helpful with tasks at the camp, boating or hunting.
Brian loved to go moose hunting along the Liard River. He was well known as a skilled moose hunter and enjoyed hunting with his family and friends but, most importantly, he was able to share his teachings with them, especially with his son Brett.

Brian enjoyed the traditional way of life and shared his skills of harvesting moose meat and sharing whatever he can. He was considerate of others. Brian was passionate about being on the land and often spent much of his time in the bush. Beside loving his family and being in the bush, he enjoyed listening to Elvis. Elvis was always being played at his house or in his vehicles and he would love singing to his children.

Brian was known for his sense of humour and always had a way to make you laugh. He was happy and did not spend much time on negative feelings. The family said that Brian lived a full life. He loved and cared for those close to him, especially his children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, Brian passed away on December 9th, 2022. Brian will be dearly missed by Alma, their children and grandchildren, and forever missed by others, and loved. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community.

Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Honourable Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by the Member for Great Slave on October 18, 2022, regarding a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Red Cross.

The Emergency Management Act empowers local authorities to enter into agreements for emergency management supports, which could include agreements with the Canadian Red Cross. The issue of the Government of the Northwest Territories entering into a moratorium of understanding with the Canadian Red Cross was raised at the NWT Association of Communities' annual general meeting on September 17th, 2022.

The GNWT recognizes the valuable services offered by the Canadian Red Cross, or CRC. The Ministers of Municipal and Community Affairs, or MACA, and the Department of Health and Social Services, met with CRC representatives to discuss services that could be available to the Northwest Territories through their organization. MACA and the CRC have explored how the services offered by the CRC could be used within the structure of the NWT Emergency Management Organization, or EMO.

Given the Emergency Management Act empowers local EMOs to enter into agreements like this, MACA has decided to not contract support with the CRC. While this may change in the future, at this time each community government is encouraged to examine their community emergency plans and determine if there is a role for external agencies such as the CRC. If community governments decide there is a need, they can contract services directly from the CRC.

The health and social services system has engaged in short-term contracts with the Canadian Red Cross in the past and will continue to engage in the future when needed. While there are no current plans for additional contracts with the organization, this could change depending on circumstances and operational requirements.

I understand that the territorial planning committee, with membership from all government departments and agencies, will be reviewing the Northwest Territories' emergency plan in the near future. Through this committee, departments are supported to examine where an agreement with the Canadian Red Cross could be beneficial for them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Premier. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I recognize my visitors in the gallery, I would like to say that I misspoke during my statement and didn't realize that Oliver Williams was in fact Cabin Radio's Ollie Williams, and I would like to just clarify that. I was sent a memo just to let me know that that was the case.

I would like to recognize CKLB's reporter Ian Down, who is in the gallery today, and his parents, Richard and Valerie Down who are visiting Yellowknife for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to welcome my constituency assistant Arlene Hansen who is joining me this week. Thank you very much, Arlene, for being here with me. And while I'm up here, Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to acknowledge our Inuvialuktun interpreters Lillian Elias and Valerie Stefansson from Inuvik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Boot Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to start by recognizing two pages from the Range Lake North School that are in the House, Divyesh Chotalia and Ethan Bottomley. And I'm also going to try, for the hundredth time, to recognize a Range Lake constituent, Mr. David Wasylciw. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Range Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will recognize the Yellowknife North pages who are here today, because they can't go anywhere. And that's Emma Grace Wells and Seiya McEachern. Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to acknowledge and recognize the new chair of the YK1 School Board, Mr. David Wasylciw. Thank you.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Monfwi.

I would like to recognize our Tlicho interpreters Jonas Lafferty and Maro Sundberg and all other interpreters that are here today. Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the translators Theresa Etchinelle and Sarah Clearly, and thanking them for translating our session here in the North Slavey language and having the people of the Sahtu enjoy our proceedings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Sahtu. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Replies to budget address, day 3 of 7. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Finance Minister tell us if the Government of the Northwest Territories has sought any feedback from Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, on the new Indigenous Employment Policy or the Employment Equity Policy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Minister responsible for ITI.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, Mr. Speaker, a letter was sent, firstly, to all Indigenous governments back in October. Around that time, there was also a letter sent to colleagues from all of the Assembly, letting them know that this work was underway. This was, of course, in response to a commitment made in this House, I believe by the Premier, with respect to the Affirmative Action Policy and saying that it was high time to get this work moving. And so that consultative process, as I said, began in October and is continuing now. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess maybe the Indigenous governments haven't read it yet. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell us if she is confident that the Dene, Inuit, and Metis people from the NWT will be supportive of the new Indigenous Employment Policy and the Employment Equity Policy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had two Indigenous governments reach out directly to my office to confirm that they wanted an opportunity to have a direct engagement on this. And I know that officials have also spoken with officials from the Department of Finance with respect to the engagements. And, Mr. Speaker, beyond that, though, with respect to what the reaction of individual members, groups, governments might be, that is not mine to presume or assume. What we have attempted to do, Mr. Speaker, is to design having both an Indigenous Employment Policy that is specific and to the Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories as well as an Employment Equity Policy which would finally modernize our system and bring us up to speed with how much of the rest of Canada, or arguably the rest of Canada is functioning, but in keeping with having the Indigenous Employment Policy here is to be reflective of the northern distinctive features that we have. And so it is my hope that we will finally be able to see some change and some movement in the public service so that it can be representative of the people here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister explain why her department did not bring the new Indigenous Employment Policy and the Employment Equity Policy to Regular Members for feedback before it was announced publicly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, I do have a letter that I understood had gone to Members in October. Obviously, things don't always go perfectly, and I don't know where those letters sometimes go on the other side. But it was sent in October, alerting them to the fact this was coming. More correspondence was sent in January and February to update as to the progress. I don't have a final policy yet. That's exactly where we're at. We've got a sense of the two policies and what we expect to see in them and how they might work. But as for the final drafts, I don't have them yet. Before they are in a fully final state, I'd be certainly happy to have a briefing with my colleagues to go over what we've heard, what information we've received, and apply that to, again, to the outline that we have before putting that final pen to paper. And so again, certainly looking forward to doing that. I certainly find that it is a helpful process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Thebacha.

Mr. Speaker, if Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, or a majority of the NWT population rejects these two new policies mentioned, will the Finance Minister take that criticism seriously and amend these proposed policies to better reflect the will of the people of the NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the human resources and the representation of the population of the North within the public service has been something I've taken very seriously in this role and that the department takes seriously. The Affirmative Action Policy, as it is now, was from 1989. It is woefully out of date. It is not in keeping with best practices. It arguably may not be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. And it's not showing achievement. We know we're sitting at 30 percent representation of Indigenous people in a territory with 50 percent representation. So we know there's work to be done.

What the policy is seeking to do by splitting it out is having an Indigenous Employment Policy so that we can continue to give a priority to a preference to people of the Northwest Territories -- the Indigenous people of the Northwest Territories while also bringing in an equity policy because we are recognizing that there's distinct groups that are also disadvantaged, including in the Northwest Territories. So people who may be LGBTQ2IA+ peoples, disabled peoples, who aren't right now reflected and given that kind of priority. So it is my hope that we will see that the new way of approaching this targets groups that are underrepresented, does so in a way that is, you know, reflective of the values of the North, and I hope will start to get us to a place where we have a representative public service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Hay River South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the reality in the Northwest Territories right now is that the drug trade is expanding. You know, we see, you know, the addictions growing. We see deaths increasing. We see families torn apart. And it's important that we do something before we can't handle it.

So, Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Justice tell me what happens when the RCMP seize large amounts of money, or assets, suspected to come from illegal activities; are these seizures made under criminal or civil legislation? Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Minister responsible for Justice.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the RCMP has seized money or other property under the Criminal Code or Controlled Drugs and Substances Act or other applicable federal legislation, there's a number of options available to the court with respect to that seized property. If there's been a conviction for any offences for which the accused has been charged, the Crown may make an application to have the court consider whether or not the seized property is related to the offence for which the conviction arose. If the court finds that the seized property is related to the offence, the court may order the seized things to be forfeited. In some circumstances, forfeiture can be sought by the Crown where the individual charged with an offence is not convicted. But those are limited to situations such as where the accused has died, abandoned the property, or cannot be located.

There is also provisions in various pieces of territorial legislation which deal with the forfeiture of seized property when a charge has been laid, some of which require applications and discretionary decisions by the deciding justice. And in some cases, there's automatic forfeiture upon conviction. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It sounds very complicated, and I'm not sure if we really accomplish much with it.

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me with respect to the illicit drug trades, in the past year how many seizures of cash or assets were made by the RCMP, and how much of that was returned to those that it was seized from? And I realize I'm asking for statistics so I will allow the question to be taken on notice. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And the Member's correct, my last answer was complicated. That's why I read it verbatim so I wouldn't get it wrong. But basically if there is a conviction, then property can be seized. If there is not a conviction, it's a different story altogether.

So I don't have the numbers that the Member is asking. As part of the efforts of the Department of Justice to start turning its mind towards this area, that is one area that we are looking into and I hope to be able to get those numbers at some point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess what I'm trying to do is to find tools for the RCMP and enforcement to, you know, combat drug trade in the Northwest Territories. So I'd ask the Minister to confirm if the department has looked at current civil legislation to see if it can be used to address some of the issues caused by the drug trade. And I'm talking about, for example, the Fire Prevention Act, the Residential Tenancies Act, can we use them as it stands now or can we tweak them so that we can make it so that the RCMP might be able to use it in fighting the drug trade? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And those are the same questions that I am asking. Sometimes drug houses might be fortified and so perhaps there is a way through existing legislation to enter those premises. The Residential Tenancies Act does have provisions which allows for evictions to occur when residents are carrying on illegal activities but that's initiated by the landlord, not by the RCMP. So there are some options available but not what the Member is looking for, but we are exploring those. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yeah, and we're counting on, you know, criminal legislation and it's tough to get convictions sometimes. It takes a long time. And, for instance, you know, I had one constituent who had people in the house under the Residential Tenancies Act trying to get rid of somebody because there was illegal activities there. Well, you got to prove that in court and if you don't, they just stay there.

So, Mr. Speaker, will the Minister commit his department to undertake a jurisdictional scan and review of civil forfeiture legislation and consider moving it forward in the NWT? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this point in the Assembly, all of the department's resources are committed to other projects. So I can't commit the department to do that work right now. However, as we wrap up the work that is ongoing in this government and move closer to the beginning of the next government, there should be an opportunity for the department to begin putting their mind towards this and start looking into these pieces of legislation.

I know that the civil forfeiture legislation, I believe it's in eight provinces and in Nunavut, it's been tried in Yukon, and it is somewhat of a controversial piece of legislation. So if we do move forward with this, it will likely have to be tailored to the territory, to the people of the territory, and I just hope that, you know, the next government does move with it. I hope they have the stomach for it because there are concerns around this legislation. But as the Member stated, we have to do something. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Justice. I've inquired with our legal team, and I'm looking around the Rental Tenancy Act and I'm finding it very confusing. So the Act allows for public housing clients to be charged a maximum security deposit, which is equal to the maximum amount of one month's rent. Given that public housing clients are subsidized and some of them are paying like $80 in rent, most of them cannot afford a $1,600 security deposit.

So my question is, since the Minister spoke in March of this past year and agreed that there was a lot of work to be done on the act, has any work been actually done on the act and if not, is there a plan to do so? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Minister responsible for Justice.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last major amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act were in 2015. There have been amendments in 2017, 2018, and 2019. But since March, the department has been focusing on getting its current initiatives over the finish line. This is really the busiest time of the year, and we're trying to get everything wrapped up so there has not been work on the Residential Tenancies Act; however, the rental officer, in the annual reports, has been putting forward recommendations and so, you know, this is a live issue that the Member is talking about. So it will be considered early in the next Assembly when the department undertakes a review of the Residential Tenancies Act. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I've seen on social media that a petition has been started to instill a maximum rent or rent cap for the NWT. Is this something that the Department of Justice could work on proactively ahead of receiving this petition? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, again, all of the resources of the department are tied up right now, and so there won't be any work on this. But it will inform the work that will be done in the next government. In 2014, prior to those 2015 amendments I mentioned, there was a significant amount of work done looking into capping rent; however, it was ultimately decided not to proceed down that road.

We really do need to take a look at the housing market in the territory and ensure that whatever we do does not hinder any future development because although a rent cap would, I'm sure, help a number of people, more houses would help more people. So it is a balance that needs to be struck. But we don't want to see people being evicted because of, you know, increases of 50 percent on their rent. So it is a live issue, and I'm sure the department will consider it in the next government. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yeah, it's actually a really live problem given that some people's rent just recently went up $1,000 a month here in Yellowknife, in the Premier's riding actually. So I'm not sure if she's done anything about it, but I'm highly doubtful, so does the Minister -- my apologies, Mr. Speaker.

Does the Minister have any plans to deal with the Birchwood Apartment situation that is ongoing right now? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would need a bit more description about what the Member is referring to by "the Birchwood Apartment situation." Thank you.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, clearly the Minister does not have his ear to the ground. It's the only thing that I've been seeing all over social media right now is this increase in rent which can only really be called a forced eviction. It's shocking to me to hear a Minister say that he is not live to the situation of what is going on here in the capital.

I'm going to move on, though, because I think my opinions of this Cabinet are pretty clear.

News articles have pointed out that there is a new tenants' association being formed. Are any plans being made to collaborate with this new tenants' association or to commit to creating a working committee or a working group with the tenants? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have my ear to the ground and my nose to the grindstone. I was not familiar with the name of the apartment building. I am familiar with the situation that the Member is speaking about. As I stated, any work on this is going to have to happen after we complete the initiatives that are currently underway. So either later in this government or early in the next government. Thank you.

Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my Member's statement today was on the federal government restrictions on extended year for the moratorium.

Mr. Speaker, where does my Premier stand and what is she doing to ensure that the offshore oil and gas moratorium gets lifted at this next and final -- I'm hoping the final deadline; where does she stand and this government stand? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Honourable Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to try to keep this precise but I've got a lot to say on this. Where I stand personally? I have concerns about it. Where we stand professionally, basically we're really saying like you need to consult with us. That was a promise that was made. I do know that the natural gas and the light crude in the Beaufort Delta actually creates less pollution than many other major energy sources in the world. So we do have things to offer up there.

What have we done about it? There was a letter sent on June 22nd to Minister of northern affairs Daniel Vandal, from myself, expressing my disappointment in the unilateral decision.

I also met with the Northern Premiers from the three territories and raised my concerns. The three Northern Premiers also sent a letter on July 22nd -- or 2022 about the unilateral decision. I've had a personal/impersonal meetings with the Minister of northern affairs a couple of times and expressed my disappointment as well. I've had two meetings with the Prime Minister in May and December 2022, stating my disappointment in the unilateral decision. Officials, as well, have been meeting between September and December, just recently, with the officials federally and expressing their disappointment.

My understanding, Mr. Speaker, is that the federal government at first said it was their decision, they weren't willing to discuss it any further; however, they've made some movement. They have assured me that they will be bringing the science-based review on the offshore moratorium, that they will be engaging with the communities, and the Inuvialuit regional -- region, and we're looking forward to that engagement. They're also talking about releasing the results publicly. And hopefully they will be looking at working with the GNWT to build our economy because they can't take the major economy from the Beaufort Delta and not substitute it, Mr. Speaker. On that, I'll just stop. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to remind everybody this is a settled land claim, which was done 39 years ago, and our federal government goes and shuts us down for our only way of living basically in regards to that, taking the -- I guess taking food off the table, giving us -- getting everybody on income support.

Mr. Speaker, what is the federal government giving the Government of the Northwest Territories to compensate the Beaufort Delta on not -- in taking away? What are they giving us? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I'm actually glad that the Member is bringing this issue in the House. I do know that the federal government does monitor our sessions, and I'm hoping they'll hear his words as well. These are the exact concerns that we have brought forward to the federal government. To this date, they haven't made; all they've said is they will work with us on reviewing the science-based review. They will support us in some of our building our economy, but they haven't given me a direct answer on that. And those are the questions that I would like answered from the federal government as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I brought up the moratorium and M18 project that's going to put people to work in my home community and the whole Beaufort Delta, in regards to the M18 project just outside of Tuk on 7(1)(a) lands, which is owned by the people of Tuk and under the Inuvialuit final agreement. 39 years ago it was signed again, Mr. Speaker. Again, the federal government goes and puts it under review.

Again, what are they giving us, Mr. Speaker? What are they going to give to the people of the Inuvialuit settlement region for the holdup for the M18 project? What's going to happen; what are they giving us? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I'll take that more as a comment; it's a reiteration of what he said. What are they giving us, and that's the question I am asking as well - what are they giving us? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Honourable Premier. Final supplementary. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to tell my Premier that please stand up for the people of my riding and the people of the Inuvialuit settlement region, and the whole Beaufort Delta, in regards to this moratorium. And we need help. Help us help you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput; more of a comment. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. In my statement earlier today, I covered two aspects of the closure of the Diavik mine, on whether GNWT was going to take over the airstrip and what role, if any, GNWT is playing with regard to transition planning for NWT-based employees. I'm going to ask my questions of the Premier because they cut across a few different departments. So can the Premier tell us whether GNWT has decided to take over the Diavik airstrip at closure? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Honourable Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm deferring those questions to the Minister of Finance who should be able to give comprehensive answers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Premier. Minister responsible for Finance.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the comment around the airstrip, I understand, arose with respect to materials that are now in the registry of the land and water board. Mr. Speaker, it's the land and water board that notes in its revision that it requires Diavik to include a statement of willingness to participate in discussions with government and other interested parties to assess the fate of the airstrip. So, Mr. Speaker, I gather that their statement of willingness to accept an expression of interest really is them complying with what is required of them by the land and water board. There's not been any request on behalf of the GNWT for that. But, again, certainly would expect that they would continue to comply with what's required of them as expected. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that. Maybe I'm a little bit not understanding here but Diavik has indicated they want to hear from our government on whether the GNWT wants to take over this airstrip. So what is the answer? Clearly Diavik will save money by not having to reclaim the airstrip and the new owner will incur liabilities and expenses related to its ongoing operations and maintenance and ultimate reclamation.

So, can the Premier tell us whether Diavik has offered to cover these liabilities and/or whether GNWT will ask for these costs as part of any takeover arrangement? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, again, Mr. Speaker, there's been no request on behalf of the GNWT for them to undertake this. It's not been initiated by us. But, again, in reading in full the section from the land and water board, it does make clear that the regulator is asking that Diavik remain open to that.

Now, Mr. Speaker, there has been the reimagine and closure project initiated by the mines. Looking at ways to better utilize all of the infrastructure that they have, looking at ways to give back in a more long and -- longer, having a legacy type of approach. We're certainly at that table with them but that is at a feasibility stage only. It's initiated by them. And, Mr. Speaker, to be very clear, it's been very clearly made to us that the diamond mines always will be reclaiming their sites and always will be doing so in line with the reclamation and closure plans that they have filed, including this one, where the regulator asked them to be open to looking at other ways to utilize the airstrip. They're open to receiving that. There's no request coming from the GNWT, Mr. Speaker, but we will always continue to engage to ensure that there is -- again, that we understand what's happening, that we are ready, and that that's the same case here. But there's no plans on our end to be requesting their airstrip, only that, again, they are following what they are being asked to do. And it's my understanding that they'll be moving forward with the reclamation plans, and progressive reclamation, exactly as required. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I think we have a failure to communicate here so let me try it this way: So the closure plan says that DDMI's waiting an expression of interest from the GNWT on a path forward and a schedule for transferring the airstrip responsibilities. That's from DDMI.

So can the Minister confirm and provide this side with the information, confidentially if necessary, has Diavik asked our government to take over the airstrip or even asked our government whether we're interested in taking it over? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, they haven't asked us to take the airstrip. We haven't asked them to leave the airstrip. The land and water board, very clearly here, says that they had a requirement that they wanted Diavik to be open to it and Diavik has said that they're open to receiving something. But we're not asking for it. We're not looking for it. And nor have they asked us to take it. So for the third time, I think they are complying with what they've been asked to do by the water board, which is exactly what we expect of the mines that operate in the Northwest Territories, that they would always read carefully everything they're being asked to do and comply with it. My reading here is that that's what they're doing. I don't represent the water board nor do I represent the mine. But, again, I'm not sure if I can be much more clear about it. They haven't asked us. We haven't asked them. They are complying. And we're all going to keep talking as we move forward towards reclamation and closure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. That's a little clearer, thank you. I understand Diavik hasn't asked us. We haven't asked them. So the issues probably still unresolved. But if we're going to take it on, we better get the money that goes with it.

So but, Mr. Speaker, I want to move on to the other issue that I raised, which is transition planning. So there's apparently 500 NWT/Nunavut workers at the site. So can the Premier tell us what, if any, role GNWT has played in the transition planning to date and whether there are any plans to do anything more substantive to assist the employees? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to say that with respect to socio-economic agreement monitoring that does take place, ITI is certainly one of the leads at that table. But this is where you do have ECE and Health and Social Services all involved, all working on this. GNWT does continue to have engagement with the mines to ensure that we understand their employment needs and their timelines to work with them so that there are training availabilities, whether mine training society or through ECE.

I can also say, Mr. Speaker, that because we are involved in that work with respect to all of the socio-economic agreements, there are other projects in the Northwest Territories who also have obligations to hire, and I expect that there will be many opportunities at those other mines, at the other two existing diamond mines, to quite readily achieve their targets by moving forward to take on these workers.

I say that with some confidence, Mr. Speaker, because when we had the Ekati shut down, we saw that the Northern employees very quickly were able to, in fact, find employment. So, again, I'm confident that with the time that we have, the runway that we have, that we would, in fact, be well able to accommodate those workers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My questions today would be for the MACA Minister but first I'd like to acknowledge that the Premier mentioned the Canadian Red Cross and their presence here in the Northwest Territories. Perhaps we should look at utilizing their services to help the small communities because we got dire emergencies on the first responders in our communities as we're left to our own devices.

I'd like to talk about the volunteer fire departments which are -- it's a voluntary service within our communities. There was an incident about a week ago in our community, about 4 o'clock in the morning. There was a shack -- a fire call to a shack and there was only one person from the fire department that showed up. And it was a good thing that that one person did show up and knew how to drive the truck because he saved a life.

So you know, we got challenges keeping volunteers all the time. There's no resources going to it. Most times nowadays, you know, you have to pay somebody to do very many things. And we haven't been given any further resources from the department to keep and maintain volunteer firefighters, training exercises, ongoing things.

I'm wondering if the Minister can advise if there are any plans to deal with the volunteer fire departments in the small communities? Mahsi.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Minister responsible for MACA.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, the Member talks about a very difficult and challenging situation in the communities. The department has regional assistant fire marshals out there that work with the communities. The communities just need to reach out to them. We can offer the training through the school of community government. The Member talks about the lack of volunteers. That's one of the challenges that we see a lot of, but we are working with the communities. So if the communities in his riding are looking for support, we are more than willing to bring in our staff to come in and help. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. And mahsi to the Minister for that reply. I think we're still facing challenges. Like I was saying before, like it's always like a lip service that we receive. They keep saying well, we got, you know, fire -- Office of the Fire Marshal or somebody that's working with our communities; apparently they're not, because I'm bringing out these issues. And it's for the other communities, the small communities which we're having challenges. And like I'm saying, we could probably utilize the Red Cross services, or the Canadian Red Cross, in our communities. The government just has to pay for that service so they can come in and help us bolster our volunteer fire departments. So I'm wondering if the Minister is open to that idea? Mahsi.

Mr. Speaker, I represent six small communities as well. I know my communities have reached out to the assistant fire marshal's office. The office is more than willing to come into the communities and work with them. We're also -- school of community government, we've had the ability to go into the community and work with the community specifically. So if we have volunteers that need first aid training, if they need fire training, we're more than willing to go into those communities to work with them. So the community, we can have the staff there. So that's what we're willing to do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.