The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Welcome, Members. Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Madam Speaker, every year we honour the efforts of individuals, groups and organizations who strengthen the arts, cultures, heritage, and Indigenous languages of the Northwest Territories. Today, I am proud to announce the 2022 Minister's Culture and Heritage Circle Award recipients.

The Individual Award recipient is Karen Wasicuna of Yellowknife. As the co-founder of Crazy Legs Contemporary Dance, her passion and support for dance and performing arts has had a lasting impact on many of her students who are now sharing their culture through dance in various professional capacities.

The Elders Award recipient is Peter Paulette of Fort Smith. He has been influential in promoting his culture and language by teaching and promoting hand games and drumming. Peter's passion for sharing his language, culture and heritage has helped keep history, culture and language thriving in his community.

Shawna McLeod and Lois Phillip are the recipients of the Group Award. They developed the Fort Providence Arts and Crafts Development Program to help local artists expand their creative abilities. This has provided support for unemployed artists to expand their craft and knowledge in their ancestral traditions while tailoring it for a modern market.

Betty Harnum of Yellowknife dedicated her life to the revitalization of Indigenous languages and for this, she is receiving the Indigenous Language Revitalization Award in memoriam. Betty loved languages and culture and served as the territory's first Languages Commissioner from 1992 to 1996. In her nearly 50 years in the North, Betty helped to establish the Goyatiko Language Society, led the CBC Indigenous Language Archive Project, and developed a Dene Dedline dictionary and an Inuinnaqtun dictionary.

Madam Speaker, I also have the pleasure of selecting the recipient of the Minister's Choice Award. This year, I am honoured to present this award to Linda Duford of Hay River. Linda is an avid supporter of reviving the North's rich cultural heritage of fiddling, as a veteran instructor with the Kole Crook Fiddle Association and while operating a music studio. Linda has taught and inspired countless youth all over the territories by enthusiastically sharing her love of music.

Our award recipients come from different communities and backgrounds but the one thing they have in common is that their actions create ripples, inspiring others to get involved in strengthening the territory's arts, cultures, heritage, and Indigenous languages.

Madam Speaker, I invite everyone to join me in not just honouring this year's Culture and Heritage Circle Award winners, but in thanking everyone who is committed to promoting and preserving the NWT's arts, cultures, heritage, and Indigenous languages. The work of these champions helps to ground us, brings us inspiration, contributes to the wellness of our communities, and benefits all residents of the NWT. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Member. Ministers' statements. Minister for ITI.

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

Madam Speaker, this time next week the residents of Fort Simpson will be rolling out the red carpet for the fourth annual Liidlii Kue Film Festival. The festival is presented each year by the Liidlii Kue First Nation with funding and support from the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Northwest Territories Film Commission. It has become a yearly opportunity in the Deh Cho to showcase and celebrate the artistry and talent of local and territorial producers. Like the Yellowknife International Film Festival, it can be credited with encouraging creativity and collaboration and promoting traditional knowledge and language and cultural retention across our territory.

In all of this, Madam Speaker, it is easy to forget that behind the scenes, film and media projects also provide a significant economic boost to the regions and communities in which they are staged and can play a key part of our government's commitment to increase economic diversification through the non-extractive sectors and increase employment in small communities.

As we continue to implement the GNWT's film and media strategy and action plan, we are working to increase awareness among municipalities, communities, and Indigenous governments of the economic benefits and opportunities that can be realized in partnership with the Northwest Territories film and media sectors. Since this time last year, Madam Speaker, over 25 projects have entered varying phases of development and production across the Northwest Territories.

Meanwhile location scouting by major production companies has also taken place in the Sahtu and the Beaufort Delta. Madam Speaker, the GNWT's film rebate program helps to attract these larger productions to the territory by providing producers with a rebate on labour and expenditures. Since 2015, the program has supported 17 productions leveraging a direct spend of over $5 million into the Northwest Territories economy.

It is not just feature films or prime time television that benefit our territory economically. Countless, small independent producers are attracted to the Northwest Territories every year. We are acutely aware of the rising demand, from our territory's community of passionate and dedicated film and media professionals, to invest more in the Northwest Territories film sector. ITI's film and media sector funding, under the support for entrepreneurs and economic development policy, is consistently oversubscribed.

Beginning in 2021, the department piloted a producers incentive program to better support the development of professional quality, commercial-ready projects for presentation to broadcasters, co-producers, and other financiers. Most notably, Jen Walden used the opportunity to advance her feature film Mother, which was accepted into the 2022 Whistler Film Festival's power pitch program and is now in the financing stages.

Madam Speaker, recognition of success warrants acknowledgment and a thank you to two primary industry stakeholders.

Western Arctic Moving Pictures is a member-based non-profit organization with a mission to produce, support, and promote independent film, video, and digital media arts in the Northwest Territories and to showcase it to audiences at home, across Canada, and internationally. They do so, in large part, by organizing the Yellowknife International Film Festival every year.

Secondly, the NWT Professional Media Association who, as a representative body of Northwest Territories film and media arts professionals, are committed to the professional development and growth of the Northwest Territories industry. Together, these organizations are strengthening the local film and production industry and helping create paths for future contributions, and I extend them a sincere thank you.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the funding support of Canada's northern economic development agency, CanNor, whose partnership allows us to invest as much as we do in the Northwest Territories film sector and to invest in the ongoing development and diversification of our Northwest Territories economy overall.

Madam Speaker, the territory's film sector plays an important role in educating audiences about the Northwest Territories traditions and social issues and celebrating the culture and heritage of northern places and peoples. The Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to promote and support made-in-the-Northwest Territories productions and build up our local industry as it continues to enrich the lives of residents and communities across the territory. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

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

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Madam Speaker, the reason you see so much pink around the House today is because today we are acknowledging Pink Shirt Day, a day to reflect on how we treat one another.

Two brave teenagers in Nova Scotia sparked Pink Shirt Day 15 years ago after a male student in their school was harassed for wearing a pink shirt. The next morning, David Shepherd and Travis Price handed out pink shirts to all the male students. Now, Pink Shirt Day is a call-to-action for schools, communities, and workplaces to wear pink in solidarity against bullying.

Pink Shirt Day will be held nationally next week on February 22, 2023. The campaign reminds us to "lift each other up", not just on Pink Shirt Day or the month of February, but every day. It encourages us to be kind and inclusive, and not tolerate bullying.

Madam Speaker, it is important that our schools and communities are safe spaces for our young residents. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment, and our education partners, follow the principles of inclusive schooling. That directive is meant to ensure that our schools, educators and programming meet the diverse needs of our students, in a way that is responsive, accepting, respectful, and supportive. ECE is also working with the Department of Health and Social Services to evaluate the child and youth counselling program. Child and youth counsellors are in Northwest Territories schools and communities to provide mental health and wellness services to children, youth, and their families. This evaluation will help us improve those supports and ensure they are accessible, effective, and meeting the needs of our youth.

Madam Speaker, Pink Shirt Day is also a reminder to applaud what makes us unique. It is especially important here in the North, where we share so many different cultures, traditions and languages, that we embrace our identities and accept our neighbours for who they are.

I recently heard a great example of this from a school in the Beaufort Delta. The school was holding a presentation on ending anti-Black racism, and the students learned that we should celebrate our differences. A junior kindergarten student asked two teachers in the room to compare skin tones with her, to see how they all were. Then she wanted to celebrate their differences with a hug. I am told this was a powerful indicator that this very young student understood the message of the presentation. I also understand that our regional inclusive schooling coordinators have other stories about students across the NWT showing bravery, standing up for one another, and supporting their peers. Let these students' actions be a lesson to all of us. Speak up when you see something that is wrong. Help out a friend, colleague, or stranger in need. Choose kindness, acceptance and compassion, and continue to "lift each other up." Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.

Frieda Martselos Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, earlier today, the Government of the Northwest Territories announced the recipients of the Order of the NWT for 2022, and among the names listed includes a very special Fort Smith constituent. And that person is Paul Kaeser Sr. II.

For those who don't know, the Order of the NWT recognizes people who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled in any endeavour benefitting the people of the NWT or elsewhere. This is the highest honour awarded to NWT residents.

Madam Speaker, Paul Kaeser and the entire Kaeser family have lived in Fort Smith for decades. In fact, they had roots in the community since the 1930s. The Kaeser family is well known and a respected family in Fort Smith who have had a family-owned business there for many years. Kaeser's Store, as it is known, is a grocery and a retail store that has been operated in Fort Smith since 1947. Over the years, their business has been owned and operated by multiple generations of the Kaeser family members, and their store has truly become a cornerstone of the community of Fort Smith.

Madam Speaker, I have also known Paul, or Paulie as most locals know him, for my entire life while living in Fort Smith. Paulie is a kind, loving and caring individual who is extremely devoted to the well-being of Fort Smith. Paulie is a very community-minded person who has helped to foster community development by always contributing to local events and causes through the years. He also is an avid sports fan, especially for curling. In his younger years, he was always active playing curling and baseball, and he continues to be very supportive of all sporting organizations and events in our communities.

Madam Speaker, it's always a pleasure when I get a chance to visit with Paulie because he always gives me great honest feedback on how to improve and maintain our community. I could not think of a person as deserving as Paulie Kaeser to receive the Order of the NWT. I know that all residents of Fort Smith will be supportive and proud in Paulie receiving this honourable recognition. On behalf of the constituents of Thebacha, I want to congratulate Paulie Kaeser for being selected for the Order of the NWT. Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Lastly, Madam Speaker, at this time I'd like to take the moment to congratulate the newly elected clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Glen Rutland. As chair of caucus, I'll be working closely with Mr. Rutland on various Assembly matters and I look forward to working with him in his new role. Similarly, I'd also like to wish our present and outgoing clerk Mr. Tim Mercer a happy and enjoyable retirement. I am sure he has other aspirations and interests in life so I wish him well with whatever he does next. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

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

Katrina Nokleby Great Slave

Good afternoon Madam Speaker. As everyone is aware, Cabin Radio has been a staple of the northern media scene for the last five years. Launching in 2017 with an online format, Cabin made an application in August 2019 for their FM license to begin broadcasting over the airwaves. On Wednesday, 42 months after submission, the Canadian Radio, Television and Telecommunications Commission, or the CRTC, informed Cabin Radio that Yellowknife's economy could not sustain a new commercial FM radio station therefore ending Cabin Radio's bid for FM status.

One of the most shocking things about this decision was that the CRTC never even opened Cabin Radio's application. Instead, the commission chose to assess whether Yellowknife was big enough - and economically healthy enough - for Cabin Radio to join the lone existing commercial license holder True North FM. Citing in part a submission from Vista Radio, the corporation that owns True North and several dozen other Canadian stations, the CRTC said "the market of Yellowknife cannot support an additional radio station." The CRTC also said it was unlikely to accept new applications for another two years. They also stated that Vista Radio had formally opposed Cabin Radio's license on economic grounds, citing that "the introduction of a new radio station deriving advertising in the market at this time will impact the incumbent stations' viability to provide local programming." Ironic given that at the same time, Vista has told the CRTC that they would like a second FM license in Yellowknife.

Summarizing the concerns of Vista Radio and CKLB, who was also in opposition, the CRTC said that "the introduction of a new radio station at this time will impact the incumbent stations' viability to provide local programming." However, Madam Speaker, Cabin Radio has already existed for five years and is already primarily financed by advertising revenue. Therefore, it would appear that this impact would have already been felt by the two established stations. Additionally, in an unusual move, two of the CRTC's panel commissioners filed dissenting opinions on the denial, showing that within its own organization there was confusion as to this ruling. Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, I will just take some of the absent of their time. Madam Speaker, Cabin Radio has filled a void in Yellowknife's media scene and played a pivotal role in the dissemination of information during the pandemic with their COVID Corner. It is mindboggling to me that someone in Ottawa thinks that a multimillion- dollar southern entity, such as Vista Radio, should be protected from the competition of five local Yellowknifers, who vastly give back to our community in a variety of ways. This flies in the face of everything we talk about when we speak of supporting northern businesses in this House, and the only explanation that makes sense to me is who is Vista Radio's friend at the CRTC, as this reeks of cronyism to me. I will have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

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

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In the life of this Assembly, Madam Speaker, housing's been a big topic in Nunakput. In the Nunakput riding, the struggles of the constituents and the people I represent, 24 percent of our houses have mold problems, 18 percent have pest infestations, 25 percent have poor indoor air quality, 13 percent of our homes are overcrowded, 20 percent of our homes in Nunakput have someone who can't get their own home and are homeless. We have poor quality homes just because of age and replacement is slow. We have to live in the coldest and darkest location in the Northwest Territories. We have overcrowded homes, not enough homes to house the people. We face the highest cost of living and very little employment opportunities. There are very little options for the people in my riding to change their situation, and help is needed, Madam Speaker.

We need the Minister of housing to think outside the box, to be creative in solutions. We need the Minister of housing to work with local community governments to train up apprentices and local housing maintainers so we can begin to take ownership of our own homes. I will have questions for the Minister today at the appropriate time. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker Lesa Semmler

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