The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Colleagues, before we begin, I would like to recognize former president of the Nihtat Gwich'in Council, Mr. Jozef Carnogursky. Welcome to the Chamber.

Good afternoon, colleagues. February is Indigenous Languages Month in the Northwest Territories. It is a time to acknowledge the importance of language and culture to the well-being and resilience of Indigenous peoples around the North. It's also a day to recognize the many language champions working to address the language crisis facing Indigenous peoples. To our interpreters, thank you for the invaluable services you provide every day. Mahsi.

Colleagues, today I am proud to announce the renaming of the Legislative Assembly's meeting rooms in the territory's nine Indigenous languages. This project was inspired by nature and reflected in language. Each room is named after an animal in one of the Indigenous languages. Illustrations were done by the NWT-born Indigenous artist Trey Madsen.
All Members, staff, and public are encouraged to use the translated room names to integrate Indigenous languages into our everyday work. By celebrating Indigenous Languages Month, we acknowledge how fundamental language is to the identity of Indigenous peoples in the Northwest Territories. Mahsi cho, colleagues.

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

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Mr. Speaker, three years ago I was given a mandate to initiate a review of the income assistance program to ensure its objectives, benefits, and delivery support the social and economic aspirations of the people of the NWT. Since then, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has put in a considerable amount of time and effort into fulfilling this mandate. Based on the findings of the review, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is now in the process of finalizing the most significant changes to the income assistance program in a generation. These changes are supported by a proposed additional investment of over $5 million annually that will flow directly to our most vulnerable residents.

Mr. Speaker, the current income assistance program provides financial assistance to residents for rent and utilities, based on actual amounts, additional allowances for persons and seniors and persons with permanent disabilities, and set amounts, based on family size and community, for food, clothing, and furnishings. The program is intended to ensure a minimum standard of living and support greater self-reliance. To determine how well we are achieving these goals and whether these goals are still appropriate, the department conducted an extensive internal review of the program and engaged with stakeholders and the public through virtual focus groups, online surveys, and telephone interviews.

A total of 363 people participated in the engagement, with representation from Indigenous governments, non-government organizations, utility providers, landlords, the public, and frontline staff who deliver the income assistance program, and current and past income assistance clients.

In addition to the public engagement, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment completed a satisfaction survey, with 262 responses.

Based on this work, we are proposing to introduce two distinct income assistance programs this summer. First, we are proposing to introduce a redesigned income assistance program for clients ages 19 to 59. Over the years, there have been a number of incremental changes to the income assistance program, including modest increases and exempting certain types of income from the income assistance calculations. However, these increases have not kept up with inflation. The last full adjustment of benefits based on the Consumer Price Index was in 2005. To address this issue, we are proposing to increase benefits based on the new Market Basket Measure North, which is the Government of Canada's official measure of poverty that has been adjusted to reflect the realities of the North. This will ensure that there is a clear link between the amounts provided by the program and the amounts actually needed to establish a modest, basic standard of living. To reduce the program's administrative burden on staff and clients, we are proposing to streamline benefits and remove the requirement to participate in a Productive Choice. To remove barriers to employment, we are proposing to increase the amount of monthly income that can be earned before it is deducted from benefit payments from $200 plus 15 per cent of additional income to $500 plus 25 per cent of additional income. We are also proposing to remove employment-related suspensions so clients are not suspended from the program if they try to maintain employment but are unsuccessful. To advance reconciliation, we propose to increase the exemption for funds received from an impact benefit agreements and treaty or land claim agreements from $500 per year to 100 percent. We also propose to increase the unearned income exemption from $1200 per year to $350 per month.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to a renewed income assistance program, we are also proposing to introduce a new income assistance program for seniors and persons with disabilities. The program will be based on annual income so clients will only need to apply and report their income once a year. By moving to an annual process with income determined using the notice of assessment, only taxable income would be considered when determining benefits. As such, under this new income assistance program, money that seniors and persons with disabilities receive from friends and family, lottery and bingo winnings, and income tax returns and GST will no longer be included as part of the assessment.

Mr. Speaker, due to the magnitude of these changes there is still much work to be done - regulations and policies must be amended, a performance measurement plan has to be developed, staff need to receive training on the new programs, but we are well on our way and I look forward to updating this House as we continue to make progress on this important initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.

Julie Green Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, addictions continue to be a serious issue in the NWT. Many residents have experienced the grip of addictions at some point in their lifetime while many others have watched family or friends battle drug or alcohol dependencies. The GNWT is committed to making sure that residents have access to the right combination of culturally safe supports and services where and when they need it. This is why the 19th Legislative Assembly made it a mandate priority to increase the number and variety of community-based mental health and addictions programs, including aftercare. To ensure that actions we are taking best meet the needs of the people we serve, we regularly conduct internal and external audits to make sure that we are measuring up to our own standards and priorities. This is why we welcomed the 2022 findings of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada's audit of addictions prevention and recovery services for the period of August 1st, 2016 to July 31st, 2021. The findings from the audit help us understand where our programs are on track and where we need to improve outcomes for residents experiencing addictions.

Mr. Speaker, we accepted all seven recommendations by the Office of the Auditor General. The audit speaks to the importance of aftercare, cultural safety, access to services, coordination of services, and client outcomes. Later today, I will be tabling the Addictions Prevention and Recovery Services Work Plan that sets out concrete actions that we will be taking in response to the audit. The work plan identifies five areas of improvement to address the seven recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General. These include

• increasing our understanding of residents' self-determined mental wellness and addictions recovery needs to inform program planning and priority setting;
• enhancing partnerships with Indigenous governments and communities to ensure a continuum of services that better meets the addictions needs of residents; improving access to culturally safe addiction prevention and recovery services;
• increasing consistency in coordination of addictions services and aftercare; and
• enhancing the ability to track community-identified and service user-identified outcomes.

Mr. Speaker, many initiatives were already implemented, or work was underway during the time the audit was taking place. Examples include the establishment of the cultural safety and anti-racism unit that will ensure cultural safety is represented in all policies, programs, and documents. Another is the transformation of the addictions and recovery system by ensuring residents and their families have access to the right level of care when and where they need it. This model of care uses a recovery-oriented approach to provide same day access to flexible mental wellness and addictions recovery services. The community counselling program eliminated wait lists for counselling services. Other examples of work aligned with the audit recommendations include the

• establishment of an Indigenous advisory body;
• establishment of the peer support and addictions recovery and aftercare funds;
• development of a territorial approach to managed alcohol;
• establishment of the mental wellness and addictions recovery advisory group; and
• creation of Indigenous patient advocate positions and an Office of Client Experience.

Work is also underway to develop a territorial model for medical detox and the establishment of transitional housing for addiction recovery.

Mr. Speaker, we will be working closely with Indigenous and community partners, as well as health and social services advisory bodies to refine and implement approaches to advance change in the addictions and recovery services system.

Mr. Speaker, I understand the devastating impacts addictions have on families and communities across this territory. The work plan outlines how and what we will be doing to provide safe and effective services as well as meaningful tools to help struggling families and individuals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier.

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce today the launch of a new funding portal on the Government of the Northwest Territories website that will make it easier for territorial residents, businesses, non-profits, non-governmental organizations, and others, to find information and access funding opportunities offered by the Government of the Northwest Territories. This initiative also advances our government's commitment to open government by making government information accessible in a way that is responsive to the needs and expectations of NWT residents.

Mr. Speaker, the government's job is to help improve the lives of the people we serve. We must not only accomplish our broader mandate objectives but also make smaller meaningful improvements along the way. These actions are the building blocks to accomplishing our broader priorities and this funding portal represents one of these smaller but significant achievements.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories provides over 120 unique funding programs to residents, delivered by nine departments and agencies across the government. It is understandable that sometimes residents have difficulty finding these programs as the information, while provided online, is located on various government websites. This comprehensive new funding portal brings all these programs together in one online location. Residents can filter through based on who they are and what kind of funding they are looking for. The launch of this portal provides citizens with a clear and simple path to accessing the monetary support they need.

Mr. Speaker, whether you are a small business owner looking to grow, a non-profit organization seeking support, or an individual who needs financial assistance, this new feature on our main GNWT website allows you to find the resources and supports you need to succeed.

It also represents equitable access to government funding, Mr. Speaker. Some residents of the Northwest Territories are less familiar with today's online world, and many struggle to navigate websites to find what they need. This small improvement means that more residents, regardless of their comfort level with technology, can more easily understand and access funding and support available to them. The launch of this portal is a direct response to what I have heard from residents, businesses, and non-government organizations across the territory. It demonstrates our commitment to empowering residents and providing the resources they need to thrive. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Honourable Premier. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.

Katrina Nokleby Great Slave

Drin Gwiinzii, Mr. Speaker. February is Indigenous Languages Month in Canada, and once again the Northwest Territories proves unique in that we are the only political region in Canada which recognizes 11 official languages, nine of which are Indigenous. Indigenous Languages Month is an opportunity to celebrate the NWT's unique culture and heritage, once again emphasizing how important it is that we preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages. We will achieve this through their everyday use, in-depth educational program, and new technology such as apps, ensuring these languages survive for generations to come.

It was with this in mind, Mr. Speaker, that in the last sitting I introduced a Private Member's bill to change the name of my riding Great Slave. It was my intent to identify a name more representative of the Indigenous people of the Yellowknife area and their culture.

When I began speaking with people on this topic, to gauge residents' thoughts and opinions, it soon became apparent to me that many people had strong feelings about a rename. Some were not open to change and felt the name should stay Great Slave. Some wanted the change but objected to the name that I had proposed, which was just a placeholder, Mr. Speaker. And others had wonderful ideas about how the name should be chosen and what significance should be looked at. Geographical names were proposed as were some that represented the wildlife and the flora of the NWT.

Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, I have decided not to move forward with my bill in this Assembly. I want to ensure that the proper time and consideration is given to this important decision - consideration that is beyond what one MLA can do and particularly one that is not Indigenous. It is my hope, Mr. Speaker, that the 20th Assembly will take a good look at the names of all the ridings in Yellowknife, as well as those outside, and determine a new methodology for renaming them that incorporates local traditional knowledge and has the approval of the Indigenous governments.

Mr. Speaker, before settlers arrived, Indigenous people had names for the different areas in this region that we call Yellowknife. It is respectful and honourable to have them lead the discussions when renaming the ridings of the Legislative Assembly.

I just want to say big thank you and mashi cho to all of our interpreters and translators who have to deal with me speaking a mile a minute. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

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

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. On February 15th, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ("CRTC") announced that it would not review Cabin Radio's application to take its programming on air with a new FM radio station. There are a number of problems with this decision, and it needs to be reversed.

First, while I respect the authority of this quasi-judicial regulator, I am concerned with the lack of NWT representation on this body. The legislation establishing the CRTC states that federal cabinet appoints up to 13 members. The only requirements are that an individual must be a Canadian citizen, ordinarily resident in Canada, and not have any direct role or interest in the telecommunications sector. If you look at the CRTC website, there are now eight members and one apparent vacancy on the board, with geographic representation from five regions where the northern territories are lumped in with adjacent provinces.

For the first time ever, a northern resident, a Yukon First Nation citizen, was appointed in August 2019. This is a good thing but why is the NWT lumped in with Alberta in terms of representation on the CRTC?

That BC and Yukon commissioner was also one of the two dissenting opinions on the Cabin Radio decision. I want to quote a few points from her dissenting opinion: "There was not enough evidence on the record to show me that Yellowknife cannot sustain a second commercial radio station," and "the Commission may wish to consider a departure from its general practice not to accept further applications for a commercial radio station to serve the Yellowknife market for two years from the date of the decision."

Another dissenting opinion had the following to say, Mr. Speaker. "The existing commercial radio stations in Yellowknife cannot bar competition indefinitely by citing unprofitability. Diversity of voices should be supported as much in a somewhat remote northern community as elsewhere in Canada. Contrary to the decision, I believe publishing the applications received and proceeding to a hearing is the appropriate and timely response. The alternative is further delay."

While I personally disagree with the CRTC decision, the public wants to know if Cabinet is doing anything about this situation. I think we also need a more systemic fix to ensure that the NWT's interests are known and understood by the CRTC through its membership. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

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

Frieda Martselos Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Fort Smith is home to some of the oldest school infrastructure in all of the NWT. Not only that, but Fort Smith is also home to three buildings with a residential school legacy and all of them are still active in use today. The three buildings I am referring to are PWK High School, JBT Elementary School, and Breynat Hall at Aurora College. To be perfectly clear, all of these structures are either former residential schools or former federal Indian day schools, and they're the only remaining of such structures left standing in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, JBT was built in 1958 and officially opened in January 1959, which makes it 65 years old. Originally, it was a federal Indian day school with students from multiple nearby communities until the building was purchased by the Government of the Northwest Territories in 1969. After that, the building was converted into an elementary school which is, to this day, being used for the purpose for students of Fort Smith.

In addition, the former Grandin College was built in 1962 and was run by the Catholic Church as a residential school until 1971 when the Government of the Northwest Territories bought the buildings and converted them into PWK High School. Since then the government has continued to use the old Grandin College residential school buildings for the high school in Fort Smith.

Mr. Speaker, the link between federal Indian day schools and residential schools have already been firmly established by the academia and the testimonies of survivors from both systems; therefore, both these facilities carry a heavy history of abuse and colonialism that cannot be ignored. We know that both systems caused a lot of damage to many of the students who attended these schools. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, these schools are 65 and 60 years old respectively and are in serious need of replacement. For these reasons, I am once again calling upon our government to begin the process to replace and decommission these two facilities.

Two years ago, I tabled an ECE document entitled NWT's Schools Capital Needs Assessment Summary. It was dated April 22nd, 2003, and listed all schools in the South Slave, the year each was constructed, the year of the last major renovations, and the year that it should be reviewed to determine if a replacement is necessary. According to that document, JBT was scheduled to be replaced in 2018 and PWK was scheduled to be replaced in 2020, but neither has happened despite the age and history of both schools. I do not agree with that. So I am hoping that our government takes notice and will work with Fort Smith to replace and rebuild new schools for our community. I will have questions for the ECE Minister later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

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