Good afternoon colleagues. Wasn't that a great way to start our sitting? Please join me in thanking the Kole Crook Fiddlers for starting things off here today and, especially their great leader, Linda Duford.

---Applause

I also want to thank Sarah Cleary for our opening prayer today. Thank you.

---Applause

Colleagues, we last convened in this Chamber on November 3, 2022, and it is great to be back. I know you have been busy with your duties as members, Ministers, and with committees, but I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season and are feeling refreshed and prepared for this sitting. I know that I am looking forward to it.

Before we begin, I want to take a moment to congratulate our Team NWT athletes who competed in the 2023 Arctic Winter Games in Alberta. Team NWT put on a great performance and brought home many ulus to prove it.

I also want to congratulate and say a special thank you to the Fort McPherson Tetlit Gwich'in Dancers, who won the hearts of many with their wonderful performances. Congratulations to all of our athletes and performers.

Colleagues, I want to thank the pages that will be with us during this sitting. We are fortunate to be welcoming pages from Wrigley, Inuvik, Hay River, Ulukhaktok, Whati, Tulita, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife. I have said many times that the youth are our future. I am proud of our page program, which allows us to bring in youth from across our territory. I am honoured and inspired to have our future leaders with us in this chamber.

I would also to thank our interpreters for the incredible work they do for us each and every day. During this sitting we will have interpretation into Dëne Suliné Yatié, Dene Zhatié, Inuvialuktun, Sahtúot'ine Yati, Tlicho, and French. It is because of their hard work and dedication that we are able to honour our official languages.

Finally, I would like to take a moment to remind each of you, as Members of this Legislative Assembly, to conduct yourselves in keeping with our rules and traditions. When we show respect for each other, for this institution and for our rules, we show respect for those who have elected us to represent them here in this chamber. That doesn't mean we will always agree. We won't. Disagreement, even passionate disagreement, is a part of our job. However, when we disagree, we must do so with the dignity and respect that our people expect from us.

Now, colleagues, it is my duty to advise the House that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. It reads: Dear Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, the passage of:

• Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2023-2024;

• Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2022-2023;

• Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2022-2023; and

• Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2023-2024 during the second session of the 19th Legislative Assembly.

Yours truly, Margaret M. Thom, Commissioner.

Thank you, colleagues.

Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide an update on Housing Northwest Territories' Renewal, including some long-awaited changes we have made to programs and policies that are already improving housing supports for those most in need.

In June 2021, at the first meeting of the NWT Council of Leaders, I stood with my colleague, the Honourable Premier Cochrane, and committed to conducting a review of the former NWT Housing Corporation's policies and programs with a working group identified by the council.

In the short time since that commitment, I was mandated and I am pleased to report on some of the results of the important work, which has been guided by Housing NWT's renewal strategy.

First, we made fundamental changes to our mandate. These changes include:

• A commitment to deliver client-focused services and assist those most in need;
• The recognition that housing plays an important role in the well-being of individuals and communities, and
• Recognizing that strong partnerships are key to improving housing outcomes.

With a new mandate in place, Housing NWT has its marching orders to work with the Council of Leaders Housing Working Group and to look at policy and programming changes through the lens of the new mandate.

Some of the resulting changes include:

• Eliminating the need for a co-pay for emergency repairs to ensure that emergencies are addressed in a timely manner;
• Working collaboratively with stakeholders and Indigenous governments on the design and location of these units we build;
• Addressing the higher costs of home repair by increasing the maximum funding amounts for projects funded under these three programs: The Emergency Repair Program, Fuel Tank Replacement Program, and the Seniors Aging in Place Program.
• Changing our approach to Community Housing Plannings to recognize the key leadership role NWT Indigenous governments are playing in providing housing supports to their members;
• Enhancing our support to local housing organizations associations is our primary partner in the delivery of public housing in communities, with better training and communication;
• Improving tools for tenant education and communications regarding their tenancy agreements; and,
• Lastly, working to plan, build and manage our assets in an energy efficient manner with the Energy Management Strategy and Blueprint, the details of which will be announced soon.

Housing NWT will also be moving forward with a new pilot program that is expected to offset some of the costs of shipping materials to remote communities and this is another program that will improve the availability of minor home repair materials where they are difficult to access.

Mr. Speaker, the changes guided by Housing NWT's renewal are not limited to programs and policy. They touch on all areas of Housing NWT's work. We have charted a new path for collaborative work with Indigenous governments, including agreements with the Tlicho government, Sahtu Secretariat, and with others to follow.

We are improving our communication with stakeholders and the public. We are seeking partnership with non-governmental organizations and others like never before. We have seen successes in our engagement with the federal government addressing housing priorities.

I would like to thank the Council of Leaders, and their participants on the housing working group, for helping us improve and modernizing Housing NWT's mandate, programs and policies.

Your contributions have led to positive changes that are already helping us better serve our residents. Our renewal has marked a turning point for the GNWT in how we address the territorial housing crisis.

Mr. Speaker, by providing fair access to quality housing supports for people most in need, I am confident that we will increase the well-being of individuals and communities across the Northwest Territories as stated in our mandate. I am proud of the work we have done thus far, and I look forward to the work ahead.

I would also like to thank the staff of Housing NWT for working strategically with our communities as well and also with the feedback that we've received. They've really made a lot of changes within this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Colleagues, before we continue, I'd just like to welcome our former Member and Minister, Mr. Lou Sebert. Mr. Sebert was a Minister and a Member in the 18th Legislative Assembly. I'd also like to welcome Mr. David Jones, our Integrity Commissioner. Welcome.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the devastating impact that the drug poisoning crisis has had on the community of Hay River. The coroner has confirmed that there were six deaths related to drug poisoning in 2022. Many families are struggling to understand and cope with the emotional toll of these deaths.

Public health officials have noted that these deaths are drug poisonings rather than overdoses. The difference is that with a drug overdose, someone takes too much of something they know they are taking. But with a drug poisoning, the drug user is not aware their supply is contaminated with opioids. Because of this, we are now calling deaths shown to be related to fentanyl and carfentanyl "drug poisoning" to emphasize the added danger to all people who use illicit drugs. We need to help people understand that if they are taking drugs they must take precautions.

In Hay River all individuals who died from drug poisoning were alone. None of them had naloxone, a nasal spray which reverses the effects of opioids, and none of them were aware their drug supply was contaminated with fentanyl or carfentanyl. Anyone can be at risk of drug poisoning, including people who are using illicit drugs for the first time, people who use drugs recreationally, and people who are frequent or daily users.

Mr. Speaker, the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority has been collaborating with community partners on initiatives to prevent poisonings, to help drug users recover and their loved ones to cope with the stress of having a family member who is addicted.

To date, the authority has distributed educational posters about naloxone around the community. They have been offering the Matrix program to help people recover from addictions, and the Hope for Families workshops. They have created a team comprised of a clinician and a mental health professional to provide outreach services over the next three months, and they are ready to support the town's new social issues committee and the elders group.

In December 2022, a group of healthcare professionals assembled to help respond to this situation. Last month, the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, along with the chief public health officer, and the NWT chief coroner, held a news conference in Hay River to raise awareness about the drug poisoning deaths and the presence of fentanyl and carfentanyl in the community. The chief public health officer and her staff also met with community members and service providers to hear their concerns about resource gaps and to identify supports to address the concerns arising from drug use.

Mr. Speaker, the health and social services system wants to collaborate with the community to enhance supports and prevent further harms related to drug use. While this situation has reached a crisis point in Hay River, we understand there are many residents who are concerned with a rise in the use of illicit drugs in their communities. We intend to apply the lessons learned in Hay River to address these concerns with them.

Mr. Speaker, deaths due to drug poisoning are entirely preventable. My thoughts are with everyone who has lost someone close to them due to the contamination in the illicit drug supply in Hay River.

All residents can support a safer community by learning to recognize the signs of drug poisoning, carrying and knowing how to use naloxone, not mixing drugs, and if using, to start "low and slow," and not to use alone. It is important to know that you are protected from drug possession charges under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act if you call 9-1-1 for help, and please do call. You may save a life. I ask everyone in the Northwest Territories to help prevent further drug poisoning deaths by treating one another with compassion and understanding as we address this complex issue together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Finance.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will deliver the budget address on Wednesday, February 8th, 2023. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Caroline Cochrane will be absent from the House for today and tomorrow to attend the first ministers meeting in Ottawa, Ontario. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Deputy Premier. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we begin the final calendar year of our term, I'd like to start this session by first welcoming back all my colleagues into this chamber. It's good to be back after a winter break and holiday season. I hope all Members and staff of the Assembly had a good and restful holiday with their loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, for my first statement, I want to share a positive story about a Thebacha constituent who was recently appointed into a very prestigious new career opportunity. On January 12th, 2023, the federal government appointed Mr. Ernie Daniels to the board of the Bank of Canada.

Ernie is a member of the Salt River First Nation and will serve a three-year term on the 12-member board of directors. Ernie has over 35 years of senior financial management experience, including serving as president and CEO of the First Nations Finance Authority for ten years, which is a First Nations-governed nonprofit financial institution. In addition, Mr. Speaker, according to a spokesperson from the Bank of Canada, Ernie, to the best of my knowledge, is the very first ever First Nations person to join the bank's board. And as someone who has known Ernie all his life and have worked with him many times over the years, I can attest that he is a very driven, bright, and dedicated individual. I know he will excel as a director with the Bank of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, this appointment is not only a milestone for Indigenous people, but it respects the significant occasion for all of Canada. On behalf of the constituents of Thebacha and the people of the NWT, I want to congratulate Mr. Ernie Daniels on his achievement of being appointed to the board of directors on the Bank of Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, Hay River has, and continues to have, its fair share of substance abuse issues which has been driven home by the number of drug-related deaths in the last year.

Mr. Speaker, for those who are no longer with us, we grieve; for those who find themselves fighting a losing battle, we hear their cry for help. But are we as government listening? That cry is becoming louder, and it is not more studies they are asking for, it is not more reports they are asking for, and it is not more discussions they are asking for. What is being asked for is a safe place to detox with proper assessment and support.

Mr. Speaker, I am certain that we all know someone who is struggling with substance abuse, whether it be a family member, a friend, or that random person we pass on the street. Substance abuse has no qualms about who it engages and who it hurts. I hear more people in the community talking about never feeling so unsafe. I hear of children who are scared to go to the school bus stop because of the ongoing traffic to known drug houses. I hear of elders being coerced out money by family members who are looking to buy drugs. I hear of persons lives being threatened because of drug debts. This is the reality we are living in within our communities.

Mr. Speaker, the issue and impact of substance abuse in our communities, whether it be illicit drugs or alcohol, will not go away but that does not mean we give up and do nothing. I have constituents come into my office who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. I had known drug dealers attend my office who are addicts themselves and scared for their lives. All are looking for a way out but find that the resources needed are not there, not complete, and not immediate.

Mr. Speaker, we have no infrastructure or workable mechanisms in place to help those that are seeking detox support. They are told they need to be clean for 24 hours. They are told there are no available beds when they go to the hospital. They are told there are no trained addiction staff workers on the floor. They are told access to treatment facilities is weeks, and most likely months, away.

Mr. Speaker, it is time for the Minister of Health to make detox beds and qualified detox staff a priority, as I would rather visit my friends, relatives, and constituents at a detox or treatment centre than attend their funeral. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Merci, Monsieur le President. Over recent months, my office has done a lot of work on behalf of tenants in public housing units in the Lanky Court apartment complex in my riding. It's been a long and very difficult process to get responses from the housing minister on behalf of the Yellowknife Housing Authority working with Northview Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust. More importantly, actual improvements to housing conditions do not seem to have materialized.

There have been cockroach and bed bug infestations and housing conditions no one should have to endure. Young children being repeatedly attacked by bed bugs, mold so bad that it's causing breathing problems for tenants, public housing tenants forced to pay moving costs and service connection charges when they are moved within the complex, and more. At least one constituent finally moved out as there were no solutions being offered.

One constituent first came to my office about a bed bug infestation and inaction from the landlord on dealing with the pests. To combat the pests, this tenant had to treat or throw out all furnishings, clean the apartment thoroughly, and pack up household effects while the chemical treatment was actually underway. For a low income person, action packers, cleaning products, and new furniture are unaffordable and were not provided.

Compounding the pest problem was mold rot in the bath and kitchen area requiring extensive repairs. Through long and persistent lobbying, I got the constituent moved into another apartment while repairs took place on their unit. That seemed like a good solution, Mr. Speaker, until I learned recently that the new apartment was already infested with cockroaches.

I've also been informed that the tenant would not be moving back to the renovated and pest-controlled unit. The constituent was also charged $400 for moving furnishings and personal effects and would be charged the fee for transferring their electrical account.

It's hard to believe, Mr. Speaker, that we treat people in this manner. Looking at the core housing need and other data from the bureau of statistics, we see that these horrible conditions are commonplace across the Northwest Territories. Ten percent of all houses are considered inadequate, which in some smaller communities goes as high as 50 percent. Pests, mold rot, and bad indoor air are so commonplace that the bureau of statistics actually compiles separate data tables on these problems by community.

The root of the problem is this government's inability or unwillingness to provide adequate housing for all our residents. Housing is not a priority with this government when we continue to spend more on roads than on housing, and travel to Ottawa for mega projects, over housing. I'll have questions for the housing Minister later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a few participants from my constituency who were chosen for the 2023 Arctic Winter Games. The games were recently held in Fort McMurray, Alberta, January 29th through February 4th.

It's not often that we see any participants at the Arctic Winter Games from the smaller centres. We should join in cheers when they do happen. Although we did not get any participants from K'atl'odeeche First Nations, Kakisa, nor Enterprise, we did have four participants from Fort Providence.

Kristina Bonnetrouge participated as one of the badminton coaches for Team Northwest Territories. She will also attend the Canada Games in the next few weeks. Kristina, who plays badminton, attended Arctic Winter Games in 2014 and 2016, North American Indigenous Games 2014, Western Summer Games 2015, and the Canada Winter Games in 2015. Kristina has won the Aboriginal Sport Circle Award in 2014 and the Scott McAdam Youth Leadership Award in 2018. She is very keen to continue coaching, and we wish nothing but success for our own Kristina.

Thorston Gold, who was stationed and lives in Fort Providence, is the table tennis coach for Team Northwest Territories. Thorston is also the sport's chair for the table tennis event for the Arctic Winter Games held in Fort McMurray. In this position, Thorston assisted with the purchase of equipment and training officials to run the event. Thorston was also able to run the media and communication outlets for Hockey NWT and Table Tennis North. This allowed for the promotion of athletes sharing stories and ensuring the amazing experiences of our athletes were shared. We thank Thorston for his contributions to readying the athletes for participation at the Arctic Winter Games.

Two of our younger table tennis athletes were a brother and sister team made up of Karissa and Carter Sadowich. Karissa, 9 years old, and Carter, 11 years old, are part of the group of the younger athletes at these games. Their parents, grandparents, and our community are so proud they made Team Northwest Territories. I am certain this will not be the last games for Karissa and Carter. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Happy New Year, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to welcome yourself, my colleagues, the interpreters, and all of our staff back for a constructive and productive winter Session, and for the last year of our Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I hope you had a wonderful break, full of rest, relaxation, and time spent with family. I wish this was the case for all the residents of the territory, however, for many of my constituents and others, there was no break from the daily struggle of surviving. With soaring fuel and electricity rates, escalating rent and grocery prices, most residents are living pay cheque to pay cheque, and many are having to make the hard decision between paying a bill, or their rent, and having food on the table.

Further compounding their woes is the quality of housing that is available in our territory. When you spend excessive amounts of money on your rent and all you receive in return is a moldy, pest-infested apartment, with sketchy heating and people smoking crack in the hallways, it's extremely demoralizing. Mr. Speaker, several of these apartments are in my riding and several more exist throughout the city. Windows are broken and boarded up, fire extinguishers are set off on a regular basis; mold is present, and raw sewage is leaking, and many are often without heat.

Mr. Speaker, it often takes months for any response to my questions. And when I do get one, they are often vague and lacking details.

I asked for the plan to move residents into Nordic Arms, purchased by the department a year ago this month, and was told "sometime after the renovations are complete" which appears to be slated for April 2023. However, when I requested the sequencing plan to accommodate the renos and move in the residents, it's appears to me there isn't one.

Mr. Speaker, when is this Minister going to do anything for my constituents and others in the territory? Where are all these units she has continuously promised? Where are the contracts with NGOs to run the shelters in Yellowknife and Inuvik? Imagine my surprise, Mr. Speaker, to recently learn that the highly anticipated homelessness strategy, a priority to all 19 of us and promised for April 2023 last session, isn't even being led by the housing Minister anymore. Rather, this critical and desperately needed strategy, and subsequent action, is now being led by the Premier and EIA. What does this say about the state of the strategy, that in the 11th hour, the GNWT feels it's better for a whole new Minister and staff to execute it rather than the department where the expertise supposedly lies. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Mr. Speaker, what I am going to talk about is regarding housing in the Tlicho region, Behchoko, Whati, Gameti, and Wekweeti. And I'm going to talk about the rental prices. There's a lot of people that has debts with their rentals. And the whole process of rating their monthly rent. And sometimes some of these people are evicted from their units. I will be talking about that today. But today I want to talk about people's arrear and what happens to them in the future if they were to ask for a new rental again. So these are some of the questions I will be bringing forward.

I have so many concerns from my constituents regarding this. And also it is also is rated with your last year's taxes, the amount of money that they make the previous year, it's based on what they pay this year. Sometimes this year the person is not working, and some of them are saying that they're paying over a thousand dollars a month with no income. So I will talk about that and ask questions [Translation Ends].

Priorities as the Member for Tlicho region is to ensure that each resident in Behchoko, Gameti, Wekweeti, and Whati has access to affordable housing. Mr. Speaker, one of the barriers to accessing affordable housing is arrears. Residents have experienced evictions from public housing units due to arrears and are ineligible to reapply for public housing until those arrears are paid off. Mr. Speaker, far too often, the conversations is focused on what arrears are owed and not why arrears have accumulated. Mr. Speaker, my constituents have shared with me many reasons they have accumulated arrears that reflect the economic realities of the Northwest Territories, not the desire for someone to pay their rent on time. Mr. Speaker, can I have unanimous content to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mr. Speaker, my constituents have shared with me many reasons they have accumulated arrears that reflect the economic realities of the Northwest Territories, not the desire for someone to pay their rent on time. Mr. Speaker, I assure you that residents want to be able to pay their rent. Mr. Speaker, many of my constituents rely on seasonal employment and therefore lack consistent or stable income. Currently the practice of the local housing authority is to use the Government of Canada notice of assessment to verify income and determine a tenant's rent. Tenants are not given options for income verifications that reflect the economic realities of the North and reliance on seasonal employment.

Mr. Speaker, many elders have expressed they have not had respectful or meaningful communication to verify their income, which results in arrears. Additional accommodation need to be made for elders. Housing staff at the LHO level need additional training in culturally respectful communication and encouragement to meet elders in their homes or places they are comfortable, not insist elders go to NWT or to LHO offices. Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT verification of income policy states, quote, "annual or periodic verification is required. Housing NWT need to develop an option for tenants to use verification of income methods given the high number of people who are seasonally employed, a verification of income would respond to employment and income status at a given time. With more accurate income verification, arrears could be reduced in the long-term because people would be able to pay their rent. According to the latest housing annual report, Housing NWT has accumulated millions of dollars over the years in arrears. This is a serious accumulation of arrears that indicates poor Housing NWT management and not the decision of individual rent. I will have questions for the Minister of housing. Thank you.

Colleagues, before we continue, I'd just like to remind Members when you seek unanimous consent, usually it's to finish your statement. But because it's the first day, I'll let this slide. But when we continue, once you seek unanimous consent usually you have 30 seconds to -- actually, I'll just explain.

When you're starting in your official language and you switch to English, you actually get 30 more seconds. And then if you seek unanimous consent, that's another 30 but that's to finish your statement, not the whole two and a half minutes. But like I said, today's the first day. Going on, we'll just be mindful of others. Thanks.

Okay, Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise in the House to pay my respects to the communities in my riding who lost loved ones since November 2022. My home community of Tuktoyaktuk, Mr. Speaker, we lost one of our respected elders, retired long-time employee in the hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk, mechanic, Mr. Churchill Woelki Senior. His wife Dorothy Woelki, sons Churchill, Charlton, Brent, and daughters Emma and Shelly, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and beloved brothers and sisters. Our thought and prayers are with you.

Mr. Speaker, Ulukhaktok, Angus Elias, young man, husband of Gail, he's grandson of Albert and Shirley Elias. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

George Alinguk, beloved elder, retired, long-time employee of the hamlet of Ulukhaktok, wife Connie Alinguk, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other family members. Our thoughts and prayers.

Community of Paulatuk. Mr. David Rueben, beloved elder, respected by many in Nunakput. One of the last to use dog teams as a livelihood and as a young man, Mr. Speaker.

Also, my nephew. Travis Coyne. Thoughts and prayers go to MaryAnne and Josh in Whitehorse, Yukon, and my sister who is there right now with them, thinking of them, and our thoughts and prayers are with them all, Mr. Speaker, and all who lost loved ones across our territory and across the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Our thoughts and prayers are with your community and the whole region. I know we suffered a lot of losses throughout the holidays, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and throughout the territory as well. Members' statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for over a decade Canadians have acknowledged the growing shortage of speech-language pathologists, especially in school settings. These services are critical for all children to access education equitably. The deficit is due, in part, to the limited number of openings in graduate programs and the increased need for speech-language pathologists as their scope of practice widens, rates of neuro-divergent children grows, and classrooms play catchup in a post-pandemic world. Also, we have an aging population.

This national shortage impacts education outcomes in the NWT and was recognized as an NWT-specific concern by the 2020 Office of the Auditor General's report on education.

The audit concluded that in the decade since its previous education audit that Education, Culture and Employment had "improved its support for delivering inclusive schooling but more work was required" and that the department did not provide "adequate guidance and training for support assistants", and adding, "the needs of all students were not being met."

Mr. Speaker, low staffing levels have continued to force Health and Social Services to reorganize its service delivery of speech-language services. But we aren't the only jurisdiction experiencing high demand and low staffing for speech-language services. Our sister territory Nunavut experienced the same and has creatively addressed this through a partnership with Ongomiizwin Health Services through the University of Manitoba. Through this partnership, they provide occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and physiotherapy to all students in Nunavut. Referrals are sent directly from the schools to the Department of education, which then works with the Ongomiizwin coordinator. Schools receive one to two in-person therapist visits throughout the school year. And between visits, therapists provide virtual support via video conferencing with the students or ongoing support through constant email contact between teachers and therapists.

In the NWT, last year's wait times to access speech services ranged from two months in Fort Smith to half a year or more in Yellowknife. Six months is more than half of a school year. This is far too long for students to wait for services critical to equitable access to education.

Our children cannot wait for a decade-long shortage to right itself. This government needs to look at creative solutions like community-based paraprofessionals, funded teletherapies, and partnerships that work for teachers in the child's best interests. Without these innovative solutions, the needs of NWT students will continue to go unmet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We all know we're in a health crisis and getting to see a doctor is harder and harder. And there are many steps we can take but one I would like to speak about today is giving our pharmacists, who go to school for many years and quite frankly often know the drugs they are prescribing better than the doctors themselves, the ability to prescribe basic medications. This is a recommended practice by Health Canada. All ten provinces will be able to provide this service in 2023, including the Yukon. But here in the Northwest Territories, we are falling far behind in what our pharmacists are capable of doing. There is a recommended list of minor ailments that Health Canada recommends pharmacists can prescribe as well as the limited ability to renew certain prescriptions. They estimate that this reduces emergency room visits by 35 percent, Mr. Speaker. Emergency room visits are vastly more expensive than a visit to the pharmacist.

At this point, Mr. Speaker, almost every other jurisdiction in Canada has done this. I will have questions for the Minister of health of when we can introduce changes to our Pharmacy Act and give a long-needed power to our pharmacists to help their clients. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending and refereeing the Paul Stipdonk Memorial Soccer Tournament. It was the first time since the pandemic cancelling the last couple of years. As I stated previously in this House, this tournament is a bit unique in that we don't keep score, teams are mixed up, and we do not have a winner or loser. The focus is on the youth having fun and playing the sport; something the namesake was all about. Besides playing the sport, the youth are given the opportunity to attend a skills competition event on Saturday.

This year we had athletes from Sambaa K'e and Fort Simpson. They were great sportsmen and ambassadors of their respective communities. It was amazing to see all their smiling faces and the fun they had over the weekend.

I am proud to say that Fort Simpson youth were great hosts and really enjoyed the games as they made new friends from the region. I was proud to say that parents and family of the athletes, whether they were from the community or from out of town, did an amazing job cheering and encouraging the youth. It was awesome to see the stands and the hall full of supporters.

Mr. Speaker, a special shout-out goes to the Mackenzie Recreation Association, Municipal and Community Affairs, the Village of Fort Simpson recreation staff, who kept the facility nice and clean, and most importantly Roslyn Firth and Jacqueline Whelly who dedicated many hours of organizing and making sure the event ran smoothly. To the speed skaters' mom, thank you for catering the whole weekend.

I would like to thank the Fort Simpson high performance athletes for being the coaches of the teams, helpers, and being great role models to the youth. It was great to see this capacity being built. I take great pride when I see young athletes paying back to the sport.
In closing I would like to use the words provided by one of the organizers: "A big special thank you to the Stipdonk family for letting us to honour their husband, dad, grandfather, and friend in a way that brings so many smiles to the youth."

Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage my colleagues to give them a big round of applause. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Members' statements. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to welcome my new constituency assistant Maggie Mercredi to the Chamber. Maggie is a long-time constituent of Great Slave, both as a youngster and currently, and I'm very excited to have her working with me. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Thebacha.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize a constituent of mine, Louis Sebert. He's also a friend of mine, even though he ran against me in the last election.

I also want to recognize the Kole Crook Fiddlers and thank them for being here today, and especially Noah Coup who is one of my constituent's son. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd also like to recognize the Kole Crook Fiddlers. And I'd like to recognize, even though they're not here, they were here, Sumara Wilson, Jackson Fuller, Blair Engdon, Linda Duford, Darcy Deloriea, Navia Beck.

I'd also like to recognize Mr. Lou Sebert, a previous MLA, and a fellow lawyer as well. And he could just as well be sitting here next to me, and I wouldn't mind it. Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Kam Lake is very proud to have a few pages joining us this week. We have Kristine White, Rider Jensen, and Sarah Mercer that are representing Kam Lake as pages in the House. So thank you very much.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize the fiddlers today as well too. I'd like to recognize Lucas Tutcho of Deline and Emerson Stewart of Tulita.

I'd also like to welcome Mr. Louis Sebert as well. I did have the opportunity of meeting him when I did work for Department of Lands. He did visit the Sahtu as Minister responsible for Department of Lands. Mahsi. Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Sahtu. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Your committee would like to report on its consideration of Bill 62, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act.

Bill 62 received second reading in the Legislative Assembly on November 2, 2022 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations for review. The standing committee held a public hearing and clause-by-clause review on January 18, 2023.

Mr. Speaker, the committee reports that Bill 62, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Member for Yellowknife North.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that Committee Report 38-19(2), the Standing Committee on Government Operations report on the review of Bill 62, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, be received and adopted by the Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North.

Well, after I read this report I hope you'll accept it.

---Laughter

Standing Committee on Government Operations report on Bill 62, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, No. 2.

Bill 62, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, No. 2, received second reading on November 2nd, 2022, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations for review. Bill 62 would amend the Income Tax Act to harmonize this legislation with the federal government as required under the Canada-Northwest Territories Tax Collection Agreement. Specifically, Bill 62:

• Allows the Canada Revenue Agency to share NWT-specific taxpayer data with Finance Canada to support better tax policy design and analysis;.
• Removes federally repealed provisions used to address various COVID-19 relief measures; and.
• Ensures the Income Tax Act is consistent with federal provisions and complies with the Canada-Northwest Territories Tax Collection Agreement.

Committee Accepts GNWT Request to Amend

On January 16, 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories informed committee that it was seeking additional changes to Bill 62. After the government introduced Bill 62, the Department of Finance discovered the effective dates contained in the bill did not agree with the corresponding measures in the federal tax legislation that had different retroactive effective dates. Without the proper effective dates, the Canada Revenue Agency would be non-compliant with the Income Tax Act when administering the territorial income tax regime. Originally, clause 13 of Bill 62 proposed:

13.1 Subject to subsections (2) to (5), this Act comes into force on assent.

13.2 Subsection 5(1) is deemed to have come into force January 1, 2018.

13.3 Subsection 5(2) is deemed to have come into force November 30, 2020.

13.4 Section 7 is deemed to have come into force March 25, 2020.

13.5 Section 12 is deemed to have come into force March 25, 2020.

To correct the coming into force dates, the department drafted a proposed motion that read: that Bill 62 be amended by deleting clause 13 and substituting the following:

13.1 Subject to subsections (2) to (6), this Act is deemed to have come into force January 1, 2022.

13.2 Section 4 is deemed to have come into force January 1, 2023.

13.3 Subsection 5(1) is deemed to have come into force January 1, 2018.

13.4 Subsection 5(2) is deemed to have come into force July 1, 2021.

13.5 Section 7 is deemed to have come into force March 25, 2020.

13.6 Section 8 is deemed to have come into force March 25, 2020.

In response to questions, the Minister of Finance said there would be no delays in bringing forward these proposed amendments. She further explained that the need for retroactive dates were a result of delays in federal changes, the details of which she would try to find and provide separately to committee. The Minister also said that there were no lost revenues to the GNWT because of these changes.

Committee was satisfied with the rationale for the changes and the wording of the motion. Therefore, committee agreed to and passed the motion, with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance, during its public hearing and clause-by-clause review on January 18, 2022.

BILL 62 TO ALLOW DISCLOSURE ON COST OF NWT TAX CREDITS

During the public hearing, the Minister of Finance expressed her understanding that Bill 62 would allow the federal government to disclose the fiscal cost of the territory's tax credits. At present, neither the main estimates nor the public accounts report on the revenue lost from most territorial tax credits. Only a few tax credits - the carbon tax offset, the cost of living offset, and the NWT child benefit - are reported. More than a dozen others, such as the NWT political contribution tax credit, the disability amount, and the dividend tax credit, appear to be unreported.

At committee's review of the 2020- 2021 Public Accounts, the Comptroller General suggested that the federal government does not provide the Department of Finance with disaggregated data on tax credits. She reported that the federal government collects territorial income taxes, distributes territorial tax credits, and returns the net tax revenues to the Government of the Northwest Territories. This situation may imply that the Department of Finance cannot access information to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of territorial tax credits.

Committee wants to see more public disclosure on the cost of each territorial tax credit. Enhanced disclosure could inform better tax and fiscal policymaking. It would also correct a significant fiscal reporting gap to improve transparency and accountability to taxpayers. Committee welcomes the ways Bill 62 will allow the federal government and the Department of Finance to disclose more information on territorial tax credits.

Conclusion

The committee reports Bill 62, as amended, to the Legislative Assembly as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Member for Yellowknife North.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that the Committee Report 38-19(2), the Standing Committee on Government Operations report on the review of Bill 62, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, be received and adopted by the Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. The motion is in order. To the motion?

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Any abstentions. The motion is carried. The committee report has been received and adopted by the Assembly.

---Carried

Reports of standing and special committees. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee on economic development and environment is pleased to provide the report of prevention and management contaminated sites and commends it into the House.

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment identified contaminated sites as a priority of the committee to focus through the life of the 19th Assembly. The Committee focuses to ensure the Northwest Territories is well positioned to prevent environmental liabilities and effectively manage contaminated work sites. To guide committee in the review of contaminated sites, several stakeholders included several briefings from the Government of the Northwest Territories. As a result the review, committee has provided several recommendations to the Government of the Northwest Territories and the intent and purpose was improve, prevention, management of contaminated sites in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker,

Recommendation 1

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories create a mandatory legislative requirement for companies to operate with approved closure and reclamation plans on regularly reviewed and updated with appropriate adjustments through financial security.

Recommendation 2

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT keep closure and reclamation tools up to date and publicly available to ensure the GNWT is collecting enough security to reflect true costs of a closure and reclamation.

Recommendation 3

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends that the GNWT work inter-departmentally with communities and their existing community-based monitoring programs to align monitoring efforts with the surveillance programs required under regulatory permits and licences.

Recommendation 4

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT ensure it has the internal expertise to inform regulatory decision-making and inspection capacity to prevent further public liabilities.

Recommendation 5

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT expand the Approach to Contaminated Sites guidance document to ensure policies and processes are in place to prevent future public environmental liabilities, most significantly projects that result in perpetual care situations. Further policy and guidance with respect to public disclosure are also required.

Recommendation 6

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT establish the internal capacity for an effective early warning system to prevent further public liabilities. This approach will also require clear measures to prevent perpetual care situations, including mandatory financial security that is regularly reviewed and adjusted.

Recommendation 7

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT ensure legislation has clear and appropriate timelines for remediation and reclamation of inactive or suspended well sites.

Recommendation 8

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT study the Government of Saskatchewan Institutional Control Program and develop an NWT model that better implements the polluter-pays principle for the long-term and unforeseen remediation of mining sites while providing regulatory certainty with respect to industry relinquishment. An NWT model should be developed by the end of the 19th Assembly.

Recommendation 9

The committee recommends the GNWT implement transparent and clear processes to ensure that securities are established, reviewed and coordinated among various departments.

Recommendation 10

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT review and amend all legislative requirements regarding the form of financial security for environmental compliance and remediation to ensure financial security must be irrevocable, absolute and unconditional.

Recommendation 11

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends that the GNWT undertake an immediate review of the Oil and Gas Spills and Debris Liability Regulations to ensure that the absolute liability caps are increased to fully implement the polluter-pays principle, reflect best practices and protect the public from liabilities. This review and increases to the caps should be implemented before the end of the 19th Assembly.

Recommendation 12

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT make financial security information (including operator, land and water related securities, amounts, location of project, form of security, expiry dates) public through a website to help build public confidence in resource management.

Recommendation 13

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the Department of Finance provide a plan with timelines to enhance reporting on the GNWT Environmental Liabilities Dashboard by matching reporting practices in the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's Federal Contaminates Sites Inventory.

Recommendation 14: The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT develop a plan with a budget and schedule to better support communities in the management of landfills, that includes training, capacity building, best practices in waste management, diversion, backhaul and related matters. This plan should be developed by the end of the 19th Assembly.

Recommendation 15: The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT explore partnerships with industry and industry associations to provide hands-on practical training for landfill managers across the territory.

Recommendation 16: The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment recommends the GNWT provide a response to these recommendations within 120 days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Reports of standing and special committees. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, move, seconded by the honourable Member from the Deh Cho, that the Committee Report 39-19(2), deemed read, and printed in Hansard in its entirety. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. The motion is in order. To the motion?

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Any abstentions. The motion is carried. Committee Report 13-19(2) is deemed read and will be printed in Hansard.

---Carried

https://www.ntassembly.ca/sites/assembly/files/2023-02-07_-_scede_cr_39-192_contaminated_sites.pdf

Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, second by the honourable Member from the Deh Cho, that Committee Report 39-19(2), Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment report: The Prevention and Management of Contaminated Sites be received and moved into the Committee of the Whole for further consideration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. The motion is in order. To the motion?

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Any abstentions. The motion is carried. The committee report has been received and will be moved into Committee of the Whole for further consideration.

---Carried

Reports of standing and special committees. Returns to oral questions. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.

Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Questions asked by the Member for Great Slave on October 13, 2022, regarding Homelessness.

The current data count for homelessness in the territory are from 2019 and show that a total of 1,585 Northwest Territories residents have experienced homelessness at some time in their life. In April 2021, the Homelessness Hub Yellowknife conducted a point in time count and found 312 individuals experiencing homelessness in Yellowknife.

The NWT has only done counts as part of specific projects, and we do not currently have a systematic collection of data on this population to allow us to track the population over time. Not only does this make it difficult for me to tell you how many NWT residents are impacted at this point, but it also means that I do not have the data on how long individuals remain homeless and what kinds of housing solutions they move into. As social departments have worked together, they have noted the need for better data collection to support the work of these clients.

It was recently reaffirmed by meetings with my colleagues from provinces/territories at the recent Ministers of Housing meeting, that the issues we are facing in the NWT are being faced in all jurisdictions of Canada. We have learned that there are a variety of approaches being taken in other jurisdictions, ranging from taking innovative approaches to collaborative program and services delivered for vulnerable populations to changing the architecture of government departments. All efforts recognize that improving access to programs and services is required to meaningfully address homelessness.

Similar to other jurisdictions, the Government of the Northwest Territories' response to homelessness has been challenged by unclear lines of accountability, a patchwork funding sources, an ad hoc policy approach, and a lack of dedicated human resources. Homelessness is a multi-faceted challenge that requires a whole-of-government approach.

Announcements from the federal government on the Reaching Home Strategy have identified a territorial funding stream of $43 million to address the causes of, and solutions to, homelessness in the Northwest Territories.

The Reaching Home Strategy was designed to support the goals of the National Housing Strategy and to reduce the chronic homelessness, nationally, by 50 percent. The City of Yellowknife is receiving a total of $6 million over five years for homelessness programming. Reaching Home also currently provides funding to the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Deline Got'ine Government, and the Tlicho Government.

In addition to the Reaching Home funds, I am pleased to be able to say that some of the projects funded under the National Co-Investment Fund from Canada are also targeted to supporting vulnerable populations. Examples of this are included in Yellowknife, an additional 21 units under construction at Lynn's Place and the renovation of 41 units at Spruce Bough, and the creation of 14 units at the Family Support Centre in Hay River. These projects are just the beginning of some of the investment that will benefit the vulnerable persons across the Northwest Territories.

Homelessness is a very complex issue and truly to make change we do need to work closely with other social envelope departments to generate solutions and develop client-centered and focused approaches. That necessary collaborative work is now underway. We believe taking a bit more time will provide us with the opportunity to develop a more cohesive whole-of-government approach.

As noted in a response to a question earlier, this sitting in the House I have committed to providing a strategy regarding homelessness on or before April 1, 2023. This will allow the strategy to represent the intergovernmental nature of responding to homelessness instead of focus just on the Housing NWT's response.

We also recognize that engagement with our partners, including non-governmental organizations, Indigenous governments, and community governments, will be necessary to further advance work on this issue. I expect that this engagement will continue and further inform work during early this summer. As you have heard myself and my colleague speak in this House, we recognize that addressing homelessness is more than just Housing NWT or Health and Social Services responsibility and therefore our strategy must focus on a multi-faceted response. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker

Thank you, Minister. Returns to oral questions. Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by the Member for Kam Lake on October 27, 2022, regarding Infertility Treatment.

To answer the Member's question as to who decides what conditions are covered as a medically necessary insured health service, it is not unfortunately a simple answer.

There are multiple factors that come together to determine what is deemed a medically necessary insured service. While the Canada Health Act sets out the principles of its Medicare system, specifically the principles of universality, portability and accessibility, it is the provincial and territorial healthcare insurance plan administrators who work with their respective physician groups, and across jurisdictions, to identify a set of services that each jurisdiction accepts as medically necessary insured service provided by physicians and in hospitals. This common set of services allows Canadians to have access to the same suite of services no matter where they live in the country.

Of course, each province and territory can cover additional services that are not universally insured across Canada. These services are only available as an insured service to the residents of that jurisdiction. In the NWT, we cover additional services such as eye examinations and rehab services, which are not services covered in other jurisdictions.

In cases of infertility, when an underlying medical condition is identified as the probable cause of the infertility, treatment of that underlying condition is covered under the NWT Healthcare Plan as an insured health service.

Where the cause of infertility is not readily known, these cases may be submitted to the Medical Advisor for review of the specifics of the case and decision. This process, referred to as 'prior approval,' is used in situations where detection and treatment of a potential underlying condition may be outside the Health and Social Services system's usual referral pathway or in circumstances that warrant further examination. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Returns to oral questions. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member for Hay River South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I talked about detox beds and the importance of them in all communities, not only Hay River. You know, just before we came into the building here, I had a call from somebody who was, you know, asking me if I could take them to the health centre in Hay River because they wanted to detox. But whenever I -- you know, I've done it in the past, and whenever I do it, it's usually, you know, we don't have a bed, or they don't have -- they don't seem to have the qualified staff there. So we need a mechanism, I guess, whether it's through legislation or something to also be able to kind of hold a person, you know, for a number of days as we do with mental health to help them along to detox. But, Mr. Speaker, the question I have is for the Minister of health, and I'd like her to tell me how many dedicated detox beds are available in Hay River. Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to start by saying that not everybody with addictions needs hospital-based detox. For example, somebody who has an opioid use addiction can be treated as an outpatient with an opioid antagonist therapy, which is a medication-based therapy. So there isn't a need in that case for someone to be in hospital. The really key time that people need hospital detox is in the withdrawal from alcohol which can produce life threatening symptoms. So the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority does not have dedicated detox beds, but they certainly can be made available when a health practitioner assesses the patient and decides that inpatient detox is the preferred option to take. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate that answer. However, you know, when somebody comes to me, and they ask me to take them somewhere, they want -- you know, they want to detox, you know, I've got to respond, and I've got to try and help them because it could be between -- you know, a matter between life and death. So, you know, to say that, well, not all people, you know, require a bed in the hospital to detox is maybe correct, and I agree there's other forms. But I think it's important that, you know, we have those places available. And I find that in the community we need them. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me the number of staff available at the Hay River health centre who are actually qualified to deal with persons seeking detox support? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the MLA for the engagement he has with this issue in his community. I'm very pleased that he gets calls directly and can provide the information that he has and I'm providing. So there are -- all frontline registered nurses are qualified to administer and support medical detox under the direction of a physician, and that applies to opioids and alcohol. So the starting point is to go to the health centre and to be assessed for the substance that the person wants to detox from, and the process then rolls from there. There are always registered nurses at the health centre who can provide this assistance. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, again, I appreciate that answer. You know, I understand that there are staff there. I understand they all have qualifications. But at the end of the day when somebody goes in there, they don't only need medical treatment; they also need, you know, support from counsellors as well. And because what I find is that it's difficult sometimes for a person to actually stay there. They're looking for ways to leave the facility. And I know we can't stop them, but I think if we have people there to provide that support, they may stay. So, Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me if the department has dedicated detox beds on its radar for Hay River, and if not, will she make a commitment to reviewing it and making it a priority. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is a gap in our continuum of service which relates to people who are ready for detox and facility-based treatment to have a place, a safe place to live while they retain -- regain their sobriety and move forward with counselling and the application form to get into facility-based treatment. So what I would say about this is that the hospital is one possibility, but there needs to be a community-based possibility as well where people have a safe place to stay where they can access counselling, where they can use whatever therapy has been prescribed to them. And this is something that I think maybe exits is in Yellowknife but not anywhere else in the territory. So it's certainly an area that needs strengthening which we need to look at. Thank you

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you know, I guess when we're talking about people who are, you know, crying out for help, we have sort of the middle component. We have a lot of programming. You know, I don't dispute that. And, you know, and I try and encourage people to -- you know, to take some of that programming or talk to counsellors. And we also have access to treatment centres, albeit that they're put from down south; they're not here in the territories, but we do have that. What we don't have is the front end which is the detox centres -- or beds. We need something for these people. You know, they need to be somewhere where they're safe, because a lot of times we're dealing with people who might be homeless; they don't have a place to live; you know, they've got families kicking them out, whatever. So they need a safe place. And it takes this government to actually do something. It takes our financial resources. So, Mr. Speaker, after six confirmed drug-related deaths in the community of Hay River, to support residents requiring detox, we need the funding, $240,000, actually, for two positions which would be medical social workers. Can the Minister tell me when this might happen or if it's on her radar because my assumption was that it was something that was already going to happen. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in fact, the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority is now actively recruiting two medical social workers who will support community outreach efforts and coordinate clinical care. So I don't know where that process is at, but the money has been identified; the ad has been posted, and we -- it usually takes somewhere up to 12 weeks to fill a position. So I hope that before we leave here at the end of March, you will -- I will be able to announce to you that the medical social workers are in place. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of housing. Earlier the Minister responded to my oral question from last session and mentioned two projects here in Yellowknife that are being -- are supposedly work of the department in order to combat homelessness. Can the Minister tell me how much money that the GNWT contributed to those two projects, Lynn's Place and Spruce Bough that were mentioned in the return to oral questions. It's my understanding that money was from the federal government, not the GNWT and the two NGOs involved. Can the Minister please speak to the GNWT's contribution. Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question as well too. I actually just had the information in front of me, but I was more calculating the units for Yellowknife. That's what I had concentrated on. We have 366 that are being delivered now by the national co-investment fund, but then we did support these applications going forward. Housing did create a position to be the outreach to talk to NGOs, to talk to Indigenous groups, to gain their interest in addressing the housing crisis throughout the Northwest Territories with us. Working in partnership is a priority of mine as well too. Right now we have 214 of the 366 co-investment fund applications that have been approved. They are now under construction. Right now you can see the expansion of Lynn's Place, Spruce Bough, Borealis Co-Op, and Avens Senior Society also with a number of renovated units that are happening throughout the city. We also work with the City of Yellowknife as well too to address homelessness as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don't think I asked about the number of units. I asked the Minister how much money, besides the one position that hasn't done anything, did the GNWT spend on Lynn's Place and Spruce Bough. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I addressed the answer to the question. I said I did not have those numbers, that I was more concentrating on the number of units that were being delivered. I did have that in front of me just recently. I will follow up with the Member as well. But like I had said, I wanted to describe our support for the co-investment applications going forward for the Northwest Territories. We did create support and a position within Housing NWT to be the outreach to work closely with CMHC in addressing those housing needs and to support those applications going forward. We did get funding from this government to be addressing the national co-investment fund applications as well too. Sometimes the proponent comes forward as well, and they're not looking for financial support; they're looking for support through the application as well too. Some of them actually do have the means to bring their applications forward. But I will follow up with the Member as well to justify the numbers and what we financially contributed to these 214 units being constructed now here in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to have given the Minister an opportunity for a Minister's statement there when she still did not answer my question or say that at the beginning of the first response. If she couldn't answer that, can she tell me how does she make decisions regarding the homelessness strategy and areas for funding, etcetera, when she doesn't collect any data about the people that are homeless or struggling in the Northwest Territories. Can the Minister tell me how she plans to address the fact that she has no data on who is homeless in the territory when she presents her homelessness strategy? Thank you.

Thank you, Member. I believe that's a different line of questions than what you started with. The next time we'll be a little more strict on that. Minister for Housing NWT.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for that as well too. Right now we've recognized that the homelessness strategy is an all-of-government approach. We are looking at the needs that are specifically identified as well too, addressing the poverty reduction, the food security, mental health, and addictions, and also looking at the affordable housing, and working more closely with our nonprofit organizations as well. This has been identified as a whole-of-government. And we're looking at this strategy hopefully being provided to Members by February 28th. And we did have the date that was identified as of April 1st, but I do understand the complexity of this strategy as well and the identified needs. For the data collection, this is something the government has not put together. We don't have those numbers. What I can do is work on the wait list that we do have throughout the Northwest Territories and the significant need for housing across the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank you for indulging my question. So as I sit and listen to the fact that we have not collected this data and hear the Minister explain that the housing wait list is what she's going off of, I think we're conflating two different issues here. Homelessness does not equate to the number of people that are on the housing wait list, especially whether you have NGOs like the YWCA taking and housing people in lieu of the government doing it themselves. Given that there is no data being collected and I've yet to see the Minister come to my riding or any in Yellowknife that I'm aware of, could the Minister please commit to doing a tour of Yellowknife apartment buildings in my riding and including Lanky Court. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to look at our -- looking at our wait list, that is a contribution to the housing strategy. I said this is a all-of-government approach. We will have to -- we are working with Health and Justice as well too. And I'm looking forward to the completion of the strategy as well. And also for the Member to invite me to her riding and looking at Lanky Court, I'd also like to extend that to the MLA O'Reilly riding as well too because Lanky Court is in his riding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Colleagues, before we continue, we've got to tighten up the questions and answers. We did two, and it's been 15 minutes here, so we need to shorten it up here. Thank you. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are related to my Member's statement, the Arctic Winter Games and how the department can increase participation with small community athletes in traditional sports and all the other sports there. Can the MACA Minister advise as to what steps were taken to increase participation of small communities in preparation for the Arctic Winter Games? Mahsi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it was very exciting to be at the Arctic Winter Games this year. It was the first time in five years that we've had it because of COVID and the situations like that. So the department of Municipal and Community Affairs works with Sport North, the Aboriginal Sport Circle, Mackenzie Recreation Association, Beaufort Delta Recreation Association, and the Territorial Sports Organizations to develop and foster coaches and athletes in the communities. The department also supports Sport North by having the MACA regional recreation coordinators work with the communities in identifying that there. As well we get that information out to the schools. So we're able to do those things collaboratively with education and our partners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I note that the Minister had gone down on public dime, and he didn't invite the most important person, me. But, Mr. Speaker, I noted in my Member's statement there were no participants from Kakisa, Enterprise, nor Katl'odeeche, which is the Hay River Reserve. I note that there are regional recreation staff throughout the NWT. Can the Minister advise if the regional recreation staff advise and assist the small communities, particularly the communities I mentioned, in preparation for the Arctic Winter Games? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think MLA Semmler would probably say she was the most important person, and she was there, and she did a great job representing the Northwest Territories there. Municipal and Community Affairs regional recreation coordinators are actively involved in sharing information to all the communities. That's with the rec leaders; that's what the SAOs or the band managers. So we get that information out there. I can also confirm information on the selection process and deadlines were shared numerous times. As well we work with the schools to get that information out to the people there. Again, we place high -- how you say -- most important -- getting the information out there, it's very important for us to stress the information and getting it out there. And we work with the regional associations as well to get that information to all communities in the Northwest Territories, just not the ones in the Mackenzie region, but we also get it to the Beaufort Delta Recreation Association. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for that answer. What I hear there is that they share -- the regional recreation staff only shares information. I think in my previous statements regarding sports activities for all the communities and since the lagging time due to COVID and new recreation staff was pertinent and very important that that staff -- those staff go out into the communities, and it hasn't happened. We got a lot of staff involved in recreation who are not going into the communities to offer assistance within the communities. You're only sharing info. But that's just not going to work. Mr. Speaker, I understand there is controversy in this May junior regionals held in Yellowknife in the past and the lack of proper facilities for attending athletes and their chaperones. This was all during the trials and preparations. Can the Minister advise as to why other communities outside of Yellowknife were not considered to host regionals or trials? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to have to clarify something here. Our regional recreation coordinators do go away to the communities. They do work with the schools. They do work with the recreational staff. They come in when they're invited, when they're new so they get into that there. In regards to hosting territorial events, yes, there was some confusion out there. But, again, it got fixed. Territorial organizations work with the communities to see if they want to host it, if they're able to do it, if they've got the venues, they got the places, accommodations for the food. It's been the practice to host where communities want to host it and where they can be hosting it. In Fort Simpson, in my 30 years in that community, we've hosted territorial and regional trials. Fort Providence has hosted regional trials as well. So we do give that option to -- opportunity to various communities, and we will continue to do that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Final short supplementary, Member for Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I wish we could see a record of their staff going into the communities. I'm not aware of anything there. Anyways, I understand the Canada Winter Games are upcoming. I don't know the dates or a venue or which place it's being held. Can the Minister advise if, because it's a short period of time, if the same athletes that attended the Arctic Winter Games will be the same athletes going to the Canada Winter Games? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the 2023 Canada Winter Games are going to be held in Charlottetown, PEI, on March -- February 18th to March 5th. So we do have a team coming from the Northwest Territories. Some of the athletes that did attend the Arctic Winter Games are part of the Canada Games team. There is a selection process, but there is a number of new athletes as well that are able to participate at that level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Merci, Monsieur le President. My questions are for the Minister for Housing NWT. I outlined a myriad of problems brought to my office by constituents in public housing at Lanky Court. Can the Minister tell us why individuals being moved out of their public housing units to repair them are being charged moving expenses and utility account service charges, and will the Minister commit to reimbursing such unfair charges? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for asking the question as well. The information that I did receive is that the Yellowknife Housing Authority did pay for the moving expenses, and it didn't appear that there was any issues with the assessment of the additional deposits on their utility accounts, but if there is something -- if there is receipts, if there's something that I could look at that I could further look into this file as well too. I would not want to see the clients endure these additional expenses when moving from unit to unit as well. And right now that -- looking at anything that we need to do to improve our client service with housing, I appreciate the comments coming forward as well. And it's the time for us to start recognizing how we could improve services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Merci, Monsieur le Président. I want to thank the Minister for that. And I'll work with my constituent to get the receipts over to the Minister's office pronto. But just trying to get a response in a reasonable time frame from the Minister on my constituent's concerns about public housing in Lanky Court has been a real challenge. I suggested several times that public housing tenants are being told to move or store belongings for insect control that cleaning products and storage containers should be provided. Can the Minister tell us why cleaning products or services and storage containers are not provided to public housing tenants to facilitate improvements in their housing conditions? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question as well too. And I just wanted to apologize also for the delay in the responses. I did have a new team established within the last year. So we are getting more coordinated, and hopefully we're able to respond a lot more quicker. We are also -- I don't want to take up too much time, but we are also working more closely with the local housing authority and improving our communication and our relationship with them as well. Right now we do have some storage facilities that are provided to some clients, but it's looked at as a case-by-case basis. Just for an example that one of the storage facilities were provided to a client that was in a Fort Gary apartment complex, and it was a cold storage facility that was provided to deal with the movement and also to house the tenant's belongings while the house was being treated for a bug infestation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Merci, Monsieur le Président. I want to thank the Minister for that. And I'll advise my constituents that if they have problems with storage containers and so on, they should contact the Minister's office. As bad as conditions are in Lanky Court, the statistics bureau figures on specific housing problems reveal that about 10 percent of NWT houses have mold and/or insect pest problems. This strikes me as a pandemic, Mr. Speaker. What public education and awareness measures does Housing NWT or community housing organizations take to raise awareness of these problems and give advice on actions tenants can take? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member because I'm starting to recognize that this is quite a huge issue here in Yellowknife with the Lanky Court. We do have the pest control companies that do provide information as they are providing the assistance and the work in these units as well. Right now one of the things that housing is developing is improvement with our clients as well too. So we're looking at educational materials for the tenants as well when we're looking at what needs to be maintained, what needs to be recognized, and when to call our local housing authorities right away to deal with these issues. Another thing that I just wanted to mention is that within our conversations with the federal government, we were successful in receiving $60 million over two years. We will be committing $30 million of that funding to public housing renovation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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