Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to strengthening connections with air transportation businesses and industries. Collaboration with worldwide aviation leaders is vital to the Yellowknife Airport's success and to the growth of our territory through its tourism and employment sectors.

As the primary aviation hub for the Northwest Territories, the Yellowknife Airport hosts a number of cold weather testing activities during the winter season. These activities offer significant benefits for the local economy, with the groups staying in Yellowknife for several weeks, sometimes months.

Cold weather testing increases revenue growth for Yellowknife Airport partners and local businesses like restaurants, hotels, vehicle rentals, and much more. It also allows us to diversify our winter tourism markets by developing new sector of business tourism.

Mr. Speaker, after hosting Korean Aerospace Industries in 2022, we secured two cold weather testing opportunities with Airbus for the 2023 winter season.

Airbus is currently conducting cold weather testing on two different aircrafts: the H160 helicopter and the CC295 Kingfisher - an aircraft used by Canadian Search and Rescue. The last group is expected to complete testing at the end of this month.

The partnership with Airbus has created an opportunity to host over 40 engineers, pilots, and support staff between January 6th and March 31st in Yellowknife, with logistics support from Summit Air and Deton Cho Logistics.

Mr. Speaker, cold weather testing with Airbus is one of the many successful partnerships between the Yellowknife Airport and aviation leaders, bringing innovation and economic opportunity to the North. We look forward to welcoming more cold weather testing opportunities and will continue to affirm our place as leader in this industry. Thank you,

Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories, like many other public and private sector employers in Canada, wants to ensure that its employees enjoy a high level of engagement and satisfaction in their work. However, decreases in employee morale are being experienced across Canada in the public sector, and the Northwest Territories is no exception. The results of our own Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey, released last year, identified some areas for improvement, including notable disparities in scores between departments and agencies. In response to this, the Department of Finance supplied GNWT agencies and departments with individualized guides supporting them in interpreting the survey results and identifying areas of improvement.

To further address concerns raised in the survey and improve overall employee satisfaction, the Department of Finance has been working on a corporate Human Resources Strategic Plan expected to be released in April.

The Human Resources Strategic Plan identifies four areas of priority:

• Diversity and Inclusion;.
• Indigenous Representation and Indigenous Leadership;.
• Health, Safety and Wellness; and
• Competency Development,

each with their own overarching strategic goals and corresponding objectives.

Under the Human Resources Strategic Plan, each department and agency will develop an implementation plan and complete annual evaluation reporting. Finance will support departments and agencies as they customize their implementation plans to address their respective workforce needs and human resource challenges as identified in the Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey.

Mr. Speaker, the findings from the Survey have also identified some areas for overall improvement including employee morale, which was down 3.4 percent since the last survey in 2016. To address this, the Department of Finance has established an Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Interdepartmental Working Group. This working group will be informed by a targeted survey for employees, a departmental scan, a jurisdictional scan, and research on emerging and best practices. The objective of this working group is to develop an action plan that will provide concrete meaningful actions and resources for departments and agencies to address the needs of their workplaces.

Employees are the GNWT's greatest resource, Mr. Speaker, and I take their perspectives very seriously. I have initiated regular employee virtual town halls where the deputy minister of finance and I answer questions from GNWT employees and speak on issues and initiatives that impact them. These town halls have been a valuable opportunity for us to connect with public servants who are impacted by initiatives such as the Human Resource Strategic Plan and the action plan to improve employee satisfaction. The deputy minister and I have an upcoming town hall scheduled this spring.

Mr. Speaker, an engaged and satisfied workforce is critical to the success of the government. By listening to the needs of employees, the GNWT can better support them and set them up for success, contributing to a government that delivers quality programs and services to residents. I look forward to seeing the good work that will come from these initiatives, from all departments, in the coming months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to share with you some of the exciting things happening at Housing Northwest Territories that are a direct result of our renewal strategy. Since the initiation of the strategy, Housing NWT has worked with the Council of Leaders to revise and modernize its mandate and use this mandate to guide the review of our policies and programs. We are now in the process of implementing the changes coming up for review. Changes include the implementation and improvement of how Housing NWT works with local housing organizations, our critical partners in delivering all of our public housing programs. We have also improved and collaborated with Indigenous governments with agreements signed with the Tlicho government, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, and Deline Got'ine government, and more agreements are expected. Additionally, we are putting in place a last-chance mechanism for engaging with Indigenous governments with a forum that will be co-chaired by Housing NWT and an Indigenous government. The Terms of Reference are now being finalized, and we do anticipate that the first Indigenous government co-chair for this forum will be the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.

Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT recognizes the importance of supporting each Indigenous government as they develop and implement their self-government agreements and determine how housing priorities are more in need in their communities. It is worth noting that Housing NWT is doing all of this work while managing a public housing expansion that has been unprecedented in recent decades.

Mr. Speaker, along with these accomplishments, I am proud to bring forward a number of new initiatives and improvements underway. My colleagues are aware, public housing applicants who have met the eligibility criteria undergo prioritization using a point rating system. An applicant is given a number of points for certain needs and this score helps to prioritize their ranking to access available housing in their communities. As part of Housing NWT's renewal strategy, the points system was updated and modernized so that it lines up with Housing NWT's mandate and government priorities. This means that the point rating system now includes points for those who are experiencing chronic homelessness, or individuals who are in need of housing because they are living in an environment that is involving family violence. The new points system is being rolled out on April 1st of this year.

Mr. Speaker, to ensure our tenants' successes, we have recently worked with the literacy council to plain language the tenancy agreements as well as develop a tenant's handbook that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. We have also introduced a tenant success plan which outlines how local housing organizations should work with the clients to support them and giving them a chance at success.

Mr. Speaker, another small but new initiative is centered around access to credit. For some of our clients, their monthly rent is the only regular payment that are being make and the only opportunity they have to build a good credit rating. We are happy to announce a credit rating pilot program in two communities: Fort Resolution and Inuvik. Public housing tenants will have the opportunity to opt into the program which will only report positive credit rating.

Mr. Speaker, for our homeowners, along with the increase in thresholds for most programs, a focus on seniors and eliminating the co-pay for emergency repairs, we are introducing a pilot program in two communities that will allow for us to work with the local housing organizations in communities where there is no local supplier for construction materials. The local housing organization will provide access to material, such as heating and plumbing parts, things that we know homeowners need and that are hard to get in a timely manner in a small remote community.

Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the current highlights with much more exciting news expected to come in the coming weeks, including our new Energy Management Strategy and Blueprint.

Mr. Speaker, the housing needs in the territory are so great that sometimes it seems that the challenges are harder to accomplish. But what I have seen in my time as Minister is the willingness to work together to meet those challenges and to be courageous, to look with a critical eye at whether our efforts are being effective. No one government, no one organization, and no single solution alone will allow us to be successful. We need to work together to address the territory's housing crisis. I would like to take this time to thank my colleagues on the other side who have supported me in this portfolio as well and implementing these changes as we go forward. I'd also like to thank the staff at Housing NWT for coming together and implementing these programs as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to speak once again about the Taltson Hydro Expansion. As Thebacha MLA, I have particular interest in this project because Fort Smith is the closest community to the Taltson Dam.

Mr. Speaker, currently I do have some concerns about this project. I know that throughout this Assembly our government has been in consultations with various First Nations and Metis governments that are nearest to the Taltson Dam, as they should be. In fact, the Government of the Northwest Territories signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2021 with a number of nearby Indigenous groups, which is good. However, there is one missing component with that work. There is one First Nation that has reserve lands right beside the Taltson Dam, yet the government has not managed to get them to sign them on to the MOU, which is a major problem for advancing this project forward.

Mr. Speaker, as I stated many times in this House, I support this project and I do not want to see any roadblocks that may disrupt or delay this expansion. And I think that Cabinet wants that as well, which is why it is extremely important that the government continues to engage with this First Nation in question and get them onside with this project. If the government fails to do so, then they run the risk of potentially being brought to court and facing a possible injunction, which would most certainly delay this project for years.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Infrastructure must not let that happen, so she needs to resolve this as soon as possible. And I will continue to do as much as I can in my role as the MLA for Thebacha to help would those efforts because I know that this project is in the best interests of Fort Smith as well as the entire NWT. I do not want to see this project halted at the 11th hour caused by something that can be prevented today. Therefore, the government needs to continue to engage, particularly with this First Nation in question who has not yet signed on to the MOU for the Taltson Hydro Expansion. The government must be innovative and flexible with their consultations and they must get the support of all nearby First Nations and Metis governments if they ever want this expansion to happen. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the events of last years' flood is fresh in the minds of those affected, and questions continue to be unanswered for some residents when it comes to future mitigation.

Mr. Speaker, the community of Hay River is situated along the shore of Great Slave Lake and the Hay River. The reality is that a portion of the residential, commercial, and industrial area is in a flood plain and will always be subject to potential flooding.

Mr. Speaker, this government talks flood mitigation but does not appear to understand that it is not reasonable to expect a one-size-fits-all approach for the various areas within the community.

Mr. Speaker, two locations that experienced significantly high-water levels is Paradise Valley, along with Lot 13 and 15 on Riverview Drive. Both locations saw water levels exceeding seven feet. Because of this, affected residents do understand that it is not realistic or practical to rebuild on the site as the costs would be too prohibitive while residents' safety would continue to be at risk each spring.

Mr. Speaker, post flood, this government committed to support those affected homeowners and businesses with disaster assistance options. One of the options that was discussed with residents was that of property acquisition, or buyback, which some residents consider as the only viable option for them. This option is allowed and set out in section 3.4.1 of the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements. This option, although available, is one this government refuses to use due to what they say will result in significant implications for communities, as well as residents, and that further policy work will need to be undertaken in consultation with community governments prior to moving forward.

Mr. Speaker, the message being relayed to these residents has been mixed, unclear, contradictory, and unreasonable. Although many impacted by the flood are moving ahead with remediation in some form, we have those residents who are, and continue to be, at a loss on how to proceed as the only reasonable mitigation measure for them is property acquisition by this government, or something very similar, that would provide comparable assistance.

Mr. Speaker, to resolve this issue, the residents are looking for a face-to-face meeting with the Minister responsible for MACA, and I would recommend that he agree to such a meeting at the earliest.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the cost of doing business in the North is expensive. There's no doubt about that reality. However, I often wonder if a lack of coordination from the government hinders our ability to support our communities in terms of infrastructure planning and management.

Spring is here, and I want to ensure we are positioning both government and industry to be successful in advancing important infrastructure projects during the upcoming construction season. The NWT has many unique operating environments and a short window in which to bring in materials. Yet the government's own processes do not always account for this reality. How many federal dollars have we missed because we do not position our projects to be shovel ready in an efficient manner? When the government does not issue RFPs early enough in the spring for summer work, industry is not able to move fast enough to staff up and bring materials in. This leaves the North behind on important projects, Mr. Speaker. Just look at the delays to our current infrastructure projects; delays that have left 500 million of federal funding unspent on the table. If we truly want to deal with our infrastructure deficit, better coordination and more forward thinking would help to get more projects underway and stimulate the flagging economy.

Mr. Speaker, whenever I look through the capital estimates, I note that there are usually two to three projects in a community or region in various departments. And I ask, are the departments coordinating the supply of materials for all projects together and effectively; or, are these projects operating in silos and we're wasting our resources and duplicating efforts where we don't need to be? If we really want to see a successful north, with robust and reliable infrastructure, the government must take a more coordinated approach to better plan and sequence northern projects and retrofits. We must pool our efforts so we can better utilize our buying power, our transportation efforts, and our labour force towards building a stronger territory for us all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise in the House again in regards to Bill 60. Mr. Speaker, it's concerning in this House about the impacts of carbon tax in my riding. I continue to raise my concerns today.

Mr. Speaker, Bill 60 cannot go forward as proposed. The carbon tax is going to increase the cost of living in the Northwest Territories in my riding by 15 percent and 4 percent every year after.

Mr. Speaker, we're doing the federal government's dirty work. How are we going to tax people who have nothing to give, Mr. Speaker? Why are we putting our people at the highest place in the Arctic, we're being penalized because of where we live. We're the most impacted by climate change being taxed on climate change where this territory gives 0.05. The federal government should be paying us to clean their air, Mr. Speaker. You know, everything that's happening right now, we have -- we provide for our families, we hunt. We travel on the land. The cost of gas is going up in the communities, at $2.75 a litre in some communities. And then if you don't get nothing to -- if you luck out, don't get any caribou or anything that's subsistence for how we're going to feed our families because you just wasted your gas and you get nothing. Putting pressure on families. On top of all this, the government expects us to pay more taxes.

Mr. Speaker, we pay more taxes already. We pay $2 a kilowatt in small communities for power. The families can barely afford to buy food. We have the highest price of food index in the Northwest Territories. Over 50 percent of the Nunakput residents are worried about having enough money to buy food and provide for their families, Mr. Speaker. We have to hunt, again to put food on the table. It's our culture, our way of life, hunting is our household. The pressure to provide food for our family and especially with the climate change and the ice is thinner in some parts of the territory in our riding. Our power bills continue to go up. And yet our houses, you know, that are provide in the communities, our housing, are paper-thin walls, cracks in doors and brings snow right through the homes, floors are so cold they have to put blankets down for -- and how energy efficient is that, Mr. Speaker?

People in our riding have very little employment opportunities. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, families earn average $50,000 less than NWT family, almost 20 percent are on income assistance. Over 10 percent of our families make less than $30,000. There's no offshore; the moratorium is still in place. The federal government takes away but doesn't give nothing back. The resource development is dragging on. There's no way to get ahead, Mr. Speaker. There's no way to pay the bills. Residents already have to -- and now that are going to be taxed more. Mr. Speaker, I oppose the carbon tax on Bill C-60 and we simply can't tax our people anymore when they don't have nothing to give. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Merci, Monsieur le President. Earlier in this sitting, I tabled a copy of the February 3rd, 2023 letter where the federal minister of northern affairs approved a regional study under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act to look at the future of the area between Yellowknife and the Nunavut border. Unfortunately, the study, as it is currently formulated, will stop at the Nunavut border. However, caribou don't stop there and planning continues for an all-weather road that would destroy habitat and disrupt migrations of the Bathurst caribou herd.

A regional study is a good thing, especially if there is participant funding, a broad mandate that considers options and alternatives, and work on how the results will actually be implemented and reported on. Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell the Department of Infrastructure that it should "down tools" during the regional study.

I raised the issue during the review of the Infrastructure 2023-2024 Main Estimates on March 8th, and it is business as usual there in terms of spending money that will disrupt the habitat of what's left of the Bathurst caribou herd.

Despite several attempts to get the Minister to clarify the status of the work on the so-called Slave Geological Province Road, or the Lockhart All-Season Road, I could not really get a straight answer.

On November 1st, 2022, during the review of the capital budget, I raised the issue of whether Cabinet would push ahead with an all-weather road while a regional study is underway. The Minister of Finance said that the work on the road was delayed, which would allow for the regional study to take place.
Even the Government of Nunavut has just changed its position on the Nunavut Land Use Plan and is calling for permanent protection of caribou calving grounds and other key habitat by prohibiting development. Our government has no such position and continues to bulldoze ahead with a road that will have irreversible impacts. I will have questions for the Premier later today on whether this government intends to proceed with an all-weather road to Lockhart Lake and trigger a separate environmental assessment while a regional study under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act is in progress. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, carbon tax has now become a word many people don't want to hear. However, as Members in this House, we have talked, listened to residents, and debated this topic for the past few months. I am in a situation now that I must decide on what's best for the residents in the Northwest Territories on how we move ahead with this.

The GNWT carbon tax is what we are paying now but heating fuel has been able to be excluded up until the new changes that are coming that being imposed upon by the federal government. They have decided they will no longer allow for GNWT as this goes against what they are trying to do - decrease carbon in Canada. And now their schedules -- according to their schedules, we're increasing the carbon tax.

Those territories and provinces, whether they are under the federal backstop or have opted to create a carbon tax that will best meet their needs and fit the federal guidelines, we in the NWT have our own legislation and now we are at a point where we have to decide to agree to what GNWT Cabinet has decided for the NWT or decide to not support and therefore the federal backstop will kick in, and the tax will kick in.

Mr. Speaker, we as Regular Members ask for legislation to ensure that our residents have a regional COLO payment, to our residents, money for municipalities, businesses, and offset, as well as defined legislation that must come to this House to be decided if there are any changes in the future by all MLAs. Cabinet has agreed to regional COLO payments for the municipalities to get -- and they are also agreed to the COLO -- regional COLO payments in the municipalities but with legislation, you know, we are where we at.

The new carbon tax changes will take place April 1st, 2023, so we have to decide who we trust more that will take care of Northerners - GNWT or the federal government. Because if we vote down the GNWT tax, the federal carbon tax will take over and we will be still paying the tax. So I will have some questions for the Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let's face the facts. Last year the NWT's population dropped by over 200 people with over 900 people leaving the territory. Thankfully, this decline was offset by about 300 births and 400 newcomers. Last year this House passed a motion calling for a strategy to match Canada's population growth. Every Regular Member voted in support. In its response, the GNWT all but rejected this House's call for a coordinated robust plan to increase the NWT population. The GNWT pointed instead to its growing the NWT strategy, an ineffective and outdated strategy that failed to achieve its goals. Cabinet claims that population and labour challenges are nationwide. While that's true, this House needs to hear me when I say we are the only province and territory to have fewer residents at the end of 2022, so a declining population is an NWT specific issue.

While there are existing efforts for infrastructure, post-secondary education supports, and supports aimed at seniors and elders, more needs to be done.

Recent employment surveys have shown that about half of Gen-Zs and Millennials plan on looking for a new job in 2023, and that they want better work-life balance and more career challenges. The North offers both, Mr. Speaker, as well as the best student financial assistance in the country. But who is telling our fellow Canadians about this?

Mr. Speaker, even our own residents are moving on to new opportunities. This is not only about attracting new residents; we need to focus on retaining the existing ones. Imagine our growth rate if we retained the 900 people who left last year. Cabinet's rejection of the motion also means they turned down the recommendation to analyze why Northerners are leaving our territory. There is some work on asking residents why they're leaving. The GNWT's recent Indigenous employment plans set targets for running exit interviews but the targets are low. For example, the NTHSSA is only aiming to complete exit interviews on 20 percent of departing employees this year. And there's no plan to ask residents why they are choosing to leave and to address those reasons.

A shrinking NWT isn't just an NWT issue; it's a Canadian one, Mr. Speaker. Hollowing out remote northern communities does not support reconciliation or the Canadian Arctic sovereignty and security goals. I will have questions for the Minister of Finance later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this year is the time of year when we celebrate spring and the arrival of spring and the animals and that kind of thing. This year we didn't have the Long John Jamboree, and it's something that, you know, we all bring our families out and enjoy a good time and that kind of thing. But this year in the Chief Drygeese territory, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation are planning their spring carnival from March 31st to April 2nd, 2023, in Dettah, and they're looking at, on Friday, they are looking at a fish derby, many hand games, and a talent show. I think this is a good opportunity for the Premier and Cabinet to come out and try out their singing, jigging, and show some of the best dressed outfits. And on Saturday, we're also looking at a kiddie carnival, pond hockey, and outdoor events, sleigh pulling, log sawing, etcetera, and the same thing on Sunday. I'd like to encourage my colleagues and everybody in the Northwest Territories, especially people here in Yellowknife, to come out to Dettah this coming weekend to enjoy the carnival there.

Also in Lutselk'e, we're also planning to have a carnival there as well in April; the long weekend it looks like. And I just want to make sure that I got this right here.

On April 8th, Friday, 9th and 10th, again, in Lutselk'e, they're looking at opening ceremonies, outdoor games, activities, sled pulling, piggyback races, and all that good stuff that brings everybody out of their homes into the community after a long COVID. And so this is a good opportunity to celebrate as well. And they're also looking at, you know, a talent show, and that kind of thing in the community of Lutselk'e. So, again, if you're in the neighbourhood in Lutselk'e, come out and join us, and especially this weekend here in YKDFN. Mahsi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is not only in Tlicho community but in other Indigenous communities as well. But in all four communities, Mr. Speaker, there are dozens of housing units that some families have lived in for decades. Many people consider these houses their forever homes and, in most cases, families have every intention to pass on these existing homes to younger family -- to younger family members to ensure they are housed into the future. However, Mr. Speaker, some families have told me that it came as a surprise to them when they discovered that they are not actually the owners of these homes - this is very true in many of the communities - but rather only renters to homes that are owned and maintained by Housing NWT. There are other families who know they are renters and have been long-time renters but they would like to become homeowners to the home they live in.

Moreover, Mr. Speaker, I have heard not only from the Tlicho region, but from all regions, that Indigenous governments and organizations are ready and willing to step up and help repair many of these old housing units in our communities. The only thing is that these organizations do not wish to do this work unless the ownership of these homes are transferred away from Housing NWT. Yet, Mr. Speaker, it seems for some reason that Housing NWT is either resistant or hesitant, or both, in letting these housing units go. As I understand it, Housing NWT does not want to go down this route because they are scared of losing additional funding in operations and maintenance if they reduce their overall number of housing assets.

Well, Mr. Speaker, that is an irrational and unreasonable fear for Housing NWT to have, and that it is also counter to their own strategy of increasing capacity and partnership with Indigenous government.

So which is it? Is Housing NWT going to hoard over all their aging housing units forever and continue charging the maximum rent -- can I seek unanimous consent to continue with my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted

So is Housing NWT going to hoard over all their aging housing units forever and continue charging the maximum rent at prices that are not even worth the homes they are living in, or are they going to listen to their own words and disperse their old housing units to increase homeownership in the communities?

Mr. Speaker, it is very important that the Government of the Northwest Territories work together with the Tlicho government and other Indigenous government and the federal government to sort this issue out. We need action on this sooner rather than later. I will have questions for the Minister of Housing. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's no secret that women face a disproportionate amount of the child care burden in our society. They also, on average, earn less than men. And to pile onto the inequality, women pay a number of what are called "think taxes," Mr. Speaker. Those are costs on products and services that men do not. One example of this is that women shoulder the payment of birth control.

According to the Canadian Pediatric Society, timely access to effective contraception reduces the incidents of unintended pregnancy. Cost is a significant barrier to using contraception for youth in Canada. Many must pay out-of-pocket because they have no pharmaceutical insurance, their insurance does not cover the contraceptives they desire, or they wish to obtain contraceptives without their parents' knowledge, Mr. Speaker.

The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends, to address these barriers and reduce the rate of unintended pregnancy, that there should be universal free access to contraceptives and, Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what British Columbia is doing and starting this weekend. They will be providing all of those contraceptive measures for free in BC. All one has to do is get a prescription and bring it to their pharmacy, no cost. Now, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of health about whether we can provide universal contraceptive access in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for most of us we have post offices located in our communities. However, some of the smaller communities in the Nahendeh riding, they do not. Four of the communities fall under the Fort Simpson's postal code. Nahanni Butte was one of those communities. Mail would get flown in from Fort Simpson to Nahanni Butte once a week, weather permitting. Once it arrives, somebody had to collect it from the airstrip and bring it to the band office where a staff person would sort it and get ready for residents to pick it.

Mr. Speaker, throughout the years, the community has seen an improved Canada Post service, but they have sometimes gone two or three weeks without receiving the mail. This was an issue, so they wanted to fix it. In December 2021, the band began working to establish a post office in Nahanni Butte. This involved several meetings with the Crown corporation so they could identify what changes were necessary to make the post office a reality. Once these changes occurred, it would mean securing a new postal code. One of the biggest things was to name every street and put numbers on every house. The residents provided ideas for what each road could be named, and council voted on the options. Once the names were chosen, they developed a sign with both Dene Zhatie and English. The house numbers were designed by a local artist Destiny Ekotla depicting a beaver in front of Tthenaago, the sacred mountain which Nahanni Butte lies at the foot of. As Chief Steve Vital stated, these changes were improvement in the delivery of mail and emergency services in the community of 93 people.

Mr. Speaker, the shiny new signage went up in April, giving each home in the community its own mailing address that will make it easier for emergency services to respond to emergencies in Nahanni Butte. As well, it makes it easier for residents to fill out paperwork for things like driver's licenses, insurance, and utilities.

The new postal code took effect September 2022, with the post office outlet situated in the corner of the general store.

Mr. Speaker, each community member will have their own designated mailbox, keys, the post office will hire one full-time employee to manage the space and pick up the community's mail twice a week from a driver who already does a mail run from Fort Simpson to Fort Liard.

The community's postal code is X0E 2N0 code. They do have their own postal stamp as well. Just ask the Member from Frame Lake who received one of the first pieces of mail from the community. Trust me, I had to drop the mail off with my colleague from the health Minister.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to congratulate them for getting their own post office. Thank You, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to be joined today by the NWT Seniors Society. Here in the gallery, I see Don Webb, the president from Fort Smith; Pat Burnstad from Hay River, who is the vice president; John Hazenberg, the treasurer from Yellowknife; Martina Norwegian, secretary from Fort Simpson; Elizabeth Kunnizzie, the director from Inuvik; John Norbert, who is also a director from Tsiigehtchic, and staff of the society Karen Willy, the executive director, and Myrna Matheson, the project coordinator. Thank you all for being here today.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize Pat Burnstad, the vice president the NWT Seniors Society, a constitutent of mine and I would say a pillar of the community. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize Don Webb, president, constitutent of Fort Smith, and all the board members that are attending today and their staff. I also would like to say that I recognize the NWT Seniors Society for all the work they do for all seniors in the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to recognize Elizabeth Kunnizzie, a constituent of Inuvik Twin Lakes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my constituency assistant Arlene Hansen, who is here with me this week. I would also like to recognize Elizabeth Kunnizzie from Inuvik, and I knew Elizabeth growing up Aklavik. Quyananni.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I also want to extend a welcome to the Northwest Territories Seniors Society but, in particular, John Hazenberg, treasurer, is also a resident of Yellowknife South.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife South. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nahendeh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mary Jane Cazon, our translator for Dene Zhatie, and I thank her for all her hard work. Now, I am going to embarrass a few of the young people up sitting there. Ms. Pat Burnstad was actually my grade 10-11 typing teacher and she told me quit typing after that because my fingers were too big and couldn't do grade 12. So I thank her. So her sister got me in Foods 10 so I thank her for that. Mr. John Hazenberg is a former co-worker of mine in Fort Simpson, as well as Martina Norwegian who is very very much a volunteer in the community and I have known her for a long time from Fort Simpson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to welcome Karen Willy, executive director of the NWT Seniors Society. Karen is a retired public servant and we couldn't let her stay retired very long and so now she serves as executive director, and we thank you very much for your service. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize Pat Burnstad who is from Hay River as well. Not one of my constituents I guess but R.J.'s so he'll probably let me borrow her here for a bit, so. And I haven't gotten in any trouble with her I don't think, but my colleague across. I would also like to recognize Martina Norwegian from Fort Simpson as well . And all the other members of the NWT Seniors Society. Welcome, thank you.

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

Merci, le President. I want to recognize a couple of people, or a couple of groups in the gallery today. Rosella Stoesz served as my official agent way back in 2019 in the general election. And I also want to recognize the board and staff of the NWT Seniors Society. My wife served as the former executive director and passes on, I am sure, her best regards to you all. Thank you very much for being here. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Colleagues, I would also like to recognize John Norbert, an elder from Tsiigehtchic who sat on many boards in the community, whether it's a renewable resource council, the band council, the Tsiigehtchic Charter Community Council, designated Gwich'in organization - many boards. Thank you for all of the work that you do and same with all the elders for representing the elders throughout the territory . And if we have missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the chamber. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It is always nice to see people in the gallery, mahsi cho.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to provide its report on Indigenous Representation in the Northwest Territories Public Service and commends it to the House.

INTRODUCTION

The Standing Committee on Government Operations reviewed Indigenous representation in the Northwest Territories public service. Currently, Indigenous employees make up approximately thirty percent of the Government of the Northwest Territories public service while, at the same time, half of the NWT's population is Indigenous.

Finding ways to increase Indigenous representation in the GNWT public service is a priority the committee chose to work on during the 19th Assembly. The committee aimed to identify the systemic barriers to increasing Indigenous representation in the public service and review GNWT human resource practices and policies.

Committee's review began in 2020 but was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2021, committee visited Inuvik; other planned community visits had to be put on hold. During 2022, committee held a virtual public hearing in Yellowknife and visited the communities of Thebacha-Fort Smith, Zhahti Kue-Fort Providence, Behchoko, K'atlodeeche-Hay River, and the K'atlodeeche First Nation. A plan to visit to Deline had to be cancelled and a virtual meeting was held instead.

Committee heard about a deep and longstanding disappointment with the GNWT as an employer and a viewpoint that the system is intended to keep Indigenous people out of the public service, evidencing a broken trust in the GNWT. Yet, many also expressed a "now or never" hope for change.

To be clear, Members intend to improve the Affirmative Action Policy.

Committee asks that the government take a candid look at the recommendations presented here, recognize the reconciliatory intent, and implement the recommendations in relevant policies, including the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework and new initiatives such as the proposed Indigenous Employment Policy and Employment Equity Policy.

Proportions and numbers characterizing Indigenous employment in the GNWT are presented in Appendix 1: Indigenous employment statistics in the NWT public sector. A list of public meetings is shown in Appendix 2. And six written submissions are attached in Appendix 3.

Committee members thank everyone who took the time to meet with committee, in person and virtually, and made the effort to provide us with their thoughts in writing. Committee expresses gratitude for the warm welcome Members and staff received on Indigenous lands and in communities.

COMMITTEE CONSIDERATIONS

The GNWT's Affirmative Action Policy, created in 1989, did not successfully increase Indigenous employment with the GNWT. The GNWT says on the public engagement site of the review of the Affirmative Action Policy:

"Despite being in force for over 30 years, it is unclear how much the policy has helped the Government of the Northwest Territories meet our objective of a competent public service that is representative of the population it serves."

The Affirmative Action Policy was a response to replace the Native Employment Policy of 1973. Following the division into Nunavut and the NWT, the GNWT reviewed human resource practices resulting in a centralized human resources division in 2005 while continuing to follow the 1989 Affirmative Action Policy.

The Affirmative Action Policy creates four designated groups:

• Indigenous Aboriginal Persons;
• Indigenous Non-Aboriginal Persons;
• Resident Disabled Persons; and,
• Resident Women.

Staffing priorities are granted according to the designated groups.

The use of the terms "Indigenous" and "Aboriginal" is confusing, and everyone appears to agree that clarity in the language is direly needed. Committee heard that most government employees do not know how to implement this policy uniformly to ensure accountability across government.

The Affirmative Action Policy indicates it "shall conform to the equality rights provisions of the Canadian Human Rights Act and Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms." The designated group for Priority 2 has been challenged in the past.

The GNWT will need to work to and ensure the Affirmative Action Policy and all related frameworks and guidelines will be reviewed and linked to the GNWT's effort to comply with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The review of the policy needs to align with other Cabinet policies, as suggested in recommendation 4 of the Special Committee on Reconciliation and Indigenous Affairs Report.

The Affirmative Action Policy is a key mechanism to achieve reconciliation. It is about the livelihood and putting bread on the table. The current practice appears to many as conflicting. We put everyone to school and present it as a path to success, yet once it is about employment, the parameters change, and most are being turned down. It is difficult to comprehend and explain.

The GNWT's policy direction for Indigenous recruitment comes from the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework and the to-do list from the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Action Plan. Each GNWT department created a distinct "Indigenous Employment Plan," basically mirroring the GNWT's general plan with targets and actions tailored to each department.

Overall, the GNWT grew by 124 new employees in 2021-2022; three are Priority 1. The Indigenous share of GNWT employees reached an all-time low of 28.8 percent in 2021. Indigenous representation also declined in 15 communities. This information is from the GNWT 2021-2022 Public Service Annual Report, summarized in Appendix 1.

Witnesses explained they feel let down by the Union of Northern Workers and that more work to support Indigenous employees is needed. In particular, the union needs more Indigenous service officers and an improved and revamped grievance process to support Indigenous employees better. Committee agrees that the Union of Northern Workers can do more to help increase Indigenous representation in the public service. Committee wants the GNWT to improve the way competitions are held, decentralize operations, create a fair and transparent appeal process, implement mechanisms to hold hiring managers accountable, set hiring targets, and be cautious of potential problems with limiting the definition of Indigenous.

I will now pass the reading on to the deputy chair, the Member for Thebacha. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Number 1,

1. Increase Indigenous Employment

It is important to confirm where the authority to establish the Affirmative Action Policy comes from. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms establishes that "every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination" (Section 15(1)).

Section 15(2) provides the legal grounds for establishing the Affirmative Action Policy by enabling "any law, program or activity that has as its object the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability." The objective and intent of the Affirmative Action Policy are to increase the number of Indigenous persons who are disadvantaged and underrepresented in the public sector. Committee wants the Government of the Northwest Territories to improve the disadvantage and underrepresentation of Indigenous persons in the NWT by holding job competitions exclusively for Priority 1 candidates.

Recommendation 1: Committee recommends that the Affirmative Action Policy reflect its objective and intent and mitigate the disadvantage and underrepresentation of Indigenous persons in the NWT public sector by implementing a Priority 1-only competition.

Committee heard that decentralizing government jobs contributes to increasing Indigenous representation. This is partially due because most NWT's Indigenous population resides outside the capital city region. Therefore, more Indigenous persons would seek employment in the public sector if people could stay in communities to work. The Government of the Northwest Territories should review the jobs at headquarters in Yellowknife, identify positions to be moved to the regions, and allow jobs to be relocated.

Recommendation 2: Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories identify which headquarters positions can be located to the regions, which jobs could be tagged as flexible and moved among a number of locations, and those that could be classified as remote working arrangements, aiming to allow Priority 1 employees to work in the community of residence.

2. Appeals Process

Committee received several comments from the public about the need of transparent appeals process when Indigenous candidates have not been hired. Residents noted that politics and political biases are often involved in hiring in small communities and recommend creating an independent review body for oversight and appeals.

Not being informed about one's rights when feeling treated unfairly breaks more than not only trust. Improvements need to be made toward a clear and public description of the appeal process. The right to appeal allows the appellant to bring forward their view on a decision, and an appeal can result in reversing a decision.

Committee heard that since 1967, over time, non-Indigenous employees have fine-tuned the governmental operation to put their own people into the government, leaving Indigenous persons out. Such loss of trust flags the urgent need to lay the groundwork for building confidence and assurance that Indigenous participation will increase in the public sector.

The Union of Northern Workers can also play a role in imparting trust in the public sector by looking after their employees with an Indigenous complaints process. Indigenous employees need to know they are protected.

Committee is concerned that the GNWT does not have enough independent oversight regarding hiring decisions. Committee also notes that current Indigenous staff and the diversity and inclusion unit are uniquely positioned to support Indigenous candidates as they navigate the hiring process. Committee therefore recommends:

Recommendation 3: Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories establish one uniform, clear and accessible appeal process for public service positions that:

• Establishes a mechanism empowering Priority 1 candidates with the ability and enough time to appeal a hiring decision before a job is offered to a non-Priority 1 candidate.
• Operates independently at arms-length from the government.
• That an appeal body that is representative of the Indigenous population with a minimum Indigenous membership of 50 percent.
• Clearly outlines how appeals can be requested and considered.
• Contains clear terms of reference for a fair and consistent appeal process.
• Ensures availability and accessibility of support by Indigenous staff of the diversity and inclusion unit to the Indigenous candidate.

I will now pass this on to the MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.

3. Minimum Representation in Public Service and Agencies

Beginning on April 1, 2023, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Lands will amalgamate into the new Department of Environment and Climate Change. With this change, four assistant deputy minister positions will be transferred from the existing departments. Additionally, to align with the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework, senior departmental management decided to create a new ADM position, which will be a regional position, intending to be an Indigenous pathway position that supports Indigenous people moving into senior management. As an act of reconciliation, committee recommends this new initiative by the Department of Environment and Climate Change should be expanded and replicated across all GNWT departments.

Similarly, committee considers it vital that, wherever and whenever possible, departments should consistently staff all regional supervisor positions with Indigenous employees. This will ensure that Indigenous employees have at least one secured pathway into senior management positions within the public service.

Furthermore, committee is concerned and unsure whether the existing Affirmative Action Policy has been actively applied to public boards, such as the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, for example, or other arms-length boards and agencies. Therefore, to ensure that all NWT public boards and agencies have some degree of Indigenous representation, committee finds it necessary that all such organizations must establish a minimum level of Indigenous representation within the overall makeup of their board of directors.

Given this uncertainty about whether the Affirmative Action Policy has been actively applied to all NWT agencies, committee wants assurance that this is being done. Therefore, committee considers it essential to explicitly urge the government to direct all NWT agencies to apply the Affirmative Action Policy with all employee hiring decisions.

Recommendation 4: Committee recommends that the GNWT

• For the purpose of capacity building, make it a standard policy to ensure that an Indigenous person consistently occupies at least one assistant deputy minister position with all departments.
• Consistently staff all regional supervisor positions with Indigenous employees.
• Promotes and requires, where possible, that all public boards and agencies have a minimal level of Indigenous representation within the overall makeup of their board of directors. And,
• Requires, where possible, for agencies to invest in hiring Indigenous employees and follow the Affirmative Action Policy.

4. Attracting Indigenous Professionals to Return to the NWT

Committee heard that there is a general sentiment among many residents in the small communities and regional centres that there is a disconnection between the capital city and everywhere else when it comes to hiring Indigenous professionals into the public service. Many people said that the capital, as headquarters of human resources, must do a better job at outreach to the communities when filling job vacancies. People living outside of Yellowknife told committee that the GNWT must make changes to its recruitment practices in attracting and hiring Indigenous professionals from the small communities and regional centres.

Therefore, committee recommends that the GNWT create and conducts an extensive outreach campaign that targets all NWT residents who are studying outside of the NWT and encourages them to work for the public service. Committee wants to see more incentives offered to students who return to the NWT. All hiring managers should be made aware of this outreach campaign.

Recommendation 5: Committee recommends that the GNWT attract Indigenous professionals with roots and relations in the NWT to take public service positions with the GNWT by

• Creating an outreach campaign targeting NWT residents studying outside of the NWT.
• Offering incentives to returning students. And,
• Requiring that hiring managers are aware of the campaign.

5. Hiring Practices and Job Competitions

Submissions and feedback to committee included recommendations for the GNWT to review hiring practices and job competitions. Committee heard that the application of equivalencies in competitions seems arbitrary. Applicants do not know when equivalencies are used in screening and interviews. When equivalencies are applied, there is no known formula for how they are applied. Committee understands applicants with equivalencies like Indigenous knowledge and experience in the NWT communities have inherent value to the GNWT regardless of which jobs are applied to.

Many residents requested more transparency of the competition process, including transparency during a competition. The interview process was also mentioned as intimidating and non-transparent. Practically speaking, the government has far to go to meet its goal of removing system barriers by establishing appropriate non-inflated education and experience requirements across all job descriptions.

Recommendation 6: Committee recommends that the GNWT and all departments:

• Update the job descriptions of all public service positions to ensure the inclusion of value statements which affirms the importance of Indigenous knowledge and community experience.
• Update the "job information" section of all job descriptions to ensure that only plain language is used.
• Ensure that each "job information" section provides an equivalency formula that is publicly accessible and demonstrates concrete examples of what education equivalencies will be accepted in place of university education.
• Create a mechanism that requires offering qualifying Priority 1 candidates who participate in the competition and training path into the position before submitting the job to a non-priority candidate.

And, Mr. Speaker, I will now ask to pass it to Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

6. Retention and Succession Planning

Committee heard that workforce development and succession planning needed to be more inclusive of Indigenous employees within the GNWT. The GNWT's Indigenous Employment Plans aim to "improve retention of Indigenous employees through professional development and career progression." Under the current model, the Department of Finance will create a succession planning guide for Indigenous employees, and each department will work with HR to develop an individual succession plan.

However, public comments addressed a need to share information about transfer assignments and promotions to ensure Indigenous employees and Indigenous applicants receive priority hiring in replacing outgoing employees. Also, committee received recommendations and comments that uniform succession planning must include position tracking and a clear structure for promotion with managerial experience opportunities for Indigenous employees.

Recommendation 7: Committee recommends that the GNWT commit to transparent retention practices by requiring all departments to:

• Develop and follow succession planning guidelines.
• Maintain and share internal position tracking.
• Track and share information about transfer assignments and/or promotions.
• Ensure that departmental succession planning is informed by employees' goals and expectations by connecting with development goals expressed by employees in the annual performance appraisals.
• Ensure that all Indigenous employees in senior management positions are well supported by their supervisors and are given training opportunities that are suited to the employees' interests and career goals.
• Create a mechanism to ensure Indigenous employees and applicants receive preferred and priority hiring when replacing outgoing employees leaving the public service.

7. Measuring Employer Performance and Improving Retention

Committee is concerned that the GNWT currently does not include exit interviews as an important source of information to inform Indigenous employee retention, succession, and workforce planning. For employees, an exit interview is an opportunity to offer suggestions and feedback in areas the employer needs to improve. For the employer, exit interviews help the organization learn why employees chose to leave and gain insight into the employees' experience during the time of employment.

Committee considered that exit interviews are good corporate practice. The structure and timing of exit interviews can be well adjusted to situations. The structure of these interviews can be open, for example, to allow the employee to speak about matters of choice. The timing can also be flexible and be of the employee's choice or held six or more months after the employee has left.

For the government to understand where improvements are needed, getting feedback from past employees is a most valuable source of information that should not be ignored. Committee recommends that the GNWT develops an exit interview process with Indigenous employees that is non-threatening and culturally safe.

Further, committee heard from witnesses that an increasing number of Indigenous persons have no desire or aspiration to be employed by the GNWT. Similarly, committee also heard of a growing sentiment among Indigenous employees who are deciding they no longer want to work for the public service. The reasons for this are varied, but overall, witnesses said this is primarily because many Indigenous employees do not feel valued, supported, respected, or even trusted by some of their colleagues and/or supervisors.

Recommendation 8: Committee recommends that the GNWT:

• Requires all departments to conduct exit interviews with all Indigenous employees, including interns and summer students.
• Ensures exit interviews with Indigenous employees leaving a department are conducted by Indigenous staff of the Diversity and Inclusion Unit.
• Requires all Public Service Annual Reports include a section with an analysis of why Priority 1 employees are leaving the public service.

8. Incentives to Attract, Train and Retain Youth and Students

Committee heard loud and clear that -- oh, I am reading somebody else's part, Mr. Speaker. I would like to pass to the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh to complete reading this report. Thank you.

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

You're welcome to read that if you want. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

8. Incentives to Attract, Train and Retain Youth and Students

Committee heard loud and clear that Indigenous youth are the future of the NWT. Incentives to attract, train, and retain Indigenous students by developing practicum and co-op placements within vacant GNWT positions, and transitioning students from Aurora College into GNWT jobs, are essential to increasing Indigenous representation and retention across the GNWT.

Committee heard about the need to track the number of Indigenous youths seeking public service employment under programs such as the Schools North Apprenticeship Program (SNAP), Summer Student Employment Program, and internships in all communities.

Committee believes that advertising youth development in small communities, recruiting Indigenous students, and allowing more time for students to apply for job postings, will help increase the number of Indigenous youths working in their home communities.

Recommendation 9: Committee recommends that the GNWT work towards increasing the participation of Indigenous students in all programs, grants, and contributions focused on youth, by:

• Advertising the availability for youth development and making it known in small communities.
• Creating recruitment campaigns in small communities so youth can participate in existing programs and apply for positions.
• Having an advocate for youth and students in each department.
• Creating and tracking hiring targets in all communities for Indigenous youth seeking public service employment under programs such as SNAP, summer students, and internships.

And further, that the Department of Finance re-structure the Summer Student Employment Program to:

• Allow a more extended period for students to apply; and,
• Require managers to hire Priority 1 summer students and deplete the Priority 1 candidate list before considering non-Priority 1 students, ensuring not to leave one Priority 1 student candidate without summer employment.

9. Ensuring Cultural Safety, Support, and Advocacy

Most submissions and comments outlined the need to support Indigenous employees in the workplace. Residents described this support as ideally coming out of a team approach with Indigenous individuals helping new employees feel safe in the work environment and assisting with career advancement.

The committee gave much thought to the recommendation for the GNWT to require each department to have one Indigenous employee support person. Committee also heard concerns about retaliation and the dysfunction of the appeals process. To avoid potentially targeting one designated employee in a department, committee looked to the existing Diversity and Inclusion Unit and the recently created Indigenous patient advocates positions.

Committee heard from people in all regions about the need for more support to be made available for Indigenous employees in the public service. As a result, committee considered that a new position should be created that is dedicated solely to providing additional support and guidance to Indigenous employees to help them flourish in their jobs.

To accomplish this, committee suggests that the government use the newly created Indigenous patient advocate position within the Department of Health and Social Services as a template for establishing a new advocate position offered to Indigenous employees in the public service.

In addition, committee finds that the best avenue to provide additional support to Indigenous employees is to work with the existing Indigenous Employee Advisory Committee within the Diversity and Inclusion Unit under the Department of Finance. Supports offered should include counselling services, support for addictions, and all supports should use trauma-informed language and practices.

Recommendation 10: Committee recommends to the GNWT that all departments have in place support for Indigenous employees, and:

• Look to the Indigenous patient advocates positions implemented by the Department of Health and Social Services as a model of how to provide support.
• Work with the Indigenous Employee Advisory Committee and the Diversity and Inclusion Unit to provide support.
• Offer pathways and leave to access counselling and addictions services.
• Apply trauma-informed language and practices as a norm.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to pass this to my colleague for Yellowknife North, Mr. Rylund Johnson. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Member for Yellowknife North.

10. Housing and Education as Determinants

Several witnesses mentioned housing and education as determining factors for potential and interested Indigenous employees choosing a public service career with the GNWT.

Housing - Housing is an issue because of the low to no vacancy rate in the regional centres and the Yellowknife rental housing market. Several witnesses commented on the difficulty of securing a residence as a critical barrier for Indigenous people to pursue jobs. Committee heard that when the Affirmative Action Policy started, many activities and programs supported individuals. The GNWT went out of its way to get people through the various process levels and supported and hired where possible. The GNWT also provided housing in cases.

This removal of the housing offer, combined with the decision to create market housing, means limiting the number of people who may apply, resulting in losing Indigenous employees in the applicant pool. Yellowknife is very costly. Witnesses noted many Indigenous members are struggling with paying their bills and that GNWT needs to go back and look at the old practices and how GNWT supported Indigenous staff. It was suggested that GNWT decide whether to hire Indigenous workers and make it happen.

Education - Education was mentioned as the other big barrier. Committee heard that education and employment are interconnected. Improving training opportunities for Indigenous candidates would remove the most significant barriers to increasing Indigenous employment. Small communities in particular are seen to be at a disadvantage compared with the capital city of Yellowknife, with many communities losing students to dropping.

Social passing is perceived as a distinct aspect hindering students from qualifying for government jobs. Committee heard of students who graduated from high school but would be shy to apply for jobs, thinking they do not know enough. Witnesses noted that GNWT oversees learning outcomes in education for kindergarten to grade 12 and pushes out grade 12 graduates at grade 8 or grade 9 level. Students are proud to graduate and then realize they don't qualify for a job with the government or post-secondary education.

Improving and increasing relationships between schools and potential GNWT employers was mentioned to committee as a potential pathway to contribute to raising public sector employment. For example, the "Take our Kids to Work Day" initiative held every November for grade 9 students could be extended to include other grades to ensure that youth in every school gets to visit a GNWT workplace. Committee heard that attention needs to be given to developing opportunities that move Indigenous employees into jobs. The premise is that if practices and training take place after hiring Indigenous applicants, the training can be targeted to the employee's strengths.

Recommendation 11: Committee recommends that the GNWT include in its Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework:

• Support in finding housing at the new job site for Indigenous employees relocating to take a government position or move within government.
• Provide a moving allowance for Indigenous employees relocating to other communities.
• Offer education leave to help Indigenous employees to finish any education that was not completed before employment, with the guarantee to remain in the public service and at a minimum return to the same job level.
• Offer education leave to Indigenous employees to support their career goals and interests and help expand their opportunities.

CONCLUSION

This concludes the Standing Committee on Government Operations report on Indigenous Representation in the NWT Public Service. Members thank everyone who shared thoughts, opinions, and recommendations with committee. Committee looks forward to the government's response to these recommendations.

Recommendation 12: That the Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that the GNWT responds to this report within 120 days.

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 Committee Report 51-19(2), Standing Committee on Government Operations report on Indigenous Representation in the Northwest Territories Public Service be received by the Assembly and moved into Committee of the Whole for further consideration. 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. Committee Report 51-19(2) will be referred to Committee of the Whole.

---Carried

Reports of standing and special committees. Returns to oral questions. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in the House, the infrastructure Minister had talked about the Memorandum of Understanding with the Taltson Hydro Expansion and referenced all the members of that MOU. However, as I said in my statement, there was one nation who has not signed on to the MOU, which I'm concerned about. Can the Minister explain if she shares that same concern, yes or no, and why? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe the Member is referencing Salt River First Nation who made the decision to withdraw from the MOU. The Salt River First Nation is an important party that we would like to engage with on a potential business partnership alongside with our other Indigenous partners. The steering committee memberships have kept a seat at the table under the MOU for Salt River First Nation if they wish to return. We also offered some briefing for the new leadership on this project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this project is extremely important to the community of Fort Smith and all people of the NWT. Delays in this project could occur if there's no communication with this group. As the MLA for Thebacha, I would be very concerned if this happened. Does the Minister agree, yes or no? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, we have engaged with the Salt River First Nation and we will continue to engage with them going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, this project is probably one of the most important projects on green energy for the NWT. This is a major priority in reaching our emission targets for 2030. Therefore, as the MLA for Thebacha I've supported this project wholeheartedly so we must ensure that there are no roadblocks with the success of this project. Does the Minister agree with that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That's two yeses. We agree that this is one of the most important green energy projects here in the Northwest Territories. It's a project for which we will continue to work hard to advance and is key to both our ability to both reduce emissions in the future as well as support resource development. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this project could be a win-win situation for not only the residents of Fort Smith and the broader South Slave but for the whole NWT, thus we must ensure that communication occurs, and we must carry out our mandate items.

Will the Minister work with Cabinet to ensure that this project continues to be advanced and we will work with the First Nations that are most affected by this project, especially the one nation that has reserve lands bordering that dam. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, I agree that this project could be a win-win for the residents of Fort Smith and the broader South Slave and all of the Northwest Territories. We continue to engage with our Indigenous partners and First Nations to try and advance a business partnership that makes sense for all the parties involved. When the time comes, we will also fulfill our consultation obligations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the flooding that happened in Hay River last year was devastating to many. We saw some people lose their homes, businesses, incomes. We've seen the impact on mental health, physical health, and quality of life. In each of these items -- each of these areas come with a cost financially, emotionally, physically, and mentally. And as well, Mr. Speaker, the building season in Hay River is short so it's very important that the Minister and his department connect with those parties that I mentioned in my statement because they need to get after their solutions to mitigate, you know, current and future damages.

So, Mr. Speaker, will the -- or does the Minister -- or will the Minister confirm does the federal government's disaster financial assistance arrangements allow for property acquisitions, and if so, what portion is federally funded? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the federal DFAA program allows for acquisitions of property through a buyout. Disaster assistance reimbursement is provided to all provincial and territorial governments, including the GNWT, based on a sliding scale. All jurisdictions are responsible to pay any costs over what is reimbursed by the federal government. Historically the GNWT has been reimbursed for its disaster costs between 70 to 85 percent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, has the Minister considered property acquisitions as a mitigation option for Hay River residents, and who would be responsible for purchasing the properties; would it be the GNWT or community government? In some of the areas we're talking about leased land and titled land. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT Disaster Assistance Policy does not have a provision for buyouts but there is existing provisions that achieve similar results. The decision on whether to rebuild in the same location or a different location is one that is made by the property owner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, has the Minister's department given consideration on how property acquisition costs would be calculated if we were to proceed with them? Would it be based on fair market value or similar to what is currently being done under DAP. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With anticipated increase in climate change-driven disasters, the GNWT and other provincial-territorial governments are exploring buyout options but this approach has significant implications for communities and residents and further policy work will need to be undertaken in consultation with community governments in this approach. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's important that this government connect with the people that have been impacted because they're sitting back there, and they are dealing with Pathfinders and other people as well, who are doing a great job, but at the end of the day they want to be able to hear from the Minister, hear from, you know, deputy ministers as well.

So will the Minister commit to a face-to-face meeting with those residents of Paradise Valley and the Riverview drive property residents to hear concerns and solutions on how to move these files forward? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Municipal and Community Affairs staff have been and continue to communicate and meet with residents of Paradise Gardens and the Riverview Drive as assess their options. Given that the sensitivity and confidential nature of the financial consideration of these discussions with individuals, this is normally an operational matter that's better addressed by residents with Municipal and Community Affairs directly. However, in saying this, I've received a number of letters from residents in those two locations, and as well with numerous conversations with the MLA from Hay River North and Hay River South about the importance of me getting in there and having that opportunity to meet with them, so I will agree to meet with the individuals and with the Member -- both MLAs from Hay River North and Hay River South, and we're trying to do it mid April. So we will work with both MLAs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Merci, Monsieur le President. My questions are for the Premier as I seem to get different answers from different Ministers on whether this government intends to plow ahead with an all-weather road project during a regional study.

So, can the Premier tell us whether it is the intention of this government to submit land use permit and water license applications for the Lockhart All-Season Road that will undoubtedly trigger an environmental assessment while a regional study is underway. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Madam Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct that to the Minister of Infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker..

Thank you, Madam Premier. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this government's mandate includes commitments to increasing resource exploration and development as well as making infrastructure investments, including the Slave Geological Province Corridor. The advancement of this project is a priority by which the entire 19th Legislative Assembly, and I will commit to continue to advance this project. It's our government's intent to continue advancing the planning, the design, as well as the regulatory work for the first phase of the Slave Geological Province Corridor, the Lockhart All-Season Road while recent -- while the recently announced regional strategic environmental assessment is coordinated and conducted by Canada. The federal minister's decision clearly respects that existing projects can and will continue to advance through this robust environmental assessment and regulatory process while the RSEA is undertaken. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Merci, Monsieur le President, I want to thank the Minister for that. Of course I didn't agree with the 19 priorities identified by this Assembly, and I think it is probably safe to say that not everybody in this room would agree with every one of them as well. But I think some of the issues of the timing of the work with the so-called Slave Geological Province Road is a requirement to spend the money by a certain point in time. There has been a lot of slippage in this work and I don't see why the funding arrangement could not be changed to allow for more time or even reallocation of this money to something else like the Mackenzie Valley Highway.

So, can the Premier tell us what the restrictions are for the federal funding for the Slave Geological Province Road and whether a request to extended timelines or reallocate the funds has been made. Mahsi Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A $40 million cost sharing agreement for the environmental review of the Lockhart All-Season Road and planning for the remainder of the Slave Geological Province Corridor to the Nunavut border was established under the 2019 Transport Canada's National Trade Corridors Fund.

Mr. Speaker, this agreement includes a current agreement end date of March 31st, 2025; however, the GNWT is currently working with Transport Canada to amend this agreement to end at March 31st, 2028, which will align with the end of the current National Trade Corridors Fund program. This funding is specific to the advancement of the Slave Geological Province Corridor Project and cannot be reallocated. Again, this is a priority of the Assembly that we all set at 19th Legislative Assembly, and I will continue to advance this project, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister. Of course, I am not opposed to collecting data but triggering an environmental assessment while a regional study is going on? That's ridiculous. I am concerned that this government seems to think that it's a good idea to have a regional study as requested by the Tlicho government yet push ahead with a road at the same time that will have irreversible impacts on caribou. So can the Premier tell us what is the point of doing a regional study if a separate environmental assessment is triggered for the Lockhart All-Season Road? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The question is better suited for the Minister of ENR. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Premier. Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the regional study and potential EA for the Lockhart All-Season Road has two different purposes. The regional study is intended to look at the impacts and benefits of the multiple activities in the region and make recommendations for decision-makers to consider. A regional study will not replace land use planning or environmental assessment process, but it can inform those processes and improve their efficiencies. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

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

Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister. It seems like it's a real hot potato over there. No one wants to answer the questions. But, of course, we ask questions; we don't actually sometimes get answers. But this government has not done enough to protect and serve caribou. We called out Alaska for allowing development in the camping grounds of the porcupine caribou herd, but we didn't do the same for a gold mine in the calving grounds of the Bathurst caribou herd on the Nunavut side. So can the Premier tell us why we failed to protect the Canadaing grounds of the Bathurst caribou herd, we fail to identify and protecting habitat on our side of the boundary, and continue to bull doze ahead with a road that will have irreversible impacts. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'm going to actually read my notes here. So you'll get a longwinded answer here. Mr. Speaker, ENR has worked closely with Indigenous governments and other co-management partners to protect key habitats for the Bathurst herd. The collaborative development Bathurst caribou range plan supports habitat conservation areas of important caribou habitat, as well as using the mobile caribou conservation measures commonly known as MCCM in the core Bathurst area. ENR provides funding and support to Indigenous governments to identify important Bathurst caribou habitat, which will be used to help inform habitat protection. ENR participates in environmental assessments and land use planning process in the NWT and Nunavut to minimize the effect of development across the range of shared herds. ENR works with the mountain provincial diamonds to file the use of the mobile caribou conservation measures in the field and working with blue STAR gold in Nunavut to assess the effectiveness of MCCMs at their site. Mr. Speaker, ENR is also working with Rio Tinto exploration and Tlicho government to mitigate impact to the caribou from their aerial geophysical exploration projects. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure. Can the Minister tell us how the department is ensuring their RFPs are advised early enough in the new fiscal year to get work done during the upcoming short building season. How is industry being engaged in this conversation. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department are doing -- we're doing infrastructure in different ways to be able to help reduce some of the carryovers working with the contractors to ensure that we get our tenders and our information out so that we can have timely projects happen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's always really frustrating to ask how things are being done to then just get an answer that they're being done. So I'm just going to leave it at that. But that's quite an odd answer. Can the Minister explain if projects are looked at as a whole both within her department and across the entire GNWT to see if there are savings to be had by planning these projects together. These could include maximizing their buying power by ordering bulk materials or sharing labour and transportation costs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, we are looking at different ways of doing this. For example, enhancing some of our project tracking tools, enhancing some of our project management with best practices. We are staggering out some of our projects in future years where possible, working with our Department of Finance as well to look at our procurement, find historical data. Mr. Speaker, I could go on. I will not other than to say, yes, we are doing that. Thank you.