Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, caribou have sustained Northerners and communities across the Northwest Territories for generations. Today, caribou herds face pressure from a wide range of natural factors and human activities throughout their range, including the impact of climate change. We all want to see healthy caribou herds that can sustain harvest and cultural traditions for generations to come. With the winter's harvest underway and weather getting warmer, I would like to speak today on respectful harvesting, why it is important, and what our government is doing to encourage safe, legal, and respectful harvesting.

Mr. Speaker, we are working with our co-management partners to strengthen awareness and support for the conservation of caribou. Our focus on promoting respectful harvesting is meant to remind everyone that their individual choices make an important difference. To that end, our government has worked with Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, and respected harvesters to build a communications campaign based on traditional values. The campaign will focus on key messages grounded on what we have heard working with co-management partners and respected harvesters:

• Harvest respectfully, guided by traditional practices of take only what you need;
• Don't leave anything behind;
• Share what you have when you get back; and,
• learn from your elders.

Mr. Speaker, this is timeless advice and the good news is that almost everyone out there is following it. Unfortunately, there are still those hunting illegally in the Bathurst mobile zone, which was put in place through legislation to protect the herd based on agreements between co-management partners. There are still caribou being wounded, wasted, and left behind. We heard from elders and respected harvesters that some people are hunting without respect for the caribou or the people and communities that rely on them.

Mr. Speaker, the stakes are high. Indigenous leaders, elders, and respected harvesters continue to tell us that they are concerned for the future of caribou in the NWT. That message is being shared for good reason. The Bathurst herd has declined nearly 99 percent in number since 1986. Despite this drastic decline and increasingly urgent messages from leaders, we are still seeing some cases of illegal harvesting of this critically low herd. That is why today the herd is protected by our own territorial collaboratively developed laws, herd management plans, and local community caribou stewardship plans that all reflect an agreement to not harvest from the Bathurst herd.

Mr. Speaker, in January 2022 I met with Indigenous leaders from communities on the Bathurst herd range to discuss the recommendations of a respected harvesters meeting. We all agreed that harvest needs being done in a safe, legal, and respectful manner, and in a way that supports our shared conservation goals. These goals are undermined by illegal harvesting and wastage and are not consistent with traditional and cultural harvesting practices. Every time people take more than they need, they put more strain on the herds that are already under pressure. We applaud the vast majority of hunters that are harvesting in a safe, legal, and respectful way, and support all of our co-management partners in protecting caribou. We call on everyone to follow these examples and act now. Harvest with respect today so that there will be healthy caribou herds supporting our communities tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, families encounter the family law system in some of life's most difficult moments, and the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to improving our family law processes to ensure we support families through these hard times. Today I am pleased to announce the launch of the NWT Child Support Recalculation Service.

This new service can, in eligible circumstances, recalculate child support amounts on an annual basis based on the parent's income without having to go through the courts. This service is intended to reduce the time, expense, and stress that can result from parents relying upon the court process when the amount of child support needs to be changed due to a change in income.

The Child Support Recalculation Service aims to ensure fairness to both the payer and recipient at no charge. Instead of returning to court when a parent's income changes, this service will allow for the automatic recalculation of child support amounts on an annual basis for eligible orders and agreements that have been registered with the service.

In order to be eligible, child support orders and agreements must meet the requirements as per the territorial Children's Law Act or the federal Divorce Act. Once enrolled, the service automatically recalculates support amounts using the child support guidelines and a person's latest assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Mr. Speaker, the establishment of the Child Support Recalculation Service required legislative changes to the territorial Children's Law Act and the development of subsequent regulations as well as the establishment of an agreement with the federal government to allow for the recalculation of orders made under the federal Divorce Act.

In the spring of 2022, the GNWT invited residents, experts, and stakeholders to share their thoughts and suggestions with respect to the proposed regulations for the Child Support Recalculation Service. This public engagement process took place between June 6th and July 5th and provided insightful feedback that helped shape the regulations.

The department is communicating information about the new service to parents through legal aid offices, maintenance enforcement case workers, the Law Society of the NWT, and other appropriate channels. Information is currently available on the Department of Justice website. Parties to any new orders will now receive information about the program along with their court order. This new service is provided to NWT families through the Department of Justice and has been established with financial support from the federal Canadian Family Justice Fund.

Mr. Speaker, going through a separation or divorce is difficult for families. Providing this service will relieve some of the pressure on parents by alleviating the need to return to court and allowing them to focus more on the well-being of their children and themselves. It is also expected to ease some demand on our court resources.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is committed to helping Northerners navigate the family law system. The new Child Support Recalculation Service helps families with child support orders and agreements ensure that a fair level of support is maintained for their children. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. The draw for extended-stay campsites at the Prelude and Reid Lake campgrounds will be held this Sunday in Yellowknife. These popular campgrounds, Mr. Speaker, are just two of the 17 facilities that are managed and maintained by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment across our territory. For summer visitors, the Northwest Territories camping experience is a key element of our competitive tourism product. Northwest Territories parks offer a spectacular staging point from which to enjoy our unique natural environment as well as our communities, events, celebrations and activities.

Last summer, with the easing of travel restrictions, Canadians and international travelers flocked to Northwest Territories parks in large numbers. Seven of the Northwest Territories' 17 parks recorded all-time visitation highs in the 2022 season. For example, the number of overnight visitors in the Beaufort Delta region was four times higher than it had been in 2021. Overall, more than 17,000 overnight visits were registered by individuals from outside of the Northwest Territories, representing a full rebound to pre-pandemic levels.

Mr. Speaker, in the face of this demand, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment will invest close to $2 million this summer in the ongoing maintenance and improvements of our territory's parks and campgrounds.

In the Inuvik region, a new deck and performance area is being constructed at Gwich'in Park that will feature tiered seating. Meanwhile, at Happy Valley Park, ITI will be increasing the capacity of the park's shower and washroom facilities. The Fort Providence campground will be getting a new adventure themed playground this year while the Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park will be getting an upgrade to the shower building with new mechanical infrastructure and improving its wheelchair accessibility. A new change room and concession are slated for construction at the beach at the Hay River Territorial Park. Shower buildings and laundry facilities are being added to NWT Parks facilities at the 60th Parallel and Little Buffalo River Crossing. A manager's residence is being constructed at the Queen Elizabeth Park in Fort Smith and the visitor information centre at Blackstone Park is being renovated to better display the centre's interpretive components and cultural displays.

Mr. Speaker, as ITI prepares for the upcoming parks season, amendments to the territorial parks regulations made last year are also coming into force. And, Mr. Speaker, this year, the GNWT's online reservation site will open the week of April 4th for the 2023 season and campgrounds across the territory open their gates beginning May 15th. As residents and visitors alike enjoy Northwest Territories parks and campgrounds this summer, the Department of ITI will be working to keep those parks running safely and smoothly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a dream that one day I can leave this place, maybe go into the woods, build a little cabin, live there, and not think about politics. Perhaps I could run a little tourism business on the side, maybe have a garden, and if I'm lucky enough maybe one day pass that home on to my children and just generally be left alone, Mr. Speaker. But Mr. Speaker, the Department of Lands has killed my dream and the dreams of so many others because, first, in order to build that cabin you got to win a lottery, Mr. Speaker.

And even if you win the long-shot bet on that lottery, they won't let you legally live there full-time, Mr. Speaker. And even if you skirt that rule, they certainly won't let you run any sort of business out of that home. And then one day Mr. Speaker, a lands inspector is going to show up and tell you that your greenhouse is too close to your tool shed and that your lease is going to be out of compliance so you can't transfer it to anyone, you can't get a mortgage, can't leave it in your will. And so I am going to have questions for the Minister of Lands on when are we going to review these policies and make some changes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, next weekend from March 9th to 12th, Fort Smith will be hosting the annual winter carnival, Wood Buffalo Frolics. This year will mark the first time since 2019 that Fort Smith's beloved carnival will be taking place. It was cancelled twice because of the pandemic and once more due to organizer and volunteer fatigue. Fortunately, this year has many volunteers who stepped up to help with planning and will help with all of the events over the next weekend.

Mr. Speaker, this year's Wood Buffalo Frolics weekend will coincide with sled dog races from the Thebacha Dog Mushers Association, as well as a snowboarding event hosted by the Slide Zone Shredders. Among the other events that will take place includes northern games, a bingo tournament, the Mad Trappers Ball, and a talent show. A hockey tournament and the Frolics Prince and Princess Pageant.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of Thebacha, I would like to thank all the volunteers and organizers who came forward to help make the Wood Buffalo Frolics possible this year.

I would like to give a special thank you to Dana Ferguson who has been leading the organizing this year, along with Jenny Shaeffer Cumming for helping with the cultural events. I hope all residents will take the opportunity to go out and have some fun in next week's festivities.

With that, I would like to thank the amazing constituents of Thebacha along with my husband Peter, my sons Mickey and Jerry and my dog Rambo. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Rambo may very well be the most famous dog in this House.

Mr. Speaker, last year the projected cost of the Giant Mine cleanup jumped from 1 to $4.38 billion. While this project is being overseen by the federal government, the GNWT is still a co-proponent. It is still in our back yard and it still carries with it high expectations for NWT benefit retention.

Remediating the mine involves things like building a water treatment plant, filling pits, taking down buildings, and containing arsenic dust underground. Accomplishing this will put high demand on industries like waste disposal, construction, mining services, scientific services, transportation logistics, accommodation and food services, and medical services; industries that, to some extent, exist here in the NWT already. But today the demand on these industries is already high so for large contracts, local companies need time to prepare.

The Giant Mine Remediation Project reports that Northerners work roughly 45 percent of the total labour hours worked and Indigenous employees work 21 percent. This is shy of 55 to 70 percent for targeted work hours for Northerners and the 25 to 30 percent for Indigenous workers.

Mr. Speaker, these targets aren't high enough, but we aren't even meeting them to begin with. This project needs ambitious goals, paired with proactive benefit retention and this doesn't require big dollar investments - maybe just a little more effort and certainty.

The oversight board estimates the remediation project will spend around $240 million annually in the next 15 years. That's a huge investment into our economy, and northern businesses need information to be ready to bid on this work. Currently, the project's annual budgets provide an idea of work categories and timing, but this information isn't detailed enough to determine the size, scale, and scope of work potentially being tendered. This month is a great example.

Right now, the federal government is accepting bids on a water treatment plant that was originally intended to be tendered next year. Once the bid came out, it became clear the size and scope of the project was much larger than expected by some proponents. The uncertainty in details and change in timing means local proponents may not be able to prepare and participate.

Building the capacity for benefit retention needs certainty and that certainty comes from information sharing between governments and the industry that it ultimately wants to participate.

Mr. Speaker, we only get one shot at benefit retention from Giant Mine remediation. We can't afford to fail. We need jobs, we need apprenticeships, and as a mineral-rich territory we need to grow our remediation economy but the key to this is information. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am doing a eulogy for the late Carmelle Rose Landry from Fort Resolution.

Carmelle Rose Landry was born in Hay River on May 10th, 1975 to her parents Angelina and Howard. She grew up with her mom Angelina and dad Howard. Carmelle lived in various communities throughout her life until she decided to reside and build her home in Edmonton with her beautiful children Breanna Rose, Caitlin Dawn, and Shayden Lawrence Henry.

Carmelle was a homemaker. She loved her children dearly and ensured they had a happy life with her and strong traditional values. Carmelle honoured her family and friends with the utmost respect and dignity. She did everything from her heart and soul. Though never aiming to be the centre of attention, Carmelle's smile and contagious laughter naturally drew people to her and engulfed those around her. All those who knew Carmelle, I know that she always made sure that everything was comfortable and loved. Carmelle's calming presence and loving aurora made sure those around her were comfortable and all taken care of.

Shayden is Carmelle's one and only son. She enjoyed showing him how to cook and bake, teaching him in confidence and self-esteem so he can learn how to do things on his own. Carmelle and Shayden had a special connection like she did with all her children, and they always had a good laugh with one another.

Carmelle always spoke highly of her children, specifically about her baby girl Caitlin. Carmelle was always so impressed with Caitlin when she was afraid to try new things to pursue her goals. Carmelle was always proud of Caitlin's amazing accomplishments and made sure everyone knew that. Carmelle and Caitlin had their ups and downs but their connection to one another was unbreakable.

Breanna, Carmelle's first born, is Carmelle's heart and their relationship was unique. They spent many hours watching movies, hanging out and enjoying each other's company. It didn't matter if Breanna and Carmelle were talking or simply just sitting in silence, they shared a special bond with each other that no one else could understand.

When Carmelle was sitting with her mother Angie, she told her mom when you get old, I'll take care of you. Angie replied, "awwe thank you, my girl." Carmelle, being cheeky, replied, "you will be in a wheelchair and I will push you behind the house to the old folk's home and you can hang out there." Angie told her, "you're supposed to take care of me."

Carmelle's stunning light in our lives who has a beautiful touch on an entire community. She lives on through her lights of her life, Breanna, Caitlin, and Shayden, and she will forever be missed. Her beautiful presence will leave a gap that we will all slowly heal from together, filling with happiness and most importantly laughter that Carmelle always wanted to share. We love of you, Carmelle. May your spirit journey safely and your infectious joy shine on. With that, I would like to thank the Fabian and Landry family. Mahsi cho.

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

Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one year ago, I asked the Government of the Northwest Territories to transfer child and youth care counsellors to the Tlicho government without restriction. I asked this because the child and youth care counsellors in the Tlicho region are not working but we know how important these positions are to our youth, which is why the Tlicho want to take ownership of these positions to make sure they are culturally appropriate.

We know in our region that families are stressed due to the housing crisis. This has an effect on their mental well-being. Our youth see and hear everything that happens in the home and when there is not enough housing or repairs are not being addressed or parents are stressed due to pay their bills or get out of housing arrears, this also causes stress on our youth.

Mr. Speaker, I asked the government to transfer over child and youth care counsellors to the Tlicho government in our region and the Minister could not commit to doing this. But now the Government of the Northwest Territories is undergoing an evaluation of this program.

Mr. Speaker, we watch the GNWT review programs, evaluate programs, creating plans about plans, but where is the action? There is a solution to the child and youth care counselling program in the Tlicho region - Transfer this to the Tlicho government.

Why does the government need to do an evaluation of this program first? The Tlicho government has a plan to better life -- I'm sorry about that. Our language, culture, and a way of life and a plan to build strong healthy communities. Offering culturally appropriate child and youth care counsellors to our young ones with elders and knowledge-keepers from our communities is the solution. It is a win-win for both government and Tlicho. When can we move forward with this? I will have questions for the Minister of health. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to congratulate my niece Ava Walsh on being crowned K'amba Carnival Queen. I also congratulate all those persons that put their names forward and raised money to support K'amba Carnival.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the Town of Hay River for declaring a half-day civic holiday for K'amba Carnival, and I do encourage all people in Hay River to take advantage of this half-day and get out, participate, and support the events taking place and enjoy those great bannock burgers which I am sure are being served up and which I have been dreaming about for the last week. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I regret to inform you that on February 13th, the community of Fort Simpson lost a respected elder. William Gilbert Villeneuve, commonly known as Billy V - a friend, a father, uncle, and respected elder passed away.

Mr. Speaker, it is rare to find a friend/relative who's always there, is nonjudgmental, a good listener, someone who cares and loved you regardless. That's who Billy was, regardless if he was an uncle, cousin or just a friend. It didn't matter as everyone knew that he cared about them. Mr. Speaker, in speaking with his family, they said he was an interesting father who loved his children in his own way and as he was dealing with his own challenges.

Billy was born and raised in Liidlii Kue First Nation. He went to school in Fort Simpson, Fort Providence and Yellowknife. Upon finishing with school, he went to work all over the North. Billy was not afraid of work. He worked as a labourer, heavy equipment operator, and a taxi driver. Billy was a very determined man. Once he made up his mind, he would set it as a goal. A perfect example was when he had a stroke, among other health issues. He decided he was going to be able to walk and be mobile again. He did this through exercise and determination to get to be able to operate and use his three-wheeler bike with a basket. I can tell you Billy drove around the community on his bike regardless of how cold it was outside. I have seen him bike around when the weather has been -40 with a smile on his face.

Mr. Speaker, he also found a purpose and that was to pick up and sell recyclables so he could donate that money towards the building of the new Sacred Heart Church. After the church was up and operational, he would go by it and he could be heard saying "oh wow" with the biggest smile on his face. The same could be said, when he talked about the church.

Mr. Speaker, like most people, Billy had his own personal challenges and struggles. He would fall but he laboured to get up and was successful. He would dust himself off, smile, and keep move forward. He did this for 79 years.

Mr. Speaker, I can tell you he will be missed by his family, coffee shop, church, and everyday friends who he laughed with, cried with, and encouraged. He will be sadly missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, March is National Engineering Month in Canada, and it is our largest celebration of engineering excellence. An annual national campaign, National Engineering Month celebrates engineers, our work, and the important role we play in society.

Spearheaded by Engineers Canada, National Engineering Month this year is guided by the theme "There's a place for you in engineering" which celebrates the diversity of thought, opportunities, and people that make up the engineering profession. In some provinces, you will find geoscientists joining in as part of National Engineering and Geoscience Month.

National Engineering Month is a forum for engineering students, engineers-in-training (or EITs), and early-career engineers to have conversations about their profession and the role that engineers play in society. It gives them an opportunity to network with others that may share the same struggles or concerns in their career. It also gives those newer to the profession a chance to connect with intermediate and senior engineers that can provide valuable mentorship and guidance - a key pillar of engineering.

Events during National Engineering Month will empower and inspire all engineers to consider important questions as they embark and continue with their careers.

• What is our role as engineers in society?
• What will my impact be as an engineer?
• How can we use engineering to contribute solutions to today's biggest challenges?
• What do we want our profession to look like?

National Engineering Month will also allow for NWT youth to be exposed to engineers and what we do, possibly opening the door for more NWT children to consider the profession.

Mr. Speaker, we often hear that residents here do not have the capacity to play a significant role in northern projects. It's through advocacy like National Engineering Month that we can ignite a spark in the youth that will lead to an educated northern workforce so that we not only work on northern projects, but we are actually leading them therefore controlling our own future and retaining economic benefits.

Mr. Speaker, as I said before in this Chamber, engineering has been around since the first humans began altering their physical environment to improve their comfort, safety, and food supply. It is one of the oldest professions in the world, and I am proud to call myself a professional engineer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the court circuit in Nunakput riding. The Department of Justice and Government of Canada will often complete court circuits throughout the territory. This is a travelling court circuit that aims to provide services to small communities that look to support our residents without removing them from their homes. However, Mr. Speaker, we need to ensure that the communication of the government and our communities can be clear and timely.

These people are using services that are not -- it's not a big secret in the communities when the court circuit is coming to town. When there's a shift in timing or cancellation or a charter, that's the aircraft's being held, and the court party's not staying in the community, especially for the community of Tuk, Mr. Speaker, that we do have a road now but they still tend to use aircraft, and they're holding up aircraft that could be utilized for serving my smaller communities in Nunakput riding. I think, Mr. Speaker, that we do have a road to Tuk. They should be using the road. I don't have a problem, no choice to fly into the communities of Sachs, Ulu, and Paulatuk in regards to servicing them for court services but there I could see both -- all three communities have hotels or B&B that are capable enough to holding the court party. Why is the court party still holding aircraft all day? The cost of that on the taxpayer and not able to stay in the community to help local businesses, especially in the smaller communities of Paulatuk and Ulu, because they do have hotels. Why is the court party not staying there to provide their service, instead of holding a plane at probably $2,000 an hour at 12 hours probably the day, their duty day; it's not right. They should be sharing the wealth instead of just flying back to Inuvik every night for servicing.

Mr. Speaker, I think our Justice Minister -- I did ask him. I had this brought up to me to my attention again because there was an aircraft, delay of having one aircraft down, another -- or sorry, on maintenance and other communities being held up to travel back home. And I don't think that's fair. I think if the court party's travelling to the communities, they should be dropped off and picked up. I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Monfwi.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize our two young girls, pages, Gabrielle Nitsiza and Keira Franki of Whati. They're both attending Menzi Community School, and their chaperone, KerryAnne Franki, and Calvin and Suzie Franki. So I would like to welcome and acknowledge them. And I would like to acknowledge all the interpreters that are here from the regions. Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to welcome from Helen Kalvik School in Ulukhaktok, Kaden Okheena and Tobin Klengenberg and chaperone Greg Dunn, and thank the pages for all their hard work they did this week and thank them again for coming down. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize my page, Paige Hawthorne, who has joined us here in the House this week from Kam Lake and thank her for all of her hard work. Thank you.

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

I would like to recognize Greg Dunn from Ulu. I became friends with him just by talking to him every day as I was leaving the building and coming in, and I wish him well in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Wrong end of the room. I would like to welcome Natalie Pressman with the CBC that has joined us. It's always nice to have media here. And I can imagine it gets to be quite a long day at times listening to us here. So I appreciate she comes. Thank you.

And also very exciting I'm sure.

I too would like to recognize Grant Dunn who is a former teacher in Tsiigehtchic and now in Ulu. And just to let you know, we still miss you in Tsiigehtchic. He had a great basketball program with the students there, and I'm sure he's doing the same in Ulukhaktok.

If we have missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the Chamber and I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It's always nice to see people in the gallery. Mahsi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My Member's statement today, Mr. Speaker, was the aircraft being held up for the court parties.

Would the Minister just I guess clarify in regards to why are we still holding aircraft in Tuk when we do have a road and places to stay in the community? And why is that -- why are we still holding aircraft because we do need that aircraft for others, to service other communities because we're kind of in a shortage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Minister responsible for Justice.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I recognize the Member's concerns. Unfortunately, I don't have that level of detail about the operations of the courts. The travel schedule and those logistical pieces are the decisions of the courts so it's not my decision to make. But I can look into it and get back to the Member. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister convey to the court parties I guess in the territory that just to make sure that proper planning, if not using aircraft that's holding up in the communities to provide service, if he could just let them know that in the communities, every community that they're going to they do have a hotel. Paulatuk has a hotel, Ulukhaktok has a hotel, Tuk has B and Bs and a road, and cost savings for that it would save them money. And, Mr. Speaker, I think that these times I think we should be looking at something like that to be more cost effective across the board. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will make sure that we convey the entirety of this conversation to the courts. We'll provide them with the transcript, and we can have a discussion with them. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not asking for the Government of the Northwest Territories to allow the Tlicho government to apply on funds for child and youth care counselling. I want to see the government work government to government and transfer child and youth care counsellor positions.

Will the Minister commit to meet with the Tlicho government to develop a timeline for transferring over the child and youth care counsellors to the Tlicho government? Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Education, Culture and Employment Minister and I, as the Ministers responsible for this joint initiative, have met with education leaders and we have heard firsthand their concerns with the CYCC program. That program is now being evaluated on an expedited basis, meaning that we will act on results as they come in. An example I'll give you of that is changing the job description. Now the job description is oriented to significant post-secondary education. But what we've heard is that people would like more flexibility in the qualifications of the counsellors they're hiring. And so that's an example of the change we've already made. Thank you.

Thank you. Yeah, Mr. Speaker, Tlicho government want our children and youth to be counselled, mentored, and supported by Tlicho people. It is critical that children and youth receive the support from their own people.

Will the Minister of health agree with me that Tlicho children and youth should be counselled by Tlicho people? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we use the standard government hiring process to hire counsellors. There's a job description. The position is advertised. There's an interview and scoring and so on and that's how we come up with the qualifications.

I would like the Member to know that the highest use of the CYCC program is in fact in her region. So students are using the existing program. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We know GNWT struggles to fill positions in Tlicho region. So why does the government -- GNWT need to keep control over positions they cannot fill? Can the Minister review all the unfilled position in the Tlicho region and work with the Tlicho government to transfer over positions that Tlicho government is ready to take on? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the CYCC initiative started to roll out before the beginning of this Assembly, and it was in a phased process over four years. In the course of that four years, we have learned more about what is effective and isn't effective. So we're now leading a comprehensive evaluation of the program and that will, of course, include looking at vacancy rates, why they are so high. I know that they're not only high in the Tlicho region for health and social services in general but that there are significant vacancies all around the territory, which has forced us to pivot and to become more flexible offering online and virtual, phone and so on options, so that students get the help they need. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of ENR. Mr. Speaker, within the work hours currently going to southern workers, I'm wondering if the Minister can speak to whether or not there are trends in the type of work hours that are going to southern workers over northern workers? Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ITI completed an analysis of the GMRP arson contract in June of 2022. The results showed 68 percent total spending had gone to NWT Indigenous businesses and that is on par with the diamond mines. Categories of spending that has gone to southern businesses include construction, air quality monitoring programs, medical sampling and analysis, minerals such as lime, sulfate and dust suppression, drilling and installation specialized equipment, specialized water pumps, and pylons I think -- I guess I got that one wrong. This helped us identify opportunities for the GNWT and NWT business to help build capacity in these areas, but it is important to note much of the work is specialized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I'm happy that the Minister was able to read my mind because I just realized I gave him zero context about what we're speaking about. So just for Hansard, we're talking about Giant Mine. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I'm wondering if the Minister can provide some clarity as to what rate these work hours are going to southern workers because of available northern workers are either being underbid versus there being no NWT bidders? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ITI analysis showed that the reason contractors went south included not receiving the highest score on the contract evaluation, no northern companies submitted a bid, non-competitive processes work, technical capacity is absent in northern firms. These contracts were limited to the specialized equipment items. Through Indigenous Opportunities Consideration, or IOC, the Giant Mine project aims to provide benefits for all work packages to the Indigenous community in the area of the contract. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member's statement today I spoke about how it can be difficult for local proponents to be able to bid on the large scale of work that is happening out at Giant Mine, and this can be because there's just not the required clarity around the size, scale, scope, and timelines associated with some of the bidding that's happening out there. So I'm wondering will the Minister push the federal government to provide a more detailed budget and timeline so that local proponents can properly prepare and bid on this work? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ENR along with ITI and ECE participated in the socio-economic working group and the socio-economic advisory body group. These groups provided the Giant Mine project with specific geo-economic advice and input. ECE, with the support from ENR, has developed the North Slave regional training hub to support trainers and funding responses to large scale projects. Canada and Yellowknife Dene First Nation are in the process of finalizing a procurement framework agreement which will finalize Canada's commitment to providing socio-economic benefits to the Yellowknife Dene, by confirming the procurement approaches that will be used for the project, giving the Yellowknife Dene First Nation a role in the decision-making process by reviewing and commenting on planning procurement methods before they are implemented and creating a mechanism way for projects to monitor and report to the Yellowknife Dene socio-economic process. The project is currently in discussion with the Tlicho government and the North Slave Metis on similar agreements. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I was furiously writing and so I am going to have to go back through Hansard as well. And I appreciate that the government is working with YKDFN on a socio-economic agreement. One of the things that I am hearing, and that I'm talking about right now, is that there's not really a clear understanding of whether or not a project is going to be $1 million, if it's going to come out and be a $100 million, and the capacity of northern businesses to be able to kind of play ball in those ball fields is much different, right? If you need a team of five people versus a team of 50 people, well, you're talking about much different projects there.

And so what industry is looking for in the territory is a better idea of what is coming down the pipe - what is showing up at the doorstep and coming out in tendering processes so that they can actively be part of that. And so I'm wondering and asking the Minister if he will be an advocate for northern industry and advocate to the federal government for more clarity on the size, scale, scope, and timelines associated with the projects so that Northerners can participate in the remediation of the mine? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is part of the Giant Mine Remediation Project team and is involved in all work planning, including consideration of timelines. The GMRP timeline has recently been lengthened to maximize Indigenous and northern business opportunities. The GNWT will continue to pursue opportunities associated with the Giant Mine Remediation Project that will create opportunities for Indigenous and northern businesses. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure. Can the Minister tell me if she's aware of, and what they are, the activities that her department is doing to celebrate Engineering Month this month given that all of the NWT or the GNWT's engineers typically reside in the Department of Infrastructure? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm doing a Minister's statement next week to acknowledge all the engineers so I'm very proud to be able to do that. In terms of what the department's doing, we've got a number of things happening I'd be quite happy to share with the Member. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would appreciate that, but I'm disappointed the Minister can't tell the public right now what they are.

Another issue within engineering is that there are only about 13 percent of engineers in Canada who are women, and this is a very stagnant number. When we look at the Department of Infrastructure, it does counter a lot of the other GNWT departments in that it is not a department that has a lot women and particularly not a lot of women that are in technical roles.

Can the Minister speak to how the department is working to increase the diversity of the workforce, particularly around gender and non-gender conforming people, in the department? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we do recognize within the Department of Infrastructure that it is, you know, predominantly one gender positions and, you know, we are as a department looking out -- reaching out to try and get a more balanced equity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the events that NAPEG, which is the regulator here in the Northwest Territories for engineers and geoscientists, puts on during Engineering Month is the popsicle bridge building contest.

Will the Minister commit to taking part in the popsicle bridge building contest and constructing her own popsicle bridge for demolition during NAPEG's event week? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am going to have to have a chat with the Member just to understand what this popsicle event is because I'm -- off the top of my head, I'm not familiar with it. I'd like to understand a little more of it before I commit to doing this because -- yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Well, Mr. Speaker, I'd be happy to tell the Minister about what the popsicle bridge building contest is. So for years now the engineers have been sending out to all out of the communities, all the school groups, if they would like to participate a set and series of popsicle sticks and through that they have to construct a bridge. They are provided with the means to transport the bridges back to Yellowknife if they themselves cannot come to the event. I think Canadian North is usually a sponsor of that shipping. And then they bring them here and we use a machine and we crush them, and we see which bridge withstands the most pressure in the crushing. So this is a great way and a very easy way for children and youth of the Northwest Territories to be exposed to what engineering is and to really put their minds to how buildings and structures are constructed. So I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for the Minister to show her department that she is involved with this and is committed to it. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate the Member's description of what this means. It sounds like fun. It sounds like something I should be a little more proactive in. You know, building bridges in the Northwest Territories falls within my department so I'd be quite happy to build with popsicle sticks. Perhaps when we get to actually building bridges, it's not with popsicle sticks. We'd rather do it with steel, which is going to cost money and so on, but I'd be quite happy to do this activity and, you know, invite anyone else who wants to build popsicle bridges with me, I'd be quite okay with it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In order for my dream to come true I actually got to get ahold of a piece of land, which is not an easy task. You know, there was a cabin lottery, after decades, in 2015 and it was a real long shot whether you could actually win one.

So my first question for the Minister of Lands, does he have any update to this House on whether there will be another cabin lottery? Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Minister responsible for Lands.

It's Friday, and I feel like I'm crushing dreams here, so I apologize to the Member. I'm aware of strong interests for new recreational lease opportunities. The Member has brought this up to the House a number of times. Now opportunities need to be carefully planned and that's what we're going through. We also have to reach out to our Indigenous governments, and that's what we're doing. We're working with our Indigenous governments, doing section 35, to be able to do this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hope there can be buy-in from our Indigenous governments and we can all find a path to move forward on this. I think there are a number of options.

My next question is, you know, even if you get one of those leases you can't live in them; you can't get a real mortgage. There's a lot of kind of limitations. I think the easiest solution here is that for long-term leaseholders that we create some sort of policy that allows them to get title in appropriate circumstances. Is there any path forward for long-term leaseholders to get fee simple title? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member is aware, we are wrapping up the review of the land lease-only policy, and I committed to providing the results prior to the end of this sitting. However, we are aware that land resources and self-government agreements are under negotiations, and we continue to work to ensure that land is managed appropriately under these agreements that are under negotiations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The current process of new leases seems to be recreational leases, and I'm not really sure where that stems from. I know many people live illegally in their recreational leases. They use them as residential leases. Is there any path forward to if we're not going to get title and we're not going to have new leases, allowing a mechanism where a recreational lease can become a residential lease? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Lands recognized there may be lessees who have utilized their cabin or dwelling as a residence. There has been longstanding discussion with recreational lessees regarding what restrictions may be in place regarding their occupancy. Issues related to increased waste and fuel storage when people occupy these dwellings on an increased or full-time basis needs to be considered. The department is working to address lease conditions that allow for permanent residency within certain leases under the Public Lands Act and regulations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Final supplementary. Member for Yellowknife North.

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the other frustrations I've heard is from the people who aren't allowed to live in their leases is they're also not allowed to run any sort of business activity out of them; you know, whether that's as simple as making wood stoves or doing wood haul or it's something like renting out your cabin from time to time. I know there's kind of an insatiable demand for cabin rentals but it's not currently legal under the leases. Is there any path to allow some sort of home-based or commercial business activity in leases? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Member for the question. Current provisions for recreational or residential leases does not allow for commercial activities such as an Airbnb. Having a home business or a B and B is considered a commercial endeavour. In most jurisdictions, it requires a commercial lease as well as business license. Commercial leases are available to the public now in appropriate zoned areas. If this is a desire, lessees should reach out to the department to discuss the parameters for changing the use of their lease and potential issues that may need to be considered regarding regulations to address this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Written questions. Returns to written questions. Replies to the Commissioner's address. Petitions. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Tabling of documents. Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document: Annual Reports for the Education Bodies of the Northwest Territories for the 2021-2022 School Year, ending June 30th, 2022, volumes 1 and 2. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tabling of documents. Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They're thin but they're still important. I wish to table the following two documents: Socio-economic Agreement Program Review Summary Report; and, Northwest Territories Tourism 2023/24 Marketing Plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Tabling of documents. Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document: Northwest Territories Department of Health and Social Services 2021-2022 Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Tabling of documents. Notices of motion. Motions. Notices of motion for the first reading of bills. First reading of bills. Second reading of bills. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters, Bill 23, 29, 60, 61, 63, 66, and 67, Committee Report 40-19(2), Committee Report 43-19(2), Committee Report 44-19(2), Committee Report 45-19(2), Minister's Statement 264-19(2), Tabled Document 681-19(2), Tabled Document 694-19(2), Tabled Document 813-19(2), with Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes in the chair.

I now call Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of committee? Member for Kam Lake.

Madam Chair, your committee wishes to consider Tabled Document 813-19(2), 2023-2024 Main Estimates, Education, Culture and Employment. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Does committee agree?

Thank you, committee. We will proceed with the first item. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, do you have witnesses?

Yes, I do.

Sergeant-at-arms, please escort the witnesses into the Chamber.

Minister, would you please introduce your witnesses.

Thank you. I have Mr. John MacDonald, the deputy minister of Education, Culture and Employment. As well as Mr. Mike Saturnino, the assistant deputy minister of labour and income security. Thank you.

Thank you. Welcome. Committee, we are going to be continuing on with Department of Education, Culture and Employment. And we are on the section labour development and advanced education, beginning on page 57 with information items on page 58 and 59. Are there questions from committee? Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I am seeing a significant decrease in the top line item of advanced education and strategic initiatives. And I'm wondering if the Minister can speak to why we're seeing such a huge gap between the revised estimates for 2022-2023 and the main estimates for 2023-2024. Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of ECE.

Thank you. That represents an influx of cash that we received from the federal government as part of their contribution to the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university, and it was not recorded in this year because we received it last year. Thank you.

Thank you. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, given that the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic is far from anywhere near done, are we expecting additional influxes in cash flow from the federal government for the purposes of that work? Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of ECE.

Thank you. I sure hope so. We have been engaging extensively with the federal government. As I've stated, the Premier has spoken directly to the prime minister about the importance of this initiative and the need for federal support, and I've engaged with a number of my federal counterparts as well. So we are very hopeful. Thank you.

Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I hope so as well because I've noted on the next page as well that the -- under contributions that it is marked as zero there and that's a big concern to me because that can be a very expensive venture.

Madam Chair, my next question is in regards to the apprenticeship and occupational certification. I'm wondering how many apprentices does this budget serve? Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of ECE.

Thank you. We are supporting about 300 apprentices right now. Thank you.

Thank you. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Given that the goal is always to increase the number of apprentices and given that also Housing is taking on a bigger role in ensuring that apprentices are present on all of their contracts for their builds. There's also been asks in the House for apprentices to be included on more government contracts and for Infrastructure to look at also building that into their contracts, I'm wondering why this line item isn't increasing given the increase in demand and the different avenues that Members are asking for the government to increase the number of apprentices across the territory? Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of ECE.

Thank you. So we haven't been expending all of those funds and so what we've actually done, in the last fiscal year, was increase the amounts and increase the eligibility that -- increase the number of people who are eligible to receive funding. So we are taking steps to spend the money we have and if we need more money, you know, there's always opportunities to go back to the feds. So, again, these are great problems to have when we're running out of money to support apprentices and trades people. So if we get to that point then we will ensure that we have the funds to support them because it is -- you know, obviously it's a priority here in the Northwest Territories. We need trades people. Thank you.