Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to thank our elder that has come back, Member from the 18th and 19th Assembly. As we have done with our traditional, our opening, you know, guiding words, the blessings, I'd like to thank Mr. O'Reilly for actually being here today. You know, being an elder, he left us, but we still appreciate all his work that he's done for us in the 18th and 19th Assembly. So thank you very much, Kevin.

Ministers' statements. Minister for Municipal and Community Affairs.

Mr. Speaker, I want to start by congratulating everyone who was nominated for the 2022 and 2023 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards. This program was introduced in 1991 to recognize the exceptional volunteers and highlight the importance of volunteerism in the Northwest Territories. I am proud to say that over 1,000 individuals and groups have been nominated for these awards since that time.

Mr. Speaker, this year volunteers are being recognized for 2022 and 2023. Every nomination is noteworthy on their own, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to submit one.

The 2022 Award Program received a total of nine nominations from five communities. Of these, two were in the elder category, four were in the group category, and three were in the individual category. I am pleased to announce that the recipients of the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards for 2022 are:

• Diane Hache in the category of outstanding elder;
• Nicole Spencer in the category of outstanding individual, and,
• The Yellowknife Ultimate Club Board in the category of outstanding group.

The 2023 Award Program received a total of 29 nominations from 11 communities. Of those, ten were in the elder category, four were in the group category, 14 were in the individual category, and one was in the youth category. I am pleased to announce that the recipients of the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards for 2023 are:

• Louie Beaulieu in the category of outstanding elder;
• Katelinne Ruben in the category of outstanding youth;
• Tania Hercun in the category of outstanding individual; and,
• The Slide Zone Shredders in the category of outstanding group.

Mr. Speaker, I was honoured to recognize all of these individuals and groups in the Legislative Assembly earlier today. Volunteers help build and support our communities, and I am excited to acknowledge their efforts. The Northwest Territories is more vibrant and resilient with the important contributions from volunteers.

To our 2022 and 2023 outstanding volunteers, thank you for your contribution to your neighbours, your communities, and the Northwest Territories. I hope that your stories inspire other NWT residents to consider volunteerism and give back to their communities like you have. Your tireless efforts to make life better for those around you help make the Northwest Territories such a great place to live. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Ministers' statements. Minister for ITI.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month the 20th Legislative Assembly affirmed its commitment to building a strong economic foundation. We live in a digital world where so much economic potential exists in digital economies because, for starters, that is where consumers are. Today, consumers purchase more goods and services online, looking for more convenience through e-commerce and expecting more personalized offerings. Today, there is a much greater need for businesses to have a strong online presence and tap into market spaces into living rooms down the street, beyond our territory, to other areas of Canada, and even internationally.

Prosper NWT, formerly the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation, plays a lead role in helping NWT businesses pursue these opportunities and adopt new and emerging digital technologies to increase their competitiveness. Prosper NWT has partnered with the Government of Canada to deliver the Canada Digital Adoption Program and revamped its contribution program to offer matching funds with the Accelerate Digital Adoption Projects for Tomorrow Fund, aptly known as ADAPT. Through these two initiatives, NWT businesses can apply for up to $5,000 in grants and contributions for their digital projects and have access to digital advisors who provide expertise, guidance, and support along the way. These programs have already helped over 50 NWT businesses expand their digital footprint.

Mr. Speaker, today I am thrilled to announce that Prosper NWT has secured an additional $534,000 over three years from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency to bolster digital adoption. This additional investment will continue to help businesses with their digital transformation as they can now apply for up to $12,500 for their digital projects. This additional funding is not just an investment in technology; it is an investment that strengthens our economic foundation, supports NWT northern business to evolve to consumer expectations, and makes it easier for NWT businesses to access global markets. We are supporting businesses to lay down the infrastructure needed for a more connected, innovative, and competitive economic presence. Let us continue to support local, encourage NWT businesses to build their web presence, and celebrate them as they work to thrive. I look forward to working together to help build a stronger, more prosperous Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of ITI. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member for Range Lake.

Mr. Speaker, land is life. There's nothing quite like living out on the land, especially up here in the North's pristine, rugged environment. It should be no surprise that the demand for recreational land leases in the Northwest Territories is relentless. Some Northerners build cabins so they can pursue their traditional lifestyles of hunting and trapping. Others come to the North to build a vacation spot where they can experience a land that's much different from the cities and suburbs they call home. I know in my riding, there are plenty of folks who look to obtain these leases so they can provide a weekend getaway from their busy lives for their friend and family. I've spoken to many of those cabin-seeking constituents during my campaign last fall, and they are all dealing with the same frustrating circumstances. They follow the rules and applied for a recreational land lease, and then heard nothing. Months would turn into years without hearing back anything from the department regarding the status of their leases. Eager to build a cabin of their own and optimistic in the green light they had initially received, they bought essential construction supplies that now sit rotting and warping in their backyards. Meanwhile, cabins have sprung up in the lots next to them as those leases for those neighboring plots of land sailed through the department's processes.

Mr. Speaker, we know there are complex circumstances behind recreational land leasing in the Northwest Territories. There are still land claims to be signed and impacts from development to be studied; however, the politics are for us to debate and the policies are for the government to work out. Regular folks just want a cabin to call their own. They should not have to go through a political process when applying for a recreational land lease. They should not need the advocacy of their MLA to get updates on the leases they applied for. The GNWT needs to get its House in order when it comes to the leasing process so there's a set of rules to play by and a transparent reasonable process that follows. Let's get the work done here so our constituents can get out there and enjoy the land we call home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I brought forward a petition from 645 NWT residents calling upon this Assembly to direct the Premier to ask the Canadian government for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Mr. Speaker, I will also be calling a motion for the Assembly to direct the Premier to do just that later today.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Premier for his last commitment on this topic to me in this House. We did, indeed, meet with a member of the Palestinian here in Yellowknife, a resident who has family and ties to Gaza in Palestine.

Mr. Speaker, although I can't speak for the Premier, in that meeting I heard him say that he had heard things that he hadn't before, and I believe that he was deeply moved by those conversations.

Mr. Speaker, I'm uncertain that this petition or motion will be met in the full spectrum of what is being requested, such as the nature of politics and the levers we have at our disposal as Regular Members. But, Mr. Speaker, you don't have to be an expert to know that what's happening in Gaza is wrong. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, decision-making is a critical and fundamental principle in business and leadership capacity. In some communities and regions of the Northwest Territories, decision-making is mandatory and immediate to meet seasonal resupply and public and, private project scheduling. Mr. Speaker, these actions are sound, prudent, and necessary to support logistics, client planning, satisfaction, and security.

Mr. Speaker, the Leap Year tradition arrives on our calendar every four years. Information through research and informed decision-making will allow us to progress during this 20th Assembly. Since the November 2023 elections, the newly-elected MLAs focus on decisions. This process is working to fill our government's vacancies to boost our concerning economy. The potential is both real and imminent, Mr. Speaker.

The discovery and production of the NWT's Nechalacho project is a game changer. This is a clear example of our potential in becoming a raw material supplier. Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, should we tackle our own and ultimate reward to a green energy participation?

Mr. Speaker, let us not overlook this thoughtful process but take an ambitious aggressive position to continue the momentum. The next approaching Leap Year is four years away. Hint, hint. We need decision-making to meet targets, priorities, departmental objectives during the term of this Assembly, and I look forward to moving the envelope for a more prosperous one. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today it is very important that we look after our elders, more importantly that we recognize their accomplishments. When we lose an elder, we lose a wealth of knowledge.

Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to bring your attention to two Gwich'in elders who have reached a milestone in their lives. First, Mr. Andrew Neyando who lives in Fort McPherson. On December 5th of 2023, he celebrated his 100th birthday.

---Applause.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Neyando was very active out on the land. He spent most of his life living a traditional lifestyle. Only up until a few months ago, you can see him walking up to the local store with his cane, walking at a fast pace, or going to the local radio station to pick up his lucky bingo cards. In 1966, Mr. Neyando participated in a canoe race across Canada which ended in New York and back across Canada again, participated with his friends from Fort McPherson who were William Teya and Philip Blake, and Team NWT was captained by Tommy Ross of Aklavik. Mr. Neyando was a big Edmonton Oilers fan. You could see him sporting his Edmonton Oiler jersey.

Mr. Speaker, the second Gwich'in elder that I would like to recognize is Rose Potts who lives in Pincher Creek, Alberta. Ms. Potts was born on the Peel River on March 4th, 1923. Rose is the daughter of William and Gary Firth; her grandparents were John and Margaret Firth. Rose moved away from Fort McPherson at a young age and soon thereafter married. She gave her life to service the people. She was a nurse, life skills coach, and served on many councils and boards across Canada. Mrs. Potts' greatest quote is you have to care about people to work with people. Ms. Potts is fluent in the Gwich'in language.

Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join me in wishing these two beautiful Gwich'in elders a very happy 100th birthday and that the good Lord continue to bless them both with continued good health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what we refer to as the Slave Geological Province is a large area that's mostly within traditional Tlicho territory. On June 7th, 2021, the Tlicho government wrote to the federal government requesting a regional study, and I'll quote from that letter to explain because they said it best.

The health of barren-ground caribou and the ecological integrity of this region are critical for Tlicho well-being. We recognize that the region has great value for cultural well-being, way of life and caribou, and the region has great value and potential for economic development. The Tlicho government's view is that in order to reconcile these values, we need an independent assessment of options, impacts, and benefits before permanent infrastructure is built. Permanent infrastructure, such as the Slave Geological Province Road proposed by GNWT, would irreversibly change the region. Starting to build a road or major infrastructure without working together to develop a common vision, and without the information needed to inform wise decisions, means long delays, lost time and money, severe impacts on wildlife and the environment and missed economic opportunities. There is only one chance to get it right. End of quote.

So it took nearly two years, but the federal Minister finally responded in February of 2023 agreeing to set up the regional studies. Since then there have been discussions about a governance structure but no work on the study has yet started. Meanwhile, the GNWT has been going ahead with planning work for the Slave Geological Province Road. Last December, the Department of Infrastructure got a land use permit for geotechnical work to help determine routing. The previous Infrastructure Minister from the 19th Assembly indicated that the GNWT intended to push forward with the SGP Road Project even if it meant triggering a separate environmental assessment to be conducted at the same time as the regional environmental assessment is underway.

Mr. Speaker, like the phrase death by a thousand cuts, the integrity of our land and our caribou is weakened by one little cut at a time, and we don't see the overall cost when we look at each cut in isolation. There's tremendous value in looking at the region more holistically and waiting for the recommendations from the regional study before we irreversibly change such an important region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to quote my friend from Yellowknife Centre, in the 84 days I have been in office, Mr. Speaker, it's clear to me that there's much work to be done.

We are dealing with addictions in every region of our territory. Mr. Speaker, our health system is strained. A shortage of nurses, doctors, and a medical travel department that has become increasingly overburdened, a housing crisis that continues to plague each region with long waitlists for public housing and lack of available market rental units. We have an economy that is stagnant and an industry across all sectors that needs our support.

Mr. Speaker, I'm fortunate to work with an amazing group of passionate MLAs who are willing to take on all the issues that we are facing. We have a Cabinet that has a mix of experience and new creative energy that see collaborative approach to solve all the issues that we face. Mr. Speaker, we must look to our Indigenous governments to partner and to find a way to collaborate and work together.

Mr. Speaker, in my region alone, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation are building homes, they're purchasing land, they're building homes on the land they own, they're hiring their own dental hygienists and coordinators for dental care, Mr. Speaker. They're developing a major gas project for the region as we speak, Mr. Speaker. Just recently, they have piloted a program where they will provide medical escorts for beneficiaries who have been denied by medical travel for that service to ensure that patients have the important cultural support when making these trips.

The Gwich'in Tribal Council in Inuvik are developing renewable energy projects in the region. They recently hired a director of infrastructure and are also in the process of building homes on GTC owned land as well as looking to purchase other lots to develop homes, Mr. Speaker. The Indigenous governments are leading the way.

During my campaign, I spoke of a whole-of-community approach to deal with the important issues we face. We need to look at a whole-of-government approach, Mr. Speaker, to work together with NGOs, Indigenous governments, municipal governments, to find a way to effectively face these challenges as a whole, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Boot Lake. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission strongly recommends that the full and meaningful implementation of the United Nation Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People in order to achieve reconciliation. Last year the previous Assembly passed a bill to implement UNDRIP and ensure all future laws were consist with those principles. UNDRIP complements the rights of Indigenous people as set out in section 35 of the Canadian Constitution which upholds treaty rights. Under both UNDRIP and section 35, Canada, and by extension the GNWT, now have federal and international laws that demand their compliance with these treaty rights. During negotiations over a hundred years ago, my people were assured that the treaty would not lead to any forced interference with their mode of life and that it did not open the way to the imposition of any tax and that there were no fear and forced military services. Since then, especially since the creation of the GNWT, many taxes have been forced upon my people that are not in compliance with Treaty 8, the rights of which are upheld by section 35 and UNDRIP.

Some of these taxes are very obvious, like the payroll tax or the carbon tax, but there are also many other hidden taxes and fees. Today we have a new government that promises a future of collaboration and cooperation, strong close relationships between them and Indigenous governments. This is a government that now must only abide by section 35 of the Constitution but is also obligated by United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. This is why today I'm calling upon the new government to bring itself in compliance with Treaty 8 and cease in committing new taxes on my people. I look forward to hearing from the Premier today on his plans to bring the GNWT in compliance with my people's rights. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for my statement today I want to be a voice for Indigenous women. This is nothing new. I am hearing from women in my -- from women about their experiences with the police and want to raise it publicly.

Mr. Speaker, we know Indigenous women are far more likely to be violently victimized. According to a 2018 Statistics Canada survey, about 63 percent of Indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime compared to about 33 percent of non-Indigenous women. Indigenous women face sexism, racism, and discrimination. Many live in violent situations at home and face acts of violence in society.

Mr. Speaker, according to the 2019 general social survey, Indigenous women were twice as likely to report having very little or no confidence in the police compared to non-Indigenous women. In fact, it's common knowledge that much of the crime experienced by Indigenous women goes unreported because Indigenous women are either scared of or don't trust the police or they don't believe the police will help them.

Mr. Speaker, this violence is rooted in Canada's history of colonialism and residential schools. Many Indigenous women are intergenerational survivors of residential school.

Mr. Speaker, Indigenous women are overpoliced and underprotected. Whatever the reason the Indigenous women find themselves involved with the police does not matter. What matters is that they are treated with respect and that police officers recognize the trauma Indigenous women have lived through and to not perpetuate this. Mr. Speaker, the general public lacks any data on RCMP misconduct. There is a long history of a culture within police of them covering up for each other in the face of any wrongdoings. This need to change.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I hear of women having their hair pulled, hair wrists fractured by excessive of force of the police. These kinds of physical acts can trigger Indigenous women. Many women are fighting for their own survival in life, and they shouldn't have to do that with the police. This use of force is unacceptable, Mr. Speaker. We need to ensure that the police in the NWT build trust with Indigenous women and protect them. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Deh Cho.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak about the importance of elders and seniors within our community, families, culture, and our overall society.

Mr. Speaker, the generations of today stand on the shoulders of those that came before us. In Dene culture, Mr. Speaker, and in many other cultures, elders have historically been our knowledge-holders, our knowledge-keepers, and they provide guidance on the cultural ways and protocols.

Those who respect the elderly pave their own road to success. That is an African proverb. An elderly person at home is like a living golden treasure. That is a Chinese proverb. A youth that does not cultivate friendship with the elderly is like a tree without roots. That is a Central African proverb. We all can't walk on one path but we can all work together as our people for our children and for the future. That is a Dene proverb from a Dene elder in Lutselk'e.

It's like the old adage goes, Mr. Speaker, that if we do not want to repeat the same mistakes of our history, then we must learn from our past, and who better to learn from regarding our history than our elders of today who have lived, breathed, and experienced so much in their life times, especially for Indigenous people who traditionally use oral history to transmit knowledge, culture, customs to their successive generations.

Mr. Speaker, it was with utmost importance that we take care of and engage with our elders in a good way and that we protect them from being forgotten or undermined of their inherent value because they hold a vast, diverse, and invaluable knowledge that has contributed to the North that we call home. Without the elders who came before us, we would not be here today. At least I know that, for me, without my elders I myself might not be standing in this House as an elected official today. And for that I owe them a debt of gratitude and respect for helping pave the way before us. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Mr. Speaker, my loving wife is extremely clear on this next point. I cannot carry a tune, and for that I may even end up calling a Point of Order on myself, Mr. Speaker, so I in advance apologize unreservedly of what may come next. Mr. Speaker, I shall begin.

Mr. Speaker, first I was afraid. I was petrified. I kept thinking I could never live without the Members on my side. I spent so many sleepless nights thinking about the Simpson government and how it could go so wrong, but that's just wrong, Mr. Speaker, because we're all here to get along. Mr. Speaker, we're back in this great place, and we're here to do the people's business on their behalf. And so when I look to the finance Minister and as she comes along, we worry who's cutting and going to get short on their budgets oh so -- so wrong. Did she cut? Did she slash? Is she stealing the meager pittance from my neighbourhood's ridings? Oh no, that's a slash. Oh, Mr. Speaker, is there furry, is it kindness? We don't know. But we're nervous but our communities, they will survive. Mr. Speaker, so many of us as we worked hard to support our communities, they know they can trust as we all agreed all our communities, they must be strong and free. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I'm shutting it down because we must survive even from my statement.

Mr. Speaker, I try to bring a little levity even though I cannot sing, and I assure you by doubling down, my wife is right as most cases she is, I've never carried a tune but I love her deeply, but I think that our Assembly from time to time, as you can poorly see, needs a little smile just to get along and with that, in our kindest of ways trying to work together, we need each other to get through these long days, and it is the last day, and I think even the Members inside in the Cabinet that I do -- I may be tough on them from time to time, but I do respect their work and the fact that they have to say no a lot to us. I wish it would be a lot less than they do but that said, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Assembly for their indulgence. Oh look at that, my wife's calling on me.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am both proud and deeply saddened to rise today to speak to the memory of my dear friend Greg Pratt whose recent passing deeply impacted many residents of our community, his hometown of Victoria, and the various lives he touched in between. Greg was the kind of person you remember when you meet them. He struck an imposing figure at well over 6 feet tall, was extensively tattooed, had a boisterous laugh, and approached everything he did with notable confidence, dedication, and skill. Frankly, he was one of those people who was frustratingly good at everything he did. I've never felt as inferior as I did try to play crib against him and being decisively humiliated at it or attempting to help out with a simple home renovation project and quickly demonstrating I was totally useless alongside his journeyman skill set.

But Greg was also unflinchingly kind and patient and relentlessly funny. He was quick to tease and kid around but never made you feel excluded, and he was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge.

In his time in Yellowknife, Greg became best known for his work as a firefighter and paramedic, his chosen dream jobs, which he excelled at and quickly became both a mentor and close friend among his tight-knit group of colleagues.

Greg was married to Crissie Carrigan, his partner of ten years, and their two dogs, Buster and Fonzie, completed their family. Together, they were constant hosts to large groups of friends at their home on Taylor Road, and I have been incredibly privileged to count myself as one of them.

Greg was diagnosed with terminal cancer two years ago, devastating news which hit his family and those of us close to him incredibly hard. What stood out to me in the years that followed, however, and what I'll remember most, was not sadness but the incredible courage and positivity he and Crissie showed in the face of the impossible. I also watched the community rally around them, eager to help in any way they could, as Yellowknife tends to do in such times.

During those years, I also somehow found myself in constant deficit to the favours they would do for me. Despite everything they were going through, Crissie and Greg made a point of going out of their way to celebrate a friend's birthday, continued to host parties and games nights with friends, or went completely out of their way to do a favour without expecting anything in return.

One of my favorite memories of Greg is when my partner Rhiana's parents were visiting last summer, and he made a point of taking us out to the East Arm in his boat so her dad could experience our legendary fishing. We had an incredible time with him and his brother on the water, and you could tell he was so happy to be out there with us. That generosity and kindness is something I will always cherish and look up to, and it also helps sum up what Greg meant to me as a person.

Put simply, Greg showed me what being a good person looks like in the simplest but most fundamental ways possible. He was a dedicated, supportive, and loving partner. He was a generous, kind, and hilarious friend. He is deeply missed by the many friends and loved ones he has left behind, including me, and he lived a full and meaningful life. Greg's passing has left a big hole in our community but all of us whose lives he touched are better for having known him. We love you, and we'll always miss you, Greg. Thank you for being a part of our lives.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends.

Today is going to be very hard for me, as I do a celebration of life for Isadore Simon. I was very fortunate to call him and Lucy, mom and dad. He was born on November 7, 1945, in Rocher River, NWT to Charlotte Simon and David King. Isadore was raised in Rocher River by Joseph Jerome and Charlotte. Isadore had TB at a young age and when he was released from the hospital, he lived with the Dumels who took care of him. Isadore lived there until he was forced to relocate to Fort Resolution after the school burnt down.

Isadore was taught his tradition skills of hunting and trapping by his stepdad Joseph Jerome. Isadore was a traditional and humbled man who loved being on the land. He was at his best being close to Mother Nature. He was proud of his lineage.

As a young man, he enlisted in the navy and was away for a few years. Isadore always worked hard and had many jobs over the years. His last job was with the power corp in Jean Marie River as a plant supervisor/operator. Even after he retired in 2004, Isadore continued doing odd jobs to make ends meet.

Like some people, he had an addiction problem with alcohol, but he decided to address his addictions head on. He attended a treatment centre in Bonnyville, Alberta. After completing the program, he spent his remaining days sober. During his sobriety, Isadore would often go to the bar to visit with his friends that he always kept close, and it never bothered him. As a strong resilient man, Isadore won his battle with addictions.

Isadore had two children, Christina and Milly, from a previous relationship. Several years later, he met the love of his life Lucy Sanguez. At this time, Lucy had three children, Ralph, Boris and Stephanie. In Isadore fashion, he took them all in as his own and raised them as such. To date, they all consider Isadore as their dad. In 1979, Isadore and Lucy got married by the Justice of the Peace. They had two more children, Paul and James. In 2007 Isadore decided that he had remarry Lucy and have it done by a priest.

When his granddaughter Brittany Sanguez was born, Isadore fell in love her and called her his queen, and they had a strong bond. Britt considered Isadore as her dad. He had many grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He was a family man who never turned away from his family. He taught his children and his grandchildren to be responsible and respectful on the land. Later in life, his boys would always ensure that their parents had traditional food in their freezer. Isadore had many long-term friends throughout his life span. It did not matter where Isadore went, he always ran into friends and would like to take time to converse with them in his Dene language. He was proud of his knowledge of Chipewyan and Slavey language.

In the end, Isadore battle with throat cancer and his treatment took a toll on him. In the end, he caught pneumonia which ended his life at 9:30 a.m. on November 25th, 2023, in the community of Jean Marie in the loving arms of his beloved wife Lucy. Dad was the backbone of the family, and he will always be deeply missed by all of us that knew him.

Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Colleagues, I'd like to recognize former Member of the 18th and 19th Assembly, and somebody I consider a really good friend, Kevin O'Reilly. Welcome.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize my constituents Jason Lepine, the general manager from the Fort Smith Metis Council, and Cameron Walterhouse, the youth representative for the Fort Smith Metis Council. Welcome to the Assembly.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize folks who are joining us today for the proceedings from the YK Group for Ceasefire. They are the reason for the petition that you saw earlier this week and the motion you will see later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize my most vocal constituent, Mr. Kevin O'Reilly. And, also, I note his son Rene O'Reilly is in the audience. And if there's anyone else from Frame Lake up there I missed, I do apologize; I just can't see you here. But thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize Kevin O'Reilly. I had the privilege of working with him together here during the 18th Assembly. Welcome back to the House there, Kevin. Mahsi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Shirley Elias. She's a constituent of mine. She's also one of our interpreters. And I'd also like to thank all the interpreters for this first sitting of the 20th Assembly, and I'm sorry if I spoke too fast, and I'll try to remember to slow down. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll join the chorus of my colleagues recognizing former MLA, good friend, Kevin O'Reilly. You think retirement would keep him away but once it gets in the blood, politics will never leave. So thank you for being here, Kevin. Appreciate your interest.

Thank you, Member. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Mr. Speaker, I too want to recognize former MLA Kevin O'Reilly. I still remember the days we used to play hockey; I'm still faster. But anyway, Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize Marc Casaway, Mary Sundberg, Jonas Lafferty, all the translators out of here. I want to say mahsi; you guys are doing a great job. And all the ledge staff and my CA in Fort Resolution Delorme and Taylor. Thank you.

Thank you, Member. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

I too would like to thank all our translators, especially Mary Jane Cazon from Fort Simpson, for being here and all the pages as well. If we missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your Chamber. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It's always nice to see people in the gallery. Thank you.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Acknowledgements. Member from Range Lake.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to acknowledge my constituents John Hazenberg and Gerda Hazenberg on the occasion of their 55th wedding anniversary.

When a couple reaches such an extraordinary milestone, it is worth celebrating with utmost joy and gratitude. After all, 55 years together is an incredible achievement of love and togetherness.
Today I'm honored to recognize John and Gerda and wish them many more years of enduring commitment in a relationship that has withstood the test of time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I understand that the Premier's position is generally to stay out of international affairs, and that is his prerogative. However, as the territory grows, especially with newcomers from many diasporas abroad, what actions is the Premier comfortable in taking to make them feel welcomed and supported in times of hardship and if he feels that that is the responsibility of the federal government? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So while I have made clear that I do stay out of international politics, of course we have residents in the Northwest Territories who are from abroad, and they are now Northerners and we want to make Northerners feel welcomed. So the things that we can do are things that the Member is doing herself, acknowledging when people are experiencing hardship, recognizing their concerns, providing support to them, when it's necessary condemning anti-Palestinian racism, anti-Semitism, listening. Mr. Speaker, the Member noted that I did have a meeting with her and her constituent and, you know, I heard stories that were moving. She was right I was moved, and I thought about that meeting every single day since then. So we need to be kind to each other. We need to recognize that somebody might be going through something that we don't understand.

In terms of official supports, the federal government does provide funding for settlement services for those who are immigrating to the Northwest Territories, but to make someone feel welcomed and to help them through hardship, I think that's up to each and every one of us as residents of the Northwest Territories. During my time in this Assembly, I've seen a number of -- a number of tragedies, a number of hard times, and what I've seen is people coming together and people supporting each other, and I think that's what is needed, and I'm willing to do that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Premier for that. In what ways can the Premier commit to acting on upholding human rights in Gaza on behalf of the residents of the NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, again, I have no policy mechanisms to impact what is happening in Gaza. But that being said, the Northwest Territories does work with the federal government when it comes to immigration, and so I know the federal government has implemented some changes to their processes and the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, which is our side of that immigration process, is doing what it can to expedite -- or help expedite applications for those who are coming from impacted regions. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Premier for that. Just a comment really; I will follow up with the Minister of ECE on that program.

Thank you, Member. Colleagues, remember comments -- if you don't have a second set of questions, third question, please allow your colleagues to move on.

Oral questions. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, the Premier's committed to strengthening the relationship between this government and Indigenous governments and organizations. The Premier recently met with the Council of Leaders. What concerns have they brought forward from that meeting, Mr. Speaker?

Inuvik Boot Lake. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Council of Leaders, Members of the Council of Leaders did come together, and that was in response to a visit from two federal Ministers. And so it was a -- it wasn't a general Council of Leaders meeting. It was focused on health care and we were actually all, as Members of that table, conveying our concerns and issues to the federal government. And so I think that the issues that were raised there are familiar to all of us in this House - issues of medical travel, issues of access to services, and things like that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Premier. Mr. Speaker, how will the Premier -- how does the Premier plan to use the Council of Leaders and Intergovernmental Council to build stronger ties with Indigenous governments?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I plan to continue the good work that has been happening. I've seen the Council of Leaders from its inception and how it's progressed over four years. One of the biggest benefits of the Council of Leaders is relationship building. I know, you know, all the leaders around that table now. I've made personal phone calls to virtually all of them, if not all of them, over the past few weeks. And so just that relationship side is a big part of that. Under the Council of Leaders, there is other work that can be done in other areas. So there's a housing forum that was developed under that. There's discussion about the territorial legislation and how we can work together on that. And so there's a number of different areas. I think that we are just scratching the surface of what that group can accomplish. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Final supplementary. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Premier. And I know the Premier is passionate and serious about working closely with Indigenous governments, and I certainly appreciate that.

Mr. Speaker, the Premier mentioned legislation, currently co-drafting legislation that's currently limited to lands and resource, but the Premier's indicated a willingness to expand legislative co-drafting. Can the Premier share with us or let us know his plans on the co-drafting of other legislations, Mr. Premier?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And land and resource legislation is -- the development of that is governed under the devolution agreement, and we work with the Intergovernmental Council to advance that legislation. I've also committed in my previous role as the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment to co-develop the Education Act, which is one of the biggest undertakings -- legislative undertakings that we can do. And there's a desire to do more as well. And so I'm happy to have those conversations.

As I've said before, we are moving towards a future where Indigenous governments -- self-governments of the future are going to be taking on and administering the programs and legislation that we -- that currently exist. And so as we develop them, we need to ensure that Indigenous voices are part of those pieces of legislation and that they are -- they're developed in a way that Indigenous governments will want to take them over and will be successful when that happens. And, of course, we cannot forget about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. That has put new obligations on the government. And, again, I'm happy to -- or I'm excited and honoured to carry forward that work from the last government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Premier. Oral questions. Member from Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is to the Minister of NWT Housing, or Housing NWT. As we mentioned on numerous occasions, the Northwest Territories is facing a housing crisis. In the Sahtu, there are 61 people on the waiting list, Mr. Speaker. My first question to the Minister is how many public housing units does Housing NWT have in the Sahtu region? Mahsi.

Sahtu. Minister for housing.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member from the Sahtu for the question. Currently, Housing NWT has 252 public housing units in the Sahtu:

• 4 in Colville Lake,
• 35 in Norman Wells,
• 50 in Fort Good Hope,
• 74 in Tulita,
• 89 in Deline.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Minister for that inventory. My next question is how many new housing -- NWT public housing units will be delivered this year to the Sahtu region? Thank you

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'm happy to report that Housing NWT will deliver a large capital plan involving 20 new public housing units to the communities in the Sahtu region. Housing recently completed four of these new public housing units in Norman Wells. Four-plexes are now under construction in Deline, Tulita, and Fort Good Hope. And duplexes are under construction in Colville Lake and Tulita. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It seems to be more good news here. Hopefully it's not like Leap Year, and we get these numbers here next four years. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, my third question to the Minister is what is Housing NWT doing to plan for the transportation difficulties like last year's low water on the Mackenzie River or poor road conditions, particularly in the low water season. We've had a number -- I think there's been a number of examples of possible low water this season. So can the Minister answer that there, please. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So contractors are delivering on capital projects for Housing NWT. They were affected by low water and barge delays and cancellations over the summer of 2023. Housing made alternative plans to deliver remaining construction materials during the current winter road season. It is recognized that planning will increasingly need to consider the unique logistical challenges immobilizing equipment, construction material, and modular units within the Sahtu with appropriate contingency plans in place for alternative methods of delivery. Housing NWT will continue to work with communities and Indigenous governments to find solutions to these issues caused by climate change, including low water levels and a shortened ice road season. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Housing NWT. Final supplementary. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Minister for that information. My last question for the last day of this month here, what work is Housing NWT doing with the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated in the only government in Northwest Territories, the Deline Got'ine government, to increase housing in the Sahtu? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Housing NWT is active in working with Indigenous government partners in the Sahtu region. Both the Sahtu Secretariat and the Deline Got'ine government are participants in the NWT Housing Forum, which is currently co-chaired by Housing NWT and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Housing NWT has an intergovernmental agreement from housing with both the Sahtu Secretariat and the Deline Got'ine government on housing. These arrangements address matters, including how we work together, share information, and maximize our joint efforts on housing. Under the SSI memorandum of agreement, we can put together housing working groups with each Sahtu community. The working group with Fort Good Hope, through the K'asho Got'ine Housing Society, is particularly active and has resulted in collaboration on home repairs and in other areas.

Under a separate MOU with the Deline Got'ine government, Housing NWT has been able to work with the Deline Got'ine government to contribute to the renovation of housing units associated with the community health centre to share building plans and discuss opportunities around market housing and to make surplus property available to the Deline Got'ine government for housing purposes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Housing NWT. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My first set of questions is for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

So I understand that currently underway there's collaboration with Indigenous governments, the GNWT, and the federal government in the design and development of the regional study for the Slave Geological Province. Will there be opportunities for public participation in the design of the regional study, such as the development of terms of reference? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Member for the question. On February of 2023, the federal Minister of northern affairs accepted the Tlicho government's request to conduct a regional strategic environmental assessment in the South Slave Geological Province. This study is being led by the Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada under part 5.2 of the federal Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. A regional strategic environmental assessment is anticipated to offer opportunities for meaningful Indigenous and public engagement with participant funding provided by the federal government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm going to push a bit more on that one because the Minister mentioned that there will be participant funding once the study gets underway, but my question is will there be any public participation in designing the terms of reference of the study? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the study and the whole process is led by the federal government so that's not a question I can answer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wonder if the Minister can explain the value that his department sees in doing cumulative impact assessments, so in this case a regional strategic environmental assessment, before individual applications are considered by a piecemeal environmental assessment, so the value in doing cumulative impact assessment? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there's value in sharing information collected or gathered by the coordinated project -- corridor project and/or regional study for these two initiatives as they advance. We're in the early stages of developing the terms of reference for the regional study, and the timeline for the study has not yet been finalized. The advantage specifically here is for the participants to, you know, work together in ensuring that all of the information is shared with everyone that needs to know. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wonder what the Minister can commit to do in having his department work with the Department of Infrastructure to understand the value of the regional strategic environmental assessment as preparations are made for the SGP Road Project? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ensuring that we are sharing the information that comes out of these studies as we move forward collectively, gathering information is certainly important. I think it's a big part of ensuring that the projects are moving together collaboratively. And in the early stages of developing the terms of reference, we want to ensure that the timelines for the study are accurate. And to specifically questions related to the criteria and the timeline for the regional study, we -- oh, sorry, the GNWT is not -- my apologies, Mr. Speaker, could I ask the Member to repeat the question, please.

Member from Yellowknife North, please rephrase your question.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So this is a question of cumulative impact assessment that looks at the whole region in a holistic way, and then we have a road project that this government is leading that, if it pushes ahead, will have to have a specific environmental assessment done for it but there's value in seeing a holistic regional assessment to understand the broader impacts before going ahead with the road project. So what I was getting at was given that the Department of Environment and Climate Change includes many staff working on cumulative impact assessment, what can the department do to work with the Department of Infrastructure to understand the value of that work as they plan the road project? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. I think the key to success here is that the departments all work together and look at it from a whole-of-government approach in how we move forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Oral questions. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now that Canada and the GNWT's bound legally by section 35 in UNDRIP to bring themselves in compliance with Treaty 8 and Treaty 11 rights, the question is how is this new government working to implement section 35 UNDRIP with existing treaties in partnership with Indigenous governments? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Could you tell me who you're asking?

Premier. Mahsi.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So with the passage of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act, we are now obliged through that legislation to develop an action plan for implementation of UNDRIP, and that is going to be -- and it's legislated to be co-developed with Indigenous governments, and so that is the avenue to address a lot of these issues. And if there is things such as taxation that the government would like addressed, the time to bring it up is right at the beginning so that work can happen during the development of that action plan. Thank you.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Part of the oath of office for all the MLAs, again, it just talks about that we'll continue to honour and respect the treaties signed with Indigenous governments, so help me God. So I am happy to hear that from the Premier. Thank you for that.

How do we ensure future laws do not impose taxes on First Nations in breaching trust -- sorry, breach of their treaty rights on Treaty 8 and Treaty 11 territory? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And we are going through that process right now, and that is the land claim and self-government negotiations. I think that is what we need to conclude to ensure that there is a well-defined relationship between the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Government of Canada, and the governments in Treaty 8 territory. And so in terms of the Akaitcho treaty that we hope to finalize in the not too distant future, that would be the place to identify those relationships, and that is why it is important that we get that AIP concluded, to reference the Member's questions from the other day. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Premier. Mr. Speaker, as you know that the territorial council -- or the Territorial Council Act was created in 1967. That's 67 years ago. So my question to the primary is will the Premier consider developing some taxation to Indigenous governments as to how they're going to deal with taxation on treaties? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, again, that's the work that is happening as we negotiate the Akaitcho treaty, and so I look forward to that progressing. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Final oral supplementary. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you. And I understand the negotiation process. I was part of that process as well. Going back to 1967 to date, so it'd be nice if this government could start looking as to how we're going to be dealing with taxation through that process so that -- sorry? To the question. The question is basically through negotiations that the taxation compensation to Akaitcho Treaty 8 be looked at from 1967 going forward? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, again, it is that treaty process, so I look forward to -- or the negotiations, so I look forward to including this and being able to in future Assemblies say yes, those issues have been settled. The issues that the Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh raised back in the 20th, we've dealt with those, we now have this -- the Akaitcho treaty and, you know, the Akaitcho people are exercising their inherent right to self-determination and self-government. Thank you.

Mr. Premier. Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this week we've been seeing in the news news about funding to the Spruce Bough lapsing. I wish I had time for two Member's statements but I know you like to run a tight ship so I'll get to the question.

How does the Premier envision non-profit programs like the Spruce Bough, who deliver critical services on behalf of the GNWT, fitting into the mandate stemming from the Assembly's priority of increasing access to health care? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member, can you tell me -- oh, the Premier? Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I don't want to preempt any mandate discussions that we need to have as a Cabinet, as a Caucus, but non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, are going to be essential -- and they are essential right now, but to the future operation of the territory they will be essential. They have significant expertise, significant ability, and flexibility to do a lot of the work that we need to get done, and so as we develop that mandate they will be at the forefront of my mind. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Premier for the answers. Certainly myself and a number of Members have been pressuring him about the importance of long term funding for our NGOs, and I do appreciate his attention to the matter.

What are the government's plans to ensure sustainable and sufficient funding for the Spruce Bough program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, of course the Government of the Northwest Territories was providing funding for the operations of the Spruce Bough, and that was federal money that we were using and, of course, we always knew that that funding was going to run out and so, unfortunately, there wasn't a way to extend that funding. And so we're not at the point where that funding is going to expire. We have found some funding to allow the operation to extend for a few more months to buy us a bit more time. I believe that there are meetings happening maybe today or tomorrow with the most senior government officials and representatives from the Spruce Bough. So there are ways for us to work together. And that is actually the way to go forward. There are opportunities to unlock other pots of funding, find other funding from the federal government, maybe other sources, but we need to work together. We need to share information. And we need to have that same goal in mind and go in the same direction. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I've said, and I think many members have said before, that what we need our NGOs to be focusing on is doing the work and not necessarily looking for funding, and we do hope to see the GNWT supporting them in that.

Mr. Speaker, just to the point of buying time, I question the Premier, we constantly seem to be caught off guard by these funding pots lapsing that we've known years in advance are going to lapse. So why is the GNWT failing to plan ahead and ensure long term and sustainable funding for these critical programs in such a way that we don't have to buy time at the last minute to ensure that they continue? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And the Government of the Northwest Territories certainly wasn't caught off guard. It was well known that this funding was time limited, but this is not a Government of the Northwest Territories program. And so what this does is it highlights the need for closer collaboration with the NGOs and, you know, to my earlier point, for information sharing between the government and NGOs so that these types of situations don't sneak up on anybody. Thank you.

Mr. Premier. Final supplementary. Member from Frame Lake. Member from Monfwi.

Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for that question. Mr. Speaker, you know, we've heard in this House many times from many members, especially the representatives from the small communities, on health care in the small communities and, you know, we were -- we're going -- not just the Northwest Territories but Canada has been struggling with health care service providers, getting -- hiring permanent nursing, permanent doctors, so I think that there has been some work done. And I've mentioned this, you know, working with the paramedics in the small communities when needed to make sure that there's access to care. There's been the launch of the 8-1-1 service across the territory 24/7 over the phone to a registered nurse to provide residents with immediate health care assistance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.