Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I wish to reflect on the 2023 evacuations and the lessons we need to learn about the importance of a harm reduction approach for the most vulnerable Members of our communities. I poach from an open letter that was sent in the aftermath of the Yellowknife evacuation from the board of the Yellowknife Women's Society which runs the women's shelter and transitional housing programs. The letter acknowledges that we may have sent people away from the threat of fires, but we sent them straight into the path of other harms. Many shelter users were flown out on their own and placed in hotel rooms scattered around Calgary or Edmonton with very limited health and wellness supports. Many were evicted from those hotels early on and wound up on the streets of southern cities and were denied a second chance for safe shelter.

By the end of August, in Calgary alone 58 people from the NWT had spent at least one night in a downtown shelter. Many experienced assaults, overdoses, and suffered various traumas. In contrast, some vulnerable groups such as seniors in long-term care, youth from Home Base Yellowknife, and transitional housing residents, were supported to evacuate all together to dedicated facilities, and here we see some important success stories.

At a camp north of Fort McMurray, women's society staff along with outreach nurses provided 24/7 wraparound supports to a group of 47 service users. And to quote from the letter, "some participants chose to come and go from the facility sometimes to use drugs or consume alcohol. Whatever their choice is, they were met with judgement-free support and able to return to the safe environment of the facility when they chose."

This is the kind of approach, Mr. Speaker, that we need to take to address the ongoing emergency that is homelessness in the North, which has gotten significantly worse since last year's displacements. We need to provide supportive living facilities that meet people wherever they're at and help stabilize their lives amidst addictions or other challenges that they're facing.

The women's society board of directors expressed to its participants and staff its, and I quote, "its deep and profound sorrow and regret for not being more prepared to weather this storm with you. We believe in accountability for our own actions. We take these organizational failures seriously and vow to do better. We make this apology in the hope that other community leaders will also humbly identify where they have fallen short so that we can all learn and improve from one another." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The North is a wonderful place and despite our struggles, it's a wonderful place we all call home. Now, the NWT isn't a wealthy territory in comparison to places like Ontario or even Alberta, you know, but we are wealthy in hearts and opportunities and resources and people, just poor in cash. Now things change over time, and sometimes we identify that as wisdom. But, you know, so when you're young you're adventurous at hearts and, you know, wanting to live in the fast lane, but as you get a little bit older, like people in this room, your priorities of riches change, such as family and health. That said, now that brings me to the issue of why I want to focus on today is on health.

Mr. Speaker, it should come to no surprise but rather more of an embarrassment that in Canada, it's so hard to believe that one in five people do not have a family doctor. So, Mr. Speaker, if you're planning a family, you're having health challenges, you're aging, you know, you really need that very critical and important relationship with a family doctor because having a doctor matters. So let's put a territorial lens on this, if I may.

Mr. Speaker, the bureau of stats recently published that there were 44,760 people in the Northwest Territories as of October 1. Now that's all post fire evacuation so things may have changed, but we're going to use that number for now. The bureau estimates that over that period of time now things may have changed, but we're going to work with what we've got.

So if you take the bureau's number, one in five, now that's 20 percent for those non-math people by the way, we have a rough underserved population of around 9,000 people. Now to be precise, for argument's sake, that's 8,955 people without a doctor. But I'm going to use 9,000 because it's an easier number to talk.

So putting it into perspective, now 9,000 people of our combined population do not have a family doctor. That's equal to the combined regions of the Deh Cho, the Sahtu, and even the Tlicho. Could you imagine what type of scenario that is, all of those people combined? I'm talking about a number of people without a family doctor.

Mr. Speaker, I hope this is sinking in about how many people don't have a family doctor. This truly is a serious problem that needs a serious commitment that should be repaired because primary health, if neglected, can delay diagnosis in a very complex system. Mr. Speaker, the everyday family can only solve their problems on WebMD on their own for so long. I'm doing a call for action, and we can and need to do better. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart as I acknowledge the recent catastrophic plane crash that occurred January 23rd in Fort Smith, which claimed the lives of six people. This tragic event has deeply impacted my community and the entire Northwest Territories. I am indebted to all the first responders and frontline staff who tirelessly assisted in the search and rescue operation, ultimately rescuing a sole survivor. Their unwavering dedication is a touching representation of how Northerners come together to support one another in the face of such devastating events. The levels of support that have been provided in the wake of the tragedy have come from all corners of the world, and it is heartwarming to see people come together in times of crisis.

As we collectively mourn, my heartfelt condolences extend to all those who are deeply affected by this incident. Together, we remember the loved ones who were tragically lost in this heartbreaking event. The journey of healing will be a difficult one but as is the northern way, we will be there for one another, providing the support and strength needed to navigate through. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member. Again, our condolences go out to the family and friends in Fort Smith and the surrounding area. Members' statements. Member for Hay River South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past Saturday, myself and the MLA for Hay River North had the opportunity to attend the 1st Annual Hay River Community Spirit Gala. It was a great opportunity to celebrate individuals and organizations who have contributed to a healthy community through volunteering and working on making Hay River a better place to live. The winners were as follow:

• Youth volunteer award, Samara Wilson;
• Senior volunteer award, Linda Dunford;
• Community beautification award, the Hay River Metis Council;
• Arts and Culture Award, Aaron Tambour;
• Community Spirit Award, Hay River Legion;
• Good Neighbor Award, Steve Anderson;
• Good business Award and Diversity Award, Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre;
• Community Safety Award, Hay River Fire Department;
• Trail Blazer Award, Chuck Lorette; and,
• Citizen of the Year Award, our very own mayor Kandice Jamison.

Again thank you to all the volunteers and organizations and businesses who make Hay River such a great place to live. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member. Members' statements. I guess this is going to be me, last one.

Good afternoon, colleagues. The Kole Crook Fiddle Association held its 19th Annual Fiddle Jamboree in Fort Simpson. We witnessed 55 fiddlers from six communities across the NWT who braved the -47° cold snap. They ranged in age from 6 to 16 years. We had several adults who joined in as well. Classes were offered for first-timers all the way up to advanced. They were joined by seven amazing fiddle instructors from across Canada and NWT. Some were former graduates of the association. The participants jigged, square-danced, fiddled, and sang. They learned lots of new tunes and made many new friends. A couple of the highlights were:

• They hosted a community feast and talent show on Saturday Night which saw a packed house.
• They held a concert on Sunday, which I got to witness.

Some of you are aware the Kole Crook Fiddle Association was formed in 2003 in memory of the well-known and beloved Metis fiddler from Hay River, Kole Crook, who tragically passed away at a young age while flying to a New Year's Eve celebration in Tulita. Kole traveled across the NWT and shared his love of music to youth and elders alike. The association's mission is to keep his legacy alive and spread the northern tradition of Metis style fiddling. They just celebrated their 20th anniversary last year and they have taught in 19 communities across the NWT. Being respectful of time, I would like to have these communities deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.

Hay River, Kakisa, Enterprise, K'atlodeeche, Yellowknife, Behchoko, Deline, Ft. Good Hope, Tulita, Norman Wells, Colville Lake, Wrigley, Jean Marie, Ft. Smith, Ft. Resolution, Ft. Simpson, Ft. Liard, Nahanni Butte and Sambaa Ke.

As you know, many youths in the smaller more remote communities in the North do not have regular access to music programs. Events such as the annual jamboree are beacons of light to so many and are talked about and excitedly anticipated months before the actual event. It is such a positive influence in the lives of these youth learning a traditional skill that brings much joy to not only them but their parents and grandparents and entire communities. All this would not have been possible without the financial support received by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the Deh Cho Divisional Board of Education. It is very much appreciated, and they send their sincere gratitude. Being respectful of time, I would like to have the bios of the amazing instructors deemed as read and printed in Hansard. Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

1. Stacey Read - Sackville, Nova Scotia
   The amazing Stacey has been fiddling since she was a young girl and has been one of our lead teachers for 15 years now. She plays and teaches not only fiddling but square-dancing and piano in her hometown and also travels to Nunavut to teach in the schools there.
2. Donna Turk - Forget, Saskatchewan.
   Donna is a world-renowned fiddler who taught the famous "Bow Valley Fiddlers" out of Calgary for 17 years! She has been with the KCFA for over ten years now and we are always so happy when she can attend our events.
3. Deanna Dolstra - Cold Lake, Alberta.
   Deanna is another wonderful Fiddler who has been with us for many years. She is a highly sought-after performer at Metis fiddling/jigging events all across western Canada and teaches jigging and piano as well at her studio in Cold Lake.
4. Linda Duford - Hay River, NWT.
   Linda is a long-time northern fiddler who learned to play as a young girl and was mentored by the great Maurice Lafferty when her family moved to Ft. Simpson. She has been with the KCFA for 16 years and has happily shared her love of fiddling to countless youth across the Territories. Linda sits on the Board, currently as co-president.
5. Wesley Hardisty- Salt Spring Island, BC.
   Wesley, a native of Ft. Simpson, is their most famous alumnae. He is an amazing fiddler, composer and performer and has worked and collaborated with many artists across Canada. Wesley started fiddling as a student with them at the young age of 12, and had never looked back.
6. Elizabeth Ewen - Yellowknife, NWT.
   Elizabeth started lessons with the KCFA during her kindergarten year at Behchoko, where her father was the principal at the time. She is a wonderful fiddler and is in her first year of teaching with us.
7. Simara Wilson - Hay River.
   Simara, another product of our KCFA Fiddle Program, started playing in grade two, and has faithfully attended our after-school programs right up to graduation last year. We are thrilled she has now joined our Teaching roster as a junior instructor.
8. James Ross - Yellowknife, NWT. James is an amazing young fiddler who started winning Fiddle contests at the ripe old age of 12. Another product of the KCFA, he is considered one of the best "Red River Jig" players in the North.

Members' statements. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Members, it is my honour to welcome Mr. Anthony W. J. Whitford to this Chamber today. As many of you know, Mr. Whitford is a former Commissioner, Speaker, Minister, Member, sergeant-at-arms, and is also an honourary clerk at the table. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Whitford to the House this wonderful afternoon. It is wonderful to have you here with us today.

As well in the gallery, I'd like to recognize Stephen Dunbar, chief electoral officer of the Northwest Territories. Welcome, Mr. Dunbar.

My favorite former MLA from the 19th Assembly, Mr. Rocky Simpson. And we'll miss you having questions but you have my phone number, we can talk later. Welcome.

As well, I would like to recognize Clarence Wood, the mayor of Inuvik. I greatly appreciate you being here and welcome you here.

And finally, I would like to recognize a former mentor of mine, Jackson Lafferty, Member of the 15th and 19th Assembly, a former Minister, Speaker, and now grand chief of the Tlicho. Welcome, Mr. Jackson.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize His Lordship mayor Clarence Wood. Mr. Wood is in his 26th year serving the municipality of Inuvik, which makes him, I think, the longest serving municipal leader in the territory. I had the pleasure of serving with Mr. Wood, and I'd like to recognize him and thank him here today. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize my friend and former colleague grand chief Jackson Lafferty. It's nice to see you here today.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a constituent, the chief electoral officer for Elections NWT, Mr. Stephen Dunbar. Thank you for being with us today.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Monfwi.

Thank you. I would like to acknowledge and recognize Tlicho grand chief Jackson Lafferty. And also I would like to recognize Rocky Simpson. I do miss talking to him. I do miss him here, so. But it's good that he is here visiting. Thank you.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the grand chief of the Tlicho region, Mr. Jackson Lafferty. Mahsi and welcome.

And an old friend of mine, Tony Whitford. I seen him at Tim Hortons coffee shop. It's always good to see you.

And former colleague as well, Rocky Simpson Senior. Mahsi.

And the mayor from Inuvik as well, Clarence wood. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too wish to lend my voice to recognize the gentleman who is so well known to us, Mr. Anthony W. J. Whitford. He's many things to many of us, but very importantly to me he's been a friend for a very, very long time.

At the same time, I too wish to recognize Mr. Lafferty, or the grand chief for the Tlicho region. We go back to when we were kids. And he's a wonderful gentleman, and I'm glad to see him in the leadership in the Tlicho communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.