I'd like to thank Suzie Napayok for the opening, guiding words. Colleagues, I'd like to draw our attention to the presence of Daryl Dolynny in the gallery, a Member of the 17th Legislative Assembly. Welcome back to our Assembly.

Member from Range Lake -- or Yellowknife Centre, sorry.

That's okay, sometimes you can't tell us apart, Mr. Speaker. We do it to ourselves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order regarding Bill 26 which received second reading in the House on May 29th, 2025, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations on that date.

Mr. Speaker, our rules lay out the procedures for the committee to review bills in chapter 8.3, and I do not believe they have been followed in this case. Rule 8.3(1) specifies that, quote, bills referred to a standing committee, special committee, shall not be proceeded until the Assembly receives the report of the committee or 120 calendar days past from the day the bill was given second reading, end quote.

The clear expectation is that committee will report on the review of a bill within 120 days or at the earliest opportunity subsequent to the passage of the 120 days.

Mr. Speaker, further, Rule 8.3(4) states that, and I quote, a standing or special committee shall conduct its clause-by-clause review of a public -- sorry, of a bill in public, end quote.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday was the earliest opportunity subsequent to the passage of 120 days from the date of the referral to standing committee, and the bill was not reported back to the House.

Further, the committee has not conducted a public clause-by-clause review as required by rules.

Mr. Speaker, that's my point of order, and if you do allow debate, I will have some comments. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. I am going to call on the chair from Frame Lake to respond. Do you need time to respond? Are you prepared to do it now, or would you like to respond later on? Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think I would need a little bit of time just to speak with committee staff and make sure that my response is in order with everything required of me as a chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So my ruling is we will bring this back before Committee of the Whole. Thank you.

Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity to provide the Legislative Assembly with the fall economic and fiscal update. This statement will describe the changes that have happened since Budget 2025 was released, review the supplementary appropriations to date for 2025-2026, and outline how we are revising our fiscal strategy goals to better match the uncertain economic times that we find ourselves in.

2025 has, again, been marked by notable natural disasters which were a major focus for many residents and workers over the past few months. The year is not over and still there are active wildfires across the territory. More specifically, residents in Fort Providence and Whati had to evacuate in late August and the Tthets'éhk'édélı̨ First Nation was under evacuation alert for a short period.

The wider Canadian economy, alongside much of the world's geopolitical situation, are facing times of notable uncertainty. The United States is the largest economy in the world and remains under a state of rolling tariff changes that reverberate through the world. For the territory, the private sector remains highly dependent on a single resource commodity, which makes us particularly vulnerable to international markets and consumer demand swings.

In response to the level of ongoing uncertainty, we are modifying our fiscal strategy. The previous fiscal strategy aspired to increase operating budgets through a combination of new revenue generation and expenditure management to decrease short-term debt and increase fiscal capacity so that the GNWT could continue to respond to expenditure shocks. Unfortunately, significant economic disruptions are upon us even sooner than anticipated.

We will be responsive by investing in the stability and resilience of the territory. While these goals will increase debt, we are careful to ensure that our debt remains affordable and that investments provide long-term economic benefits.

The federal government granted us a borrowing limit increase in March 2025 and with this higher borrowing limit, we gained $1.3 billion in flexibility to respond to new challenges and continue investments in public infrastructure. To be clear, increased borrowing does not mean increased revenue. To make an analogy, our credit card limit has increased but our income has not. We remain committed to stay within the guardrails of the fiscal responsibility policy to restrain the rate of debt accumulation. Even with a shifting of our formal fiscal strategy, fiscal responsibility and sustainability remain key pillars for the GNWT.

We will continue to expect good value in all programs and services, keep a close eye on public sector growth, and seek innovative paths forward to find efficiencies.

The dominance of the diamond mining industry over the past few decades makes the territorial economy especially sensitive to the shifting tides of global markets. In recent months, new hurdles have emerged. American import tariffs have added uncertainty for markets, particularly in mining and other resource and trade dependent industries.

Earlier this year, the Government of the Northwest Territories provided targeted support measures to the diamond mines, including temporary tax relief and operational assistance. This support does not change the reality that the planned closure dates of the mines are already upon us. The recent tariffs and market demand volatility reminds us of the vulnerability of our economy and the dependence for contracts many businesses associated to the mines rely on. We must continue to reduce barriers to speed up new investments and encourage a more diversified private sector.

Declining diamond production, slow to no growth in private investment, and housing shortages continue to weigh on the economic outlook. Public and private sector employment have remained relatively steady. Wages have grown in mining and public administration but are flat in other key sectors. Inflation has eased, offering relief to households, and total active businesses has recovered to pre-pandemic averages.

The economy does not stand still. It will continually evolve in response to changing human and social dynamics that surround us. I have long said that I remain optimistic for the Northwest Territories' potential future and that remains true, now in particular, with changes coming on the national landscape.

The federal government is looking North and seems to be sincerely hearing the calls from leaders across the Territories to deal with the lack of connections in and between 40 percent of Canada's landmass. This is a challenge to our sovereignty that all of Canada should be aware of but investing in true nation building by looking towards the Arctic can build Canada into the northern Arctic leader that many Canadians see ourselves as.

The Arctic Economic and Security Corridor is already on the list of nation-building projects, and there is continued interest in the Mackenzie Valley Highway as the department of defense has invested significant resources to upgrade the Inuvik airport as a future forward operating location. In addition, energy connections broadly remain a strategic focus, including projects like Taltson, as does the critical minerals sector where the Northwest Territories has several advanced opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, we started this fiscal year with a projected operating surplus of $170 million. Consistent with the previous fiscal strategy, this represented enough of a cash surplus to fully pay for the 2025-2026 capital budget without additional borrowing. We are now projecting an operating surplus of $16 million. This $154-million decline in our operating balance takes into account the two supplementary appropriations prepared and year-end expenditure projections.

Approved supplementary spending to date this year is $47 million that comes with $38 million in federal support, for a net total of $9 million of new spending compared to Budget 2025. Among the new spending, higher salaries for educators required $2 million under the school funding framework. Transitional housing and shelter services, harbour restoration in Hay River, and contributions to physical activity, sport and recreation were each approved for $1.8 million in supplementary support. Aurora College was approved for $528,000 for the practical nurse training program. The Yellowknife courthouse will receive $246,000 for approved security improvements, including a new sheriff position and other upgrades.

The second supplementary funding process totals $87 million with $15 million of offsetting support. This is proposed new spending and it is primarily focused on three measures: Additional wildfire suppression costs, funding to education bodies to assist with the loss of Jordan's Principle funding, and further subsidies that are proposed to shield ratepayers from electricity price spikes that stem from low water. It would also include funding for the disaster response and recovery and proposed funding to continue fish plant operations in Hay River.

Mr. Speaker, 2025-2026 infrastructure budgets are also seeing increases. So far this year, the Legislative Assembly has approved supplementary capital budgets of $179 million, which includes $113 million in offsetting revenue, either federal funding or carried over from the previous year, for a net increase to the capital budget of $65 million. Most of this increase was for the first year of a new three-year annual $42-million housing investment commitment made after Budget 2025. This investment reflects an emphasis on mandate priorities that include suitable, accessible, and affordable housing.

Taking all these factors into account, we are now expecting to close the fiscal year with $840 million in short-term borrowing. And that will bring our total debt to $1.862 billion, an increase of $90 million compared to the original Budget 2025 projection.

Keeping our own fiscal house in order, Mr. Speaker, remains essential, but our progress towards meeting the original fiscal goals has been hindered by rising expenditure pressures and significant economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Revising the fiscal strategy to enable strategic investments that foster opportunity and stability for Northerners is essential amid challenging times.

Revising the fiscal strategy is also allowing more time to complete the work we started to find the best fiscal foundation for a sustainable healthcare system. We are providing the time needed for the healthcare system sustainability unit and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority public administrator to complete their work, while not sacrificing patient care. We are looking forward to the outcome of this work being incorporated into the 2027-2028 business planning process.

Despite the revised fiscal direction, I am reaffirming the GNWT's commitment to the fiscal responsibility policy and the guidelines that keep debt affordable and within the borrowing limit. With that continued guidepost, we are maintaining a balance between fiscal flexibility but still mindful of the need for restraint in the face of slow revenue growth.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories sees the challenges we face as opportunities to support an economy in transition. We remain committed to long-term sustainability but our near-term focus must be on stability and resilience. And with continued federal partnership, a continued focus on efficiency, and a commitment to maximizing northern benefits, we are creating conditions for a stronger and more diversified economy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Finance. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.

Mr. Speaker, I am committed to building more homes for Northerners. We are turning this commitment into action through multi-year planning with funding from the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and Housing NWT.

Each year for the rest of this Legislative Assembly, Housing NWT will invest $50 million annually, including $41.6 million per year from the Government of the Northwest Territories, to build new homes and repair existing ones.

This is a result of strong collaboration among Members of this House and reflects a key strength of this government, which I am proud to be a part of. This collaboration and ongoing funding commitment continues to bring us towards improving the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing in the NWT.

Since the start of the 20th Legislative Assembly, Housing NWT has completed 81 new housing units, 67 homes are being built as we speak, and we plan to build 152 more over the next two years, reaching 300 newly constructed homes over the life of this government. These projects rely on strong partnerships with contractors, local housing organizations, and Indigenous governments to plan and build homes that meet the needs of communities. We are also supporting residents to gain skills and education in the trades, with the additional requirement for each new construction contract to include an apprenticeship work assignment.

Mr. Speaker, our strategy focuses on new construction, as well as major renovation projects to existing public housing units. This includes replacing older units and upgrading units to improve the condition and extend their lifespan. We are using data from the Territorial Housing Needs Assessment to adjust our housing portfolio and align planning decisions with the types of housing that Northerners need both now and in the future.

Housing NWT staff are continuously looking for ways to meet and collaborate with Indigenous governments to improve housing outcomes. To date, we have entered into formal agreements with four Indigenous governments, including the Tlicho government, the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, the Deline Got'ine government, and the Gwich'in Tribal Council. These agreements help us work together on sustainable shared housing goals.

Construction on the 50-unit mixed-use building in Yellowknife progressed very well this summer. So far, the foundation, the utility service tie-ins, and the municipal connections are complete. We are exploring innovative ways to continue construction through the winter season. Off-site manufacturing of the mass timber and building envelope will continue this winter in southern Canada. These pieces will be ready and delivered to the worksite in the spring. This future mixed-use building is located on 50th Street and will support vulnerable populations directly with access to safe and stable housing.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the city of Yellowknife for the land contribution, CMHC's Rapid Housing Initiative of $20.8 million in funding, and PCL Construction and Stantec as design-build partners in this project.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to highlight the modernization of Aspen Apartments. This project demonstrates strategic initiative, an important step forward in improving public housing and reducing reliance on third party landlords. This upgrade will extend the building's service life by 25 years and add 36 newly owned units to Housing NWT's portfolio. This project is on track to be completed by mid-November. Once construction is complete, public housing tenants currently renting from third party landlords will move into the building. This will free up market rental units in Yellowknife, providing more homes for residents in need of market housing. We are switching from oil heat to a cleaner biomass system as part of our energy plan and, again, to strategically invest in our buildings and reduce costs in the long-term.

Work continues across the NWT, with the award of Housing NWT's most recent design-build contract to ARCAN Construction Ltd. who will work with METCAN Building Solutions, a northern Indigenous-owned NWT manufacturer of modular homes. The contract will deliver 84 units to eight communities in the form of duplexes and four-plexes, with construction beginning in spring 2026. Homes will be constructed in Hay River at METCAN Building Solutions' facility to ensure durability, efficiency, and suitability for northern conditions.

I am pleased to report that earlier this summer, Housing NWT entered into a negotiated contract with the Fort Smith Metis Council to deliver a public housing duplex. Other negotiations are underway with Indigenous governments for additional 14 units, and I look forward to providing more details as negotiations progress.

We are advancing our energy strategy by switching to biomass and electric heating where possible, including Housing NWT's first ever electric boiler in Fort Smith. Other exciting energy initiatives include testing cold climate heat pump technology in partnership with the Arctic Energy Alliance and designing all new buildings to be at least 20 percent more energy efficient than the 2015 model National Energy Code. At the end of the month, a biomass heating system will be online in Fort Providence for the Seniors Multiplex.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to sharing more updates as we continue to make progress and deliver more homes for Northerners. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to continue to talk about the NWT nominee program. In September, the Minister announced that Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada has increased the Northwest Territories' 2025 allocation for our nominee program by 47 nominees which brings the total to 197. This does not restore the NWT allocations 2024 levels of 300 spots, but it's a step in the right direction.

I'm heartened to see that the Minister continues to advocate to her federal counterparts when she was in Ottawa with her Cabinet colleagues and Council of Leaders, and then this week in Toronto, she attended the forum of Ministers responsible for immigration meeting. I'm hopeful for some good news.

Limited spots means that there are knock-on effects for newcomers, many who are panicked and need support. Crucial support is not readily available in the NWT, including but not limited to immigration lawyers. This creates intense anxiety for people who think they are doing all the right things, following all the right paths, and are stymied by the whiplash of federal policy changes. Additionally, I hear from newcomers that they continue to be frustrated that those here the longest are not considered a priority, which means they need to apply to extend their work permits which puts them into perpetual limbo.

Mr. Speaker, I also wish to raise two important points:

1. We are not facing the same challenges south of 60 that have created this policy turnaround. Our newcomers are already here and established, building their lives and families and supporting our communities; and,

2. While the support of the business community here in Yellowknife and in our regional centres is greatly appreciated, I would also like to highlight that everyone in the NWT who is not Indigenous also has a newcomer story in their family. Being kind to those who want the same opportunity to be a good neighbour costs nothing and makes our communities stronger. I will have questions for the Minister of ECE. Thank you.

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

Mr. Speaker, in 2017, Premier Bob McLeod raised a red alert over oil and gas development in the Beaufort Sea after Prime Minister -- then Prime Minister Trudeau declared a moratorium without consulting the Northwest Territories. At the time, I was fairly critical of that. I was focused on other aspects of the economy, particularly mining, but now I owe him an apology because I see the real value of that red alert in sending a clear signal across the country and the world that the NWT was open for business and fighting to preserve the opportunity to develop its own resources.

Mr. Speaker, today we need a new red alert, a red alert over our mining industry. Northerners were sent -- or the North's economy was sent into shock waves when the Ekati mine stopped open pit mining earlier this summer. Hundreds of jobs were lost. The economy is at risk of losing its most significant private sector contributors through Ekati and all the mine's employment, training, infrastructure investment, face an uncertain future after years of relying on this industry to support our economy, and Indigenous nations who co-manage our regulatory system are soon to lose financial and economic benefits from their agreement with these companies.

Mr. Speaker, mining contributes 24 percent of the NWT's GDP, and if you add in the spinoffs to the larger economy it exceeds 40 percent. This should not be a surprise that the mines were eventually going to close. All mines do. But we stand completely, seemingly, unprepared for this eventuality. No new projects have been meaningfully advanced and are on the horizon to replace the mining decline. The three things that have led to this are declining exploration, outdated systems of mineral tenure, and ineffective policy that have stalled out our mining sector. And despite the urging of industry experts to correct this for more than a decade to both the federal and territorial governments, we only have further inaction and hesitation to show for it. We must act now at the midpoint of this Assembly before it is too late to reverse this decline. And if we don't, it will continue to send a chilling message that the NWT is not open for business contrary to the messaging of the government. It's time for a red alert for mining, it is time for an independent review of mining decline, it is time to expand the mineral incentive program and a North of 60 tax credit, and it is time to modernize the tenure system after ten years of languishing in regulatory process. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Economy related, Mr. Speaker. The potential of the Mackenzie Valley Highway presents boundless business opportunities for small businesses in the Northwest Territories, recognizing that Small Business Week starts this coming Sunday, October the 19th to October the 25th. I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage all entrepreneurs and small business owners across the Northwest Territories to participate in this important celebration for entrepreneurialship. Small Business Week is Canada's entrepreneurial celebration, and it offers valuable opportunities for the business owners to learn, connect, interact, and celebrate with experts and other entrepreneurs from across our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, as we look forward to the economic opportunities that infrastructure projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway will bring to our territory, it's more important than ever that our small businesses are prepared and equipped to seize these opportunities. I encourage all NWT entrepreneurs to take advantage of the resources and events scheduled, available during the Small Business Week to strengthen our businesses and position themselves for future successes.

Small businesses are the backbone of our northern economy, and supporting their growth, stability, and development is essential to bringing a prosperous future and building a prosperous future of the residents of the Northwest Territories and thus attracting certainty on future investment. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the privilege to attend the Council of Leaders. I was invited as chair of the accountability and oversight committee as an observer. I'd like to thank the Council of Leaders, the Indigenous leaders, our Premier and Cabinet for that invitation.

Mr. Speaker, I would say there's some kudos to be sent out. I think that certainly our Premier and his Cabinet did a great job in presenting to the federal Ministers. The Indigenous leaders likewise. It was very much a we are speaking with one voice, and I thought that was a great approach. And certainly some of the things they discussed down there, Mr. Speaker, housing, the ongoing criminal activity, health concerns and, of course, the major infrastructure projects.

While I was there, Mr. Speaker, there was also a presentation done by the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated as well as in collaboration with GNWT on the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway. And, again, what I thought was a good presentation. There was some -- certainly some representation there from the federal government as well. And, Mr. Speaker, it's an exciting project. And I know, and I've heard the Minister speak about it today, that the Slave Geological Highway has kind of gotten a little more of a boost, I guess, from the federal government than the Mackenzie Valley Highway, but I think, Mr. Speaker, as a group, I think we need to make sure we continue to push and to ensure that the Mackenzie Valley Highway remains our number one priority. I think it's our road, it's good for everyone, it's good for the entire territory. Not only for the -- you know, for the defence and for sovereignty and the things that are important to our nation, and certainly important to us, but I would argue as an energy corridor as well, Mr. Speaker. We talk about we have mining -- the mines that are now closing down. We know, and I've said it many times, you know, we're sitting on 19 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Beaufort Delta. We've seen the Indigenous government in that region, the Inuvialuit, starting their own development in that process. So imagine, Mr. Speaker, not only would that provide an energy source, energy security within our own territory for us, Mr. Speaker, but also the revenue and the royalties that come with that to make us more of a have-territory and we're not sad here during budgets, Mr. Speaker, and fighting over the small amount of revenue that we do have. So, again, Mr. Speaker, I think the Mackenzie Valley Highway, we -- you know, we have an office set up in Ottawa. I had an opportunity to speak with our envoy down there. I had some very positive conversations. We need to continue that push. I think we need to continue to make sure that the Mackenzie Valley Highway is the number one project, Mr. Speaker. The Slave Geological, yes, it's important, but it's ten years out likely. We have permits in place, we are ready to put shovels in the ground in the Mackenzie Valley Highway. We need to keep that plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with the closure of the Aurora College 19 community learning centres, students who live outside of Yellowknife, Fort Smith, and Inuvik, face even greater challenges in accessing programs or transitional -- or transitioning successfully into university level studies. These students are left with few options to upgrade their skills or complete prerequisite courses and, as a result, face barriers to obtaining funding under the student financial assistance program.

Take, for example, a 19-year-old Tlicho citizen from Behchoko who was denied financial support from student financial assistance for enrolment in an emergency medical responder program at NAIT. This program is a critical first step towards becoming a paramedic, yet it is not recognized as post-secondary program under current funding policies. This student is passionate about serving her community, and yet she is being told her education does not qualify.

Mr. Speaker, living in small communities with poor education outcome, many of our youth rely on this kind of program to move forward. If we fail to support our youth in obtaining positive education outcomes now, we are setting them up for failure in a future where they will most certainly end up relying on income support. In a territory where we urgently need Indigenous healthcare workers, we must do better. We must ensure our funding systems reflect the realities of modern training pathways and support those who choose to serve.

Mr. Speaker, the SFA framework as it currently exists does not support university bridging programs, which are essentials for students who do not meet direct requirements for university. These programs offer academic upgrading, skill development, and transitioning support that can make the difference between access and exclusion. Now is the time to look at amending the Student Finance Assistance Act and regulation to explicitly include university bridging programming as eligible for financial support. Mr. Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mr. Speaker, doing so would align with the Act's intent and ensure that students are not penalized for systemic gaps in educational access. Education is a right, not a privilege, which we have said quite a few times. We need to ensure that every student in the Northwest Territories has a fair chance to succeed regardless of where they live or the path they must take to realize their dreams. Masi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to follow up on my colleague's Member's statement from Boot Lake on the condition of the Dempster Highway. As my colleague stated, I too have been receiving daily texts about the highway conditions in terms of safety.

Mr. Speaker, I personally drive this highway on occasion, and I know what the residents of the Beaufort Delta are referring to and have them express their concerns about the horrible conditions of the highway at this time of the year. Just to put into context, when I went to Inuvik with the cab, the cab driver was driving 35 kilometers in the section in question. A two-hour drive turned into a three-and-a-half-hour drive.

Mr. Speaker, residents of the Beaufort Delta often ask me what are you doing about the conditions of the Dempster Highway, and I wish I could do something. All I can do is bring this to the attention of the Minister and his department and hope that something will be done for the safety of all users of the Dempster Highway.

Mr. Speaker, communication between all levels of this department is important to relay message on to everyone concerned. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I know the department has a website to update the users of the Dempster Highway. Communication between the Ministers and the regional departments must be maintained so the Minister's kept up to date on the condition on the highway systems throughout the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure at the appropriate time.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I'm speaking about a difficult thing, and I urge listeners to take care of yourselves and seek support when you need it.

Family violence is one of those things that we seldom talk about inside or outside of this building, yet it is so pervasive that it affects every aspect of northern life, people's health, their ability to work, our economy, the ability of communities to function. It impacts people of every culture, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, of every education level and every income bracket.

The rates of intimate partner violence in the NWT are astronomical - 12 times the national average. One of this Assembly's priorities is to prevent, interrupt, and address the effects of trauma, but every day in our communities the cycle of trauma and violence is repeating itself.

It would be so much easier if it was just a matter of law and order, just punishing the bad guys, keeping them away forever from the helpless victims. But our family and community webs are too interconnected to separate the good guys and the bad guys like that. And survivors are not helpless. We may get frustrated when they go back, sometimes again and again, to abusive situations, but people's choices are complicated and the only way out is for survivors to be able to take their power back, to gain more realistic options and to make their own choices.

Over the past 25 years, the NWT has had family violence action plans, research studies, calls to action, and in 2023 a new strategic framework was published, yet this government continues to miss opportunities to make fundamental changes.

I say no more strategies, reports, hand-wringing, until we've taken action on the main recommendations that keep being raised over and over. Survivors need safe housing options. We don't yet have safe homes even in every region, and the ones that exist, for example the safe homes run by the YWCA with partners in Fort Simpson and Fort Good Hope, are constantly in danger of losing funding and shutting down. We need more transitional housing options because people cannot stay in a shelter long term. We need better ways of enforcing emergency protection orders and ways to make EPOs more responsive to changing needs. We need a justice system that is accessible, that doesn't re-traumatize people, and that has options for reconciliation and healing. Survivors need better access to legal aid. Abusers need supportive housing too and opportunities to heal and unlearn violent behaviours. These are big, expensive changes, Mr. Speaker, but the cost of the status quo is much, much more. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Colleagues, family violence is a challenging topic, and if anybody's listening needs support or assistance, please contact the RCMP, health centres, or visit the government website to find resources available to you.

Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Mr. Speaker, in the face of global uncertainty, the federal government has embraced a one-Canada approach, encouraging provinces and territories to work together in the national interest to build a stronger and more resilient economy where security is built on cooperation and shared prosperity. Canada is a country of many distinct and diverse nations where cooperation is key to success, and the same is true about our own territory. For us to be at our best, we must first ensure that we are united and working together; however, I fear our efforts to build the unity we need for our territory to grow and prosper remains overshadowed by the lack of resolution on the Akaitcho land claim and self-government agreement. The absence of this final agreement is not only denying my constituents the recognition and rights they deserve but also holding back the economic progress of our entire territory. Without this agreement, we face uncertainty around land access, long-term development, and investment. And let me be clear, it is not the Akaitcho or their leaders standing in the way of prosperity. They have been at the negotiating table for years, working to find a fair and just realization of our treaty. What my people feel in holding this process back is the lack of urgency and vision from the government to finalize this crucial process.

As this crucial moment for our territory's economic future, our government must recognize that long-term sustainability of economic growth can only be built on the foundation of reconciliation and respect for my communities. That foundation starts with finalizing the agreement. My constituents have waited for 125 years. They shouldn't have to wait for another 100 years. I have questions for the Premier on this issue at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this spring, an encampment was established in Yellowknife's downtown which caused a significant amount of public concern. It was quickly apparent we were right back where we left off last fall, and the situation was just as untenable this time. However, this year, something changed.

Peter Adourian, a lawyer representing residents of the encampment, approached the GNWT to see if they could work together to identify a better solution. This quickly resulted in an orderly dismantling of the encampment and moving it to a mutually agreed-upon location which was much better suited to the residents of the encampment and the community.

It was an incredibly effective approach, and I think it provides an important lesson for government in how we approach solutions to homelessness. This summer, I took the opportunity to meet with some of the residents of the encampment. Interestingly, the young men I spoke with were previously housed but faced eviction for various reasons. When asked why they chose to camp instead of accessing shelters, they noted that the shelters don't feel like a safe place to be. They're sleeping on mats in a large room or a hallway. They don't have somewhere to keep their things. It's just not a solution that works for them.

In putting myself in their shoes, Mr. Speaker, I can't blame them. I wouldn't feel comfortable sleeping in a shelter. Would you want to sleep on one of those floors? Would you want your children to? Shelters are an important short-term solution, but they are not housing and they are not a viable alternative to encampments.

Something else stood out to me when visiting this encampment. Rather than coming to anyone for government handouts, these folks took the situation into their own hands. It was clear that it was important to them to have agency over their housing. While the encampment itself may not be an end goal, the residents of the encampment are demonstrating exactly the kind of independence we work so hard to foster in people, and I believe this represents a huge opportunity. We clearly need a solution for people who are unhousable within the current spectrum of solutions offered. I would suggest that the best people to talk to about what that can look like would be the people in the encampments themselves. They are already standing up a solution, and they're currently doing it at a significantly lower cost than those run by government. We need to harness their energy and help them solve this problem for themselves. I am not suggesting this would be an easy solution or that it comes without risk but I do believe, Mr. Speaker, that it is the best way forward. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to join my colleagues on this mini-theme day regarding the economy. But first I'm going to set the table.

Mr. Speaker, some of us, Mr. Testart and I in particular, have asked the government to prorogue. And the reason we do proroguing is to reset the government's refocus and align its mandates. Mr. Speaker, it's true the economy is listed as one of the four mandate pillars, but it doesn't feel like that. Mr. Speaker, the opportunity being missed here is, frankly, that the federal government has changed, maybe our focus has changed, or maybe our focus should align with those who have the bags of money that we continually count on, because government building more government is not a true economy, Mr. Speaker.

So what is the economy right now? Well, if you speak to the folks on the street, there's nothing but fear. That's the economy. It's the economy of concern and worry about where we're going in the future. It's not a day that goes by I don't hear someone talk about how they're afraid that there's no mine on the future. Now, the government will say well, we're investing in training. By the time next year rolls around, potentially the risk of those thousand jobs moving out of the Northwest Territories, it'll be too late to train anyone. And by the time NICO, Pine Point, Prairie Creek, or Nechalacho comes online, five, ten years from now, all of those workers are long gone, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there will be no one to train, to retool.

You know, we've bought into the mantra and we chanted you will never get another diamond, that's true. But we have ways we can fix that, Mr. Speaker. The mining industry has come forward and said yes, we want an independent mining committee to look at the decline. We could bring back people like Bob McLeod, fantastic people who are in business, like Daryl Bealieau and others in the industry who can talk about what would change the narrative.

Mr. Speaker, I'm prepared to eat my hat today in the sense of I often thought Bob McLeod was off the page. What's happening? He's turning into the Metis Churchill. Goodness sakes. Ten years ago, he said this was important, and some of us gave him a hard time but it's turning out he was true. He turned the page way ahead of us, Mr. Speaker. So when he called for a red alert on the economy, Mr. Speaker, he must have felt something or knew something we didn't know. So I join my colleague, Mr. Testart, in saying I agree the red alert matters because we need to be asking ourselves the serious, serious question: Where is the tax credit for mining? We need to immediately modernize our ten-year system for mineral staking, settle land claims, and approve many other things that we can do. We should get our blue chip committee telling us how do we turn the page and get our economy back rolling forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Colleagues, Betty Ann was born on February 2nd, 1968, the daughter of Jo and Alice Villenueve, in Fort Simpson. She was a sister to four siblings and mother to Skyler, Steven and Cheyenne. Betty Ann spent her life in Fort Simpson, close to her family and those she grew up with.

When she was young, she was known to be close with her father Jo and a bit of a daddy's girl. Often, Jo was the only one who could get Betty Ann to do anything, and it was through him that Betty Ann learned to love dancing, as they would often be dancing and jigging together. Sometimes her brother Jo would join them. It's well known in Fort Simpson that Jo is one of the best jiggers in town, so it is not surprising that they share the love of jigging.

From a young age, Betty Ann and her brother Jo were always close. They were there for each other and, as children, would go on little adventures along the airstrip on rafts. Once they played hooky from school to try hunting with Jo's bow and arrow, sometimes the cousins and other kids in town would join them. The airstrip was a popular place to play. Two of the sisters remembered picking flowers that grew like a jungle for Betty Ann. They would pick so many flowers and bring them back to Alice. In a day they would bring her several batches of them, so she would have to get rid of some to make room for more.

Betty Ann was also known for her caring and was often the nurse when people would get hurt. When her niece was badly burned, Betty Ann jumped to help. She helped take control of the situation, went to the hospital, took down all the information that was needed to care for her niece, and then helped her for care. She jumped in to help when her sister couldn't handle seeing her daughter in pain and needed someone. Betty Ann was there, and that was common with her and her other nieces and nephews. She always had a soft spot for them and cared for them and helped her and the family when it was needed.

As Betty Ann finished school, she spent time in various positions in the community, from the Sub Arctic, the Northern Gas Bar, firefighter's training, and many other odd jobs she would pick up. One of her positions was at the Nahanni Inn where she met Wayne. Together they had children and continued to live in Fort Simpson.

The kids remember Betty Ann as being loving, caring, and an attentive mother who would always make sure the kids ate first and made the best soup. Betty Ann was known to make holidays special with her love for decorating which is evident to the community, as many would drive by her yard and see decorations with Christmas lights or Halloween decorations. During the holidays, her children would say that she would be Martha Stewart up the house as she went all out for the holidays to make it look like Hallmark holidays.

Betty Ann really had a big heart for her family and her children and animals, her extended family and her friends. This was her to a T.

Being respectful of the time, I have attached other stories from family and friends, which I will like them to be deemed as read.

The family would like to talk everybody for their prayers and support during this difficult time. She will be sadly missed, especially by her partner Robin.

When the kids were still young, Betty Ann and Wayne decided to get married. They kept it very small and didn't tell many. The kids were surprised to learn the wedding would be happening in the living room the next day, they quickly cleaned the House for the wedding, just to have it destroyed by rice that was thrown in celebration. It was a very small and intimate wedding, which seemed to be just how Betty Ann wanted it. About her, her partner, and her children.

With Cheyenne being the youngest, Betty Ann would often tell the brothers, Skyler and Steven, to watch out for her. One summer they were playing in their yard, and Cheyenne kept running towards the long grass, Steven was getting more and more upset because he was supposed to make sure Cheyenne was all good. The boys would get in trouble if anything happened to her, and he was afraid he would lose her in the grass. Betty Ann came up with a solution, to get shoestrings and tie them together and then tie Cheyenne to Steven so they couldn't separate and Cheyenne could not run off. It ended up being a tug of war between Cheyenne and Steven as she still tried to run into the grass. While Betty Ann probably laughed, she also ensured Cheyene's safety, and likely put Steven at a little more at ease knowing his sister wouldn't get lost. Something a caring and inventive mother would think of. Making things work with what she had.

During Christmas and Halloween, she was good at directing the kids, as she would often get everything out and then tell the kids exactly where to hang the decorations. Her love for decorating and making holidays special, shows how much she cared about others and wanted to make things extra special for all those around her.

As life moved on for Betty Ann and the kids got older, Betty Ann remarried to Michael. It was another very intimate wedding that many in the family did not know about. But that was Betty Ann, no one could tell her what to do when she was younger, except her dad Jo, and she often continued to do the things she wanted as she got older.

Michael and she were a duo that often drove to Wrigley or Yellowknife to see his family. Michael shared his love for Dene culture and the Drum with Betty Ann. They would often be at drum dances, with Michael teaching younger people in the family and community to drum. Betty Ann learned and practiced a lot of culture with Michael.

Arlie Brown shared memories of her sassy and caring personality. When she first moved to Fort Simpson, she met Betty Ann, amongst all the other staff at Nahanni Inn. She had a hard time remembering all the names of everyone and as she was having lunch, and Betty Ann was working, Arlie accidentally called her, "Betty Sue". She immediately said sorry, but the damage was done, and Betty Ann went into the kitchen and didn't say a word to her. A couple of days later, she said good morning to Betty Ann, but she just flicked her hair and walked away. She didn't give up and kept saying good morning every day. Betty Ann eventually came around and one day came with a gift for her and apologized for being so rude. From then on, they were good friends, talking practically every day on the phone. Betty Ann also had a sassy side to her, but ultimately was a caring and forgiving person.

Betty Ann had a close network of cousins. Often when she would see them, she greeted them with a "hey Cuz!" And a housing. She was typically a warm presence with a big smile, and treated her cousin's children as her own, as she doted on them. Her and Michael would gift small drums to the younger boys, and she taught others how to play bingo. She and Cathy played bingo with Amaria for her first time, even before she knew what big numbers like 45 were. Betty Ann would help her and tell her it's a 4 and a 5. Then Nateyaa fondly remembers a time she gave him a huge bag of change in an enormous zip log baggie. I'm sure a lot of Canadian was bought with that.

Some of her cousins share these words:

"Betty Ann was not only our cousin, but she was always there for us with open arms and a loving smile in times of need. It was a connection of the heart we all shared throughout the years of experiences with laughter, tears, and mutual understanding. She had an extraordinary capacity for empathy; she could sense something was wrong and would ask, "what's wrong'. She would provide comfort, strength, laughs and a jolly smile in times of need. Our conversations with her, whether serious or silly, always left you feeling uplifted and understood. She had a gift for listening without judgment. She had a special bond with each family member and had nicknames for many. She will be deeply missed and will have a special place in our hearts."

Betty Ann's love of dancing, from her childhood, carried on in her life. As her kids would often stop at her House to see her with the satellite music station on the tv, playing blasting music, as she danced away while cleaning.

I ask that we remember her the way she would have wanted us to. Dancing away with her loved ones, smiling and laughing.

Members' statements. Member from Deh Cho.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to honour the life and legacy of Samuel Gargan, a respected Dene leader, a dedicated public servant, and a proud Northerner whose contributions have left an enduring mark in the Northwest Territories.

Born in 1948 at Redknife River, Sam's life was deeply rooted in the land and the people of the North. His journey was one of service, guided by a profound respect for tradition, community, and the natural world.

Prior to his election in 1983, Mr. Gargan worked as a counsellor with Higher North, was a classroom assistant at Elizabeth Ward School in Fort Providence and was a director with the Dene Nation. He was a member of the Fort Providence Hamlet and Band Council and sat as National Aboriginal Health Board with the Assembly of First Nations. For 16 years, he represented the people of the Deh Cho as the MLA in this Legislative Assembly with integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

In 1995, he was elected Speaker of the House, a role he embraced with humility and a deep sense of responsibility. In his first speech as Speaker, Sam reminded us that tradition is more than ceremony. It is a foundation of values. He pledged to uphold both the cultural and procedural traditions of the Assembly, ensuring that every voice was heard and respected. He believed that leadership was not just about personal gain but about service and that every decision made in the House should serve as an example to our people.

Sam's leadership extended far beyond the walls of this legislature. Sam served as the mayor of Fort Providence in early 2001 but stepped down from that position in June of 2001 after being elected as Chief of the Deh Gah Got'ie First Nations, also located in Fort Providence.

In 2009, Sam was chosen as grand chief of the Deh Cho First Nations. He was a passionate advocate for the protection of our communities, our water, our animals, and our land.

At the elders' Parliament in 2014, he posed a question that continues to resonate today. Who is going to protect the people? Who is going to protect the animals, the water, and the land? This was not just a rhetorical question; it was a call to action, a reflection of the values he lived by every day.

Sam was also a devoted husband and father. He often spoke of the love and support he received from his wife Alphonsine and their children. He credited them as a source of his strength throughout his public life, and their presence was a constant reminder of the importance of family and community.

Those who knew Sam remember a man who led with wisdom, humility, and a quiet strength. He was a bridge between generations, a guardian of traditions, and a tireless advocate for the North. His legacy lives on in the communities he served, in the values he championed, and in the example he set for future leaders. Though he is no longer with us, Sam's spirit remains on the land he loved, in the people he served, and in the traditions he upheld. Mahsi cho, Sam. Thank you for everything. Your legacy lives on. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Our condolences and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.

Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'll start off by saying, first I'll acknowledge a former colleague and friend -- not former friend, but former colleague of the Legislative Assembly. Punctuation matters as they say.

So, Mr. Speaker, let me start again, just to make sure we're clear. Former colleague of this House and a friend, I'll say, who used to be the Member for Range Lake, as you've already acknowledged, Mr. Daryl Dolynny. He's also been an entrepreneur in the city, but he's currently the CEO and president of Avens. I appreciate him being here today. By his side, he also has some folks. He has board member Taig Connell, Ron Allen, and I believe from my notes here that were just sent to me, I believe we might have Steven Nicholas up there, Sara Fullerton and Carol Norwegian and Jessica Ewing and Dina van delft. Without the benefit of my spectacles, I'll assume they're all sitting there at this very moment and along with our millions of subscribers, mostly from Avens. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too want to recognize the former MLA Daryl Dolynny and also his colleagues and the board members and also everybody in the gallery here today, I just want to say mahsi for being here.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too want to recognize the former Member for Range Lake, Daryl Dolynny. He's a good friend and is a tireless advocate for seniors in our community. I also want to recognize his team and the Avens board who have come here to join us today. Thank you very much for being here.

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

If we missed anyone in the gallery here today, welcome to your chambers. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It is always nice to see people in the gallery, and I appreciate the fact that you allow us the privilege of representing the people of the Northwest Territories for the four years.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today we called for a -- some of us called for a red alert into mining because the situation is dire. We have aging legacy mines that are closing, no new mines on the horizon. Can the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment speak to why the MRA was passed at the end of the 18th Assembly. It's been ten years before it's come into force, and we do not see a clear path forward. Can the Minister speak to the status of the Mineral Resources Act regulations? Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Minister of ITI.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Member bringing up the Mineral Resources Act regulations in the House today. The technical working group has been working hard in unison and collaboratively with Indigenous governments, and that is the most important part of this work, is that it's done collaboratively, and I'm happy to say that the policy intentions document is going out for engagement this fall. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Policy intentions are great, but they don't result in new regulations or a Mining Act that's in force. So when will the -- let's just focus on the outdated 19th century tenure system. When will the tenure system be modernized, computerized, and online map staking available to bring the Northwest Territories in to 2025 like other jurisdictions that are doing far better than we are? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the policy intentions document is a very important part because it's really important to give people, residents, the opportunity to feed into the process before the regulations are fully drafted and really baked in. And that was something that was requested by multiple residents and concerns that were brought forward that residents have the opportunity to feed into this process.

So in response to the Member's questions, so the draft regulations will be ready for section 35 consultation in winter of 2027. So once we get the feedback from the policy intentions document, that work will be taken by Department of Justice, and that drafting will be taking place, public posting in spring of 2027, and then it will go through step G of the intergovernmental gouncil secretariat process in summer of 2027, and then from there, it'll be public posting of the draft regulations once that process is done. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of ITI. Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So 2027 is the plan. Is the Minister able to work with partners because it's very important that we do; it's part of the devolution agreement; it's part of our co-management system. But is the Minister able to work with partners to expedite this process to indicate the dire state of our exploration? Exploration's dropped by 50 percent since 2018. That's a huge decline. Can the Minister bring those concerns to that table and expedite this process? Because we desperately need reform now. We don't say red alert idly. Will the Minister act and expedite this process so we can have this modernized system in place right away? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, short answer, yes. Absolutely, this is a key focus of mine, it's a key focus of my colleagues, is making sure that we can get this piece of legislation done. I can also say that through Council of Leaders and the working groups that we are -- or sorry, the time that we spend with Indigenous leadership in this territory. The economy is incredibly important to everyone that is at the table, and we're hearing that from Indigenous governments as well. We're not travelling alone as Cabinet in these conversations. We're travelling alongside Indigenous leadership, and we're travelling as a team. And I think that's really critically important. So the short answer is yes, it's very important to me that this work gets done and gets done as quickly as possible. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of ITI. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, joining the semi-mini theme day, Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about the economy and more particular, I want to speak about the mining issue.

Mr. Speaker, my Member's statement I pointed out that the benefit of an independent sort of mining committee to review, we could convene a three-person or four-person blue chip panel and bring back Bob, you know, our guy who knows his stuff, who called the red alert, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister be willing to do that, create a panel of people who have specialized expertise, could say what are the issues they foresee in our economy that's slowing mining down, because we all know it is truly the foundation of our economic future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Minister of ITI.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Members bringing this up and, you know, I remember when the red alert was issued back in 2017. I was cheering Bob on. I've long been a fan of former Premier McLeod. And I remember the crux of that being no decisions about the North without the North. And that's something that we still stand by on this side of the House. Meeting with industry is something that I do on a regular basis and, Mr. Speaker, acknowledging how important it is that we as Cabinet work together and there's never a one silver bullet or there's never one issue or one challenge we can work through. I don't do that on my own. I do that alongside the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Strategic Infrastructure because all of our departments play a critical role in working together with industry. So those meetings are already happening, and they're happening on a very regular basis. Thank you.

Colleagues, personal names not allowed in the House, please and thank you. I would appreciate both sides to respect that. Thank you.

Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Absolutely, Mr. Speaker. You're a steady hand on the till when it comes to the rules.

Mr. Speaker, former Premier McLeod, or I called him other things, Mr. Speaker, I really mean that endearingly. He had a vision. And you know what? The reason I say this is because the Minister is in power to make decisions. I appreciate she wants to consult but what's wrong with convening a three-person panel as an example? Because they could talk about the power of a North of 60 mineral tax credit. They could talk about the power of the mineral tender system. They could talk about different things about stakeholder engagement, including building relationships as the Premier had said yesterday how important that is.

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister use her authority, which she is full able to do this, to create something to get these things done because we're not seeing movement on this file. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is asking me to create something that already exists. These meetings are already happening. These collaborations are already happening. I'm already working with industry to learn from them and also to collaborate and carry our voices forward together. As Cabinet, we work very closely with Council of Leaders, and those conversations about industry are then carried forward to the federal government and to other key stakeholders together as a team. So these conversations are already happening. This work is already happening. So I'm saying great idea to the Member; we're doing it. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of ITI. Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Mr. Speaker, I'm referring to something outside government, and how I'll frame it this way very quickly is a person in the industry said they're not doing this, and they're a well-known person in the industry. They talk about the disconnect between the NWT geological society -- or survey, sorry, and industry on hand. They used to have regular meetings, Mr. Speaker. It's that kind of relationship outside of government.

So, Mr. Speaker, would the Minister be willing to sit down and talk about that and find a way to bring back an independent panel to be able to make recommendations because our economy is beyond on the ropes, Mr. Speaker. We need action now. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I heard the Member asked to sit down. I'm always happy to sit down with a Member. Frequently, if I'm in town, I'm generally in my office, and I'm always on my phone, so very happy to have time either on the phone or in person with the Member. I have regular meetings with what would be considered industry or independent panelists who otherwise referred to as Chamber of Mines. I have a meeting with them today. Very happy to inform the Member or sit down and have a conversation with the Member about what we talk about.

In addition to that, Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of other stuff that's going on in addition to what the Member is talking about, conversations that are happening, but then also we meet with the advanced projects of this territory on a very regular basis and find out where they're at, what some of their challenges are, how we can support one another because we have common goals at the end of the day.

We're also, myself along with the Premier and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, working on a regulatory streamlining. This is very important work to all of us and something that we definitely want to see when we talk about reducing red tape across the board. And we're ensuring at the end of the day that we have a map of what is happening in the territory, how we can support one another and how we can work together. So very happy to sit down with the Member anytime. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of ITI.

Colleagues, we've just taken ten minutes and had two questions, two sets of questions. So, please, be brief in our preamble and really succinct with your answers.

Oral questions. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be succinct. Yesterday it was reported that the federal Minister for IRCC said that some nominee programs are getting a boost to numbers. Can the Minister let the House know if that includes the NWT.

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that the Northwest Territories has negotiated the full reinstatement of its nominee program.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good news indeed. Mr. Speaker, many newcomers experience great anxiety as goalposts shift and changes are made without prior notice to the program which creates excruciating uncertainty for applicants. Will the Minister commit to be providing more information on the amount of spaces, the timeline, and process for applicants to anticipate in the 2026 intake. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member reflected in their statement about the fact that I was just in Toronto at our meeting with Ministers from across the country. This was something that I raised at the table, was the uncertainty that repetitive kind of announcements of new allotments has created and also the late announcements of what our 2026 will look like. So I have asked for more advanced notice so that we know what levels will look like and more forward-looking outlook so we're not finding out year after year in that same timeframe. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Final supplementary. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister speak to whether ECE's recent engagement campaign this past September, whether or not that campaign has identified a need to support newcomers who have been in the NWT the longest; that is to say, the current program supports folks whose work permits are expiring but folks who have been here the longest extend. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Education, culture and employment's currently working on the What We Heard report in order to gather all that information and be able to publish it for everybody to be able to see what feedback we were receiving. I can say or share with the Member that just in emails that I've received from people across the territory who are living here and wanting to participate in the nominee program that responses really vary. People's circumstances are so unique, and, really, people are looking for that certainty and they want to call the North home. And so I expect that we'll see a diverse range of responses and that we'll need to make strategic decisions that benefit the territory at the end of the day but also balance the need of Canadian newcomers and employers. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Oral questions. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to recognize Chief Drygeese traditional territory and home of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.

Mr. Speaker, as we approach the end of the year, my question is to the Premier. If he could update this House on what progress has been made towards finalizing the Akaitcho land claim and self-government agreement in 2025. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So back in 2023, a consultation draft of the Akaitcho treaty agreement-in-principle was concluded, and the Akaitcho chiefs, or First Nations, wanted to do an internal review of that agreement-in-principle before external consultation continues. And so that was in, as I said, 2023. It was in 2024 when they requested that there's no -- there will be no external consultation until they were comfortable, their membership were comfortable with the agreement-in-principle. And that is, from what I understand, still the status. The last meeting with the Akaitcho was in May on this topic, and since then they have been continuing their internal review.

So at this point, Canada, the GNWT, are waiting for that to conclude. So the ball is in their court. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Has the recent changes in federal leadership and its renewed focus on economic development had a positive impact on the progress of these negotiations? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And so as I said, because this has been taken internally by the Akaitcho, there hasn't been any progress and so any changes in the federal government's position haven't really had an impact. However, I know that the federal government is looking to cut costs across government and so there is -- you know, we need some clarity on what this extended internal review means for the funding to conduct such a review and how long the federal government will continue to provide funds. So in terms of the economic focus, I can't say there's been an impact, but we're waiting to find out what impact there could be with the upcoming federal budget. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given the agreement's significance to both reconciliation certainty and economic certainty in the Northwest Territories, can the Premier confirm whether finalizing the Akaitcho agreement is a major priority of this government and what steps are being taken to demonstrate that commitment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a major priority. I think it should be evident to everyone why that's a major priority. When we have settled land claims, we have certainty. You know, prospective investors would have certainty. The money would flow into the territory from the federal government to the First Nations to administer their lands and self-governments. So, yes, it's a priority to get this done. However, it is in the hands of the Akaitcho right now. That being said, we're continuing to try to do our best to strengthen our relationship with the Akaitcho, and so we have been working with them on the Arctic economic and security corridor. The Akaitcho -- actually, the chiefs came down to the Council of Leaders which was very encouraging to see them down there in Ottawa and making contribution to that table. So in terms of the treaty, the agreement-in-principle, things are where they are with the Akaitcho. They're still doing internal review. But our overall relationship, it is advancing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

So in October 2023, the Minister responsible for Status of Women at the time released a strategic framework for addressing family violence in the NWT. It was called Reclaiming the Capable Person: We Are All Capable Persons When We Have Community. I do appreciate the title and the recommendations contained within it, many of which echo recommendations that have been made repeatedly over the past 20 years. The strategic framework indicates that it was released as a draft and it was going out for input and then an action plan was supposed to be released.

So can the Minister confirm whether she did, in fact, receive any input on this strategic framework from Indigenous and community governments and other key stakeholders? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that the GNWT did engage with stakeholders to gather input for the development of Family Violence Strategic Framework, and this involved reaching out to community partners like the NWT family violence shelters, frontline service providers, and government departments. This work also involved researching and tracking developments in other jurisdictions. In 2023, a What We Heard report called Insights Guiding the Development of a Family Violence Strategic Framework was prepared and available on the GNWT website. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Okay, thanks to the Minister for that. I understand there was a What We Heard report, and then the strategic framework was, in fact, released. But it did say in the framework that the intention was to move from this general framework with some general recommendations to an actual action plan. So when will a new action plan on family violence be released with funding attached, timelines, and milestones? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The gender equity division has begun work on coordinating with other departments through a family violence interdepartmental working group which was reactivated in August of 2025. This interdepartmental working group consists of members from health and social services, justice, Housing NWT, education, culture and employment, and executive and Indigenous affairs through their integrated service delivery agency.

The working group will also be working closely with a family violence coordinator to provide overall direction on the development of a corresponding family violence strategic framework action plan, including indicators which will be reported on annually. The projected completion date for the action plan is June of 2026, and a release of the annual report is the spring of 2027.

The family violence strategy is funded through the national action plan to end gender-based violence, which includes enhanced core funding for NWT families, shelters, and transitional housing projects. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister responsible for Status of Women. Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate that we do now have a date for the action plan to be released.

Overall, I would just like to know what is going to be done differently this time. We've had many working groups and action plans in the past. What will be done differently this time that will lead to transformative change not only in government policy and legislation and the justice system but also leading to wide-spread access to safe homes and transitional housing that would really allow survivors to take their power back? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand as both Minister responsible for the Status of Women, and also Minister responsible for Housing NWT, that the added need for transitional and supportive housing is critical to the healthy growth of families and communities. We cannot continue to work in a silo as departments but need to work together to make better informed decisions. We also need to be responsible as leaders to speak out against family violence and violence in general. We need to raise our children and grandchildren to uphold traditional values and teach them that women and children are sacred. We need to do better both as a government and in communities and with leadership speaking out against family violence. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister responsible for the Status of Women. Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Housing NWT.

Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT has announced the pending opening of a transitional housing facility near the Yellowknife Airport. Can the Minister describe how the department has engaged with our homeless population on this solution. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, engaging with our encampment folks over the last couple of years has been important both through EIA's integrated service delivery and with Housing NWT. One thing that we found with Housing NWT is that we worked with encampment folks and people that are camping broadly, meeting with them weekly, having those visits, having those discussions, see how we could work with them, and either talk about discussions in terms of transitional housing, supportive living, but also reintegrating them into the overall housing system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I certainly am pleased to hear that the Minister's staff have been meeting with encampment residents. I would note that the residents themselves felt that the meetings were not as frequent as the Minister has said in her answer. But I am pleased to hear that they've been meeting.

Mr. Speaker, what kind of opportunities are being provided to potential occupants of this facility to have influence over its design, location, and construction? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Considering the urgent need for transitional housing in Yellowknife, we needed to move quickly and move forward with the design. And in terms of the occupancy, we're working with Yellowknife partnerships committee, the Salvation Army, the YWCA, the Yellowknife Women's Society, the city of Yellowknife, the RCMP, the fire department, along with Housing NWT and EIA, to work in collaboration so this facility will be a proper facility out at the Folk on the Rocks site. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, again, I'm pleased to hear that the department is doing a pretty extensive engagement with various NGOs, but I do want to continue to advocate that that engagement also -- and involvement occurs with the population themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I note that the capacity of the facility is planned to accommodate 25 people. Does the Minister have a current estimate for unsheltered residents in our community, and will the 25 spaces be sufficient to meet that need? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, the need for 24 spaces is tied back to the need in 2024 of 30 individuals that would be without shelter and which was further informed by the utilization of the on the land camp which was 20 at its peak. We have been able to add shelter beds during this time to help meet the need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT. Oral questions. Member from Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure in regards to my Member's statement.

Communication with the department and the regional department is important to ensure the safety all our users of NWT highways. How often is your office staff in contact with the regional department to look at improvements and/or maintenance reports from the highway inspectors? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Minister of Infrastructure.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The department is in regular contact with the region, the regional superintendent for road safety. We are constantly in contact with the contractors also to ensure that the proper work is being done on those roads. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Highway inspection is very important, especially within the Beaufort Delta region, from the border right to Tuktoyaktuk. How many highway inspectors are there in the Beaufort Delta? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know that off the top of my head for highway inspections, but I'm quite certain that a lot of the staff that drive on the highway would be reporting any issues or concerns. The goal of the department is to have safe highways in the Northwest Territories that are, you know, safe for NWT residents to use. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure. Member from Mackenzie Delta. Final supplementary.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There's a vacancy of a highway inspector in Fort McPherson. Has this position been filled, or is there any interest in this position? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know if that position's been filled or not. I know, like any position in the GNWT and in the territories, we are struggling to recruit people. So I'll have to find out for the Member and get back to him on whether that position's been filled or not. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure. Oral questions. Member from Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, further to my colleague's comment on economic development, Mr. Speaker, if we want our youth to contribute to the NWT economy, we need SFA to be proactive. With that in mind, can the Minister provide rationale as to why the student financial assistance regulations allow for programs or courses in the access programs at Aurora College to be considered post-secondary level but exclude bridging, preparatory, or transitional courses or programs which in mind serve the same purpose? Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to start by acknowledging the comments of the Member and let her know that I am looking into kind of where that differentiation is, and how we can be a lot more clear about this for residents.

So, Mr. Speaker, there are some transitional or bridging programs that students can qualify for -- or may qualify for funding for under the SFA program, and that's for ones that earn credit toward a certificate, diploma, degree. And so in that example that the Member gave during their statement, there are paramedic and medical -- or emergency medical training programs that are delivered through designated institutions leading to recognized credentials that are eligible for SFA. And I think that's the really key part, is that it has to be accredited and it has to be eligible for credentialing so that we can ensure that we're investing in programs people can take and take into the workplace. Thank you.

Okay, thank you. Okay, Mr. Speaker, how does the department plan to address the systemic barriers that prevent students like the 19-year-old Tlicho citizen from Behchoko accessing financial support for training that directly contribute to fulfilling critical workforce gaps in the territory? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if a person is doing a training program that is less than 12 continuous weeks or is kind of more in tune with workforce development training, there are programs that are available through the labour side through workforce development. And so depending on what the program might be, there is that side of things. And there also is the student financial assistance that's really focused on certificates, diplomas, and the degree funding area. So we do have a whole breadth of programs that students can access. But the really key part about this is we want to ensure that at the end of the day students are ending up with credentials and certifications that they can carry from workplace to workplace to workplace. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Final supplementary. Member from Monfwi.

Thank you. What alternative supports or funding mechanism are currently available or being considered for students pursuing nontraditional or short-duration programs that lead to essential certification in fields like emergency response and health care? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, in addition to the workforce development programs that I just spoke of that I would be very happy to provide the Member with. We also have upgrading programs directly in our high schools. There's the adult learning basic education that's now been taken online to make sure students in every community have access to it. That's through Aurora College. We also have alternative high schools in the territory where people can do modularized learning. I know the House has heard me speak about Phoenix School before. There's also Sunrise Institution up in the Sahtu. So there's multiple different examples across the territory of alternative learning environments for students. In addition to that, we'll also see some new programs come out of education, culture and employment in response to the closure of the community learning centres by Aurora College, and those are leading directly to the purpose of employment. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Oral questions. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I just want to continue my questions with the nominee program for the Minister of ECE.

So legal aid in the NWT does not cover immigration law issues. Other jurisdictions offer these services to residents. Will the Minister commit to investigating this issue with the Minister of Justice and provide information on services that might be developed or, barring that, supports and pathways for newcomers who need them? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.