Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to address the current situation in Norman Wells where a humanitarian state of emergency has been declared not once, but twice. This action is a direct response to the rising cost of fuel, groceries, and essential supplies which have surged due to the cancellation of the 2024 barge season.

I have spoken several times to the Norman Wells mayor, including this morning, about the challenges that the area is facing, and we share the concerns about the increase of costs to the residents and are taking concrete actions to address them. The GNWT has taken a government-wide approach to support the safety and security of the residents, businesses, Indigenous governments, and community governments. We are focused on both immediate relief and long-term planning to mitigate future supply chain disruptions and to strengthen regional resiliency.

Some of the actions that have been taken recently by this government, thanks to the hard work of the GNWT departments working together, the staff, and the hard work by the MLA from the Sahtu, the government has

• Reduced the fuel costs by up to 86 cents per liter, easing financial pressures on the residents and the businesses;
• Enhancing the senior home heating subsidy with support reaching up to 1,455 per liter at its peak;
• Allocating $1.8 million through the support funding for businesses and communities impacted by the 2024 barge cancellation program to offset increased transportation costs for essential goods. The deadline to apply for this program is still March 7th, 2025;
• Contributing $150,000 to the Norman Wells.
• Food Bank to support families through the winter months;
• Assessing financial impacts of the community government and assessing long-term costs through financial planning; and
• Continuing advocacy for long-term infrastructure solutions, including the Mackenzie Valley Highway to reduce resiliency on seasonal transportation and improve supply chain sustainability.

The GNWT has also engaged with the federal government to explore additional assistance options. I have spoken directly to the Minister of federal emergency preparedness to discuss potential supports for Norman Wells and the region.

The GNWT respects the town of Norman Wells's decision to declare a local state of emergency; however, under the NWT Emergency Management Act, a state of an emergency applies only to situations where there is immediate threat to life or critical infrastructure. While the challenges are serious, I want to be clear that they do not meet the definition of emergencies under this Act.

Additionally, declaring a local state of emergency does not unlock federal funding or territorial funding. This has been confirmed to me by the Minister of emergency preparedness and at the department level. Instead, the GNWT is focusing on particular solutions to provide real financial relief and long-term sustainability in the region. The GNWT remains committed to supporting Norman Wells and the Sahtu region. We continue working with the local leadership, businesses, Indigenous governments, and the federal government to address both immediate and long-term challenges. We understand the urgency of the situation, and we will continue to take action to ensure affordable access to gain goods into the region and services for the residents.

Mr. Speaker, as this motion proposes direction to Cabinet, Cabinet will abstain from this vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.