Please be seated. Good afternoon. Colleagues, welcome back to the House. It is great to be back and that was a great way to open our sitting.

I'd like to thank Ryan Gordon for his wonderful bagpiping today. That's not something we get to enjoy every day. I'd also like to thank elder Jonas Lafferty for his opening blessing. Please join me in thanking them for the wonderful start to this sitting.

I'm also pleased to welcome our pages to the chamber. Our youth are our future, and we are fortunate to have them with us. This week we will have pages from Yellowknife and next week we will also be joined by pages from Hay River and Fort Providence. I thank each of them for joining us here and hope they have a great time and the opportunity to learn about our unique form of consensus government.

For the pages who will be joining us during this sitting, and all youth across the territory, I would like to take a moment to remind you about our upcoming Youth Parliament. This program is open to grade nine and grade ten students and is on an application basis. Applications are due on February 14th if you would like to apply, or just want some more information, please visit our website at www.ntassembly.ca.

Colleagues, February is Indigenous Languages Month. I look forward to hearing our languages spoken each day. When we use our language in this House, and when we have our proceedings interpreted, we are helping to promote and revitalize our language. This is one very important way we can and do show our respect for the language and culture of our people.

I am deeply proud of the work we do to use and grow our languages. The hard work and dedication of our interpreters bring our words to life and brings our messages to residents in their language. We couldn't do it without the interpreters, and we are honoured to work with such a dedicated team.

Colleagues, please remember to speak slowly and clearly for our interpreters and everyone who is watching our proceedings. Please join me in thanking our interpreters and welcoming them back to the Assembly.

--- Applause

Before I continue, I am saddened to advise of the passing of two of our interpreters since we last sat in this House. Tom Unka, of Fort Res, passed away in December of 2024. And Ms. Evelyne Parry of Fort McPherson passed away in January of this year.

Mr. Unka was known for his dedication to the interpretation of the Dene Sune and made it possible for constituents near and far to tune in and understand the Assembly's proceedings in their own language. Ms. Parry was a great advocate for her language. Her contribution to preserving the Gwich'in language is celebrated with her strong commitment to providing excellence in her professional interpretation career. Both Mr. Unka and Ms. Parry have been instrumental in the preservation and revitalization of their language. Their passing is one of the great losses to this institution, the people of the Northwest Territories, and to friends and family. Colleagues, in recognition of their service to this Assembly, and to their language culture, please join me in a moment of silence to honour Mr. Unka and Ms. Parry.

--- MOMENT OF SILENCE

Thank you.

Colleagues, I've said this before, but I will repeat myself here:

When I was selected as your Speaker, I called for thoughtful, meaningful, and honest debate. I still expect that from each of you. So do the people we represent in this chamber. We all have different perspectives and have had different experiences to bring us to where we are today. We cannot and will not always see eye-to-eye. And we don't have to; That's not why we are here. It's okay for us to disagree with each other but when we do, we must strive to do so without being disagreeable and disrespectful. When we do not see eye-to-eye, we must choose our words carefully, to show our dignity, our humility, and our respect for each other, this institution, and our residents. We are fortunate to govern and work in this environment and it is our responsibility, as Members of this Legislative Assembly, to uphold the high standards that are expected by our residents and is both deserved and required by this institution.

Consensus government isn't about agreeing all the time; it is about having your say and your opportunity to shape how we govern and care for our residents. It is about doing our best to represent the people who have elected us, representing ourselves and our personal beliefs and convictions. Consensus government is, I believe, about respect.
When you speak in this chamber, you are speaking on behalf of your constituents and you are speaking to me, as your Speaker. I will insist on this. I will insist that you deliver your words and carry yourself with respect and in keeping with our rules.
If you are in this chamber and you do not have the floor to speak, I expect you to listen to our colleagues and not to create a distraction for each other who are speaking and listening to each other.

Colleagues, be respectful of all Members of the Legislative Assembly, both with your words and how you use your time. Please avoid lengthy preambles to your statements, questions and answers. Please refrain from making unnecessary noises or disruptions when somebody else is speaking. Even if you are not listening, others are, and they deserve that opportunity.

As your Speaker, our rules provide me with the tools to ensure that our proceedings take place with the level of respect and decorum that is expected of us. I would prefer not to rely on my authority to ensure this is a respectful workplace, which is why I am reminding you today of my expectations, but please understand that I am both able and willing what it is if it's required.

Colleagues, our behaviour in this House is governed by our rules. If we haven't done so recently, I strongly encourage each of you to review them again. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to me or to one of our table officers; we are here to help and to ensure that our proceedings are effective, efficient, and in keeping with our rules.

I have received the following correspondence from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Gerald w. Kisoun. It states:

Dear Mr. Speaker: I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, the passage of Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2025-2026; Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2024-2025; Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2024-2025, during the February-March sitting of the first session of the 20th Legislative Assembly. Yours Truly, Gerald W. Kisoun.

Before we continue to the orders of the day, I would like to advise Members that I am prepared to provide my ruling on the Point of Privilege that was raised by the Member of Yellowknife Centre on November 1, 2024, the last day we sat together in this chamber.

On November 1, 2024, the Member for Yellowknife Centre rose on a point of privilege. He cited an exchange where the Member for Yellowknife North referred to the Member for Yellowknife Centre's actions as "petty". This occurred outside the chamber.

The Member was correct in raising a point of privilege and not a point of order. The rules of the Legislative Assembly apply to proceedings, whether in the chamber or in the committee. The privilege of the Assembly and of Members apply more broadly. Members must be free from obstruction and intimidation. This privilege safeguards their ability to do their job without fear of undue pressure or influence. The point of privilege raised by the Member from Yellowknife Centre is that the use of the term "petty" to describe his actions was an obstruction or an act of intimidation.

When a point of privilege is raised, two things must be decided. The first is whether the point of privilege was raised at the earliest opportunity. The second is whether on the face of it, there is an issue of privilege to be determined. This is often referred to whether there is a prima facie case of privilege. In this case, the Member from Yellowknife Centre raised the issue within a short enough time period to meet the first part of the test. However, based on my review, as well as past decisions in this House, I am not convinced there is an issue of privilege to be determined. There is no prima facie case of privilege. There is no evidence that the use of the word "petty" obstructed the Member's ability to fulfill his duties. There was no evidence that the comment was part of a broader pattern of intimidation.

In February 2010, the Speaker of the time was faced with a similar point of privilege. The Member from the Mackenzie Delta rose on a point of privilege that when leaving the chamber, he was called a name by the Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes and followed into the bathroom. The Speaker ruled that while name-calling was inappropriate, it did not rise to the level of a breach of privilege. The Speaker noted that a comment may be disrespectful, even inappropriate, but if it does not materially affect a Member's ability to do their job, it is not a matter of privilege. I agree.

In this case, while the use of the word "petty" was inappropriate and should not have been said, it was not a matter of privilege. Members, you are passionate advocates with strong beliefs. You would not be here otherwise. But you must set an example by always being respectful and professional.

Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House I intend to deliver the Budget Address on Thursday, February 6th, 2025. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Finance. Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the honourable Member for Kam Lake, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, will be absent from the House today and tomorrow to attend the Arctic 360 conference in Toronto, Ontario. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.

Mr. Speaker, a year ago, I delivered the first Sessional Statement of the 20th Legislative Assembly. We had not yet established our collective priorities, but we had begun to establish the relationship essential to the work of consensus government, which continue to shape our efforts today.

When I presented my candidacy for Premier, I spoke to a vision of a thriving and prosperous NWT, 50 years in the future, built through partnership and collaborative governance with Indigenous governments. This is the foundation of my hope and of the optimism and positivity I strive to bring to the Office of Premier. We are in times of great global uncertainty, but I remain resolute and absolutely certain of the promise, potential, and bright future of our land and our people.

Mr. Speaker, these are uncertain times, nationally and internationally, marked by challenges that not only define our present but also shape our future that we are working to build. Yet, these challenges are also opportunities for Canada and the NWT to build a stronger, more diverse economy centered on the rights and priorities of Indigenous peoples. We in the North are the frontline in asserting Canada's sovereignty through our presence and use of the land. Any plan for the Arctic must be reflective of Northerners' priorities and perspectives. This renewed national focus, reinforced by the release of Canada's Arctic foreign policy and updated defense strategy, demonstrates an appreciation for the nation-building work needed in Canada's Arctic.

Mr. Speaker, the work of government continues despite the challenges before us. It is guided by the mandate of the Government of Northwest Territories, which was developed and tabled early last year based on the priorities of this 20h Legislative Assembly. The mandate sets out the priorities and commitments for the GNWT, and these are reflected in the business plans and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

One of the priorities we collectively set was addressing the effects of trauma. I believe this to be at the heart of the work we must do. Individual, collective, and intergenerational trauma from colonialism and racism are behind many of the health and social challenges affecting our families and communities. The GNWT is taking steps to support healing through equitable, person-centered, anti-racist and trauma-informed care and services.
This includes the Men's Healing Fund, which supports community-led men's healing programming as a preventative approach to address family, intimate partner, and gender-based violence. Seven communities received full proposal-based funding in 2024-2025 to support activities including on-the-land healing, trauma and addictions programming, narrative therapy intervention strategies, and intensive healing programs.

Through flexible bilateral agreements with the Government of Canada, the $16 million 10-year national action plan to end gender-based violence provided each jurisdiction with the choice to allocate funding for their respective priorities, needs, and challenges. In the NWT, more than 80 percent of this funding flowed directly to NWT communities. The first annual report was released in the fall of 2024.

Mr. Speaker, homelessness is a complex issue and the GNWT's homelessness strategy takes a holistic, interdepartmental approach to address homelessness. In late fall 2024, the GNWT implemented an on the land camp as a temporary intervention and critical step in the GNWT's broader strategy. The closure of the camp in mid-January marks a shift toward more permanent solutions, including the development of additional transitional and supportive housing options.

The GNWT and its partners continue to address mental wellness and addictions recovery through programming in every community. A milestone over the past year was the completion of all 24 action items in the Addictions Prevention and Recovery Services Work Plan. In the coming months, results from this work will include the launch of two transitional housing programs in Yellowknife and Inuvik made possible through federal funding and local partnerships.

Mr. Speaker, we all want safe communities for Northerners. With the NWT having some of the highest crime and victimization rates in Canada, it is critical that we understand and address the root causes of crime.

The GNWT is committed to improving the safety and well-being of NWT Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and has developed Missing Persons legislation that will address some of the barriers that make it difficult to investigate missing persons cases, and create greater certainty about what information police can request in these situations.

Another tangible initiative in the NWT is the implementation of body-worn cameras for frontline RCMP officers across the territory. Body-worn cameras provide an objective view of police interactions, improve evidence gathering, and enhance resolution to public complaints. These cameras have been a national standard for RCMP frontline policing since 2020 and implementation in the NWT began last year, with full implementation expected in six to eight months.

Mr. Speaker, our government is supporting healthy people and communities. It is essential that we take an integrated approach to health care as we provide culturally respectful, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented services within the health and social services system. The GNWT is focusing on increasing access to health care and addressing systemic inequities and inefficiencies. The health care system sustainability unit was created to ensure the NWT's health and social services system is fiscally sustainable and efficient. This federally funded unit will focus on understanding which health and social services are essential for the NWT while maintaining quality and access to these services for residents.

Beyond this important foundational work, our government has prioritized the operational oversight and transformation required for the health and social services authorities to deliver services in a way that are sustainable and flexible and adaptable to community needs and outside pressures. The appointment of a public administrator with experience in leading health system transformation is an investment in this future.

Mr. Speaker, healthy people and communities is about much more than just health services. Climate change is a reality in the NWT, and there are many initiatives underway to help prepare, prevent, and mitigate damage and health issues from natural disasters. This includes a network of air quality monitors across 26 communities to help inform public health decisions during wildfire events. With investments in the NWT Energy Strategy, we are on track to meet our 2030 emissions reduction goals. Engagement on the draft Climate Change action plan is complete and will inform and support implementation of the 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework, positioning the NWT to better adapt to climate challenges while pursuing clean energy opportunities and green jobs for Northerners.

The GNWT is working with the organizations Sport Law and ALIAS to provide an independent reporting mechanism for instances of maltreatment in sport. This function will collect complaints and concerns from employees and other stakeholders, informing a suite of safe sport policies. Territorial and sports organizations will be required to have Safe Sport policies and plans in place to receive program funding and ensure that each organization is safe, welcoming, inclusive, and free from discrimination and harassment.

Mr. Speaker, strong and stable economies and employment opportunities are important for community wellness and vibrancy. To strengthen the economic foundations of the NWT, the GNWT will support the development of private sector and community capacity, encourage a diversity of economic activity across sectors, and reduce the cost of doing business in the NWT. Partnerships make us all stronger, and the work we do with Indigenous governments is critical to building healthy and strong economies through projects around the Northwest Territories and new opportunities for Northerners.

Over the past year, we have worked with Indigenous governments to make progress in expanding Indigenous-led conservation through funding agreements that will support northern conservation. I'm proud of the work we've done together to advance negotiations and legislation to establish the NWT Our Land for the Future Agreement, which provides $375M to support Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship and creates employment opportunities in small communities.

The GNWT is committed to advancing economic reconciliation through improved inclusion of Indigenous peoples in the workforce, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship, and integrating Indigenous businesses into the procurement processes.
One of the ways we are doing this is by preparing a public engagement on a new Indigenous procurement policy, which would include a preference for NWT Indigenous businesses. The results of the engagement will be shared publicly and will ensure fair and transparent processes while respecting treaty obligations and trade agreements.

Mr. Speaker, we're also supporting traditional livelihoods through a range of programs. Hunters and trappers have always been important to NWT communities, and through the Community Harvesters Assistance Program, we continue to provide direct support to help sustain and strengthen traditional practices. The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program helped NWT trappers sell more than 19,000 pelts worth approximately $520,000 last season. Additionally, 93 individuals completed their hunter education program, 136 residents across the territory attended trapper training in 2023 and 2024, and 15 trapping mentorship pairs were supported. Investing in these programs supports the traditional knowledge of hunters and trappers, protects natural resources for future generations, and improves the economic prospects for those who dedicate their lives to this vital work.

Mr. Speaker, we have also achieved significant milestones and results in our strategic infrastructure priorities. Last summer, my home community of Hay River celebrated the completion of two major projects that will provide immediate support to the community and long-term investment for the territory. The opening of Hay River's fish processing plant will allow us to support the growth of the commercial fishing industry by processing up to 1.5 million pounds of fish annually and will help to reinvigorate the fishing sector. The Hay River Harbour was also fully dredged, re-opening a navigable emergency channel and a critical link in the territory's transportation network.

Important milestones were achieved in the development of the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Inuvik Airport. The Mackenzie Valley Highway is currently undergoing environmental assessment and community engagement. Pending a successful assessment, we will begin regulatory authorizations, obtain project funding, advance procurement, and secure land tenure requirements.

The GNWT also completed lengthening the existing Inuvik Airport runway by 1500 feet and widening of the runway safety area. At a time when the national and global focus is on the North, it is important that the Government of Canada continue to invest in the NWT's infrastructure.

We also signed two significant agreements this year that would create new opportunities for Northerners. The first is a memorandum of understanding for collaboration on the Advancement of Economic Corridors with the Government of Alberta. This MOU will help attract new jobs, drive infrastructure development, and leverage the strengths of both Alberta and the NWT. The second is the Canada Community Building Fund renewal agreement which will provide approximately $94.5 million for community government capital projects over the next five years.

Mr. Speaker, one consideration as we advance new capital projects and strategic infrastructure is how they can help mitigate and respond to climate-driven events such as floods and fires.

Following the unprecedented 2023 wildfire season, the GNWT has taken important steps to enhance our wildfire management program to best protect NWT residents and communities. An external review of the 2023 response provided 25 recommendations to improve mitigation, preparedness, and response efforts. While full implementation will take time, the GNWT is acting on these recommendations to strengthen wildfire prevention and emergency management across the territory.

We updated the NWT Emergency Plan in 2024 to clarify roles and responsibilities of community governments as the lead for emergency management, including the need for hosting and evacuation plans and clarity around reimbursable expenses.
The response to the 2024 wildfires in Fort Liard and Fort Good Hope were a first step in testing the investments made and the collaborative efforts from communities, Indigenous governments, and local leadership.

Mr. Speaker, to effectively address the territory's housing crisis and improve the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing options in the NWT, we must work collaboratively with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, Canada, communities, and partners and stakeholders to deliver more homes for Northerners.

Housing NWT is actively advancing major projects in Yellowknife such as Aspen Apartments, a 36-unit building being modernized through a multi-level government partnership focused on key building components, including a new biomass heat plant, which is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.

In the coming months, additional housing units will be ready for move-in across the territory, in the Mackenzie Delta, Monfwi, Nahendeh, Nunakput, Sahtu, and Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh ridings, creating new housing options and more homes for Northerners. Five new seniors' duplexes are under construction in Fort McPherson, Tulita, Fort Simpson, Fort Resolution, and Behchoko, and will include accessible kitchens, washrooms, and entryways, and spaces for traditional food preparation. Initiatives like these enable seniors to age in place in their communities, keeping families together. We have also signed agreements with the Tlicho government, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, Deline Got'ine government and, most recently, the Gwich'in Tribal Council to address housing needs through cooperation and respect.

Homelessness is about more than just housing. The causes are complex, and our approach to addressing it must be multi-faceted. Over the past year, our government has taken steps to tackle homelessness using community-led solutions. In October 2024, the GNWT committed $445,000 annually to the Metis Local 51 to support the operations of the Hay River homeless shelter. To help strengthen shelter operations, we provided specialized training for staff focusing on safety, mental health support, and case management. While we are making progress in building and expanding the availability of housing, we are keenly aware that the need outweighs our ability to provide, so we continue to leverage our partnerships and possibilities.

Mr. Speaker, this is only a snapshot of the good work currently underway. There are many actions in planning and early implementation and more to come. Our mandate commitments span the full four-year term of this government. In this first year, we have taken decisive steps to lay the foundations and build relationships with partners and leaders that will help us as we move forward together.

The world is changing rapidly, and the North is not immune to global challenges. But by working together, we can turn these challenges into opportunities and make the NWT a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families for generations to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to ask the Premier to give residents hope in a tangible way. In his territorial address yesterday, one thing he said caught my ear: We must be bold when the moment demands it.

While I'm happy that we're standing strong with Team Canada, that Canadians have come together to support each other and are committed to buying local and buying Canadian, I'm still concerned. There's so much at stake. I'm watching a US administration strip away protections, supports, and educational materials needed by gender-diverse Americans, low-income Americans, and tear apart funding for legislated responsibilities that provide international aid.

I am watching a US administration say that they will take over Gaza from the Palestinian people. These actions are creating fear and anxiety for many folks. Specifically, I want to say to the trans and nonbinary people in our community, and in my life, that I love and support you.

Shock and awe is being directed against American citizens so much so that social media is awash with coded ways to resist. Once again, uncertainty is gripping our world. This time it isn't a pandemic but rather oligarchs and fascism. I will not back down from calling it what it is. Any historian can draw parallels and actions between now and 90 years ago. I do not wish to fear monger, but I have to call it what it is.

What is under our influence in this Assembly is how we encourage the Premier to work for residents on behalf of Team Canada. Our territory holds vast, resources, not only that of critical minerals but also freshwater. These resources are attractive to external actors. I expect conversations far behind my pay grade and influence are happening, and if they're not, I urge the Premier to insist conversations for smart and sustainable development and trade with respectful partners happens.

The on again/off again tariffs have a feeling of smoke and mirrors of what is to come. We have an exceptional opportunity to strongly advocate for what the people of the territory need and what we have to offer the world. NWT critical minerals can power a Canadian green new deal creating jobs, prosperity, and clean energy for the NWT and beyond. We can demonstrate northern resolve to reach net zero in the face of climate disasters. We can punch above our weight in so many ways.

It's utterly heartbreaking to watch the news and feel powerless knowing that my friends in America are terrified. Focusing on real and tangible ways to untangle ourself is a way to show real leadership, and it is a positive step. I'll have questions for the Premier. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Colleagues, before we continue on with Members' statements, I'd like to recognize Mayor Frank Hope of Norman Wells. He's been the mayor since 2018. He's done a great job, and I had the opportunity to talk to him yesterday for a little bit, and I think some of you Members and Cabinet Ministers had the opportunity to talk with him. And continue your advocacy, Mr. Hope.

Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, these days, we are bombarded with news of doom and war and conflict coming from every corner of our country in the world. There are looming trade wars, military wars where civilians are being bombed, wars between political parties, wars on the street between drug lords and gangs. Everywhere life as we know it life is being torn down. In our own territory, everyone is worried that the government is broke, worried that our whole focus is finding programs and services and jobs to cut. It feels like our world is closing in and it's getting smaller and more fragmented. And with that, our hope and our vision for the future gets smaller too. We see other communities, other leaders as competitors, even enemies, and then we start to give up on our own communities and on ourselves.

Mr. Speaker, no one can thrive with that kind of mentality, and it's no way to lead a government. And I firmly believe that we don't have to operate that way, even with our current fiscal limitations. The only path forward, I'm convinced, is to build up. Yes, we need to be way more careful with our spending, and maybe some old buildings and programs do need to be torn down, but we need to be absolutely clear what better things we're replacing them with.

We are not broke. We need to be more careful with our spending, but cuts are not the goal. They're a means to an end. So what is the end? The point is to focus our limited resources on the things that really matter. A health care system where every resident in every community has access to quality primary care, communities where every resident has access to a safe home that they can take pride in, cultivating a skilled workforce and businesses that are really good at what they do.

Mr. Speaker, these are the priorities we've identified, and yet we failed to lay out any kind of plan to achieve any of them, so no wonder the public has totally lost the plot on what we're actually trying to build up.

Mr. Speaker, this work is too important for us to waste energy fighting and tearing each other down. It's going to take all of us staying focused on our positive vision for the future, opportunities to work together, and letting go of the things that don't matter as much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The town of Norman Wells issued a state of emergency back in October 2024. At the time, I spoke in this House about the Emergency Management Act and suggested that there could be opportunities for territorial and federal support to help mitigate the high cost of living in Norman Wells. Mr. Speaker, now Imperial Oil Resources is discussing shutting down its operations in the community. Mr. Speaker, it has been reported by Imperial and the media that the Norman Wells oil field, which is more than a century old, has at most another five or ten years' life before closure. This will be shortened without regulatory approval. The transition process, Mr. Speaker, is just beginning and, eventually, 60 employees, as well as visiting contractors, will have to find new opportunities or new work. This closure, Mr. Speaker, will put further economic strain on the community of Norman Wells. Something must be done now to ensure there is hope for the future for the residents.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT must make good on its mandate to build a strong economic foundation. Mr. Speaker, the residents of Norman Wells are starting to think about the town, what the town will look like post closure. They are looking at ways they can transition from being dependent on Imperial for home heating oil/electricity to become a self-supporting community.

Mr. Speaker, later I intend to table documents at the appropriate time with the anticipation to initiate a joint collaboration framework alternatively a sustainable working group for this challenge. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to express concern over potential changes to the quarry permitting process in the Northwest Territories. As it stands, land and water boards established under the land claim agreements already conduct thorough screenings and consultation when reviewing land use permits and project determinations. This system has worked effectively, Mr. Speaker, for years, ensuring proper oversight while allowing projects to proceed in a timely manner.

Now, Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is considering adding an additional consultation requirement at the quarry permit strange. This unnecessary step duplicates existing processes and creates delays and uncertainty for contractors, particularly when project material needs change or contracts are awarded late in the year.

Mr. Speaker, in the Beaufort Delta, we only have a short summer construction season and any added delay could mean lost work and increased costs for businesses.

There's been no clear explanation as to why this change is needed. If the GNWT believes additional consultation is required, we should be looking at solutions that streamline efforts, not complicate them. A protocol agreement with the land and water boards could ensure consultation obligations are met without causing project delays. Mr. Speaker, no changes should be made to the existing process until a clear policy is developed with defined timelines and transition period for contractors. We cannot afford to add more red tape when our industries and communities rely on efficient permitting to support economic growth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'll have questions for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last sitting I raised the issue of respite care in the territory and confirmed with the Minister of health that the department is reviewing its delivery of respite care. I've since met with some constituents and received feedback about some things that we could be doing differently.

Mr. Speaker, currently, the territory is spending a significant amount of money on out-of-territory care. Each individual who is sent south costs anywhere from 30 to $50,000 per, month, or more, which adds up to $600,000 per year per person. In total, the program is costing us $50 million per year.

One question that has come up is could we prevent more people from being sent south for both respite or long-term supported living if we were able to better support families to keep their loved ones at home?

This could take several different forms. One idea is an income support program for at home caregivers if they are able to prevent their loved one from being sent south. Another idea raised by a constituent would be funding for families to hire their own at-home caregiver for full time or respite services. The idea would be to empower people to come up with their own solutions and support them to do so. Considering the significant costs associated with out-of-territory care, even if such programs were quite expensive to deliver per person, I think there's a good change it could be less expensive, potentially even significantly so, than what we're paying now.

More importantly, Mr. Speaker, it would ensure loved ones are kept at home where they belong with their families. Programs such as income support or subsidies for families could be done alongside existing programming and offer additional options, giving families the agency to decide for themselves what works best.

Looking at the potential for this kind of programming is something I think we need to be focusing on in a time of fiscal restraint. I know that we are in the best position to be expanding our own programming at this time. Establishing funding pots like what I've described is one way we might be able to help people without expanding our own services. To that end, I'll have questions for the Minister of health today and also for the Minister of ECC if there's time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member from Deh Cho.

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

Mr. Speaker, we are in a war, a trade war, and while our efforts have earned a 30-day reprieve, there's still much work to be done towards a resolution. Canadians are still struggling to come to terms with the sudden betrayal of one of our oldest allies that has upended the North American economy. I know Northerners are worried, and by virtue of having the earliest legislative session this year, we get to demonstrate that leadership for the first opportunity to formally address the illegal tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump. Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding our sovereignty and taking all necessary action to support a Team Canada approach against this threat to our communities. [Translation] INSERT [Translation Ends].

But, Mr. Speaker, we have always had friends and allies who have helped us in this task of keeping our communities safe and strong. Canadians and Americans have stood shoulder to shoulder for over a century, fighting in two world wars, where the resources of the Northwest Territories played a crucial role in ending those conflicts; and thereafter, to defend against the threat of the Soviet Union by building and operating the DEW Line that stretched from Alaska to Nunavut. My father was a civilian contractor on the DEW Line for NORAD, and our relationship with the US is the reason my family is here in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, it is my hopes that none of this trade war comes to pass and that the dumbest trade war in history ends without a shot being fired. But if there is a silver lining to an unpredictable US president, it's that his irrational behaviour proves that it is Canada that must invest in the Northwest Territories. We need to eliminate internal trade barriers, reduce regulatory burdens, and expand our military infrastructure with an ambitious strategy to expand, develop, and open up new markets.

To Canadians, thank you for standing up for your country and against those who would do us harm. To Americans, remember we are your friends and neighbours, not your enemies. And to Northerners, your government will see you through this crisis and keep the True North strong and free. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with 971 days left in this Assembly, time moves along fast. But I say to this government, we need to be relentless and unapologetic for our fight for Northerners for a better tomorrow and certainly much better than yesterday was. Time is ticking away, Mr. Speaker. As our GDP does slip away, we need the government to take a full court press - not the wait and see policy we've lived with over and over and over again. Kind of a Groundhog's Day, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, we need action, boldness, commitment, Mr. Speaker, without apology.

Mr. Speaker, Premier Doug Ford may not be my personal cup of tea, but no one in this country can argue he takes bold action, he believes in the economy, he believes in Ontario, and as a matter of fact, he's putting those words to fight for Canada, Mr. Speaker. We need that energy. We need a play book just like Mr. Ford, Mr. Speaker. I should say Premier Ford. Mr. Speaker, we shouldn't be ashamed to stand our ground as Northerners but find common ground through experience, talent, kindness, and a collective focus. Mr. Speaker, we need a Premier's state of a union like we heard yesterday but with actual energy and deliverable tangibles.

Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully. There were no unicorns or rainbows in that speech of success. Now, my definition may be different than his, but Mr. Speaker, we're not hearing inspiration; we're hearing the bureaucracy's running the show.

Mr. Speaker, all Members can agree, in one form or another, we may not like all the styles of development and opportunity but let us by on the same page we may all agree we hate poverty, and so we have to reach for and grab any opportunity we can.

With Canada's commitment towards the 2 percent NATO spending, Mr. Speaker, time is ticking on that one, including the opportunities to get on board and to be part of those billions of dollars that are become invested and look towards the future of meeting those commitments. Mr. Speaker, I say seize the day, Mr. Premier, with our national interest. Show them we will be the partner to build that Mackenzie Valley Highway for national interest. We will be the partner that will build the Bathurst port road all the way up to the Arctic, Mr. Speaker. We will be the partner to have airports in the NWT for those F35s that will be here to protect our national interests, Mr. Speaker. I say to the Premier opportunity's knocking, don't miss the boat.

Mr. Speaker, I finish with this: I implore the Premier to lead, seize the day, or certainly get out of the way. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements. Member from Hay River South.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take the opportunity to welcome back all my colleagues to the Legislative Assembly, welcome back all the staff, and welcome back all the interpreters to the Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, Hay River hosted the territorial trials for the Montana's Brier which, by the way, is being held February 28th and March 9th in Kelowna, BC. I'd like to think of this as Hay River's unofficial warmup before we send our champions to Kelowna to battle the best curlers out there. I'm proud to announce that the Hay River team will be representing the Northwest Territories at this prestigious event.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the team from Hay River:

• Aaron Bartling;
• The former Speaker of the House's son, D'arcy Delorey;
• Norman Bass of Hay River; and,
• Eric Preston, an RCMP officer.

All in Hay River. They managed to take down Team Koe in a 7 to 6 victory in extra ends. That's like an overtime victory in curling for us hockey fans. I was there; I watched it; it was pretty intense, and it came down to the last rock.

I believe this is the first time in Hay River history that a team has represented the NWT at a men's brier and, for that, it's a pretty big deal.

Also, a huge shout out to the curling club in Hay River and the volunteers that made this event a success. Without them, this achievement would have been a little bit more difficult. Congratulations to Team Delorey/Bartling, and I look forward to watching them on TV. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Hay River South. Members' statements.

Good afternoon, Colleagues. I am going to advise you this is going to be a very difficult Celebration of Life to do.

Avery Julianna Burke was born on May 4th, 2018, at the BC Women's Hospital to Maureen Deneron and Preston Burke. She was the third youngest of four siblings. She spent her first two years of her life in Fort Nelson, BC, before moving to Sambaa K'e with her grandmother, Bertha Deneron.

Avery loved being with her grandmother. She was a great help to her grandmother. She loved helping do dishes, folding clothes, all the while singing away to the various songs. Her favorite music was the fiddle, especially when her sister Katrina played the fiddle. She would grab her little brother's hand and they would dance up a storm. Their smiles made the home even brighter.

She was a very outdoor type of person. She loved to put up rabbit snares and cherished when she was successful. Even at a young age, she was able to remove the snares without much trouble thanks to her grandmother teaching. She like to go chicken hunting with her sisters, who was very good shot. Once they got a chicken, she would get right to the task of plucking it. She would be heard saying "we got Grandma's supper' with a big smile.

Avery loved to look for animal track, especially in the winter. She was always curious about the various animals, their tracks, and asked tons of questions about them and their home. Like a true northerner, her favorite food was dry meat, dry fish, bannock, fruit, and moose meat with broth. Her sister Katrina like spending time with her, making endless drawings or letting her be part of whatever her and her other sister were doing. I can tell you she didn't seem to have a bad day. She loved to laugh, dance, sing with her siblings, especially with her cousin Peyton. When it came to school, she had a huge passion for it. She loved her teachers and classmates. She would go to bed Sunday excited because she got to go to school Monday morning. She would get to learn and see her teacher and classmates.

When she had time, she loved spending time with her baby brother. They would enjoy playing together and she would teach him how to do things.
As the family said, she was their little ray of sunshine. She was so innocent and intelligent. She was way too precious for this world and had to leave us. I can tell you before she passed away on January 4th, she told her mother she was going to come back as a big tree and look after her baby brother. She was deeply loved and will be terribly missed by all her family and friends.

Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize and, more importantly, thank Sheila Nasogaluak, my constituency assistant from Inuvik. Thank you.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Seeing nobody else recognizing visitors. For the others that are here, thank you very much for allowing us to be in your home and welcome to our proceedings. It's great to have visitors here at this time.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the Premier for his team -- for being part of the Team Canada response to the US tariff threat. And I'd like to ask today where -- what the status of that approach is. Where are Canada's premiers and the Prime Minister on ensuring that we can overcome this challenge to our economic sovereignty in the next 30 days? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'm sure everyone has heard that the Prime Minister spoke with President Trump yesterday -- or sorry, I believe it was Monday. They had a discussion, and President Trump said that he was going to delay the implementation of the tariffs by 30 days. And so that's where we are right now.

Across Canada, governments -- provincial and territorial governments were going to enact measures, just as ours was; for example, removing American products from the liquor stores, stopping procurement of American goods, and any other tariff measures that we can define to help support these efforts. We've paused those efforts, as I believe most jurisdictions have, but we haven't stopped preparing. So we're continuing to prepare, continuing to examine what other non-tariff options that we have, and how we can better support Team Canada. I had a call today with the Prime Minister and all of the premiers. We had one on Saturday. We had one last week. And all of the jurisdictions are doing what they can. I can tell you it's a very cohesive group despite any political differences across party lines. It is a united Team Canada approach from coast to coast to coast. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier. I mean, I'm jealous I'm not a part of those calls because it would be great to call Donald Trump's bluff and beat him at his own game. So thank you for that.

Mr. Speaker, have the Canada's premiers had a discussion about eliminating interprovincial trade barriers, getting, you know -- winning this war is one thing, but we have to build for the future. That's a big part of this. So what progress are we making on eliminating interprovincial trade barriers? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a committee in Canada that is made up of all 13 provinces and territories as well as the federal government. That's the committee on internal trade. Each year a different jurisdiction chairs that committee. Starting in 2025, the NWT is the chair of the committee on internal trade. Last week, Minister Cleveland called an emergency meeting of the committee. They met on Friday, and they brought forward recommendations. They're very high-level recommendations, but they speak to many of the things the Member is talking about. We are looking to reduce internal trade barriers across Canada in a serious way, and we're looking to increase labour mobility. And so work is underway. Both of these are issues that had been long standing in Canada, and there hasn't been the political will to actually get them dealt with. They do take a lot of work. It will take legislative change across every jurisdiction. It will take some jurisdictions giving up a sacred cow that they just don't want to, but it if there ever was a political will to make that work happen, now is the time. And if we do that, even if we cut our trade barriers by half, we're going to see an impact on our Canada-wide GDP and so it's a real -- it's a real effort to make real change in Canada, and I'm very hopeful that we're going to see that change soon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is good news as well. Mr. Speaker, another thing that this crisis has prompted is taking a look at energy security in Canada. We're talking about getting oil and gas to market -- or sorry, to ports and to finding new ports. The Northwest Territories is one of the largest supplies of oil and gas in the world. Can the Premier tell us if he is pursuing that opportunity and how we are going to unlock this resource to benefit not only Canada's security but northern security as well? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And probably a question more suited for the industry Minister because I know that work has been going on in this area, especially up in the Beaufort Delta region, and there's a lot of hope about what that could bring. The resource that we have right now that a lot of the world's attention is on is critical minerals. And so I'm having lots of conversations at the first Ministers' meetings that I just mentioned as well as virtually everywhere I go, because we recognize we need secure supply chains in Canada. If there are tariffs from the United States, that disrupts supply chains. We have tariffs with China. We can't necessarily always rely on China to provide what we need. And so now is the time that we as a country need to come together and ensure that we have sustainable supply chains so that we can create prosperity for Canada. We can do mining here. We can do refining here. We can do manufacturing here. And we can have the innovation industry to develop those products that we're manufacturing. We can do it all in Canada, Mr. Speaker. And there's a real push underway right now to make that happen. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Premier withhold the NWT's critical minerals from American -- from imports or exports to America? Thank you. [Audio] tariffs.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That's a decision of the federal government, and the federal government has said everything's on the table. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, will be asking questions for the Premier. I'd like to reflect back my questions towards my Member's statement regarding NATO's 2 percent spending requirement. And for the record, I believe, if I'm correct, Canada currently commits 1.37 percent of our GDP towards it so we're -- that's billions of dollars falling short of that commitment. So my question for the Premier, Mr. Speaker, is simply what is the government doing on the projects and initiatives I had pointed out in my speech with respect to the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Bathurst port, including the expansion of northern airways to suit the F35s, to get northern investment -- or sorry, national investment in our northern economy. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So an update on F35 facilities, the Mackenzie Valley Highway, and the Bathurst port, so that's quite a bit of information. I don't think I can get it all to the Member here. But I've met with the Minister of National Defence, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Northern Affairs, and these are what the topics that we talk about. I have these same conversations with my northern Premier colleagues, and together we push for infrastructure development in the North. And I know that the Prime Minister is listening and has unprompted -- reiterated those comments back. And so I know that is on their mind, and they recognize the importance of this. And so we are always pushing these projects. I'll leave it there. I won't get too far into the details of, you know, where we are with these projects. Timelines and things like that is probably better suited for a different Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, listening is great, but it doesn't put food on the table. It doesn't put gas in the car. It doesn't buy Christmas presents, etcetera, Mr. Speaker. So I'm going to ask the Premier what type of campaign is the territorial government doing through his department of executive to launch and suggest this is the best investment opportunity for the North, but it's also the best investment for them to help meet their 2 percent requirements. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said earlier, the eyes of the world are on the North now and the discussions about Arctic security, defence, have taken up an inordinate amount of my time. I can say I did not expect this when I became Premier of the Northwest Territories I'd be having these national discussions and international discussions, but the fact is we are. And so what I can do from my end as a politician is talk to the politicians who are making decisions about what we need for infrastructure. And so we have provided detailed information to the federal government about the types of projects that we want to advance. When it comes to military installations, that's federal government jurisdiction, but I have told the federal government we need to work with them on those. We need to ensure that any military facilities in the North provides benefits to the North and that the Indigenous governments on whose land those facilities are need to be part of those discussions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I'm asking the Premier what type of proactive aggressive campaign are we selling? When the territorial government went so far as building the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, it wasn't just cap in hand saying we'll wait until they do this. Mr. Speaker, I'm asking the Premier is he willing to look at either striking a formal committee to get Members, including Cabinet, to work on an aggressive campaign to sell these types of initiatives. Because if we sit here and do nothing, that's exactly what we'll get, being polite, but we'll be overlooked. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a team to sell these projects to the federal government. It's your Executive Council, it's Cabinet, and we do it every single day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Well, first of all, Mr. Speaker, this is the first time I've heard of this Cabinet team that's been selling this. I've not seen in one year any result to that. Hence I'll ask the question, would the Premier be willing to form a working group with some Regular Members so we can help push this initiative collectively and territorially so we don't miss this billion dollar opportunity. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the Member wants to put a framework around this amorphous idea of pushing for billion-dollar opportunities, I'd be happy to have a look at that and consider how we can use that, but I'm not going to spearhead the Member's initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Oral questions. Member from Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my questions are to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. On the Public Lands Act, last spring I brought this forward. Today I'm asking questions on the progress. My first question there, Mr. Speaker, will the Minister share what regulatory drafting progress has been made to date? Mahsi.

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Public Lands Act was passed in the 19th Legislative Assembly. Regulations are required to bring the Act into force. This government is committed to working collaboratively with our Indigenous government partners through the Intergovernmental Council on the development of the lands and resource legislation and regulation. The Public Lands Act and regulation is one of the pieces of legislation that is moving through the process right now. There's currently a technical working group under the Intergovernmental Council Secretariat which includes representatives from NWT Indigenous governments and organizations and the GNWT working together collaboratively to develop regulations under the Public Lands Act. There are a few issues that still remain outstanding to the technical working group, and they are being discussed and considered by the group at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Minister for that update. My second question on the same subject on the Public Lands Act, can the Minister update the Assembly on the next steps on the process? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. Our hope is to reach consensus with the technical working group very soon which will allow us to proceed to the next steps in the process. Once the technical working group has reached consensus, the next step would be to reengage with the technical advisory panel made of interested public stakeholder groups, and the proposed regulations would be discussed at that time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the Minister for that information. I'm sure our audience are listening.

My third question is on the timeline for the completion of this; can the Minister share that. Thank you.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we work through this process, like I said at the technical working group level and as we move on to the final stages, our hope is to have this work completed and have the draft final regulations prepared by the late to end of summer of 2025. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just to clarify, I misspoke earlier. I meant that I would be asking questions of the Minister of ECE at a later time; she's clearly not here today. But my questions for today are for the Minister of health.

Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of health have information regarding how many people receiving out-of-territory care are due to lack of ability of an in-home caregiver as opposed to complex needs that simply can't be addressed in the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member from Frame Lake. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we currently don't have that specific data as I don't have that data. But I can tell you that there are 147 NWT residents receiving out-of-territory care. There are also 55 clients within the Northwest Territories receiving supportive living services. To be eligible for out-of-territory supportive living program, there must be evidence that their support needs cannot be met within the Northwest Territories. But I can confirm that the department is undertaking an analysis of the support needs of the out-of-territory clients to inform models and resources needed for in-territory supportive living services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And certainly I look forward to seeing the results of that further investigation. Mr. Speaker, how much is the GNWT currently spending on sending clients for short-term or respite-related stays in the south? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the territory currently does not send short-term respite stays. They're not part of the out-of-territory supportive living program; therefore, no funds are being spent on this. There are, however, oftentimes when families have, you know, reached capacity and when they're providing services and sometimes, you know, those needs are so complex that end up -- you know, there's an admission into our health care system, into our hospitals, but there isn't a short-term out-of-territory program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I do appreciate that clarification. Mr. Speaker, has the GNWT explored options before for programs such as income supports or grants for families supporting persons with disabilities to organize their own in-home services or respite care? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the model of individualized funding for supportive living has been identified as a recommendation in the supportive living review of 2023. The department has established a working group to examine the resources that would be required to establish these types of options for Northwest Territories' residents, and this work is in progress. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Final supplementary. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to see, as part of that work, an analysis of whether the territory could save some of the money that's being spent on out-of-territory service for the reasons I spoke to today. Does the Minister have a timeline for the Assembly as to when she expects to see the conclusion of this investigation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can get back to the Member of an update or a timeline of this review. I would like to, however, say that a lot of the things that were in the review, the supportive living review of 2023, those that have been done have been able to be completed internally and so this review is some of the stuff that's being done internally to analyze those clients that are out of territory, you know, bringing them back if they're -- what that might look like. But, again, many of the things that have -- the recommendations that have been accepted of this report also need funding to go along to implement. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Health and Social Services. So one of this Assembly's priorities is improving access to primary care. Just so everyone's clear, primary care is the first place people go for health advice and care, whether that's a community health centre or a family doctor. So has this government defined anywhere what exactly improving access to primary care means to us and what we're trying to accomplish? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say, you know, I've had ongoing conversations with the Member and, you know, every time we have this dialogue, you know, there are more things that come to light. And so having these conversations here in this House but also having this conversation with my counterparts last week in Halifax with all of the federal, provincial, territorial Ministers, you know, and saying health care across Canada is changing, and it's not just changing in Canada and Northwest Territories; it's changing around the world. So people having to access care, you know, we're trying to -- we're moving away from the traditional model of having one family doctor for life is no longer realistic. The demands for family physicians at an all-time high right across Canada so, you know, over the life of this Legislative Assembly, our priority is equitable access to health care particularly, you know, we have a high number of non-Indigenous clients who are on the higher end of chronic disease rates throughout our territory. So we are organizing our system so that every resident has access to the care that they need to reach their full health and wellness potential while the system actively works to remove barriers to this equitable access. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Member from Yellowknife North.

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Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT. Colleagues, our time is up for oral questions. Oral questions. Returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Thank you. Returns to written questions. Replies to the Commissioner's address. Petitions. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills. Reports of Standing and Special Committees. Tabling of documents. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following four documents: Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 303-20(1): Local Housing Organizations Support; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 306-20(1): Housing Repairs; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 378-20(1): Housing Waitlist; and, Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 405-20(1): Winter Road Season Planning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

For Housing NWT. Tabling of documents. Minister of Infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following ten documents: Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 305-20(1): Heating Oil (Infrastructure); Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 323-20(1): Dempster Highway and Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway Conditions; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 325-20(1): Project Cost Overruns; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 343-20(1): Impacts of Climate Change on Winter and Ice Roads; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 374-20(1): Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line Backup; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 421-20(1): Regulations for E-Scooters; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 333-20(1): Fiscal Policy; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 334-20(1): Housing Budget Allocations; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 418-20(1): Cell Service; and Follow-Up Letter for Oral Question 423-20(1): Carbon tax. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister responsible for Infrastructure. Tabling of documents. Mr. Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following six documents: Additional Information for Written Question 11-20(1): Ground Search and Rescue; Additional Information for Written Question 12-20(1): Cost of Living; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 312-20(1): Transitional Housing Options and Supports; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 361-20(1): Health Care Sustainability Initiative; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 413-20(1): Economic Viability of Northwest Territories; and, Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 397-20(1): Overdose-Related RCMP Calls. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Premier. Tabling of documents. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following 14 documents: Additional Information for Written Question 9-20(1): Physician Vacancy Rates; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 328-20(1): Speech-language Pathologist Positions; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 340-20(1): Supported Living Review and Recommendations; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 342-20(1): Primary Care Reform; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 347-20(1): Physician Workforce Plan; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 348-20(1): Health Care Services; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 358-20(1): Primary Care Physicians; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 364-20(1): Tulita Health Centre Project; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 369-20(1): Dene Nation Health Care Concerns; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 375-20(1): Updates to Diagnostic Imaging Medical Communications System; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 376-20(1): Online Physician Booking Service; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 382-20(1): Approval of Non-Medical Escorts; Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 399-20(1): Diagnostic Rates for Autism; and, Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 419-20(1): Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Operational Concerns. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Health and Social Services. Tabling of documents. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a package of Documents Compiled by Town of Norman Wells regarding the Town's Declaration of a Local State of Emergency for Humanitarian Reasons. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Tabling of documents.

Colleagues, pursuant to section 106(4) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, I wish to table the Report of the Northwest Territories Integrity Commissioner on the Complaint by Daniel Richards (Deneze Nakehk'o) about Staffing Appeals from Hiring Decisions by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

As well, pursuant to section 106(4) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, I wish to table the Report of the Northwest Territories Integrity Commissioner Dismissing the Complaint by Deneze Nakehk'o about Minister Wawzonek's Husband's Owning Shares in Canadian Utilities Limited.

Tabling of documents. Notices of motion. Motions. Notices of motion for the first reading of bills. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, February 7th, 2025, I will present Bill 17, Municipal and Community Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Notices of motion for the first reading of bills.

Just have a quick break.

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First reading of bills. Minister of Justice.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Friday, February 7th, 2025, I will be present Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Partnership and Business Names Act, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Justice. Notices of motion for the first reading of bills. First reading of bills. Second reading of bills. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Committee Report 17-20(1), Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, with the Member from the Sahtu in the chair.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the committee would like to consider Committee Report 17-20(1), Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Member. Does committee agree? Agreed.

Thank you, committee. We will take a short recess and resume with the first item.

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Thank you. Welcome back, Members. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters, Committee Report 17-20(1), Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly.

Committee, we have agreed to consider Committee Report 17-20(1), Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. I will go to the chair of the Standing Committee on procedure and privileges for any opening comments. Member for Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In May and July of 2024, the committee received correspondence from Speaker Thompson requesting a review of many of the rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. The committee has considered the matters referred by the Speaker and delivered its report to the House on October 29th, 2024. Individual Members may have additional comments on the motions. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you to the Member from Great Slave. I will now open the floor to general comments on Committee Report 17-20(1).

Okay, seeing no further comments, the Member for Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that chapter 4 be amended by adding the words "or reflection" after each instance of the word "prayer." Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Member for Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that this committee recommends that rule 5.4(2) be amended by adding the words "or reflection" after the word "prayer." Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you to the Member for Great Slave.