Debates of March 13th, 2025

This is page numbers of the Hansard for the 20th Assembly, 1st Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was know.

Topics

Oral Questions

Members Present

Prayer Or Reflection

The Importance of Workplace Safety

Partnerships in Housing: Local Housing Organizations

Long-Term Care

Northwest Territories Critical Minerals Priorities and Advanced Projects Update

Collective Bargaining

Role of RCMP in the Northwest Territories

Welcome to Astronaut Col. Jeremy Hansen

Marine Transportation Services 2025 Resupply for Sahtu Communities

Illegal Drug Activity in Small Communities

Reflections on Sitting and Upcoming Yellowknife Events

Impacts of Drugs in Tlicho Communities

St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and Volunteers

Impacts of Climate Change on Dehcho Infrastructure

Recognition of Staff

Scientists Act and REgulations

Events of February 28 to March 2, 2025

Retirement of Steve Loutitt

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Affirmative Action Policy

Recorded Vote

Strengthening Support for Nurses and Healthcare Workers, Carried As Amended

Motion to Amend Motion 52-20(1): Strengthening Support for Nurses and Healthcare Workers - Fifth Clause of Preamble

Motion to Amend Motion 52:20(1), as amended: Strengthening Support for Nurses and Healthcare Workers - First Clause

Motion to Amend Motion 52:20(1), as amended: Strengthening Support for Nurses and Healthcare Workers - Third Clause

Recorded Vote

Extended Adjournment of the House to May 21, 2025, Carried As Amended

Motion to Amend Motion 54-20(1): Extended Adjournment of the House to May 22, 2025

Yvonne Quick, King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipient

Investment in Promotional Campaign for Critical Mineral Mining

Future of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the Northwest Territories

Primary Healthcare Reform and Workforce Planning

Supports for Addictions Recovery / Illicit Drugs in Small Communities

RCMP Staffing and Position Locations

Construction of New Housing Units

Future of MV Merv Hardie

Yellowknife Drinking Water Pipeline Replacement

Northwest Territories Power Corporation Distribution in Hay River

Written Question 15-20(1): Title Transfer Issues in Tlicho Region

Written Question 16-20(1): Environmental Liabilities

Tabled Document 311-20(1): Plain Language Summary for Bill 23: An Act to Amend the Children's Law Act Tabled Document 312-20(1): Statement of Consistency for Bill 23: An Act to Amend the Children's Law Act Tabled Document 313-20(1): Plain Language Summary for Bill 24: An Act to Amend the Family Law Act Tabled Document 314-20(1): Statement of Consistency for Bill 24: An Act to Amend the Family Law Act

Tabled Document 315-20(1): Waste Reduction and Recovery Program 2023-2024 Annual Report

Tabled Document 316-20(1): Physical Activity, Sport, and Recreation Fund Annual Report 2023-2024

Tabled Document 317-20(1): 2025-26 Corporate Plan Northwest Territories Hydro Corporation and Northwest Territories Power Corporation

Tabled Document 318-20(1): A Draft for Discussion: Private Member's Bill: An Act to Amend the Public Service Act Tabled Document 319-20(1): United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Statement of Consistency for An Act to Amend the Public Service Act Tabled Document 320-20(1): Explanation of the Proposal for a Private Member's Bill: An Act to Amend the Public Service Act Tabled Document 321-20(1): Frequently Asked Questions on a Private Member's Bill Proposal to Address Concerns Raised by Nurses Regarding the Public Service Act - By Shauna Morgan, Yellowknife North

Tabled Document 322-20(1): Summary of Members' Absences for the Period May 23, 2024 to February 4, 2025

Bill 25: Appropriation Act, (Operations Expenditures) 2025 2026

Bill 23: An Act to Amend the Children's Law Act

Bill 24: An Act to Amend the Family Law Act

Bill 25: Appropriation Act, (Operations Expenditures) 2025 2026

Bill 25: Appropriation Act, (Operations Expenditures) 2025-2026

Recorded Vote

Assent To Bills

Orders Of The Day

Member's Statement 612-20(1): St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and Volunteers
Members' Statements

Julian Morse Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to rise to recognize the dedicated volunteers of the therapy dog program in the Northwest Territories.

The therapy dog program, overseen by St. John Ambulance, provides comfort, companionship, and emotional support to individuals in need. Certified therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers visit various community settings. These furry friends offer unconditional love and attention, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress. In particular, the therapy dogs can offer a calming presence and companionship, especially for those who may feel isolated or lonely. The gentle nature of therapy dogs can help to lower stress levels and promote relaxation. Interacting with a friendly therapy dog can boost mood and increase feelings of happiness and well-being, and therapy dogs can serve as a catalyst for social interaction helping people to connect with others and build relationships.

In less than a year, this program in the Northwest Territories has grown from two volunteers to 21, with teams that have joined, provided support, have been tested, trained, and placed in various facilities. People may see therapy dogs doing their great work at locations such as the Avens, Yellowknife Education District No. 1 schools, Home Base Youth Centre, North Slave Correctional Centre, the City of Yellowknife Public Library, Aurora College, Yellowknife Airport, the courthouse, legal aid, or the RCMP, and many other businesses, groups, organizations and community centres. The therapy dog program still has ambitions to grow the number of volunteers and to start placements in Stanton Territorial Hospital, the long-term care facility, and other healthcare facilities this year.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the successful relaunch of the reinvigorated therapy dog program. This program stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment of dedicated volunteers who generously provide invaluable services significantly enhancing the well-being of our community members. The dedication and compassion exhibited by both the volunteers and their cherished furry companions have undoubtedly brought immeasurable comfort and joy to countless individuals in our community. We wish you all the best for continued growth and keep those tails wagging. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member's Statement 612-20(1): St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and Volunteers
Members' Statements

The Speaker Shane Thompson

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

Member's Statement 613-20(1): Impacts of Climate Change on Dehcho Infrastructure
Members' Statements

Sheryl Yakeleya Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Before I begin, I would like to wish my number one supporter a very Happy Birthday, my husband Norman. He's at home. Happy Birthday, Norman.

Today I'd like to talk about how climate change is impacting our important infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, last year, three of the government's four territorial-run ferries caused service disruptions because of mechanical issues and the timing of territorial and federal inspections. The Merv Hardie Ferry was retired in Fort Providence in 2012. It could be time to consider bringing the ferry back into services and creating more jobs in the Deh Cho region.

Mr. Speaker, we need to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The last several years have seen more fires, floods, and fluctuating water levels than I can remember. When the Merv Hardie Ferry was retired, there was considerable discussion in this House about repurposing it, finding alternative uses for it elsewhere on the river. But, Mr. Speaker, those discussions did not lead to any concrete actions and now there is pressure on our transportation system due to climate change and aging infrastructure. Disruptive travel harms businesses and makes it more difficult for essential services to operate. I want to do something about this, the vulnerabilities we face with our current systems.

I would like to know what the plans are for the Merv Hardie Ferry moving forward. Is it salvageable? How much will it cost to repair? Mr. Speaker, breakup will happen in a few months. We need to ensure transportation runs smoothly. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker

Member's Statement 613-20(1): Impacts of Climate Change on Dehcho Infrastructure
Members' Statements

The Speaker Shane Thompson

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

Member's Statement 614-20(1): Recognition of Staff
Members' Statements

Denny Rodgers Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we're coming to the end of a very long session. But it's been interesting to say the least. We've had some interesting discussions in this House, and we've had some interesting discussions in our committees as well. But oftentimes we forget the backbone of what allows us to do this work, and that's our staff and I'd like just to stand today and to recognize the hardworking staff both on with Cabinet, I'm sure, but certainly from our AOC side, from our committee side, all our committee clerks, and the staff that work behind the scenes to ensure that we get the information that we need to do the job that we do. And they do just an amazing job, Mr. Speaker. And I know I can't name them here in the House but certainly they know who they are, and I just want to say a big congrats to them and a thanks to them as we cue up and get ready for our next spring setting. Thank you.

Member's Statement 614-20(1): Recognition of Staff
Members' Statements

The Speaker Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. And I couldn't echo your Member's statement any better.

Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Member's Statement 615-20(1): Scientists Act and REgulations
Members' Statements

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

All right, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about the Scientists Act, including its regulations. Now, it isn't necessarily the most exciting topic for most people. Now even though we have millions of subscribers over social media, and the press may not even care about this story, I can tell you right now it is the foundation of some of the work we do in terms of respect and ability for Northerners to grow.

Mr. Speaker, we get people from all over the world coming here to study climate change, permafrost, flora, even Santa Claus is tuning in on this. Maybe that's Rudolph, Mr. Speaker; I don't know. Mr. Speaker, we get people from all over the place coming here. But the challenge here, I find, is there's minimal collaboration with our northern scientists or experts, Mr. Speaker. I would say it's ideas, concepts of regs and guidelines. It says collaboration at best? Nah, it doesn't even suggest that.

Mr. Speaker, where we're going wrong here is the fact that we're not working with our local talented scientists and experts in these fields. Mr. Speaker, our research is important. We need the money; we need the collaboration. Mr. Speaker, did I mention we need the money and the knowledge?

Mr. Speaker, with that money and knowledge, we can grow strengths of Northerners, skills, and even interest youth in the future.

You raised your hand? (audio) that's twice. That was a thumb, right?

Mr. Speaker, the important part here is I'm trying to talk about we have important information and work going on here in the North, but it's not being collaborated in a meaningful way. Mr. Speaker, when I talk about partnerships, I look to the guidelines, it doesn't really do anything other than creating general suggestions about working with people. Where I see is here, we've missed opportunities of sharing information, sharing areas of study, sharing areas of concerns that have previously been studied and we can work further on.

Mr. Speaker, what I'm getting down to is respect for our science community so we can do more. So when we have one group coming from who know where, Germany, whether the Netherlands, or other friendly nations of course, wanting to do work up North here, you know, they may be overlapping and we're missing the great opportunity of our talented people of being able to work together to get a common end and strengthen. Furthermore, the concepts and concerns outlined about IG, or Indigenous government collaboration, again, is thin at best.

Here is the opportunity as I summarize, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we must have expectations in the guidelines that they share the raw data in real time, Mr. Speaker. There must be collaborations with northern sciences and or experts in our fields, in our departments, Mr. Speaker. And finally, we must at this moment recognize the important work and then celebrate what our northern scientists do for our northern youth and our northern careers and our northern future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member's Statement 615-20(1): Scientists Act and REgulations
Members' Statements

The Speaker Shane Thompson

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

Member's Statement 616-20(1): Events of February 28 to March 2, 2025
Members' Statements

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Colleagues, this past weekend, February 28th to March 2nd, was a very busy weekend for me. As you are all aware, the King Charles III Coronation Medal presentation happened Friday evening with the Premier, Commissioner, Senator and MP and recipients that were in Yellowknife. I would like to recognize the people that were nominated from the Nahendeh Riding.

Nominated by the Premier: Deneze James Nakehk'o, Lucy Jane Simon, and Soham Srimani
Nominated by the Senator: Chief Kele Antoine, Gilbert Cazon, and our own Mary Jane Cazon

I would like to thank the Premier for allowing me the pleasure of handing out the medals to Lucy and Soham.

Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of attending the NWTAC interactive sessions, the AGM and the closing banquet and awards ceremony. Much to my surprise, the Nahendeh riding did well receiving three awards:

Margaret Ireland received the 2025 Community Service Award;
Sambaa K'e First Nation received the 2025 Community Builder Award; and
Jean Marie River received the 2025 Climate Change Resilience Award.
As well, a good friend of mine, Ms. Eleanor Young, won the Evelyn Krutko Mighty Warrior Award, and I was honored to see her get this award.

Colleagues, at both events, each presenter provided a speech and it was given to me, and I have attached them to the end of my statement, which I would like them deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.

King Charles III Coronations Medal - Premier's

Lucy Jane Simon has maintaining and preserving the history and the culture of Jean Marie River through on the land practices and art. She is a very talented artist known throughout the NWT and nationally with some of her work displayed at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Lucy was employed with the Government as a Community Health Worker for 25 years. She is a successful businesswoman managing her own B&B for the past 22 year and 2020 Dehcho Wise Women Award Winner.

Soham Srimani's contributions to the community of Nahanni Butte have helped improved the lives of its residents. Through his hard work and out of the box thinking, he has been instrumental in getting multiple new residential housing projects for the community, leading economic development initiatives and helped create a number of jobs for residents. From store expansion to getting a post office in community to construction of Arbor, he planned these infrastructure projects from scratch.

Member's Statement 616-20(1): Events of February 28 to March 2, 2025
Members' Statements

DëNeze James Nakehk'O

Overcoming obstacles in life and working to understand his own trauma responses, Dëneze takes responsibility for his own wellness and carries with him good lessons that have allowed him to do what his people have done for so long - change the world, not because he wanted to, but because it was needed. Creating cultural connections, organizing for Idle No More, a journalist telling the stories of his people, Dëneze is making a difference in the lives of all northerners, especially the youth.

2025 Community Service Award

The Community Service Award recognizes an individual, an organization, or a business that has made a significant contribution to improving the well-being of an NWT Community and its residents.

It is with great pleasure that we present the 2025 Community Service Award to Margaret Ireland. Margaret is an elected Councillor and has worked for many years as the Resource Management Coordinator for Tthets'éhk'edélı First Nation (Tthets keh dahyli), or Jean Marie River First Nation.

Margaret Ireland is widely known for her long-standing commitment to her community. She has been a trailblazer in tackling climate change and supporting community-led research. Most of her career has focused on helping Jean Marie River First Nation build resilience to the effects of a changing climate.

Margaret first heard her community's concerns about changes to the land as a teenager in the 1970s. In the early 2000s, when the Mackenzie Valley Gas Pipeline proposal was developing, Margaret advocated for the inclusion of Indigenous voices. She worked with Elders and researchers to complete a Traditional Knowledge baseline study. This was the start of a series of collaborations led by Margaret lasting over 20 years.

Under Margaret's direction, the community has forged strong relationships with several research partners over the years. With their support, Margaret guided studies to identify how climate change was affecting the landscape, understand the implications for the community's wellbeing, and identify strategies for adaptation. Margaret always ensured the community leads these studies and that the results come back to the community. Community engagement and communication have been central features of all her initiatives.

Over the past three years, Margaret has collaborated with Wilfrid Laurier University researchers and a consultant to consolidate the learnings from an incredible two decades of climate work. She aims to harness this accumulated knowledge to inform the development of a climate change adaptation strategy for Jean Marie River First Nation.

Margaret continues to seek new partnerships that can support her vision to integrate climate change adaptation into the way community members care for each other and for the land. After leading the change on climate change for all these years, Margaret has determined that to meet the challenges ahead the community must build adaptation thinking and approaches into all the work they do. To mobilize this vision, she has launched an initiative to build leadership and climate change adaptation skills within Jean Marie River First Nation's Chief and Council, and staff.

In addition to her tireless efforts on climate change, Margaret has continued to represent Jean Marie River First Nation on the Dehcho Health and Wellness Working Group, the Edéhzhíe Management Board, and the Dehcho Protected Areas Communities Working Group.

Congratulations Margaret! You are an inspiration for us all. Thank you for your long-standing service to Jean Marie River First Nation and the NWT.

Evelyn Krutko Mighty Warrior Award

Our next award is the Evelyn Krutko Mighty Warrior Award. This award embodies everything Evelyn Krutko stood for. Hard-working, honest, never giving up, a leader, strong and one that goes the extra mile.

The recipient of our next award truly does embody the intent of this award. Her life's work has been a journey and a career marked by dedication, hard work, long hours and unwavering commitment. Her dedication was not just about putting the hours in. It was also her belief in the work she did for the people of the NWT. It was about understanding what decisions she made at her job and how it affected the NWT that made her stand out.

The recipient of this award has worked in the NWT since 1987, 15 of those years spent on the community level. She came to the north as a cooperative student placement in 1987 and returned to the North in 1988 to continue working on regional land use planning initiatives, particularly in the Beaufort Delta Region. Some of that early work formed the basis for the Community Conservation Plans adopted by each of the Inuvialuit communities. Moving to Ulukhaktok in 1990, she worked as the Housing Manager, and then as part of a community transfer initiative. She became the Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) with the Hamlet of Ulukhaktok. She also brought the local housing operations under the authority of community government council. She served a number of terms as President and Board member for the Association of Municipal Administrators (AMANWT). She worked briefly for the NWT Association of Communities and the Local Government Administrators of the Northwest Territories (formerly AMANWT) in 2003/2004 when she first left Ulukhaktok and before joining the GNWT.

The NWTAC has had the pleasure of working very closely with this lady as prior Deputy Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs for 5 years, and before that as Deputy Minister of Regional Operations. She joined Housing NWT as President and CEO May 17, 2021.

She has spent many years of her life attending the NWTAC meetings and has made many close friends along the way.

As she steps into her well-earned years of retirement, we look back on how she has made an impact on the NWT and our lives.

In your retirement we wish you well, and much happiness and much deserved time spent with your family and doing the things you love.

Thank you for your commitment to the NWT and the NWTAC over the years. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to award the 2025 Evelyn Krutko Mighty Warrior Award to Ms. Eleanor Young.

2025 Community Builder Award

The Community Builder Award recognizes exemplary leadership and innovation in how the council or community government operates. We are pleased to present the 2025 Community Builder Award to Sambaa K'e First Nation.

For many years Sambaa K'e First Nation has been building partnerships and pioneering innovative approaches to protect the land and water, strengthen food security, spur economic development, and adapt to a changing climate. Here are a few examples of their efforts along this remarkable journey.

Back in 2010, they took a bold step forward by teaming up with various partners to assess their water resources and identify vulnerabilities. This was the beginning of a series of proactive initiatives that have truly made a difference. From crafting a community-based source water protection plan to improving their solid waste facility—which included removing a substantial amount of hazardous waste—they have shown us what it means to care for our environment. Today they continue to monitor local fisheries, habitats, and water quality as part of the AAROM program.

Years ago, the community made a firm commitment to building food security. As a fly-in community, there are very real challenges to access fresh produce. They created an agriculture development plan, partnered with experts, and integrated Dene protocols into their food-growing initiatives. Their efforts have blossomed into one of the largest community gardens in the Northwest Territories, complete with a greenhouse, a large growing field, and even a compost station. Youth are engaged in the garden program and produce is shared through the community store and cooking circles. Building on this success, SKFN is exploring innovative ways to grow food in firebreaks and preserve their harvest for year-round enjoyment.

In addition to food growing, SKFN has redoubled efforts to support intergenerational on-the land activities including youth and elder trapping programs and seasonal community harvesting initiatives. They restored an older culture camp facility, and now it is used for community programs including healing camps, youth activities, and on the land camps.

The community store is a good example of SKFN's creative approach to solving challenges. Owned and operated by the First Nation's development corporation, it's run like a social enterprise, focusing on providing a service and positive impacts for the community. They have the power to choose what products to bring in and set fair prices. Profits are reinvested to ease the rising cost of living for everyone. It's a creative and compassionate approach that reflects their commitment to community well-being.

Sambaa K'e has also been at the forefront of climate change adaptation initiatives. Through an innovative partnership with Ka'agee Tu First Nation and researchers from Wilfrid Laurier University, the communities came together to learn from each other and reflect on their work to date. This process culminated in adaptation plans, with priorities and strategies for each community. This kind of collaboration is what we need more of in the NWT.

SKFN is a long-standing leader in Indigenous-led conservation work. For years Samba K'e has been pursuing the establishment of a legally protected conservation area that aligns with their environmental and cultural values. This is not just about protecting the land; it's about weaving Indigenous-led conservation into the very fabric of economic development and the wider Dene economy.

Congratulations to Sambaa K'e First Nation for your many accomplishments. Thank you for your unwavering service and dedication to building a brighter future for your community. Your hard work inspires us all, and we look forward to seeing what more you will accomplish in the years to come.

2025 Climate Change Resilience Award

The GNWT Department of Environment and Climate Change sponsors the Climate Change Resilience Award to recognize the key role community governments play in building resilience and adapting to a changing climate. Communities in the NWT are on the front lines of climate change. Our communities are gaining momentum as they create plans and develop partnerships to chart a course for their futures in an increasingly uncertain environment.

The Climate Change Resilience Award recognizes leadership in climate change adaptation. This award honours a community that is taking a pro-active approach to the challenges caused by climate change and has strengthened community resilience through their actions. The award includes $5,000 to support on-going climate change adaptation work being completed by the recipient.

Our award winner is a great example of how communities can take a leading role in overcoming climate change challenges. Tthets'éhk'édélı̨ First Nation, also known as Jean Marie River First Nation, has demonstrated consistent leadership in climate change research and adaptation planning and action over many years demonstrates this vision and determination.

For more than two decades Jean Marie River First Nation has been studying and documenting the changing climate and its impacts on the land, the water, and the health and wellness of residents. Throughout these studies they have prioritized community engagement and involvement. At the same time, they have built strong and enduring partnerships with researchers from universities and other organizations. Jean Marie River First Nation has used an approach that combines traditional knowledge and western science to ensure that the steps they take to adapt help build resilience in ways that recognize and respect the culture and values of the community.

With direct and dramatic experience of flooding and wildfires in recent years, Jean Marie River continues to demonstrate commitment to learning and improving their preparedness and resilience. Amongst their many initiatives completed and ongoing, here are some highlights:

The community has led major studies to better understand the impacts of the changing climate and the risks these changes pose to health and wellness. They worked with researchers to conduct a permafrost vulnerability assessment and created a map of permafrost around the community. The results of this study were used to determine how permafrost thaw may impact vegetation, wildlife, and traditional practices, and ultimately the food security of community residents into the future.

These studies have led to more informed planning, and a host of other projects to tackle community concerns.

A community-based participatory planning process was used to consider all the climate risks and impacts as well as the community's values and vision for the future. This process led to the creation of a community-wide adaptation plan and implementation framework.

Climate change has significantly increased the number and urgency of issues competing for community government time and resources. What Jean Marie River's adaptation plan has done has really helped the community define and prioritize the climate impacts and the steps they want to take. Adaptation planning has also been helpful in finding funding to implement actions. Coming out of the adaptation plan several projects have happened including:

Improving the safety of those travelling on the land by developing best practices for travel that consider the uncertainty and additional risks due to climate change.

Integrating climate adaptation as a core practice across all community programs, services, operations, and governance. For example, job descriptions have been updated to include climate change responsibilities.

All these studies and implementation projects have featured extensive community engagement. A community-based Climate Change Working Group has been established and is currently leading a project.

Looking to the future, the community is doing succession planning, preparing for a younger generation to take on community government roles and keep the momentum going on climate change adaptation. This includes supporting trainees to participate in the Northern Leadership Development Program through Aurora College.

We encourage you to go talk to tonight's winner about the incredible work they are doing to strengthen resilience in their community. The Department of Environment and Climate Change is proud to present the 2025 Climate Change Resilience Award to Jean Marie River First Nation. We congratulate them on their achievement and wish them continued success! Councillor Margaret Ireland please come forward and accept this award on behalf of Jean Marie River First Nation.

Sunday, I attended the NWT Speed Skating Championship to watch athletes from Fort Simpson participate. I am proud to say that the team from Fort Simpson was the second largest team at the competition. When I spoke to some of the athletes, they were very happy with their results, the organizers and coaches for a special weekend. I have attached the list of the athletes and coaches, and I would like them deemed as read and printed in the Hansards.

Congratulations to all these residents of the Nahendeh representing us proudly. Thank you very much.

Fort Simpson Speed Skating Team - NWT Champs YK March 1-2, 2025

Payton Bennett
Ember Sibbeston
Mia Hardisty- Atkins
Kaiya Williams-Snider
Wren Tsetso
Navalyn Okrainec-Burrill
Sarah Wright
Serena Hanna
Jayde Allen
Ray-Anne Erasmus
Avery Blyth
Hunter Cazon

Coaches

Val Gendron
Ava Erasmus

Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife South.

Member's Statement 617-20(1): Retirement of Steve Loutitt
Members' Statements

March 13th, 2025

Caroline Wawzonek Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to detail a small selection of the contributions to the public service made by someone who, until quite recently, was a Yellowknife South resident.

Mr. Steven Loutitt is a proud Metis originally from Fort Smith and who has been working for the public service, in some form or another, for over 37 years in various roles to support program delivery for people of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Loutitt loves session. He revels in the thrill and in the excitement it creates, and he had timed his retirement in a way to ensure he would support his team at infrastructure through session. Tomorrow is his official retirement. He is very sad that today is our last day.

Mr. Loutitt began his public service career with the city, then with Transport Canada, and then when the federal government devolved the airport responsibility to the GNWT, he became a GNWT public servant way back in 1995. He was a firefighter, ultimately fire chief, and if you have the opportunity I would highly recommend asking Mr. Loutitt what it was like to be the officer-in-charge when a missile fell off of a CF18 onto the Yellowknife golf course and also what it was like to be the officer-in-charge when there was an aborted landing two days later.

Fun fact, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Loutitt's father was presented with the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal in June of 1988. Mr. Steven Loutitt was presented with the very same honour by the Governor General of Canada in February of 2009.

Mr. Loutitt eventually became the YZF airport manager, later the director of compliance and licensing, and before taking on the role of ADM for regional operations and eventually assuming his current position as the deputy minister of infrastructure in 2020.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Loutitt for his work that is not always publicly visible. It is the personal attention that he pays to his team. The size of the team for whom he was responsible has obviously grown significantly over the last 37 years of his career. But his care and his attention for every member has never wavered. I'd like to give a brief example, Mr. Speaker.

The Department of Infrastructure had lost a member of our team not long ago. It was a difficult loss for many. And very shortly after that, Mr. Loutitt and I were on duty travel to one of our regional communities. He asked if I would mind if he stepped away to spend time with some of the members of his team. He thought there were some who might have a particular connection to the event. These were not his direct reports, not even close. They were not staff that I believe he knew very well, but Mr. Loutitt had an instinct that they needed extra support. And he was right. Not only did he take time out of the day, he then arranged extra time and made additional effort to ensure supports were able over the coming days for this member of the team and for others. And it's come back to us, Mr. Speaker, that this was extremely meaningful for those involved.

It might seem like a small thing but, Mr. Speaker, I know you know the constant barrage of demands on a deputy minister on any given day can be immense. There are always ongoing expectations to keep large projects moving, find solutions, and endless series of crisis, and a few demands from Ministers. And, yet, Mr. Speaker, throughout my year in this role, never once has Mr. Loutitt lost sight of the fact that it is the people around him who should be receiving his unwavering attention. He always knows what's going on throughout the entire huge diverse Department of Infrastructure, but he has also shown me that sometimes the most confident thing that a leader can do is to empower his team to shine.

Mr. Speaker, I want to issue and give my thanks, my congratulations to Mr. Loutitt on the eve of his retirement, and on his resumption of full-time duties as a proud father to Drew, Ellie, and Emmy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member's Statement 617-20(1): Retirement of Steve Loutitt
Members' Statements

The Speaker Shane Thompson

Well done, Member from Yellowknife South. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.

Member's Statement 617-20(1): Retirement of Steve Loutitt
Members' Statements

Julian Morse Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to request unanimous consent that we move item number 6, recognition of visitors in the gallery, up to item number 4, please. Thank you.

Member's Statement 617-20(1): Retirement of Steve Loutitt
Members' Statements

The Speaker Shane Thompson

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Member from Frame Lake is asking unanimous consent to move recognition of visitors in the gallery up. Seeing no nays, we'll move it up. Member from Frame Lake.