Please be seated. Thank you, Karen Mitchell for the opening prayer today.

Before we get into today's business, colleagues, I will now bring my ruling on the point of privilege raised last week. The Member from Yellowknife South rose on a point of privilege regarding a social media post made by the Member for Range Lake. I will not rehash the social media post in question or the debate in this chamber on the point of privilege. However, for those who participated in the debate, thank you. You have given me many things to consider.

When a point of privilege is raised, I must consider two things. First, was the point of privilege raised at the earliest opportunity. Second, on the face of it, is there is a question of privilege. This is also called a prima facie case of privilege.

I have decided that the Member from Yellowknife South did raise the issue at the earliest opportunity. However, this does not meet -- oh, sorry. Mixed up my paper.

However, the case does meet the test for a question of privilege. There is no prima facie case of privilege.

Colleagues, our privileges as Members of this Legislative Assembly are important. They are based on our parliamentary traditions and rules. These privileges protect us when we represent our constituents. We could not operate without these privileges.

In this case, I considered two privileges we enjoy as Members. The first is a question of freedom of speech. In our proceedings, we can speak freely. Only our rules limit what we can say. In this case, the words were not spoken in our proceedings. Had they been, they would have been out of order. If you were following our rules, your words in this chamber are protected. Outside this chamber, including on social media, they are not. Remember, there can be real consequences to words spoken or typed outside of our proceedings. Although I did not find it in this case, statements made outside of this Assembly easily could have been found a question of privilege.

Should a similar situation happen again, my ruling could be different. In fact, my ruling in this case may have been different had another Member raised the point of privilege.

The second privilege I consider is our freedom from obstruction and intimidation in our duties as elected representatives. The Member for Yellowknife South was not impaired in her ability to carry out her duties as a Member. The social media post in question did not impact the Member's ability to move forward and advance the 2025-2026 Main Estimates. We continue to review these estimates in Committee of the Whole. Additionally, conversations continue between Regular Members and Members of the executive council, including the Member in her capacity as Minister of Finance.

Colleagues, this is the second point of privilege. I repeat this is a second point of privilege ruling in a short period of time. The previous point was ruled upon at the beginning of this sitting. This is concerning. I do not discourage you from rising on a point of privilege. If your privileges are being interfered with, I want to hear about it. I cannot stress how important our privileges are in this institution.

Colleagues, the points of privilege and points of order raised lately are concerning. The people we represent in this Assembly are also concerned about the behaviour that they are seeing, and I've been spoken to numerous times on the street here and in my own riding. I expect more of you as Members of this Legislative Assembly. The people who elected us do too. We are here to work together for the benefit of all people of this territory. We were not elected to quarrel and bicker. This isn't what our people expect or need. There will be times when you will not see eye to eye. That is to be expected. It is part of the healthy tension that exist between Regular Members and Cabinet. However, this tension is not an excuse to be rude or misrepresent information. We all deserve to be given a fair opportunity to do our jobs representing our people.

Colleagues, as your Speaker, I am asking you to step up, do your part to ensure this institution is the respectful, effective place of debate it should be. I expect you to behave in a way Northerners will be proud of. In our consensus government structure, we hold ourselves and each other to a higher standard. As long as I am your Speaker, I will expect each of you to strive for this higher standard.

Further, I expect improvements in how we treat each other inside and outside of this chamber.

Colleagues, I'd like to thank you for your attention.

Before we move on to the orders of the day, I will provide my ruling on the point of order raised by the Member for Yellowknife North against the Member for Yellowknife Centre on a later date. Now, let's get down to business.

Ministers' statements. Minister of Infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, investing in our roads, bridges, airports, and highways is critical to keep communities connected, improve safety, and support economic growth. Whether it is making sure families can travel safely, helping businesses move goods, or supporting emergency response, strong transportation infrastructure is essential for all Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, crews have already been working across the territory over the last year to improve road conditions and safety. And I have a few examples to highlight:

• Highway No. 1, the Mackenzie Valley Highway, received about 39 kilometers of chip seal overlay and work is underway to widen embankments and improve drainage.
• Highway No. 3, the Yellowknife Highway,
  received 89.5 kilometers of chip seal overlay and surface repairs to major dips that are scheduled for this summer.
• Highway No. 4, the Ingraham Trail, sections of the highway underwent embankment widening and culvert replacements, and work will then be continuing in the summer 2025.
• Highway No. 7, the Liard Highway, extensive rehabilitation has work begun, including chip seal overlay, road widening, clearing, ditching, and culvert replacement. This multi-year project that continues until 2026.
• And finally, Highway No. 10, the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway, crews focused on seasonal maintenance, including soft shoulders, wash-boarding, and culvert work. This season rehabilitation work will begin, continuing over the next few years.

In total, more than 150 kilometers of chip seal overlay was completed across Highways No. 1, 3, and 7.

Mr. Speaker, access roads are lifelines for smaller communities, and we continue to invest in their improvement as well. Significant upgrades have been completed or are underway in this area:

• Improvements to the Whati Access Road were completed this summer while the Rae Access Road received resurfacing and new chip seal.
• Rehabilitation work began on the Liard Access Road, including chip seal, road widening, clearing, ditching, and culvert replacement. This multi-year project will continue until 2026.
• And lastly, the Prohibition Creek Access Road, a key piece of the future Mackenzie Valley Highway, opened for year-round traffic this past fall.

Our bridges and crossings are just as critical. The Northwest Territories has 115 bridges and 247 bridge-culverts across our all-weather and winter road systems. GNWT bridge engineers regularly inspect all structures to ensure safety and reliability. Mr. Speaker, major bridge projects include the following:

• The Deh Cho Bridge, which received critical repairs to a broken cable and all connecting pins were replaced. The bridge reopened to regular two-lane traffic in early February.
• Replacement work on the Jean Marie River Bridge will begin in this summer and is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
• And work will also begin on the Redknife River this summer to replace culverts with a permanent bridge and should be completed by the fall 2026.

Beyond maintenance, we are investing in the future of our transportation network. The Mackenzie Valley Highway continues to advance with the Prohibition Creek Access Road marking a key milestone and, of course, we are currently undergoing an environmental assessment.

The Dehk'e Frank Channel Bridge replacement project is also moving forward. We have recently held public engagement sessions in Behchoko, and we are using the feedback to help shape future plans. Construction is expected to begin this fall.

Mr. Speaker, aviation plays a vital role in the North, and investments in airport infrastructure are key to maintaining a strong, reliable transportation system:

• The Yellowknife Airport is developing a strategic plan to guide long-term sustainability and future capital improvements. This includes fleet renewal, accessibility upgrades, geotechnical studies on the airport's two runways and ongoing discussions with the Department of National Defence about potential investments through the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, modernization project.
• In Inuvik, the Mike Zubko Airport is undergoing a federally funded runway expansion to support northern air sovereignty operations. The runway is being extended by 3,000 feet to accommodate modern military aircraft, including the F-35 fighter jets. Additional upgrades include widening the runway safety area and improving drainage to address permafrost degradation, modernizing lighting, navigation and military landing systems, and resurfacing of the existing runway pending funding approval. This project is expected to be completed by 2029, with paving and electrical work scheduled for 2027, following permafrost stability assessments.

Mr. Speaker, maintaining infrastructure in the North comes with unique challenges. Climate change, extreme weather, and permafrost degradation all impact our roads, highways, and airports, and that is why we continue to work with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, academic institutions, and federal partners to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to keep our transportation system resilient. These investments reflect our government's commitment to build a safer, more efficient, and better-connected Northwest Territories.

I want to thank the engineers, contractors, maintenance crews, and everyone who works hard to make these projects possible. Their efforts ensure that residents, businesses, and visitors can travel safely and reliably. Together, we will continue strengthening our transportation network today and for generations to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure. Ministers' statements. Minister for Municipal and Community Affairs.

Mr. Speaker, effective emergency management and preparedness are critical to the safety and well-being of Northwest Territories residents. Today I want to recognize individuals and groups whose dedication and efforts have helped keep the NWT communities safe.

The Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award is a national recognition for outstanding contributions to emergency management. Federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers present this award to highlight efforts in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. This year's NWT recipients are the Department of Environment and Climate Change's Hydrology Team consisting of Shawne Kokelj, Ryan Connon and Anna Coles.

Since 2021, the Hydrology Team has played a vital role in flood preparedness by providing critical updates to the GNWT, communities, and residents. Using satellite imagery, hydrometric gauges, and live camera feeds, they monitor ice conditions and water levels, regularly reporting on risks to support emergency planning. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in responding to severe flooding events.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the Hydrology Team on this well-deserved recognition and personally thank them for their above-and-beyond dedication to public safety.

Mr. Speaker, NWT community governments are on the front lines when disaster strikes, and the Government of the Northwest Territories remains committed to supporting their preparedness efforts.

In April 2024, we updated the NWT Emergency Plan to better define the roles and responsibilities of community governments as they lead in emergency management. The updates confirm our mandate commitment to ensure that emergency management and preparedness initiatives strengthen our capacity to respond to more frequent and severe climate-driven disasters and other emergencies.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, a new Incident Command System, or ICS, training plan is underway, aiming to train up to 10 percent of the Government of the Northwest Territories workforce to assist during major emergencies. Additionally, we continue supporting community governments in updating emergency plans and preparedness activities.

The Government of the Northwest Territories also conducts an annual Be Ready campaign to educate residents on the risk, personal responsibility and practical steps to be prepared when an emergency is imminent.

Mr. Speaker, while progress has been made, there is more to do. Recent disasters have had lasting impacts, with recovery taking years. We must continue to enhance our efforts in mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery to help communities rebuild quickly and effectively. Success depends on strong collaboration at all levels: Individuals, non-government organizations, communities, Indigenous governments, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the dedication of first responders, community governments, GNWT employees, non-government organizations, and all partners who work tirelessly to keep our residents safe. Once again, congratulations to the Hydrology Team and their well-earned recognition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Ministers' statements. Deputy Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the honourable Member for Hay River North, the Premier, will be absent from the House today due to illness. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Deputy Premier. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Range Lake.

Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump's illegal tariffs on Canadian exports come into place tomorrow. We were optimistic in our hopes that diplomacy was an option, but, unfortunately, no matter how unlawful, unwarranted, or irrational these tariffs may be, they are the new reality for our country. After decades of friendship, the American President has betrayed our values of mutual benefit to initiate a bitter trade war where any cooperation between nations has become purely transactional. The United States has become a bully akin to Russia or North Korea using threat and intimidation to pursue their foreign policy. Therefore, we must now pivot as the Northwest Territories and Canada towards a new economic strategy that focuses on securing our future and markets elsewhere in the world.

While Northerners have felt left out of the great national debates in the past, on the topic of Canada's economic future, we find ourselves front and center because we have the critical resources the world needs. We have copper for electrical wiring, tungsten for hardened tools, nickel and zinc the steel industry could not go without. Recently, we have also discovered lithium and cobalt deposits vital for producing batteries and alloys and plenty of rare earth minerals which are highly sought after by specialized tech industries around the globe. These vast deposits of critical minerals will, once developed, grant Canada resource sovereignty needed for self-sufficiency and opening the door to new markets around the world. Most importantly, they will provide us with the strategic leverage required to negotiate better trade terms with the United States.

More locally, these industries will certainly kick start our economy back into high gear with employment opportunities our communities need and revenues the quality of our public services rely on. Yet, there are still many hurdles we must overcome as we set our future into motion. We've heard from Indigenous governments and industry are leaders that our regulatory system is prohibitive. Our permitting timelines glacial and consultations inadequate. The infrastructure needed to unlock our more remote regions is limited, and the capital costs to get these projects off the ground are high. However, these challenges are not insurmountable. We just need to find the political will. The only question now is are we ready to take the lead to keep Canada's North true and strong and free, or will we let the moment slip by as many mines lay dormant for the foreseeable future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, we've talked a little about energy initiatives in this House, renewable energy projects, opportunities for local gas development, but we hardly ever talk about energy efficiency; how we can help community members and local businesses avoid using so much energy in the first place. Too often, when we're tightening our belts, we consider energy initiatives as a luxury we can't afford.

Mr. Speaker, wasting energy is a luxury we can't afford. In each year's budget, we devote more and more millions to energy subsidies, electricity rate subsidies, seniors' home heating subsidies, fuel subsidies for communities in crisis, such as Norman Wells. These offer much needed relief, but they don't address any of the root causes of high energy costs, leaving the government on the hook for ever increasing subsidies. We could reduce the amount of subsidies needed by ramping up our energy efficiency rebates and incentives.

The Arctic Energy Alliance has been busy delivering these kinds of programs in all NWT communities and can point to many successful case studies. For example, a family in Yellowknife took their 1970s era trailer and added insulation, sealed up air leaks, and replaced old windows, saving them over $6,000 per year in utility costs and paying back their investment in only around six years.

The Arctic Energy Alliance also helped a family in Fort Liard buy an energy efficient washing machine which is saving them $50 a month on water bills, plus lower electricity bills for the dryer.

AEA has worked with 13 communities, including Tsiigehtchic, Deline, and Gameti, to replace old wood stoves with more efficient ones that use 50 percent less wood. They're also way more convenient, and I know because I have one myself. They burn longer, so you can get up in the morning and it's still burning 12 hours later. A new wood stove represents about $3,000 a year that people don't have to spend on heating oil.

With sunsets in federal funding, we have significantly reduced our rebate programs, leaving more and more folks choosing inefficient furnaces, boilers, and appliances because they seem cheaper upfront but it's costing them much more in the long run. It's also costing the climate and costing this government. We are sliding backwards.

Mr. Speaker, failing to support our residents and businesses with energy efficiency is a luxury we cannot afford. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member from Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Adequate supports for seniors.

Mr. Speaker, many elders want to stay in their homes for as long as they can. This is their right, Mr. Speaker. However, this can be difficult because the cost of living is high for Northerners and, especially, for seniors with limited incomes. Mr. Speaker, some GNWT programs already help elders, but these programs need to be revised to provide more financial support.

One example is the seniors' home heating subsidy which provides financial assistance to NWT residents who are 60 years of age or older who reside in a home that they own or are renting a self-contained unit. The program provides $460 to $750 depending on where you live. The amount of the subsidy is based on income. Mr. Speaker, I know elders who are receiving home heating bills in the thousands. The fuel subsidy is not enough. These people receive a fixed income and need more help.

Families are forced to consider moving elderly parents into a senior home for cost saving alone. This is not right, Mr. Speaker. We should have supports in place to help elders. It should not come down to cost saving. Many senior residents are still able to work and take on jobs for extra income, but this can be punitive, punishing, as it can disqualify them from GNWT programs.

Mr. Speaker, I think this government needs to look at how it is treating elders in the NWT and how they can provide better supports. I know the Minister of education is not here but when she returns, I will have questions for her. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to share some words from Dr. Julia Christensen that hit me like a ton of bricks on the weekend. Dr. Christensen is someone I grew up with. We sang in the Yellowknife youth choir for many years. She is best known these days for her work in critical research of northern governance, especially as she is surrounding home and homelessness in Canada's North. These are her words that I share today with her consent.

Quote, I can be concerned about the current threats to Canadian sovereignty and also see it as an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the longstanding violence of refusal of Indigenous sovereignties by settlers colonial Canada. Canadian sovereignty has been built upon the disposition of Indigenous lands and the denial of Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty. We are at a critical point wherein our collective resistance to threats from the south of the border. We need to simultaneously reckon with how Canadian assumptions of sovereignty have been built upon *tare and millus and the exclusion of Indigenous legal orders. We are standing in a place of incredible opportunity for solidarity building, land back, and decolonization if we are willing to take IT and do the work. End quote.

I urge this House to do this critical work together with Indigenous governments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.

Mr. Speaker, Assembly colleagues heard me speak on the Fort Good Hope construction centre on numerous occasions. Mr. Speaker, last week it gives me great privilege that a proponent, Ne'Rahten Developments of Fort Good Hope, seen deliveries of three modular homes over the winter road, for a total of six. This achievement produces results for two issues: Number one, the housing demand and meeting that demand; number two, costs for the modular homes including transportation. This data will help.

Mr. Speaker, this is wonderful news to see the private sector addressing the NWT's housing crisis. This cost data will assist management with additional knowledge for local construction cost once the construction centre's up and producing modular homes and outside -- comparable to outside costs of construction, particularly transportation.

Mr. Speaker, my mid -- my winter road mid-term season resupply review raises the questions on Housing NWT's Sahtu resupply. Mr. Speaker, critical to ensuring the Sahtu communities can feel in comfort knowing their community fuels, groceries, materials are delivered.

Mr. Speaker, as you can understand, the mild weather has created a high level of unease. Mr. Speaker, the Sahtu is on the last month of their annual affordable winter road resupply. The soft snow texture will see rapid road surface deterioration. This will extend the trucking turnarounds on the delivery of these materials. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions to the Minister of Housing NWT. Mahsi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to reiterate my concerns for the Dempster Highway conditions between Rengleng River and Inuvik.

Since the fall of 2024, just before the ground was beginning to freeze, I brought up the concerns and safety of this section of the highway. I bring this concern up again because of the safety of the users. We have local traffic and semi-truck users on this section of the highway on a daily basis, and their safety, when driving that Dempster Highway, should be a priority to this government. As it is starting to warm up again, the highway conditions are starting to worsen, and I am starting to get calls about the upgrade and maintenance of that section of the highway.

Mr. Speaker, last week an empty tanker heading south jumped off the highway because of the condition around the Rengleng River. It is fortunate that the tanker was empty and there were no environmental concerns to the water or land or any harm to the occupant of the tanker. Local contractors were able to pull the tanker out after a few days. This section of the highway must be given priority for the safety of all users because tourist season is fast approaching, and the highway will be very busy this spring and summer.

Mr. Speaker, because the warmer weather is upon us again, the residents and users of this highway are starting to show their frustration and concerns towards myself and this government. I have residents with many years of experience out building roads, upgrading roads, and maintaining roads, giving me suggestions on what should be done and when these upgrades and maintenance should be conducted. This section of the highway, the section in question, is starting to get rough for the drivers again because it was not attended to in the fall of 2024 and froze with potholes, and it's making driving hazardous and damage to their vehicles.

Mr. Speaker, this government has to be more proactive to our concerns rather than reactive but for the fact that something tragic has happened. This is not only for the infrastructure within the NWT but to all the concerns that are brought to the attention of each department in this government. The safety and well-being of our citizens of the Northwest Territories is the upmost importance for me and hopefully this government. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And happy Monday, happy Monday to my colleagues. I look forward to another exciting week of budget review.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak to building codes, or rather lack of building codes in the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker. All GNWT buildings, as I understand, do adopt or abide by the National Standards Building Code. That building code includes the electrical code, the plumbing code, the fire code, the energy code, as well of course as the building standards code, Mr. Speaker. However, all other developments, there is no code, and, Mr. Speaker, we're the only jurisdiction in Canada without a building standards code. I've heard this in my riding. I'm sure others have as well from both builders and contractors, perspective builders, electrical companies up there as well as plumbing companies, Mr. Speaker. So today I'll be asking the questions of the Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Speaker, as to when will the GNWT create our own building standards legislation with full analysis, risks, and gaps, as well as funding for staffing, inspections, and enforcement, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last May, an early morning fire burned down one duplex, one market rental duplex unit in the community of Fort Resolution. Thankfully, nobody was hurt, and the flames were extinguished before the house were impacted. Housing NWT acted quickly to find new homes for the families who were affected by the fires, and soon two new units were brought into Fort Resolution to replace the homes that were destroyed. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the homes which Housing NWT brought into Fort Resolution to replace those units which had burned down were already bound for the community to expand their housing capacity. Community leaders understood this as well. Now, one year later after the fire, Fort Resolution is asking me when their new units will be provided to them. It's not enough to just replace what was lost when they were promised new homes for families to move into.

Fort Resolution, like many other of my communities of Tu Nedhe and across the Northwest Territories, is suffering from severe lack of housing. Many who have homes are living in buildings that are aging severely. Many more are living in conditions that deserve better.

We passed a motion last year declaring housing as a human right. Sustainability, accessibility, and affordability of housing is a top priority of this Assembly. Our Article 21 of UNDRIP, which the previous Assembly passed, states Indigenous people have the right without discrimination to improve their economic and social conditions, including housing.

When I go back to my community after this budget session, I want to bring them good news that Housing NWT is listening and prioritizing their needs and rights. I will have questions for the Minister of Housing NWT at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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