Please be seated. I'd like to thank Judy Selamio for the opening prayer. Ministers' statements. Minister for ITI.

Mr. Speaker, strengthening internal trade is essential to ensuring that businesses across Canada can grow, compete, and thrive. With the United States' decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports and the Canadian government's counter-tariffs, Canada urgently needs to strengthen our internal trade framework. Studies show that eliminating interprovincial trade barriers could add billions to Canada's gross domestic product annually, lower consumer costs, and improve supply chain resilience. The committee on internal trade is the place where federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers responsible for this file meet to discuss breaking down barriers to internal trade. For 2025, the Northwest Territories is the chair of the committee on internal trade.

Mr. Speaker, in the last six weeks, since the threat of US tariffs emerged, the committee on internal trade has met three times; most recently on February 28th in Toronto. Through these collaborative efforts, we are making real progress to strengthen Canada's domestic economy, especially since reducing internal trade barriers and ensuring Canadian business have greater access to domestic markets is critical to mitigate the economic impact of US protectionist policies.

During this most recent meeting of the committee on internal trade, we reviewed and advanced several key recommendations endorsed by First Ministers on February 4th:

• Strengthening commitments under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, including a rapid review of all party-specific exceptions and completing financial services negotiations;
• Second, expanding mutual recognition efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. This includes pursuing priority sector mutual recognition for goods. I am also happy to announce that all jurisdictions are now participating in the Mutual Recognition Pilot Project in the trucking sector;
• Facilitating labour mobility by working with the forum of labour market Ministers to streamline professional certification recognition is the third recommendation, Mr. Speaker; and,
• Fourth, advancing sectoral priorities such as supporting willing provinces and territories to set up a direct-to-consumer system for alcohol and developing an enhanced Team Canada trade promotion approach.

Mr. Speaker, these initiatives are critical for businesses in the Northwest Territories. By reducing unnecessary barriers, we are helping northern businesses expand, lower costs for residents, and improving the movement of goods and services.

The Northwest Territories understands the importance of a unified approach on internal trade. Over $530 billion worth of goods and services move across Canada each year, representing 20 percent of our gross domestic product. Ensuring that NWT businesses, and businesses across Canada, can access broader markets without unnecessary regulatory burdens is key to unlocking future success.

Initiatives like the mutual recognition pilot project in the trucking sector have strong potential to benefit the North by lowering costs and improve efficiency for businesses and communities.

Ministers on the committee on internal trade intend to maintain our momentum. We are dedicated to swiftly implementing the recommendations to reduce trade barriers and will continue to engage with Canadian businesses, workers, and stakeholders. As Canada faces new economic challenges, the work of the committee on internal trade is more important than ever.

Mr. Speaker, this committee has updated First Ministers on our progress. I look forward to continuing this important work to ensure our economy remains resilient and competitive in the face of global challenges. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT continues to expand its inventory of public housing units. These new units will provide stable living conditions and reduce homelessness for vulnerable populations. Safe, affordable housing improves the quality of life. It impacts health, self-confidence, stability, and stronger families, giving people the chance to look beyond survival and focus on opportunity.

New units, however, are only part of the solution. We face a shortage of certified tradespeople, both here and across Canada, to build and maintain existing units. This shortfall delays construction projects, increases costs, and impedes economic development. We need more carpenters, electricians, plumbers, oil heat system technicians, and housing maintainers, to keep our buildings safe and structurally sound.

But Housing NWT has a plan, Mr. Speaker. We are committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous governments and organizations, Aurora College, and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, to ensure apprentices have greater access to education and employment opportunities. By strengthening these partnerships, we can better support apprentices in building successful careers while also contributing to sustainable housing solutions that meet the needs of NWT residents.

Our apprenticeship program aims to alleviate labour shortages by providing opportunities for residents to gain the skills and education necessary to secure trade jobs in their home communities.
Mr. Speaker, in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Housing NWT allocated an annual budget of $861,000 to the apprenticeship program, resulting in the hiring and training of apprentices by the local housing organizations.

Since the launch of Housing NWT's apprenticeship program in 2007, 24 apprentices have become certified tradespeople and that number is expected to continue to grow. Housing NWT works closely with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment's apprenticeship, trade and occupation certification program. ECE supports apprentices in receiving hands-on training with certified trades people and getting the necessary work hours and classroom instruction to achieve trade certification. Starting April 1, 2025, Housing NWT is funding three new apprenticeship positions, bringing the total number of positions from 12 to 15.

Housing NWT is building capacity over the long term within the construction industry by requiring an apprentice work assignment for all new construction project contracts. As a result of that, Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT contracts have supported 64 NWT apprentice work assignments with our general contractors since 2020.

Mr. Speaker, through our investment in trade apprenticeships, Housing NWT accomplishes several objectives. We are building a skilled workforce by reducing employment barriers and promoting career opportunities in isolated and Indigenous communities. We are bridging employment gaps through worker training. Finally, we are providing preventative maintenance to save money and extend the life of our buildings and systems. We are creating new opportunities for Northerners and building more homes for Northerners through our investments in trade apprenticeships. We are investing in people, Mr. Speaker, that will help us build the future. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT. Ministers' statements. Minister for Health and Social Services.

Mr. Speaker, vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect residents and communities from serious diseases. Today vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are weakening trust in the science and public health. As a result, vaccination rates are declining, leaving residents, especially elders and children, vulnerable to preventable diseases. Right now, Canada is seeing more cases of influenza, measles, and pertussis (whooping cough). The NWT is not immune to these trends.

Measles vaccination rates among two-year-olds have dropped from nearly 90 percent in 2019 to just over 82 percent in 2024; well below the national target of 95 percent. Similarly, only 69 percent of two-year-olds have received diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccination rates have also fallen, with only 18 percent of residents vaccinated this year. These low rates put our most vulnerable population - children, elders, and those with chronic conditions - at serious risk.

Mr. Speaker, vaccines save lives. They have drastically reduced deaths from diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria. But because these diseases are now rare in Canada, many people forget how dangerous they can be. Unfortunately, this sense of complacency, along with the rapid spread of misinformation online, is leading some to question the safety and importance of vaccines. Some are rejecting evidence-based science and falling for fear-driven messaging that puts lives at risk.
Vaccine misinformation spreads quickly through social media, making it harder for people to make informed choices. We must push back against false claims with clear, fact-based communication that empowers people to make the best choice for their health. The same time, we recognize vaccine fatigue is real.

The number of recommended vaccines has increased, and some people feel overwhelmed. We need to change the conversation from fear to empowerment. Vaccination is not about pressuring people; it is about giving them the tools to protect their loved ones and communities.

Mr. Speaker, Indigenous peoples in the Northwest Territories have long faced health inequities due to colonization and systemic racism. Historical traumas, such as forced residential schools and medical mistreatment, have created mistrust in our health care system, including vaccines. Addressing vaccine hesitancy in Indigenous communities requires more than facts; it requires building trust through culturally-safe care and meaningful engagement with Indigenous leadership and knowledge-keepers.

The resurgence of measles in Canada and the United States is alarming. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, infecting nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals exposed to it. If vaccination rates continue to decline, Canada could lose its measles elimination status which it achieved in 1998.

Mr. Speaker, diseases do not respect borders. If vaccination rates do not improve, we will increase the risk of outbreaks from outside of the NWT. This puts countless lives at risk and adds further strain to our already overburdened health care system. Vaccination is not just an individual choice; it is a collective responsibility. It protects those who cannot get vaccinated such as newborns and those with compromised immune systems.

As Minister and former public health nurse, I urge all residents to check their vaccination status and make sure they are up to date. Talk to your health care provider, visit your local public health unit, and get the information you need from trusted sources. Science has given us the tools to fight these diseases; it is up to us to use them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spoke about the Kaw Tay Whee School in Dettah which is a half a century old and separated from a small gymnasium. The school is undersized, and the school must be replaced with a proper gymnasium attached so the students do not have to walk outside even during the freezing winter months to access it. Today I want to highlight another concern.

N'dilo residents have the fact that their K'alemi Dene School reached capacity for many years. Within just a few years of the new school opening, the growing need of the community began to exceed the K'alemi Dene capacity. Currently the school is supporting over 162 students when the number should not exceed 120 to ensure appropriate classroom sizes. These concerns were brought forward almost a decade ago during the 18th Assembly, yet it was later learned in 2020 that other priorities took precedent over these projects' inclusion into the capital plans.it is now five years later, and students in both Dettah and N'dilo are still struggling to access the space they need to learn and exercise. So far, we can't even secure the funding needed to plan for these projects.

The department has been aware of these issues, and yet three separate MLAs over the years have been told their students are not a priority. Education is a treaty right.

I also want to touch on the point I made yesterday about the N'dilo gymnasium. The school agrees that in addition to these additional classrooms, a proper sized gymnasium that doubles as a community hall should be added as well. This two-in-one approach will save costs and support YKDFN youth and more importantly support recreation activities. However, this will only happen if the Minister commits to working with the YKDFN leadership and local DEA. The constant denying and deferring these projects by her predecessors have resulted in the GNWT violating the treaty rights of Treaty 8 and also against the Canadian Constitution. The Minister must take action if she wants to uphold YKDFN constitutionally-protected treaty rights. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's come to my attention that the Keskorie boarding home in Yellowknife has reached capacity. In addition, Mr. Speaker, hotels across the capital are also at full capacity. This presents a serious challenge for residents from my riding who must travel to Yellowknife for medical and dental care. Some of these individuals are making long and difficult journeys, Mr. Speaker, for critical medical appointments, appointments they've been waiting for, sometimes months. Yet, when they arrive, they are faced with the distressing reality that there is nowhere for them to stay.

Mr. Speaker, this situation is very distressing. The boarding home is full, and even when alternative accommodations are sought there are no hotel rooms available. These individuals, many of whom are elders, families with young children, or people facing serious health concerns, are already under tremendous stress due to their medical needs. The added burden of not having a safe and secure place to stay only compounds their anxiety and uncertainty.

Mr. Speaker, this is a fundamental issue of access to health care. We do not want to see residents forced to reschedule or even cancel their appointments as this could have serious consequences for their health and well-being. We must ensure that no one has to choose between receiving medical care and having a place to stay. Mr. Speaker, we need immediate and long-term solutions to this issue. NWT residents deserve a safe and comfortable place to stay when they are travelling for medical care. I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, imagine after a long struggle, you're finally about to undergo a surgery you've been waiting for. You've worked your way through multiple doctors' offices, gotten your referrals in order, and have persevered patiently on the waitlist. Yet, just as you arrive for the operation, you are asked how you're going to pay for it. Up until this moment, it was your understanding that this crucial surgery came at no cost. Now you're faced with a choice: Pay thousands of dollars or give up on the opportunity and, with it, the better quality of life you've worked so hard for.

This is sadly the experience of my Range Lake constituents. In their determination to correct their health, they have lost an impressive amount of weight, so successful were they that they were suffering from a severe amount of excess skin. Through -- though the body dysmorphic disorder that triggered this serious affliction on its own, the pain was physical as well. The skin was pinching their nerves and giving them serious discomfort around their tailbone. Sitting for long periods of time proved unbearable. Doctors agreed that clearing up and contouring their abdomen was medically necessary and made the commonsense assumption that given these operations were part of one treatment, all the costs associated would be taken care of. Well, it turns out they were wrong, Mr. Speaker.

Health and social services were bound by a nonsensical policy dictating that skin removal was necessary, but the contouring was cosmetic; therefore, half of the operation had to be paid out of pocket because it was uninsured, yet the constituent could not choose one without the other. Clearly, these archaic policies must be reviewed, and the Minister does not want to change the rules to fit a handful of situations, exceptions are necessary to ensure this constituent, and those who find themselves in similar circumstances, do not suffer the same indignities.

Today I will give the Minister of Health and Social Services the opportunity to right this wrong and commit to bringing her policy -- new policies regarding the insurability of cosmetic surgeries in certain exceptional circumstances in line with the intent of Canada -- the Canada Health Act's mandate for the accessibility of medically necessary services free from financial barrier. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, March is National Nutrition Month. With this year's theme being Nourish to Flourish, the links between food, good health, emotional resilience, and social connections cannot be underestimated.

Mr. Speaker, Food Bank Canada, in collaboration with Nutrition North, is planning a promotional tour of the Sahtu region in April. This initiative will bring together representatives to meet and engage with leaders, community members, on the critical topic of food security and explore how the Sahtu region can position itself to address its unbearable high cost of living challenges.

Mr. Speaker, the vision extends beyond immediate relief. Aside from ideas of setting up a food bank distribution centre in the regional hubs, the dream of having community food bank centres in each of the Sahtu communities is a goal we envision. These centres would not only provide essential food supplies but would also allow for traditional foods to be available to the community members, honouring our cultural heritage while addressing immediate needs. This approach aligns perfectly with Food Banks Canada and the northern food security program which supports Indigenous and community-led initiatives to promote food sovereignty in the remote and Indigenous communities. Their goal is to fund the sustainable programs that increase food security and support in building networks to share knowledge and resources.

Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged by the collaborative approach that we have taken working with local communities to develop solutions that address specific needs. The commitment to understanding, proposing solutions, and advocating for policy change represents a comprehensive approach to tackling food insecurity in the North.

In closing, as we observe National Nutrition Month, let us remember that true nourishment encompasses not only physical health but the overall flourish of our communities. The planned activities for the Sahtu region represent an important step towards ensuring all citizens have access to nutritious and culturally-appropriate food. Mahsi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to give some clarity to this House on the recipients of the income support program. First and foremost, it is not my intention of trying to punish the users of this program that is initiated by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. My intentions are to try and give the independence back to the residents of the Northwest Territories. One of my main goals as I became MLA for Mackenzie Delta riding was to find alternatives to the program for the recipients.

Mr. Speaker, the income support program is in place to assist the residents for a short period of time, not to make a living off this essential program. There are definitely people out there, the disabled and the elderly, who require the assistance of this program to make sure their well-being is indeed looked after, and the income assistance program addresses this need. Mr. Speaker, there are young adults who are able to work and/or go back to school for a brighter future for themselves and their families, yet they are caught up in the system.

These are the individuals who I am speaking for. I would like to assist them in getting their independence back and build their self-esteem. Getting these individuals back into the workforce, or reviving their culture and traditional lifestyles, would enable them to live a healthier life for themselves and their families. They would, in turn, be role models to their children and others within the communities.

Mr. Speaker, I personally have great hope and aspirations for the residents of the Northwest Territories. I want to see them prosper and to get their independence back, but I cannot do this on my own. It takes this government, the community leadership, and the individuals to make this goal a reality. With the collaboration with all stakeholders, we can have a healthy territory, a healthy community, and healthy independent residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.

Mr. Speaker, I'm excited for the upcoming growing season. For many years, I've had a kitchen garden to grow fresh food for my family and friends. I have so much rhubarb that I have an annual callout for people to come and harvest some. I've spent time, effort, and testing my husband's good graces in creating raised beds and raising a greenhouse to grow fresh food in the Midnight Sun.

Mr. Speaker, with tariffs now looming over our head, food security is more crucial than ever before. I think we could bring back the positive tradition of our grandparents and great grandparents of victory gardens. In many ways, we're already there. There are stories of successful community gardens throughout our territory, and the Yellowknife Farmers' Market is a gem of any summer here in the capital where local gardeners can sell their excess produce at a community table or make a commercial go of it at their own tables. However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the shining star of community gardening efforts - the Inuvik Community Greenhouse.

A reconstituted hockey arena, the greenhouse can now grow throughout the year thanks to its hydroponic unit. Hydroponic veggie boxes are available to the community at reasonable costs. Here in Yellowknife, we are lucky to have several commercial growers to choose from, and south of the lake too. Mr. Speaker, I would encourage everyone with the ability to sign up for a community plot or ability to set up their own kitchen garden to do so this summer. Growing local and supporting local growers will help us all stay healthy, but I think there is more we can be doing to support our communities in this space. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of ITI.

Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, addressing effects of trauma is a priority of this government, of this Assembly. When people leave the territory for drug and alcohol treatment or go away to jail, they come home to the same environment and lifestyle that they left. Many return to drinking or using. To help them with this problem, the GNWT allocated $1.6 million for transitional housing for addiction recovery aftercare last year.

But, Mr. Speaker, several people in the communities I represent talk to me about going on-the-land aftertreatment. They want to slowly integrate back into the community. Out on the land, they will continue to learn about their culture, their family history, and continue to use the skills they learned at treatment.

We need our own people who have sobered up and cleaned up their lives with lived experience to help our people. We know when a community wants to change something in their community, the changes need to come from the community. We have had too many times when changes come from headquarters or from other larger centres, and it does not work in our small remote communities. The people know what they need. They need support to enhance their way of doing things in the communities like the culture, the crafts, harvesting on the land, preparation of traditional food, on-the-land tours and places to go where people can participate in cultural activities. Otherwise, in the future, we will not have a true culture for anyone to come and see.

In November, the GNWT set up an on-the-land camp 45 minutes outside of Yellowknife. The ten-week camp was intended to provide addiction shelter space for people who are homeless and offer cultural programming and counselling for people living with addictions. Mr. Speaker, if this program was successful, as the government has said, then we should look at starting similar pilot programs in other communities. Why was it shut down?

On-the-land aftercare will save this government money because fewer people will return to treatment, but we must invest in small communities. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to request more time to do my -- finish my statement. I seek unanimous consent.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, colleagues. On-the-land aftercare will save this government money because fewer people will return to treatment, but we must invest in small communities. There are elders in our communities who know the land and who know how to live a sober lifestyle. Mr. Speaker, this government needs to respect the traditional way of life in each community. We need more aftercare programs like the ones piloted in Yellowknife. I will have questions for the Minister of health. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spoke to the need for clear and measurable targets related to our goal of reforming primary care and based on the answers the Minister shared in response to my questions, I want to continue on that thread today.

Yesterday, the Minister stated that the goal of primary health care reform is to ensure that all residents have access to culturally safe, team based, primary and community care, and then to establish integrated care pathways to support seamless integration and continuity across various health and social services and levels of care.

Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate the Minister articulating the goals so clearly and succinctly and suggest it is a great set of overarching goals. So now we need to set the parameters and milestones which need to be established in order to achieve them.

First and most importantly, I think we need to define exactly what we mean by the word access. Technically, we all have access to health care now if we're willing to wait long enough or travel far enough or accept that continuity of care isn't possible. So we need to define what access to care will look like once we achieve our goal, and we need to establish a set of parameters which will need to be in place and maintained to sustain this access.

I would suggest, as advocated for by the NWT Medical Association in response to the announcement of the establishment of new primary care teams, that one of the key parameters is ensuring each primary care team is assigned to an appropriate number of patients as informed by data and expert advice. We need to set goals for each of the specific parameters, develop plans for how to achieve them, and realistic timelines for when they can be achieved. By going through that process, we will be able to identify a timeline for the overarching goal. The Minister noted yesterday that she doesn't want to rush this, and I am not suggesting at all that we set unrealistic timelines. But we do need to clearly communicate what we are specifically working to achieve, the various milestones and parameters needed along the way, and when we expect all the pieces to come together. Without effective planning and defined goal setting like this, we run the risk of chasing this aspiration perpetually without ever fully achieving it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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