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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I've never seen consensus government as frustrating as I've seen it today in my four terms. Mr. Speaker, I repeatedly ask and point out to this Premier to involve Members as part of the team. Let them feel part of the solution as we work on these problems together. Members needs wins. You know what his response to me was? Write a letter.

Mr. Speaker, I've seen this letter writing exercise, or even questioned exercise, which is they're just waiting for our comments to officially trigger their official disagreement why we're wrong. But don't worry, it's already drafted and in the queue.

Mr. Speaker, some people are saying we were here to be sent to work together. That is true. There is some truth in that, Mr. Speaker. But what I've noticed and seen is the informal expectation that you are not allowed to challenge the government, Mr. Speaker. And if you don't agree, then you're defined as being disagreeable. Mr. Speaker, it leaves me to wonder, are Members just members of the Simpson-ettes? I don't know.

Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, there are many other concerns. So when Members like myself are questioning the $440,000 envoy appointed to Ottawa, it's because it's a bad decision. Premier says, it's my decision. Mr. Speaker, when you challenge these things, you know, you expect a little more discussion. But no, it's his decision, too darn bad.

Mr. Speaker, I feel like it's no longer consensus government; it's more -- it feels more like akin to an ill repute regime by being able to make these types of decisions without them really being fulsomely discussed.

Mr. Speaker, has this government become drunk on power because they can? Mr. Speaker, why is the Premier on his own getting to appoint a $440,000 employee?

Mr. Speaker, because he can, because others do so? Well, Mr. Speaker, by way of example, Ontario does it. That's not a good answer. Quebec does it. That's a terrible answer. Mr. Speaker, I'll tell you, that's almost like the beginning of a bad dad joke. Oh, what one lemming said to the other? Well, because they did it.

Mr. Speaker, the envoy in Ontario costs around $140,000 per year. The envoy in Quebec costs $140,000 a year. How does ours cost more than twice as much? Mr. Speaker, are we getting more than twice as much value? Mr. Speaker, there's so much more to talk about but I'll tell you, when I'm holding court in the coffee shops and in the communities, in the grocery stores, no one likes this position because they don't see a stinking element of value. They want transparency, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, equitable access to sport is fundamental to creating inclusive communities where everyone can experience the physical, social, and mental health benefits of athletic participation. Barriers like cost, equipment, and lack of safe spaces prevent many from participating, particularly affecting low-income communities, people with disabilities, and marginalized groups. Sport creates safe spaces when people find the right spaces, and a new volunteer-led organization is working to do just that.

Northwest Territories Equitable Sport Access, affectionately referred to as NTESA, connects youth with sport mentors, hosts teams in Yellowknife's leagues, and organizes accessible pop-up events where donation dollars raised are turned around to help all NWT residents access sports. NTESA is fully volunteer-based, an organizational pillar that upholds the importance of adults investing in youth and community without expecting pay. These volunteers don't just run programs; they shape lives and they save them. They create welcoming spaces that make sport accessible to all, including a sold-out dodgeball tournament this past Sunday that saw a diverse roster battle for hours, raising hundreds of dollars for NWT youth, sport, and recreation.

Mr. Speaker, you've made it clear where sport sits in your priorities, and our perspectives have always aligned on the court, field, and ice. Sport isn't just a game. Teamwork builds trust, game setbacks teach resilience, and discipline develops character.

The impact is measurable: high school athletes have 40 percent lower dropout rates and are twice as likely to graduate. Youth in organized sports are 50 percent less likely to experience depression and 25 percent less anxious. Sports participants are three times more likely to do community volunteer, 50 percent less likely to use drugs, and have higher adult employment rates. Beyond individual benefits, sport strengthens communities by reducing youth crime and creating connections that truly last a lifetime.

Mr. Speaker, access to sport and recreation saves lives and builds stronger communities. Those aren't my words but those of NWT residents who participated in multiple Standing Committee on Social Development reports in the 19th Assembly. Every dollar and hour we, as residents, invest in sport and recreation changes our territory's trajectory one athlete, one volunteer, one community at a time. If you want to get involved in NTESA, it's as easy as showing up. And, together, we can ensure sport remains a bridge to opportunity rather than a barrier. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Kam Lake. Members' statements.

Colleagues, this past December, I had the opportunity to chat with Jonathan Antoine about his recent trip to Los Angeles. He explained that they were able to announce the debut of the short documentary Hunting in the Deh Cho, directed by himself at the prestigious LA Skins Film Festival on November 24th at 12 p.m. This significant event took place at the iconic Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

He explained that this remarkable experience would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the festival organizers, and sincere gratitude is owed to them for selecting this important work to be showcased. This is his second time showcasing his films in Los Angeles.

He explained to me that he extends his heartfelt appreciation to Ricky Tsetso and Errol Villeneuve whose courage in sharing their invaluable stories is pivotal in highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Dene people of Liidlii Kue. Additionally, the generous support from the Deh Cho GNWT ITI team was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

In true Jonathan fashion, he made special mention to Dustin Dewar, whose artistic vision has transformed the team's ideas into a compelling narrative. He spent days working to provide the final product that was Jonathan vision. He stressed that the wonderful community and residents of Liidlii Kue and Fort Simpson deserve recognition for their steadfast encouragement and belief in this mission and his dream of being a film director.

As the conversation came full circle, he talked about the immense support from his family and friends which cannot be overlooked. Their unwavering faith has helped him do this type of adventure in film and they are very much part of his achievements.

Moving forward with this journey, he has a strong commitment to continue to screen this documentary wherever opportunities arise. Together, he and his team will share these important stories and foster greater understanding within our communities. I look forward to seeing what he does next. Thank you.

Members' statements. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's an honour today to do what I've actually seen one of the visitors in the gallery do before. As Premier, it's an honour to recognize former Premier Caroline Cochrane who is joining us today along with Shalene Woodward, both of whom I served with and worked with in the last Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have some Tree of Peace adult ed students I'd like to recognize, three of them in particular. We have first Jasmine Powder. Secondly, I have Antasia Goulet. And the third, and certainly not least, Margo Remenan. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize former Premier of the Northwest Territories, Caroline Cochrane. We had the opportunity to work together during the 18th Assembly. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's hard to see from my seat but you recognized them earlier, and I'm not sure if they're still there. But Frame Lake constituents, Jeremy Bird and Angela Gzowski were in this the House earlier. And I'd also like to recognize the Premier who I had the pleasure of working with in her capacity as education Minister and a Premier when I was working as a city councillor. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, want to recognize the former Premier of the NWT from the 19th Assembly, Caroline Cochrane. And, also, I'd like to welcome Shalene Woodward and Anatasia Goulet. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to also recognize former Premier Cochrane. I had the pleasure to be in the 19th Assembly and have her at the helm of this Assembly with all of the things that we did, and as well as her partner. The last time I saw him, we were jumping on a plane, and we won't say when. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

If we've missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your chamber. I hope you enjoy the proceedings. It's always nice to see people in the gallery, and I'd, again, like to thank you very much for allowing us the opportunity to represent the people of the Northwest Territories.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Returns to oral questions. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are to the Premier in follow-up to my Member's statement, Mr. Speaker, and for the record, we all know that the full costs of the -- his envoy, his friend there, is $440,000. So my question specifically is how many political appointments does the -- sorry, how many politically-appointed GNWT staff are paid more than the Prime Minister of Canada? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know what the salary of the Prime Minister of Canada is. Thank you.

Well, Mr. Speaker, I'll ask the same question. The Prime Minister of Canada is paid about $300,000. I believe the base pay of all MPs is about $200,000, and he receives a hundred thousand additional on top. That's how you get to 300,000. So now that we've set the table, Mr. Speaker, the question still stands, how many politically-appointed GNWT staff are paid more than the Prime Minister of Canada? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.