Please be seated. Thank you, Jonas Lafferty for opening prayer and reflection. Ministers' statements. Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about the Government of the Northwest Territories' new approach to addressing climate change. From community resilience to economic opportunities, the challenges posed by climate change are urgent, complex, and interconnected with many other aspects of life here in the Northwest Territories. That is why the GNWT is moving to a joint approach that brings together climate change and energy strategies, with the aim of taking more efficient, coherent, and impactful actions across government.

Mr. Speaker, climate change is a reality that is affecting NWT residents, ecosystems, and northern ways of life. The territory currently experiences climate change effects through thawing permafrost and shifting weather patterns that will likely change even more over the coming decades. Through an integrated approach to energy and climate change,l we will develop a better coordinated response that tackles both present-day impacts and future risks in the North.

Climate change and energy security are connected in a way that cannot be separated. We need to ensure that as we transition to a cleaner, net zero future, we are also preparing communities and residents to withstand the impacts of climate change. The interconnectedness of climate with energy, infrastructure, public health, environmental protection, and the economy requires that we align our efforts and resources.

Within this joint strategy, the Department of Environment and Climate Change's primary responsibility is to lead and work with other departments to build climate knowledge and implement climate change adaptation actions to enhance the territorial resilience against climate-related risk and disruption. The department is also exploring ways to reduce land-based greenhouse gas emissions. Important considerations for all GNWT climate change-related actions include:

• Maintaining affordability and security by addressing climate change-related supply chain disruptions, emergency management costs, and impacts on infrastructure and housing;
• Maintaining and growing our economy by supporting resource development that is consistent with our net zero commitment and advancing economic diversification opportunities like agriculture, tourism and the potential market for carbon offsets.
• Supporting safe, healthy, and resilient communities by addressing the impacts of a changing climate on public safety, culture, ecosystems, health, and traditional ways of life; and,
• Continuing to collaborate with Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, and community governments to coordinate adaptation actions.

The joint strategy will recognize that Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations are developing and executing their own adaptation solutions that reflect their specific priorities and provides ways for us to advocate for and efficiently use resources together. The strategy will acknowledge that federal investment will be key to implementing the many climate change related actions that are needed.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT's ongoing commitment to engage with Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, and other stakeholders through the Council of Leaders, NWT Climate Change Council, NWT Climate Change Youth Council, and other forums will continue to guide our efforts to advance climate action in the North. We are committed to regularly updating the public on the progress of this joint strategy and to working together with all partners to address the urgent need for climate adaptation. We anticipate the final integrated strategy will be released in spring 2026, along with a revised climate change action plan based on extensive engagement and feedback we have received from Northerners. The GNWT remains committed to preparing the Northwest Territories to face the challenges and opportunities from climate change. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak about the Government of the Northwest Territories' new integrated approach to energy and climate change, and how the Department of Infrastructure's work on energy will help build a stronger, more affordable, and more resilient future for the territory.

Energy powers our communities, heats our homes, fuels our transportation, and propels businesses and the economy. But today, the Northwest Territories faces some of the highest energy costs in Canada, aging energy infrastructure, and increasing impacts from climate change. Our approach to energy must evolve.

Last fall, Mr. Speaker, our government committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This commitment is driving the development of a new integrated strategy for energy and climate change. As our teams complete this work over the coming months, there are three themes I want to introduce today. This strategy will be designed to improve energy affordability and security, ensure community safety and resilience, and unlock new economic opportunities through the clean energy transition. It will be people-centered and built around enabling conditions that allow communities, economies, and governments to thrive in the face of climate change pressures. And, as a joint strategy, it will bring together expertise from across departments in a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.

First, strengthening our energy security by modernizing our energy infrastructure. Our power infrastructure is aging and increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Overhauling our power generation assets, upgrading our electricity grid, and continuing to invest in local clean energy solutions across the territory are key steps we are taking to ensure our energy system can serve Northerners for generations. This will include refurbishing of key hydro assets in the North Slave as well as the development of an approach to modernize our grid and support the integration of renewable energy in remote communities. Our goal is simple: Ensure all communities have reliable and secure energy for decades to come.

Second, supporting energy affordability. Mr. Speaker, Northerners currently pay the highest electricity rates in the country, between 25 to 34 cents per kilowatt hour after subsidies. In some remote communities, the unsubsidized cost is as high as 74 cents per kilowatt hour. This is two to three times the Canadian average of 12 cents.

We need to give residents in hydro-served communities more affordable, lower-emission options like switching to electric vehicles and, where power supply is available, electric heating. These shifts increase power sales, reduce emissions, and then ease pressure on electricity rates.

Programs and services supporting residents, communities, and businesses to reduce energy consumption and adopt clean energy technologies, such as the Arctic Energy Alliance and the greenhouse gas grant program, will continue to be key moving forward and soon we will be announcing the full availability of an electronic vehicle corridor from Yellowknife to the Alberta border. The government's recent set of directions to the public utilities board will help support all of these important changes.

Third, unlocking economic opportunities through the energy transition. Clean energy is about more than reducing emissions. It is also about building a stronger, more sustainable economy. This includes creating good jobs, supporting new industries, and long-term growth supported by renewable energy, which in turn will support critical minerals development.

The Taltson Hydro Expansion Project is a leading example of this approach. This is not just an energy project. It is a project of partnership. We are advancing Taltson together with Indigenous governments in the Taltson Watershed - the Northwest Territory Metis Nation, the Akaitcho Dene First Nations, and the Salt River First Nation. This project has the potential to connect 70 percent of our population to clean, renewable hydro power while connecting two major energy grids. It will reduce our reliance on diesel, and it will help support the development of critical minerals opportunities by providing clean energy at the front end of those supply chains.

By investing in transformative projects, we are not just reacting to change we are shaping it. We are unlocking new economic opportunities, strengthening sovereignty over our resources, and ensuring that Northerners benefit directly from the transition to a clean energy future.

The Departments of Infrastructure and Environment and Climate Change will continue to work together to develop this joint strategy with a final release planned for spring 2026. Together, we are building a net zero energy future that is affordable, reliable, and resilient and led by Northerners for Northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains. Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share that the Government of the Northwest Territories has launched this year's United Way Workplace Giving Campaign. This annual campaign gives GNWT employees a simple and meaningful way to support programs that make a real difference in communities across the territory. Through payroll deductions, employees can choose to direct donations to United Way NWT, helping fund local organizations that tackle poverty, support youth, and improve community health and well-being.

Mr. Speaker, over the past few years, Northerners have come together during some very difficult times, supporting one another through wildfires, floods, and other emergencies. GNWT employees played a big role in those efforts, and I want to thank everyone who stepped up.

This campaign is a chance to carry that same spirit forward by investing in long-term community support. United Way NWT works with organizations that know their communities best and are helping build a stronger, healthier North.

I also want to recognize the important role of the Union of Northern Workers, that the Union of Northern Workers continues to play in the success of this campaign. Their support and partnership reflect the shared values that guide our work as public servants.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all GNWT employees to consider signing up. Every contribution makes a difference, and together we can help ensure that support reaches the people and places that need it most. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide an update on marine transportation service operation for the 2025 sailing season. Every spring, residents and businesses across the territory are eager to plan shipments for their essential goods and equipment by our barges along the Mackenzie River, Great Slave Lake, and all the communities in the Western Arctic.

As people are aware, in 2024 marine transportation services operations were affected by record low water levels. This created unnavigable conditions along the Mackenzie River and presented a challenge to the Canadian Coast Guard, who were unable to put buoys in the water. These buoys are key navigational aids. Not only was our sailing season disrupted but our marine operations for other commercial shipping companies were also cancelled. Thankfully, proactive contingency planning efforts made it possible for affected customers in the Beaufort Delta and Inuvialuit settlement region to make arrangements for their cargo to be redirected to our terminal in Tuktoyaktuk.

Mr. Speaker, our waterways represent an important piece of the North's supply chain puzzle. As the essential resupply option for many remote communities during the spring and summer months, marine transportation services' contribution toward the success of NWT's supply chain is undeniable. There is great work being done to contribute to this service and it spans various departments, divisions, and sectors, both within and outside of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, to give you an update on the 2025 shipping season, the Canadian Coast Guard has not yet made final decisions on whether or not the buoys can be placed in the water and marine transportation services continues to monitor water levels along the Mackenzie River to assess options with resupply operations. Sailing plans are being developed based on cargo loads that marine transportation services is expected to receive if the river is navigable. We remain adaptable to the changing forecast this season and are continuing to work closely with the hydrology team at the Department of Environment and Climate Change to monitor water levels along the way.

In the event of last year's circumstances repeating themselves, marine transportation services has developed contingency plans that may give us the opportunity ship from the south side of the N'Dulee ferry crossing, and staff are working closely with the Canadian Coast Guard to allow some buoys to be placed in key locations between the N'Dulee ferry crossing and Tulita. Should any route changes disrupt shipments, staff will be available to assist affected customers like we did last year. Our fuel services division is also involved should any logistic plans change, and our staff are prepared to work towards another busy winter resupply season to make up for any essential services that may be affected by low water levels.

Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear, regardless of water levels improvements to procedures and service delivery continue to be made by our hardworking staff. This work includes using vessels more efficiently and reducing downtime during the sailing season.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, the team is watching the water levels closely and planning for each scenario. We will continue to keep the public aware once the coast guard has received a decision and as we better understand the water levels along the Mackenzie River and any impacts to this year's shipping season. And I'll just add, hot off the press, the Canadian Coast Guard has gone out today to assess the water levels at the mouth of the Mackenzie River. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Range Lake.

Mr. Speaker, the last year hundreds of Northerners who rely on extended health benefits were suddenly confronted by new income thresholds driven by cuts which would determine who our health system would support with the costs of their medication and who were now on their own.

This so-called rationalization of a crucial health care benefit has caused serious anxiety and hardship. These income thresholds are unfair to my constituents struggling with a cost of living crisis alongside the fact that many are already paying out of pocket for other necessary health services like home care and accessibility supports.

When these changes were announced, I also received calls from many seniors who were concerned their benefits were at risk too. But I was able to reassure them that the Minister of Health and Social Services has made it clear to this House, and to Northerners, that seniors' benefits would not be touched. But, Mr. Speaker, lo and behold, several seniors in my Range Lake riding were recently charged for over-the-counter medications and initially I believed this had just been an honest mistake, but I was shocked to find out it was I who was mistaken because somewhere along the way that promise to not touch seniors' benefits wasn't as much as a guarantee as we were led to believe. But we were able to push back, and the Minister was able to assure us that these constituents would not have to pay a cent for their medication because that was the right thing to do.

Yet I am still deeply concerned that these changes were made and proposed in the first place, and they could even return, Mr. Speaker, as in an email I've received, the Minister's office has stated, quote, "a decision has been made not to proceed with changes to the coverage for over-the-counter products under extended health benefits program at this time." Let me be perfectly clear, when I say the time to charge seniors for their medication is never - not after further consultation, not after establishing a new income threshold, never. And if the Minister can see the wisdom in reversing cuts to seniors' benefits, it's time she opened her eyes to the strain it is causing on other Range Lakers and reinstate full extended health benefits to all Northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Home and fire insurability are major concerns in the NWT, and the cost of insurance premiums may continue to rise for homeowners. The level of risk determines the cost of insurance premiums. Canadian insurers can consider the likelihood of a customer or group of customers with a similar set of circumstances making a claim and how much those claims might cost. The price for premiums is based, in part, on an insurer's best estimate of the amount it will be required to pay out in claims in any given year.

The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance, or OSI, regulates the business of insurance in the NWT and enforces our Insurance Act and its regulations. The Act and regulations cover licensing and regulation for insurance companies operating here.

It's difficult to establish how many homes are currently uninsured across the NWT and for what reasons they've been denied coverage. Reasons for denial may not be public or could be based on the insurer's proprietary risk assessment model. The OSI does not track this information, and it's difficult to connect the rising cost of premiums using this risk-based model to the consumer and community price indexes that are published by the NWT Bureau of Statistics.

While insurers themselves set the costs for their premiums and products, there are mitigation efforts that local governments could undertake to help reduce costs. For example, concerning commercial fire insurance, the presence of hydrants and a full-time fire department in a community could bring down costs. I'm not going to go down the municipal funding gap rabbit hole quite yet, though, Mr. Speaker.

Section 270 of the Insurance Act requires that the superintendent of insurance prepare annual reports for the Minister. Part of these reports track the increase in amounts of insurance premiums through the amount of gross receivable insurance premiums. For example, there was a 24 percent increase between 2019 and 2023; the last annual report being published on December 30th, 2023. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll have questions for the Minister of Finance today.

Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Low water solutions. Mr. Speaker, there is no better time than the present for us to work together with the federal government to realize the dream that is fully completing the Mackenzie Valley Highway, or MVH. Mr. Speaker, becoming a reality, the MVH campaign plan will involve the federal engagements with our Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister, GNWT envoy to Ottawa, and Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated MOU arrangement. This next step is overwhelming and, more importantly, extremely encouraging.

Mr. Speaker, we are in the infancy of a new federal Liberal government. Throughout the federal election campaign, we heard that opening Canada, removing trade barriers, and supporting nation building initiatives are important priorities for the newly elected Prime Minister. These priorities were once again highlighted in King Charles' Speech from the Throne that took place in Ottawa, was very encouraging.

Mr. Speaker, the completion of the Mackenzie Valley Highway is a GDP contributor during and after construction. The Speech from the Throne highlighted that the federal government will work closely with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, to identify and catalyst projects of nation significance. The Mackenzie Valley Highway will serve as a catalyst to Canada from coast to coast to coast, deepen Canada's ties to the world.

Mr. Speaker, the original $700 million application of 2015, we gained since then a 26 percent equity position. In MVH phase 1, significant work has been done such as the Canyon Creek all-season access road, the Prohibition Creek access road, community engagements, design, geotechnical studies as well. But much work remains, Mr. Speaker. Our partnership with the government needs the business case and environmental assessment completion which is drawing closer by the weeks. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure at the appropriate time. Mahsi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to discuss Northwest Territories Power Corporation, NTPC, and the Taltson Hydro Project which provides power to Enterprise and K'atlodeeche First Nation in my riding. NTPC's mandate includes investing in core assets, increasing the distribution customer base, reducing emissions, and reducing fuel consumption.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to promote affordable clean energy across the territory. But I want to see more affordable power rates in my riding, especially in Fort Providence and Kakisa. According to the 2023-2024 annual report, NTPC incurred limited physical asset damage during the wildfire season, but fires and evacuations greatly affected the corporation's ability to complete land operational work and capital projects. Mr. Speaker, one of these projects was the overhaul of the Taltson hydro facility which was originally scheduled to be completed by November 2023 but was only opened on April 1st this year after repeated delays.

Mr. Speaker, estimates for overhaul costs are now over $97 million. We know from the public accounts that in previous years, NTPC lapsed tens of millions of dollars in budget capital expenditures. Mr. Speaker, lapses and delays impact costs for residents, and they worsen greenhouse gas emissions because of increased reliance on diesel power generation. Project delays also mean fuel work opportunities for local residents.

Mr. Speaker, I want to know next steps for making clean energy accessible across the territory. I will have questions for the Minister responsible for NTPC at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for many years, Indigenous governments have raised concerns over the GNWT's approach to traditional use cabins. They have made it clear that requiring recreational leases and charges fees for,members' cabins does not align with their understanding of aboriginal rights. Mr. Speaker, I brought it up in this House before. I know my colleague, Minister Semmler, in 2023, brought it up as well.

Most recently, Mr. Speaker, ECC held a two-day workshop in Yellowknife meant to advance the conversation around this topic. It is my understanding that progress was made and GNWT is now working to develop follow-up materials for Indigenous governments responding to the discussions and proposals made through that forum.

Mr. Speaker, I understand that GNWT has made several key commitments that are meant to respond directly to the concerns raised by the Indigenous governments:

1. They committed to developing a unique authorization and management approach for traditional use camps and cabins;
2. Agreeing to set the annual rent for this new authorization at zero cost or nominal value of $1, eliminating this financial barrier to traditional land use; and,
3. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is committing to working collaboratively with Indigenous governments to establish the terms and conditions for this new authorization so that it provides a level of flexibility and regional customization while still meeting the GNWT's basic interests in the management of public lands.

Mr. Speaker, it's my hope that these commitments demonstrate that our government does recognize the importance of traditional uses of the land by Indigenous people, that they represent a significant shift in our approach to land management, one that better respects the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

While we work together with Indigenous governments on this longer-term solution, the government must also take immediate steps to address some present and ongoing concerns. Such, Mr. Speaker, is ensuring we continue the pause of collections program available to Indigenous people with recreational leases and ensuring we will not take collection action against them.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, we must ensure that, through the Intergovernmental Council Secretariat, the GNWT is advancing a potential amendment to the Northwest Territories lands regulation that will allow us to change a nominal fee for recreational leases held by the Indigenous cabin owners in the areas where their Indigenous government has an asserted or established right to harvest. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the territory needs transitional housing. Mr. Speaker, I have constituents who are homeless and in unstable situations. Mr. Speaker, we are in a crisis. Last year, one shelter director in Yellowknife estimated, quote, "if all shelters in town stopped taking in people or stopped taking people in when they reach capacity, there would be an extra 50 people living on the street." Mr. Speaker, I need to highlight this, that many of these people, quote, "many of these people" are our Indigenous brothers and sisters. They are someone's child, parent, or parents, grandparent, parents, siblings, aunts or uncles.

Mr. Speaker, this is a sensitive issue for many of our people who found themselves in tough situations. My heart goes out to them.

In April, media reports reported on Yellowknife, quote, "point in time count showing that 327 people were homeless in 2024, a 5 percent increase from 2021." Mr. Speaker, small communities face the same problem. Some single men will never get off the waiting list for housing. Some of them are saying we will never get a unit or a house in their lifetime. They will not see it. This is what they're saying. It's not my word; it's their word.

The federal and territorial governments signed an agreement in December 2024 committing $1 million each over two years. Mr. Speaker, this money is intended to alleviate capacity challenges identified by local shelters operator while addressing encampments and helping find homes for people sleeping in tents. Their goal is to increase supportive housing options for people at risk, but $2 million will not have a big enough impact. Mr. Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, we must use these programs to help people struggling in small communities. In Tlicho region, the government's Northern Pathway to Housing program partnered with Behchoko Friendship Centre to provide transitional housing, but people need wraparound supports for health and addiction needs like the ones offered by the Housing First program and the new housing -- and the new facility. How can we extend wraparound support to our small communities. I will have questions for the Minister of housing at the appropriate time. Thank you.

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