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Ministers' statements. Minister for Housing NWT.

Mr. Speaker, ensuring the health and well-being of all residents in the Northwest Territories is an essential work of this government.

The NWT is falling behind other jurisdictions when it comes to implementing healthy safeguards to limit smoking. Yukon implemented a smoking ban in public and government housing in 2012, and Nunavut followed suit in 2023. Now, we must align with prevailing health advice and ensure safe, client-focused housing solutions.

There is extensive research on the negative impacts of smoking and second-hand smoke on health and social outcomes. Smoking rates in the Northwest Territories are higher compared to the Canadian average and by introducing this ban, we aim to create healthy living environments for all residents, especially children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions. This initiative aligns with the Department of Health and Social Services' public health concerns around smoking and shows our dedication to fostering safe and healthy communities for Northerners.

During the development of Housing Northwest Territories strategic renewal in the 19th Legislative Assembly, Housing NWT consulted with Indigenous governments, elected representatives, local housing organizations and tenants about smoking in public housing units. There is strong support for measures that protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke and broad support for efforts aimed at reducing smoking overall. It is the GNWT's responsibility to support individuals and families to stay healthy. It is also our responsibility to reduce damage to units and loss of units, as we are currently experiencing a housing crisis.

Today, I am announcing a significant step forward: the implementation of a smoking ban across all Housing NWT-owned and operated units, including market and public housing. Health and social services is working with Housing NWT to share resources and promote smoking cession with Housing NWT tenants. We are here to support tenants as they move towards smoke-free living.

Mr. Speaker, the smoking ban will be implemented in a way that is equitable, fair, and compassionate, with a constructive approach that focuses on education and tenant support. The ban is being approached in all phases and has started with new leases and renewals. The next policy stage will provide existing tenants with a grace period to adjust before the change is fully implemented.

This policy is not just about prohibiting smoking; it is about promoting healthier lifestyles and creating supportive environments for people who wish to quit. The ban will also reduce the risk of smoking-related fires and decrease the costs of cleaning and repairing smoke-damaged units. That means we will be able to put more resources towards other critical housing needs.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that this smoking ban will have a positive and lasting impact on our communities, and that we can create healthy and vibrant living environments for Northerners. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister for Housing NWT. Ministers' statements. Minister for Education, Culture and Employment.

Mr. Speaker, I'm going to begin my statement in Dinjii Zhu' Ginjik. Mr. Speaker, [Translation] INSERT* [Translation Ends].

Mr. Speaker, the junior kindergarten to Grade 12 Performance Measures Report will be published in the coming months, however, I wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate NWT student successes, both data-driven and anecdotal.

School attendance is vital for student success, so I want to recognize Ecole Boreale in Hay River. Out of all regional centres and small community schools, Ecole Boreale had the highest average attendance rate, at 91 percent in the last school year. I would also like to recognize one of your schools, Louie Norwegian School in Jean Marie River, whose attendance increased by over 25 percent last year.

---Applause

Thank you, colleagues. That is absolutely incredible.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to congratulate the 94 students who enrolled in the South Slave's Phoenix School last school year. This is the highest number of Phoenix enrolments since we started tracking. The Phoenix program helps students complete their high school graduation through modularized learning on their own schedule, a flexible approach allowing them to meet their obligations at the same time, like family and work.

At Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic, the school is celebrating the first graduates to complete Grades 10 to 12 at home in the community, while Mangilaluk students in Tuktoyaktuk are enjoying some of the newly renovated school facilities.

At Helen Kalvak School in Ulukhaktok, students took learning outside the classroom on a recent visit to Ottawa and the Canadian Parliament buildings, while students from East Three Secondary visited London, England this past summer.

At Deninu School in Fort Resolution, both graduates have already been accepted into post-secondary programs for next year, including Caleb Simon who will enter the HVAC trades at NAIT, and Hannah Beck who will attend Aurora College.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to acknowledge Yellowknife high school students Stella Fairman and Audrey Debogorski, who recently received the prestigious Loran Scholarship. Their applications stood out against candidates from across Canada, and they were among the 36 winners chosen from 6,000 applicants. Stella and Audrey were chosen not only for their marks but also character, commitment to service, and leadership.

Mr. Speaker, our students' success would not be possible without the support of dedicated and compassionate educators, school staff and education leaders. Among the education leaders who have made a difference in the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of students, was the former Chair of the Tlicho Community Services Agency, the late Ted Blondin.

Mr. Blondin was dedicated to preserving and sharing elders' stories and histories and helped negotiate impact and benefit agreements that provided scholarships, training and employment to the Tlicho people. Mr. Blondin also chaired the Arctic College and the Mine Training Society and was inducted into the Education Hall of Fame in 2015 for significant contribution to student learning by an elder. We will miss Ted Blondin and remember his legacy that will continue to inspire northern education leaders for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to finish today in Dinjii Zhu' Ginjik.

[Translation] INSERT* [Translation Ends]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we wind down session and Ministers turn their attention to upcoming meetings in Ottawa, I want to emphasize the biggest gap I continue to see in our economic strategy: northern education and research.

We don't yet have a cohesive economic vision but just looking at our federal engagement strategy, it's clear that our strategy is heavily focused on road and power infrastructure. Those are undeniably important and very responsive projects but, as I've noted in numerous statements in the past, we also need to be looking at investing in our people, fostering research and innovation, and building up our workforce, if we want an economic strategy that will benefit and fully realize the potential of our people. If we want to develop the North, we have to look at what we have to offer the world, Mr. Speaker.

The Northwest Territories could position itself as a unique northern research and innovation hub. We are leaders in Indigenous governance, high-latitude mine development and remediation, Indigenous-led conservation, and permafrost and climate change research, to name just a few. We could be stronger leaders in those sectors and grow others which are completely undeveloped right now if we could just muster the vision and foresight to build up our education and research capacity to fully realize this potential.

Looking at the recent throne speech, the new federal government sees the need for investing in research and innovation also. The Liberals have made promises with significant impacts for universities, including a commitment of $2 billion for student and seniors housing, and to build Canada into the world's leading hub for science and innovation. The Liberals have promised to invest $100 million over four years to attract leading researchers who have had their funding cut by the US government. Wouldn't it be incredible if we had the institution to attract some of those researchers to live in the Northwest Territories?

To build Canada strong, Mr. Speaker, the federal government is working to identify and catalyze projects of national significance. Projects that will connect Canada, that will deepen Canada's ties with the world and create high paying jobs for generations. I strongly believe that one of those projects should be a university in the Northwest Territories. We owe it to the people of this great territory to show them that we believe in the potential they have to offer the world and invest in them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on March 3rd, 2025, I rose to give a statement on building codes, Mr. Speaker, or rather lack of building codes in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, all government buildings, as I understand, do adopt or abide by the National Standards Building Code, and 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 whatsoever. And, Mr. Speaker, we're the only jurisdiction in Canada without a building standards code.

At the time, the Minister said the department was certainly willing to do this work. It would have to be done in conjunction with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. As it so happens, Mr. Speaker, now we have a Minister that has both departments under his purview and, certainly, this work should be able to move forward even just a little quicker. I was also told by the Minister in March that there is a working group in place and the next step is to really put in place some recommendations of what it will look like to bring all the different pieces together to have a consolidated framework from the National Building Code and one that can be made in the North and applied for the North and relevant to the North, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister, back in March, had said she was committed to have a plan for a plan without a final date but did commit to say that once we leave this Assembly, the 20th Assembly, we will have our own buildings standards code. Mr. Speaker, I'll have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure later. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Glamour Alley is a recurring burlesque show produced by Tease Van Gams, three veteran performers of Yellowknife's Burlesque scene, who want to make the art form more accessible to performers and audiences alike. Glamour Alley is a collaboration with the Underground, which is Yellowknife's newest music and performance venue, and its artist in residence, Thunder Normz, who hosts regular drag nights. They are doing amazing and important work building and promoting Yellowknife's up and coming drag scene.

Mr. Speaker, Glamour Alley's third show will be happening this Saturday, and I would invite you, but it's sold out. The next show will be July 4th and will feature three out-of-town performers who have sought to perform in our fair city - two of whom have never performed here in Yellowknife. They're coming from Whitehorse, Toronto, and Edmonton.

Burlesque in Yellowknife is becoming a scene and getting national attention from performers and audiences alike. Of course Tease Van Gams is only adding to and benefiting from all of the hard work the burlesque community has done building this local scene. There's a shout out for Brrrlesque, Boolesque, Parkas and Pasties, and Glam on the Rocks, who built a sustainable following for burlesque in Yellowknife and an impressive pool of talented performers.

This wouldn't be possible without local businesses who support the scene by opening up their venues, and the sell-out audiences who will literally line up for hours to buy tickets. The art of the tease is flourishing and, as a past performer, I couldn't be more proud. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Education promotion, Mr. Speaker. Labour trades, professions, the shortages continue in all sectors is a huge concern clear across our Canadian country. However, closer to home, the geography, costs of living, the isolated inventory greatly adds to attracting staff in neither the private nor public services sector. Mr. Speaker, trade shortages, we are at the pivotal point drafting and essential planning in addressing the situation as fundamental and critical to our approach and the remaining term of this Assembly.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we have tools in our toolbox. Examples could be the Skills 4 Success, career development staff allow us the opportunity to expand. Drafting an updated recruitment strategy tailored to our graduation community, including in-person engagements, speak with the school graduates directly and provide a handout package identifying the trades demand and career security. I am told that GNWT salary and benefits is very attractive.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to share the Sahtu will see 28 high school graduates this season with a land claim recipient from Fort Good Hope graduating from the nursing college here tomorrow. These exceptional ceremonies is ideal for education, career, trades promotions. Let's design a meaningful campaign. Mahsi.

In closing, this is our last spring sitting and I want to extend my great appreciation to all staff members, my colleagues, the strength behind our various governments, the interpretation staff. May you all have a safe and enjoyable spring. Mahsi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, summer's clearly here. I think it's 28 degrees outside, and it has been for the last couple of days. And I was enjoying the beautiful summer weather and I thought to myself, for a moment not thinking of anything other than how beautiful it was, and then I thought, oh, there's going to be forest fires. And sure enough, we see smoke rolling in over the capital today, over other parts of the territory as well. And I think many Northerners, and I've seen it on social media, people texting me or talking to me that there's a lot of concern -- or people being reminded of the 2023 wildfire crisis, of the evacuations and, of course, the review that has just happened comes to mind about that, the after-action report.

I think the starkest finding of that report was the loss of trust. And in the report itself, the recognition of loss that they were able to quantify through their reporting is really profound, and their finding of -- TSI's finding of a loss of trust, safety, and security. The events have shaken the fundamental sense of security, leaving many uncertain about safety in their own lands. This loss of faith is a painful burden for a territory that has long found solace and strength in its connection to the land and each other.

Mr. Speaker, public -- from public trust erosion, trust and transparency, to issues with being able to communicate to folks who are going through these crises, all these things have been shown in sharp relief. And that trust has still not been renewed. It's one of the priorities that I hope this Assembly would take up, and I think in a roundabout way that's the work of any government, to ensure their citizens trust them.

But when we look to other professions and professionals and experts who we do trust - doctors, nurses, firefighters, police, people and authority figures who help us out when we need it the most - they're also telling us we need help. And we've seen, you know, two pieces of legislation now coming forward to address those first responders. We see their concerns. We hear their concerns all the time that they're not getting enough support. And all of this is part of the same problem, which is this gap of trust that emerged and that has been building over time and was really broken during that evacuation. We need to do more, and we need to have a real effort to rebuild this, not just a set of responses to a report. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from Monfwi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Monfwi energy. Mr. Speaker. Whati, Behchoko, Gameti, and Wekweeti, still rely heavily on diesel power. This is unsustainable. Mr. Speaker, we need to invest in clean energy like the Whati transmission line and the Lac Le Martre Mini Hydro Project. But, Mr. Speaker, my constituents are asking when will we see progress on these projects? Communities need answers, timelines, and new jobs.

These projects are not just about energy. They will create work and opportunities. Mr. Speaker, with the right approach, we can create local jobs and build capacity in our communities -- I hope they will not whisper anymore over here; it's distracting.

This can only happen if the GNWT is working in true partnership with Indigenous governments.

I recently spoke to a young apprentice from my riding who returned home after post-secondary training full of hope who was enrolled in electrician program. He has the skills. He has the skills he needs, but no local job opportunities in his chosen trade. This young person will have to leave home on June 16th due to lack of options for his apprenticeship. That is a shame.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot allow our youth to be forced to earn a living elsewhere. Investing in clean energy projects and infrastructure here at home means creating good, sustainable jobs for our young people so they can build their futures and remain near their families, language, and culture. This is why timely progress on the Whati transmission line and Lac Le Martre Mini Hydro Project is so urgent. Is the GNWT working with the Tlicho government on energy planning? Are we creating opportunities for Tlicho citizens to be part of the outcome?

Mr. Speaker, clean energy must go hand-in-hand with economic development. Our people want to work. They want to build a better future. I will have questions for the Minister of NTPC at the appropriate time. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, next Thursday, here at the Legislative Assembly, a completion ceremony will be held for those adult students who have completed programs at the Literacy outreach Centre. Now, there were 39 students enrolled this past winter semester. It will be the 28th year that such a completion ceremony is held, but there's a danger it may be the last.

The Literacy Outreach Centre was a partnership involving Aurora College and Inclusion NWT. Aurora College decided, for reasons that are hard to understand, to shut down the centre as part of its closure of community learning centres across the territory. In our winter sitting, the Minister publicly committed in this House to provide, during the spring sitting, a critical path forward for community learning centres. I am disappointed that that path hasn't been determined yet, even though today is the last day of session, and I am disappointed that we haven't spoken much in our committees or in this House about this issue.

It's easy to fall off the radar because adult learning and community-based literacy doesn't neatly fit into any of the government's boxes. When we talk about education, we usually think of the school system, college programs, or official credentials. When we talk about jobs or the economy, we think about mining development or maybe hiring and procurement policies. But we have a lot of adults in this territory who are missing some basic fundamental skills that are necessary for them to be successful in a job or a college program, not to mention being able to be self-sufficient in navigating everyday life, especially with this online world. We're talking about people who need to be fluent in reading and writing in any language, being able to make calculations and estimates with numbers, being comfortable on a computer, and being able to use the internet effectively. Even the younger generation, we often assume that at least they're computer literate, but it's worth remembering that being cell phone literate is not the same as computer literacy. And yet Aurora College's plan to move forward with basic adult education is to switch to online learning. It defies logic, Mr. Speaker.

I understand that more time is needed to find out what specific kinds of training opportunities are needed in each NWT community and to work out details about the best uses of individual buildings that Aurora College has vacated. But we still need to keep refocusing on how are we delivering the fundamentals, in every community, of language literacy, numeracy, and computer literacy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If we had more session days, I would have liked to have used my time or opportunity to talk about NWT Housing and how they could get behind the NUP Renewal Project where they supply 125 residential affordable units to people desperate for affordable housing. They're doing it at a low carbon update, and all it would take is some backing to support their initiative. And by the way, for the record, the deadline's tomorrow to get behind that, for the Minister.

Mr. Speaker, if we had more time, I would like to talk about the health Minister and how she could get behind all Alzheimer's Alberta-NWT, where they're connecting Northerners with solutions on trying to work through their problems at zero cost to this government, virtually that is, but with a little support that relationship would go a long way, but only if I had more time, Mr. Speaker.

If I had more time, Mr. Speaker, we'd be talking about with the health Minister why in goodness sakes are we trying to act like Toronto where we have health permits now required for community barbecues. I mean, my goodness, when we become Toronto, we've got some serious reflection to start considering.

Mr. Speaker, with time ticking away, if I had more time, Mr. Speaker, I'd be talking about Avens and why the government continues to ignore the fact that it's subsidizing an NGO -- or sorry, an NGO is subsidizing the GNWT. Mr. Speaker, this squabble's all over emergency pay. It's not as if they bought cars and new paintings and yadda, yadda, yadda. It's about giving danger pay for people who took care of 57 of our most vulnerable people. But if I had more time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, if I had more time in this session, I'd be talking about the envoy. Boy, I don't get tired of that. You know, the Premier's buddy, appointed to a particular position for $440,000. But we're running out of time, Mr. Speaker, to talk about an employee who has been -- you know, former employee who was then, again, a former employee and continued to be a former employee and then brought back for reasons unknown, Mr. Speaker. But we don't have enough time.

Mr. Speaker, and lastly, if I had more session days, which I would certainly love, I'd like to spend some time, again, talking about housing issues, about the barrier-free need of housing in the NWT. Mr. Speaker, I think the LHOs, the local LHOs, should be the stewards of these. When we're investing millions of dollars, we want the right partners in place who can maintain, manage, and provide safe environments because the last thing we want to do is avoid another bailout or a crisis, especially when we can see one coming. But like I said, Mr. Speaker, if I had more time. Thank you.

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

Mr. Speaker, before we break for the summer, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and congratulate the high school graduates in my Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh riding starting with:

• Hannah Beck and Caleb Simon

from Fort Resolution;

• Leona Lockhart from Lutselk'e.

And at K'alemi Dene School in N'dilo, I want to recognize

• Patricia Black-Quitte
• Tadeh Betsina
• Owen Charlo-Zoe
• Lora Lee Stiopu.

I also want to congratulate the Indigenous high school graduates here at both high schools in Yellowknife, starting with Indigenous graduates from Sir John:

• Sara Elizabeth Anderson
• April Ansetti
• Rhiannon Balmer
• Bianca Bates
• Keenian Logan Cardinal-Sunshine
• Kalley Chorostkowski
• Mia Ann Dokum
• Kevon Football
• Michelle Sarah Therese Gon
• Ryan Harris
• Asher Hutton
• Grayson Klein
• Hailey Zoey Kodzin
• Mikayla Godze Lafferty
• Ty Lewis
• Madison Kelly Sabet Liske
• Anica Majok-Gordon
• Tristan Aden Menacho Martin Crapeau
• Harley McKnight
• Talya Meserah-Zdyb
• Nico Morin
• Kenneth Lance Neyelle
• Joslyn Raddi
• Jayden Rejean
• Charles Sayine
• Megan Smallwood
• Nahze Hedley Spurrell
• Jake Steinwand
• Rex Turner
• Cyrus Lindsay Walton
• Deacon Louis Dion Wedawin-Edjericon
• Tamara Grimard

And finally, the Indigenous grads from St. Patrick High School:

• Denize Drygeese-Neyelle
• Dexter Edjericon
• Josef Fowler
• Phoenix Erasmus
• Sam Erasmus
• Hannah Lafferty
• Nitanis-Kaitlin Laboucan
• Keisha Harris
• Baptiste Menoza
• Rylan Nasken
• Yakeleya Ritolowski
• Florissa Wetrade

And, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge my wife Elita Edjericon who just completed her Master's of Education.

Also, I want to end by thanking all the interpreters here today. I want to say mahsi and for their hard work and preservation in promoting the North's official languages. As well, my constituent assistant Taylor Pagotta, [indiscernable] Delorme, as well extend a thank you to all of the support staff here who works every day keeping our Assembly running. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, June is the month of graduation in Inuvik. We'll be -- you know, when I get home, I'll be able to partake in the grade 12 graduation at East Three Secondary where we have a large graduating class, so I'd like to congratulate all of those grade 12 graduates.

But we also have our kindergarten graduation which is an amazing time for the littles to be able to celebrate them moving into their primary class. And one of the other graduating classes is the grade 6 graduation. In Inuvik, we have always historically had our elementary school and our high school, so grade 6 graduation has become this elaborate graduation which they well earn because they get to cross through those big double doors and become high school students. In most places, they become middle school students but when in Inuvik, they get to go over to the big school. And I would like to congratulate them all.

I would also like to congratulate our post-secondary students that are coming out of colleges and universities and programs throughout Canada that are returning home and, you know, I encourage, education is the way that we're going to move forward to be stronger in the Northwest Territories and I'd like to put a shout-out to a few of the local graduate nurses that are now coming home to Inuvik. And it's very exciting to see more and more of you coming into the healthcare system.

I'd also like to say to all my colleagues here, you know, enjoy your summer, you know, it's a lot of time to go and spend with constituents, with family. Although we continue to work every day, it seems like that when you're out, make sure you're staying safe, you know. A lot of people will go out on the boat. This is near and dear to my family, is to safe, wear your lifejacket, you know, make sure you're practicing safe practices out on the land, and I look forward to seeing everybody come back here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member from Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commend the high school graduates of 2025 in the Nunakput riding. These young people have persevered over the last 12 years to complete their high school curriculum. Although this is the end of high school, hopefully this is not the end of their educational journey as it is my hope, and the hope of many, that our people lead in all aspects of our communities, our organizations; whatever they dream to be - including nursing, teaching, local administration, and accounting. We also need tradespeople to build and maintain our homes and infrastructure. We need everyone protecting our people, the land, and water. This is my hope, Mr. Speaker.

I congratulate from Angik School in Paulatuk:

• Kassius Green
• Misty Wolki-Ruben
• Chase Wolki.

From Helen Kalvak Elihakvik School in Ulukhaktok:

• Kaia Ehaloak
• Alyssia Irish Memogana
• Keir Anne Joss
• Thomas Kimiksana
• Krista Kitekudlak
• Alison Kuneluk
• Angel Kuptana
• Lola Nigiyok
• Mary Olifie.

From Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk:

• Melinda Elias
• Kiara Cockney
• Alicia Felix
• Isaiah Gruben
• Jobey Lundrigan
• Mickey Gruben
• Sowlaq Kuiksak Raddi
• Dominick Kimiksana.

And to add, thank you to the parents, families, and teachers for your support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Nunakput. Members' statements.

Colleagues, it is that time of year where I get to celebrate the grade 12 graduation of students from Liidlii Kue Regional High School in Fort Simpson and Echo Dene School in Fort Liard. It is a time we get honour not just the academic achievements of these remarkable young individuals but also the resilience and determination they have demonstrated throughout their educational journeys. This milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and personal growth, and it is a momentous occasion for the entire community.

Graduation is more than just a ceremony; it is a rite of passage that signifies the transition from adolescence to adulthood. For those students, it represents the countless hours spent studying, the friendships formed, and the challenges overcome. Many have navigated unique cultural landscapes, drawing strength from their heritage while embracing new ideas and experiences. This blend of tradition and innovation is a statement to their character and the diverse backgrounds that enrich our communities.

As they step into the next chapter of their lives, whether pursuing further education, entering the workforce, or exploring new opportunities, these graduates carry with them not only their academic knowledge but also the values instilled by their families and educators. They are equipped to face the world with confidence, creativity, and a sense of responsibility.

Let us celebrate their achievements, support their aspirations, and look forward to the contributions they will make as they embark on their journeys. The future is bright for these graduates, and their potential is limitless.

Today I would like to recognize fifteen students who have completed their elementary, junior, and senior high journey.

To the three students from Echo Dene School and the four students from Liidlii Kue Regional High School, congratulations on completing this journey, a good start on your life's journey. I know there have been some fun and challenging times, but I can tell you that it has prepared you for the next step in your life, whether it is going on to further schooling, trades, travel, or work.

As I have done in the past, I have a few words of encouragement and the list of grads which I will asked to be deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.

To the parents, families, and teachers, thank you for all the support for those graduates. You should be happy and proud of your child today.

In closing, I'd like to wish all the 2025 graduating classes across the NWT all the best and congratulations on a job well done.

Echo Dene Students

• Hunter Bertrand- Deneron
• Zachary Berreault
• Corbin Wilson

Liidlii Kue Regional High School Students

• Helena Bonnetrouge
• Gina Hardisty-Isaiah
• Amaria Tanche-Hanna
• William Tanche-Hanna

Encouragement

"Find a career that you will love. It is very important because once you do, it is not work. It is something that you wake up wanting to do and it is not work. Please remember not to settle on a career. Like love, find the one that makes you happy."

"Buckle up. Like the school adventure that you went through, there are going to be some good times and not so good times ahead of you. Enjoy each moment as they are all learning opportunities for you and part of life. Please remember it is all right to cry and laugh about things. There is going to be a lot of opportunities to do both."

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."

"You have two ears and one mouth. Please remember it is always wise to listen and understand what you have heard before kicking your mouth into gear."

Members' statements. Member from Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise in this House today to pay tribute to a friend, a respected educator, and a cherished member of our community, Ron Holtorf.

Ron passed away peacefully on March 15th, 2025, at St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Ron was a devoted husband to Danetta, a loving father to Roger, Jolynn, and Richard, and a proud grandfather to Caitlin and Eric. He also leaves behind his sister Elizabeth and many dear friends. He was preceded by his parents, Jack and Helen, and his beloved grandson Christian.

Mr. Speaker, Ron was born in Kenora, Ontario, but it was the Northwest Territories he chose as his home, arriving in 1953. In Fort Smith, he built a life, rooted in love, service, and community. It was there that he met Danetta, and together they shared 51 years of marriage, years filled with laughter, mutual respect, and unwavering support for each other.

Ron was a passionate educator and a lifelong learner. He began his career as a teacher and later took on a leadership role at Aurora College where he eventually retired as president. His impact on northern education was profound, and his commitment to student success touched countless lives. He also served our community with distinction as a town councillor and volunteer. Ron believed deeply in giving back, whether through public service, mentorship, or simply offering a kind word. He had a sharp wit, a generous spirit, and a kind love for the land and the people of the North.

Even after the 2023 evacuation from Fort Smith due to the wildfire, Ron's heart never left the North. Although illness prevented his return, he worked hard to regain his strength at St. Joe's in hopes of coming home, a testament to his strength and resilience.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the many healthcare workers, friends, and family members who stood by Ron through his final journey. In his memory, the family has asked that donations be made to your local food bank, a cause that was close to Ron's heart.

On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my gratitute for the role Ron and Danetta unknowingly played in my own life. My wife Karen first came to Fort Smith with her friend Shannon, a niece of Ron and Danetta name, and it was through that visit that Karen and I met. For that and for so much more, I will always be thankful.

Ron's legacy will live on in the community he helped shape, and in the lives he touched so deeply. We all miss him dearly as a friend, a mentor, and a true Northerner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Thebacha. Our condolences go out to the family and friends.

Members' statements. Motions. Member from Yellowknife North.

Mr. Speaker,

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that notwithstanding Rule 2.1, when the House adjourns on Thursday, May 29, 2025, it shall be adjourned until Thursday, October 16, 2025;

AND FURTHER, that any time prior to October 16, 2025, if the Speaker is satisfied after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier or later time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question has been called. All those in favour? Opposed? Abstentions? Motion carried.

---Carried

Motions. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ever so briefly, I want to recognize and acknowledge all the incredible interpreters we have here. I would certainly say to some degree they are all my favourites; however, Mr. Speaker, I have one favorite who is just a little more favorite, and that happens to be Ms. Sarah Cleary. She's here, and she interprets Dene Kede, and I'm certainly grateful to call her a friend as well a constituent, and I appreciate the hard work she does here every day we sit. Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm happy today to recognize Inuvik Boot Lake constituency assistant, Ms. Sheila Nasogaluak here today. Her advocacy and certainly her passion and hard work for our constituents is invaluable for the work that we do up there, and I would not be able to do my job without her. Thank you.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, [Translation] INSERT* [Translation Ends] masi. That's it. I'm done.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to take the time to recognize two of our pages that have been with us and working hard all week that are Yellowknife North constituents. We have Solomon Young and Ace Wickens, who are both from William MacDonald School. So thank you and thanks to all the pages for all of your help and patience with us this week. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to also thank the pages for the tremendous work they've done this week, and I'd like to recognize the pages from PWK High School in Fort Smith, Elli MacDonald-Jaque, Kyla MacDonald-Schwartzenberger, Paisley Jones, and their chaperon Jana Jaque.

I'd also like to recognize Agatha [indiscernible]*, or Aggie as she's known. My MSA will be leaving this week, it's her last week, on to a new adventure, and I just wanted to thank her for all the tremendous work that she's done for me and everyone in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Thebacha. Colleagues, it's recognition of visitors in the gallery. Please focus on that, thank you.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize a visitor in the gallery who is right behind me; it's Christian Bittrolff. He's the president of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 2890. Thank you for being here today, Christian.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we have missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your chambers. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It is always nice to see people in the gallery and allowing us to be representatives for you here representing the people.

Acknowledgements. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge the staff and students of Ecole Allain St-Cyr on the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of this important Frame Lake institution.

The NWT's French first-language school got its humble beginning in 1989 with a single class in a portable classroom at Ecole J.H. Sissons on the initiative of passionate francophone parents. 35 years later, the school has grown considerably. It has its own building on Taylor Road now and is home to more than 200 French-first language students, from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. A ceremony celebrating the milestone was held last week at the school where a time capsule was opened.

I want to extend my congratulations to Yellowknife's francophone community. Toutes mes félicitations à l'École Allain St-Cyr. Merci, you Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in an unusual circumstance here, I gave the Minister a head's up on this particular one, so the Minister of housing won't be surprised on my question because it's so important we can't miss this opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, the question is about helping Northern United Place on their renewal project. They have obtained loans and processes all on their own, and all they require is housing to support them as a backstop to help underwrite the loans, the million dollars of loans they are potentially receiving. So, Mr. Speaker, would the Minister direct her department before the May 30th deadline lapses, and they miss this energy efficiency renewal project. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. Yes, this is a great project, excited to hear all the good work that the NWT Community Services Corporation has done, and the exciting work around the rehabilitation of Northern United Place with the renovation project. Housing NWT at this time is still working on a response, Mr. Speaker, and I'm hoping to have something today or tomorrow with the response to the NWT Community Services Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At first, it may appear like a layout of cash but it's not. It's just a guarantee, and the GNWT will get its money back because this is a 50-year organization that is cruising to work.

Mr. Speaker, what communication has the Minister, through her department obviously, had with the Yellowknife Community Association in the context of NUP about what they're doing and how they're trying to meet their deadline of tomorrow May 30th? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, Housing NWT, we cannot guarantee anything. This is a financial management board decision because we can't continue to take on debt. It reduces the borrowing capacity of the Government of the Northwest Territories. Internal discussions right now with the Community Services Corporation and Housing NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT. Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to freshen up the memory of this particular House, it was housing was supported through a move forward on $41.6 million, Mr. Speaker. Ooh, that's a lot of money. Mr. Speaker, I'm asking is there any way to tap into that financial opportunity temporarily to support this mult-imillion dollar initiative they got all on their own and they're going to pay for it all on their own. And, Mr. Speaker, lastly, they've done this for 50 years without interruption, and they've served this community well. Can the Minister find a way to make this happen? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, thank you to the Member for the emphasis on how important this project is, especially for downtown Yellowknife, affordable housing, Aurora College students. This is really important that we provide a place, and the renovation project sounds like a great renovation project and some good work by the NWT Community Services Corporation.

We're looking at the community housing initiative funding and seeing if there's any opportunity to provide some funds through the community housing initiative fund to the NWT Community Services Corporation. So, again, these are internal discussions, and I'm pressing Housing NWT for a response. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT. Oral questions. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had a young constituent of mine reach out to talk to me about AI technologies and how they're changing the world, increasingly becoming the norm in industries from, you know, coffee shops to the highest levels of military. So my question is for the Minister responsible for the public Service. What policies are currently in place to govern the use of AI technology in the GNWT? Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Minister of Finance.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the use of artificial intelligence obviously is a new area. It certainly is one that we are looking to provide better guidance to our staff on. So what we've done thus far, we looked to what the Government of Canada's doing, we've also looked at what the Government of British Columbia doing, and that is likely to be where we'll find the most alignment that can help us move this forward a little faster. And with that, we will be able to produce our own guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence, which I expect that and then training associated to be ready for staff in the very near future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I would appreciate knowing a clear timeline on that. Are we looking at the end of term or next year or something like that because this technology's moving fast every day, and faster still, it's learning a lot. So when can we expect to see those new policies come in place? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm aware that this work is well underway. I don't have the timeline in front of me, but it certainly will be this government and I would say, really, not the end of the government but fairly soon. So I'll certainly happily commit to get that timeline back to the Member. It is an area where we want to ensure that people are able to use this. It can be an opportunity for efficiency, creativity. But it needs to be used responsibly, and it needs to have human oversight to make sure that we remain, you know, obviously, transparent in what we're doing. So happy to provide that date as soon as I can. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Finance. Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you would use AI to write your own policies but let's not do that.

Mr. Speaker, there's also AI technology you could use to better manage our energy systems, our emergency management systems, and a host of other things to improve that. Is this policy also going to cover the use of those technologies that could be procured for other public policy purposes? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this point, Mr. Speaker, I mean, looking at using AI technology in areas of infrastructure and actually replacing type of different infrastructure systems is beyond what I'm speaking to here. What I'm looking at here is how the public service is using AI really more in day-to-day functions. So, again, don't want to be overpromising in terms of what it is, but it's really meant to be guidance for the public service in how we use it in a public service context and not necessarily when it comes to, for example, battery systems. Certainly open to having an opportunity to look at those as well, if it would answer questions here in the House, but this is really focused on the public service who are delivering functions to public, you know, policy generation for example, not necessarily replacing infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Finance. Oral questions. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Premier's sessional statement highlighted facilities-addictions treatment and dedicated aftercare. So my questions today are for the Minister for Health and Social Services.

The Minister knows that I have had constituents who have required to go to facilities down south, and it's a very convoluted and complicated process and public-facing information is limited. So, Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me what she is doing to improve pathfinding for addictions treatment in other territories for the people of the NWT? Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate the question and, you know, this is -- I received BFs on this. And so one of the things that I've asked my department to do is to look at the front-facing and, you know, when a lot of times when people are looking, you know, we tend to search online and so that was the first thing that, you know, we look at is how do we find what we service providers are offering. And it is very difficult on our website to find facility-based addiction treatment and how to access it. So that is one of the directions that I've given to the department. But what I would like to say is that every one of our communities has access to the community counselling program, and that would be the first step to doing that. And if you're living in a health centre -- a community with a health centre, then it would be the health centre that you contact.

I've asked the department to try and to be able to do this and make this information a lot more clear for people that are needing this service, you know, and I -- and I appreciate the questions because I think when we have somebody who is struggling through addictions or through this type, you know, they may struggle to just try to find the energy to find the services, and so we have to make it as easy as possible. So that is what I've given the direction to my department to look into. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for the Minister for her compassion on this issue. One thing that I heard from my constituent specifically, who was dealing with this in December of last year, was the inability to secure a case manager in time for their family member to receive a path forward expediently to treatment. So can the Minister please tell me what the quickest way to connect with a case manager to make sure that people who are expediently seeking care, who don't want to relapse, can find that way to treatment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the things that we heard loud and clear from many users of the service is that there used to be a -- you needed a pre-approval just to be able to apply for this program. That has been removed. But what I would like to go back to is the expedient of the facility-based addiction program. There is a necessary -- you know, and I know that when people are ready to go, they might be ready today, there is a process still that can take -- you know, it can be up to -- once you have a caseworker, can take three to five weeks to get into a facility. The reason why that is is that we have six facilities that we have contracts with, and those are the only contracts that we pay for. So we have six contracts outside of the territory. And there is an application process. There's an intake process. And so any community counsellor can be. In Yellowknife, Tree of Peace is an intake place. But what I would also like to share is this is not an immediate entrance into a facility. And I know when people are going through this, they're urgently wanting their family members to be put into somewhere. What we have gotten federal funding for is for detox beds. So if there is a need for detox, the process for that, though, would have to go through a practitioner and, you know, and we -- you know, so if you're in a community, you may be referred to the hospital once you're ready or you're, you know, preparing to go for intake. Some of our facilities actually have the detox so that would be something that the caseworker would work out. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Final supplementary. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister also speak to what availability and communication of that availability of aftercare is available to folks who are coming back from treatment. I know that with some of the resources that are coming on in line in Yellowknife, which are fantastic -- I'm so excited that we have that, those dedicated spaces, but what information can family members receive about making sure that their loved one is coming back and has a safe place to land? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, aftercare -- this is one of the concerns that we do have a gap in and so -- but what we do have the gap in is the living accommodations. For those who go out to facility-based addiction treatment, if they're going from homelessness then they're not coming back to a home, so we -- you know, we are working on a transitional housing after recovery program. We just recently announced that the one in Yellowknife will -- you know, and then the -- we have one kind of be coming online in Inuvik. But aftercare is just the support, so there are some of the facility-based addiction treatments that continue online in virtual aftercare once they leave. There's also our community counselling or the caseworker that they worked with that helped them send them out can also be the person that can connect them with the aftercare counselling that they may need in the community that they're returning to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Oral questions. Member from the Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We in the NWT have a tremendous amount of needs, as I heard from my colleague there, Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, highlight the benefits of from the Jordan's Principle program and possible jeopardy. My questions are for the Premier on advocation.

My first question is this question -- or could the Premier explain why the senior envoy to the Government of Canada role was created and what it is intended to achieve? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Sahtu. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I appreciate the Member's question.

So there's been a lot of focus on the North over the past year and a half, a focus like we've never seen before I would say. There's also a new government in Ottawa. And so there's momentum right now. There's attention on the North. There's a desire to make investments in Canada, build up the strength of Canada, and take advantage of our natural resources. So there's momentum, and we need to keep that momentum going. We need to capitalize on that momentum. We need to keep the NWT at the front of people's minds in Ottawa. I think about the Council of Leaders' trip that Cabinet took with Indigenous governments from across the territory. It was a great event. We went down there, and then we left. We made waves while we were there. Everyone knew we were coming. We had a number of Ministers show up. But then we left, and then we didn't have that constant presence. And, yes, we're up here, we're making phone calls, we're sending emails. But we need to take advantage of this moment and stay at the front of people's minds. Part of our job is educating Ottawa about the North. So having someone there who can actually, you know, speak to the different offices about what's going on in the North, keeping them up to date, and then sending back intel, that's going to be important. And so those are the -- that's the rationale behind this office. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Premier for that reply. Yes, I can understand the Indigenous government participation. Over 60 percent, Mr. Speaker, of our territory is underneath a modern treaty society.

My second question is Indigenous government support is critical to our advocacy and engagement efforts in Ottawa. Could the Premier describe the approach to include governments in the federal engagement and how the envoy position will support these efforts? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think that that -- well, I know that that trip to Ottawa with the Council of Leaders really highlighted the importance of having Indigenous voices at the table in Ottawa. We're a small territory. Authorities are disbursed among a number of different bodies and governments and boards. And we're not going to advance unless we work together to advance, and so it is absolutely critical to have Indigenous governments support their advocacy efforts in Ottawa. We all sink or swim together. If an Indigenous government is able to go to Ottawa, get support for something, bring money into the territory, that's a benefit for the territory. And when we were down there with Council of Leaders, there were some Indigenous governments and we helped them set up meetings with federal officials, both elected and employees of the federal government, and have meetings. And in some instances, those chiefs had never had meetings with federal representatives before in Ottawa. They never -- maybe didn't know how to navigate the system, didn't have the contacts, for whatever reason, but we saw the value in that and we want to ensure that we continue to support those efforts.

So there's been a lot of positive feedback from Indigenous governments about the envoy position, and we received formal and informal requests for support in Ottawa. So I think that this is going to be good not just for the Government of the Northwest Territories but for Indigenous governments as well, and I look forward to working with them and supporting their efforts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Final supplementary. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Premier for that reply. Yes, I have talked to our Indigenous governments in my area. I appreciate that we are including Indigenous governments in this important work, Mr. Speaker. I know this envoy position is relatively new, but could the Premier advise the House of any results from this new position? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, yes, the position is new, and we're in a transition period in Ottawa where we had a federal election, now we have a new government who are, you know, trying to find out where their offices are. And so right now, we are educating ourselves, strategizing, but, yes, there have been successes. So the Endacho Healing Society, which is led by Roy and Gina Erasmus -- you probably know them from the Dene Wellness Warriors -- they recently announced that they received $7 million from the Government of Canada, and my office was supporting them through that and that money is to support the development of a trauma healing lodge. You know, it speaks directly to our mandate or the priorities of this Assembly. And I will read from an article that was published in NNSL written by Roy Erasmus, quote: I want to acknowledge the support from the GNWT during our application and more specifically the recently announced senior envoy to the Government of Canada. His support, advice, and political advocacy for our project was essential, and we appreciate the Premier's commitment to providing this type of connector to Ottawa. And that's the type of feedback we're receiving from around the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Oral questions. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member's statement, I spoke about a building code for the North. I would like to ask the Minister, given the number of units that certainly we are planning on building through our housing corporation as well as all the work that's being done with the Indigenous governments in my region and throughout the territory, can the Minister update this House on the work that's being completed by the working group to datez. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks for the question. Although the Ministers have changed, the work is still continued, and we're going to continue on with the line of work that's been completed for developing and working on the national building codes for the structures. So that being said, I know we don't have the full implementation yet. However, we do have it in had our projects. When we send anything out to RFP or anything like that, it is to develop to the national building codes. So right now, we're utilizing the 2020 National Building Codes and the 2020 National Fire Codes under the Fire Prevention Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, and I appreciate that, and I recognize that we still have guidelines that we do offer through the department; however, what we don't have is enforcement. Can the Minister commit to -- and I know the previous Minister had a plan to have a plan. Can the Minister commit to sharing that plan, workplan, once developed by the working group with the House, please. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will commit to that, and as soon as we have it done and ready, we will share that with the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure. Final supplementary. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since we're on the topic of commitments, we love commitments and I certainly appreciate that, can the Minister -- big, huge commitments. Can the Minister please -- would the Minister commit to, then, as the previous Minister committed to, having this building code in place when we walk out of this building at the end of this 20th Assembly. Thank you.

The goal is to have the -- all the policies developed by next summer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure. Oral questions. Member from Monfwi.

Mahsi. Can the Minister say what plans or energy initiatives the government has in place with the Tlicho government or get Tlicho communities off diesel power? Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains.

Better than I could do, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for the question. This is an area of tremendous importance. First and foremost, Mr. Speaker, any work that we're doing with or for the communities in Monfwi, we're doing in consultation and in involvement with the Tlicho government. They really are leaders here in terms of where they want to see their communities go, and it's my hope that we can just be partners to them to help enable those visions to come true. There's a couple of major things and I think, in fact, the Member already mentioned them. One of them is the transmission line to Whati. This is around a 50 kilometer stretch which will connect the community into the Snare hydro system, and the hope and expectation is that it will be a project that goes to the partnership that built the same -- that built the TASR highway so -- or the Tlicho highway. That is mainly the Tlicho-Kiewit partnership. Beyond that, Mr. Speaker, that will work very well with a hydro project if there is a Lac Le Martre Hydro Project. This was many years now in the making, but we're bringing that back hopefully to life. We're going to see if we can bring that up and move it forward to a stronger feasibility and get that on to the system as well. It adds -- it will add in not only for Whati, it will add into the whole system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Okay. Can the Minister provide a status update on the Whati transmission line?

Yes, Mr. Speaker. Happy to do so. The only -- what we -- the stage we were at, Mr. Speaker, is we're negotiating -- there is, of course, the infrastructure cooperation agreement with the Tlicho government, and so we were working with them to negotiate the final stages of a design contract. That may well even be signed by now, but certainly the last time I had checked in on it, we were at the final stages of that. That will go to design, and then from there, we will be hopefully jointly going to help get some funding to see this project to its completion. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains. Member from Monfwi.

Mr. Speaker, women and girls are often overlooked and disrespected in terms of the trades. Will the work on the Whati transmission line lead to the creation of new GNWT jobs in the Tlicho region and if this is the case, what sort of positions would be tailored for young Indigenous female apprentices? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don't have an answer here. What I would like to suggest is that I'm going to commit to get an answer, and a proper answer. I think that's an exceptional question. Typically, when a project comes forward of this magnitude, there will be some analysis done about potential jobs that are created, and it would include an analysis under GDA, plus it would include an analysis of whether or not there's a gender component to it in terms of who gets affected or who may benefit. So in the current cases, Mr. Speaker, I would suggest this is the exact time where I'll commit to bring back to the House further information so that we can, in fact, commit properly to making sure that the community's fully engaged and that every Member and every resident in the Tlicho region can see themselves reflected in this project. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. So last March, before the end of our last sitting, the Minister committed in this House with regard to the future of community learning centres, and quote, we're going to provide a critical path and the timeline, and we're going to do that by the May sitting, Mr. Speaker, which is a pretty quick turnaround, but it is an important item and we're happy to make that commitment.

So can the Minister explain what is the status of this critical path and timeline that was promised with regard to the community learning centres? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we were all gearing up and packing up our computers to walk in here today, Members would have received an email from me with a letter that outlined what that critical path and timeline is. And in addition to that, there is a deadline in the letter by which time I would appreciate feedback from committee so that we can further this conversation together. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So my next question is when will funding be confirmed for programs to be able to move forward? If they are to move forward, how soon can we confirm that and get things going. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

BHON. CAITLIN CLEVELAND: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, within that critical path, there are some item that is education, culture and employment is able to fund from within through money that they retained through the MOU that they did have with Aurora College, and there are additional items that would require additional funding. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So how is the Minister prioritizing continuity of access to programs, such as the Literacy Outreach Centre in Yellowknife? In other words, when will staff and students know whether programs will be offered again this September? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, the letter that I've sent to committee outlines both a short-term response acknowledging that, you know, adult learning is very important in communities, and then also longer term conversation about solutions that would take us far beyond our short-term solutions. So in terms of what that looks like, I am asking committee first to respond back to the letter so I can garner their thinking and their perspectives on this. I need to reach out to Indigenous governments to advise them of short term and long-term solutions that we're looking at here, and then from there, we'll go out publicly and be able to share it with everybody. So I'm hoping that all of this can happen in short order and hoping that committee can also prioritize responding to the letter as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the federal government is looking to build Canada into the world's leading hub for science and innovation. What opportunities does the Minister for ECE see for the NWT in that ambitious commitment? Thank you.