Debates of Feb. 13th, 2026

Please be seated. Thank you, Jonas Lafferty, for the opening prayer and reflections.

Ministers' statements. Minister of Infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, across the Northwest Territories, infrastructure projects are about much more than design, labour, and raw materials. These critical projects encompass new opportunities to build, protect, and connect the North that benefits the whole Northwest Territories.

I am proud that the Government of the Northwest Territories is collaborating more closely than ever before with Indigenous governments and working together to set priorities, design projects, and help build infrastructure across the territory. This work is grounded in respect, partnership, and shared commitment to building projects that reflect local priorities and long-term commitments.

Mr. Speaker, one of the critical projects that reflects respectful collaboration is the Dehk'e Frank Channel Bridge replacement project, a major infrastructure initiative to replace the existing 1960s-era bridge on Highway No. 3 with a modern structure. In addition to two lanes, the new bridge will also feature a separate pedestrian and cycling path to improve safety.

In preparation for the future, the new bridge will also support growing traffic demands by establishing the removal of height and width restrictions that currently limit oversized and heavy loads essential for housing, construction, and industrial activity in the area. It will also strengthen connectivity for communities in the North Slave region and enhance access for critical mineral development and trade along the national highway system.

This project is being advanced by the Tlicho-Kiewit general partnership, an Indigenous-led joint-venture between the Tlicho Investment Corporation and Kiewit Corporation. The partnership's recent work includes the construction of the Tlicho Highway, a critical corridor providing year-round safe and reliable connectivity for the community of Whati and the first Indigenous equity investment in a Canadian private-public partnership project.

Construction of the Dehk'e Frank Channel Bridge began in 2025 with the new bridge expected to be open to traffic in fall 2027, and the old bridge will be removed by fall 2028. The Tlicho-Kiewit general partnership is working with the Government of the Northwest Territories to ensure the project is delivered in a way that reflects regional priorities, protects the land and water, prioritizes cultural considerations, and maximizes long-term benefits for the community.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Infrastructure is also working side by side with Indigenous governments on major corridor and access projects that will improve access to services and support economic development while respecting Indigenous leadership and knowledge. We are collaborating on winter road and marine resupply systems that are essential to northern life, and Indigenous governments are key partners in planning, operating, and local employment for these critical links.

With energy projects, we are working with the Indigenous governments on community power systems and renewable energy projects. These relationships support energy security and a more affordable and sustainable future.

At the community level, we are working together to build schools and health facilities in a way that support Indigenous procurement and training. This commitment is reflected in the new health and social services centre in Tulita, nearing the end of its construction. After many delays, this project is expected to be completed this spring. Local residents have been involved from the beginning, contributing to early construction work and now working with the builders on way finding and interior signage, including where to place murals throughout the building.

Another new project is the Behchoko school, where the concept design phase is nearing completion. The Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Infrastructure are working closely with the Tlicho government and the Tlicho Community Services Agency, and the design consultant through an internal working group. This coordination approach ensures that community priorities are reflected at every stage of the planning and the decision-making. Collaboration has been continuous, deliberate, and enabled in every step of the project's development.

Mr. Speaker, this is what government-to-government collaboration looks like. With these principles and practices in hand, we are the leaders in Canada. We are building together, creating opportunity together, and improving regional and territorial economics. Our infrastructure projects are anchored in determination to make the Northwest Territories more resilient. These projects are in line with the needs and the aspirations of the people of the territory and connect us to the rest of Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday evening the lights went out at exactly the same time as a group of proud students from Mildred Hall School were hosting hundreds at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre for the grand opening of their museum exhibit Stone and Bone to Code and Chrome, Ice Age to the Information Age.

It must have been a scene those students will remember for a lifetime. In the eerie quiet, by the light of flashlights, a giant saber-toothed tiger and a megatherium looming over you, cardboard Stone Age creatures come to life. A politician would have likely been grumbling that those power outages are taking us back to the Stone Age but for a child, magic.

I was delighted to visit the exhibit myself earlier this week and to be inspired by what is possible within our education system and within the new BC curriculum.

In building the giant cardboard creatures, the grade 1 and 2 students used their own creativity to figure out how to make them freestanding and then how to transport them to the museum intact. The grade 7 and 8 students created a historical timeline, researching human inventions all the way from the Stone Age to today, and they got to choose which historical events were most important to them. I didn't realize it but it turns out, yes, I do want to know about who invented peanut butter and when.

It is inspiring how much the students took ownership over their projects and were so motivated by the opportunity to share their work with a bigger community audience. Imagine that the rest of the world actually cares what they're doing, cares about their ideas, and wants to learn from them.

We spend our time at the ledge poring over education reports and statistics, but the success of our education system and the well-being of our children ultimately does depend on the people. The dedication and passion of our teachers and administrators, the family members and volunteers who help kids go the extra mile with their projects, and the support of the whole community. Kids need to know that adults are not just there to tell them what to do all the time. We are here to learn from them, to value their unique contributions, and to challenge them to take the lead and to show us the way. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are in full swing. I am proud to join the millions of Canadians cheering on Team Canada as they showcase our nation's finest athletes. Each day brings out more of our athletes standing proudly on the podium and an exciting week still lies ahead. What makes the Winter Olympics truly special is what they mean for our athletes here in the North. Our territory may be small in population, but we punch well above our weight, sending skilled athletes to compete on the world stage because many of these games are made for our people.

Northerners have long shone in Winter Olympic sports, including the versatile biathlete Brendan Green of Hay River, cross-country skier Jesse Cockney from Yellowknife, and speed skater Michael Gilday. And, of course, the trailblazing Firth sisters Sharon and Shirley from Aklavik, cross-country skiers who are longtime members of Canada's national team. While Shirley is tragically no longer with us, my friend Sharon continues to inspire youth and promote northern sports. Just last week, she was the featured highlight of an exhibit at Calgary's airport, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Order of Sport, Canada's highest sporting honour.

I am looking forward to upcoming events in skiing, curling, and speed skating, and of course I can't wait to see our two elite hockey teams continue Canada's dominance on the ice. Closer to home, the Arctic Winter Games will soon showcase young northern talent in sport and Indigenous culture, and I wish all NWT athletes the very best in Whitehorse. Here's to Team Canada, here's to Team NWT, and here's to the next generation of northern athletes. Let's go for gold, Mr. Speaker.

Members' statements. Member from the Deh Cho.

Mr. Speaker, the closure of our community learning centres has left a significant gap in accessible education support across our communities. It is time we work toward re-establishing these essential spaces, this time in partnership with other institutions and under a more supportive and encouraging name - continuing transitional education.

Adult education remains critical in our small communities where graduation rates continue to lag behind the rest of the Northwest Territories. The most recent six-year graduation statistics for 2024 highlight an ongoing and deeply concerning trend. The Government of the Northwest Territories reports that Yellowknife continues to lead with a 71 percent graduation rate, while regional centres such as Inuvik, Hay River and Fort Smith sit at 58 percent. Meanwhile, small communities remain the lowest at just 44 percent, a pattern that has persisted for over a decade.

These disparities illustrate what many Northerners already know. While regional centres are seeing far more graduates, many of our smaller communities continue to face systemic disadvantages. In addition, there seems to be considerable hesitancy among adults about returning to school, and much of that stems from stigma. The word upgrading can feel discouraging or even embarrassing for those who did not complete high school.

Renaming the adult literacy and basic education or upgrading program to continuing transitional education provides a more positive, forward-looking pathway; one that emphasizes growth, dignity and opportunity, rather than past barriers.

Mr. Speaker, too many of our people continue to live in poverty and rates of addictions remain high. Expanding access to continuing education, paired with appropriate mental health supports, can help shift individuals from dependency towards self-reliance. At the end of the day, young people and adults still need accessible avenues to build their skills, pursue careers and improve their lives. I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you.

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

Colleagues, today I am going to recognize the incredible leadership of the Liidlii Kue Regional High School student souncil and the grade 6 class from Liidlii Kue Elementary School. I have witnessed both groups working hard fundraising so students can proudly wear school hoodies and the grade 6 class trip to Edmonton. These efforts not only raise money, but they also build school spirit and give students practical experience in organizing events, managing budgets, and working as a team.

Colleagues, these students are not just focused within the school's walls, but they also spread Christmas cheers in the community by preparing and delivering holiday treats and partaking in the Christmas bazaar. I had the pleasure of receiving one of those holiday treats from four young people.

Within the school, the student council has been helping to organize fun, engaging events to bring students together in a positive way. The LKES grade 6 class helps make school events, such as Christmas concerts, more enjoyable by operating a concession stand. These activities create a more welcoming school environment, encouraging participation, and giving students a chance to celebrate their culture, talent and creativity.

Colleagues, the LKRHS student council and the LKES grade 6 class shows that leadership does not start when you are an adult; it starts when young people are trusted and supported to take the lead. These students are gaining skills and confidence that will carry into future roles as leaders in their families, communities, and in Northwest Territories.

I would like to thank the staff for taking their time to work with these students, especially teachers Mr. Greg Durrant and Ms. Julia de Pelham, who are guiding the class towards an exciting and well-deserved adventure.

Colleagues, I ask you to join me in congratulating the LKRHS student council, LKES grade 6 class, and thanking the staff, parents and volunteers for supporting these impressive young leaders.

Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to first begin by quoting the Minister of Infrastructure's statement. It was certainly timely with respect to my Member's statement. It says, capital projects encompass new opportunities to build, protect, and connect the North for the benefit of Northerners, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, it gave me quick pause because I thought about the Arctic Economic Security Corridor and how important that that's going to be, so I couldn't agree with that statement more. Now, what's interesting here is the Tlicho and the YKFDN have a joint partnership which I certainly support and believe in the empowerment of Indigenous governments and certainly people finding their way economically, socially, and building their communities stronger, Mr. Speaker. But as I understand, they're examining the routes from Whati to Gameti and then on to Wekweeti, the intent is to do a straight shot to the straight north which means, Mr. Speaker, believe it or not, from what I am told the third path of the Arctic Economic Security Corridor will go past Yellowknife and not even stop by.

Mr. Speaker, that's in clear contradiction of the Minister's statement about tying communities together.

Mr. Speaker, we must find ways to build and support all communities and strengthen our infrastructure in a way to strengthen resilience of all Northerners, Mr. Speaker.

Yellowknife is the largest economy in the Northwest Territories and essentially what this statement, from what I am told, is it's creating a bypass past the capital and that cannot be the case, Mr. Speaker. This is absolutely, deeply concerning. Mr. Speaker, any discussion about this particular rigours of this project must include, in some ways, if they want to make a ring road to tie it back to Yellowknife, I think then we achieve the same goals.

If you want to ask me, is it important to connect Whati to Gameti? I will say absolutely. Mr. Speaker, if you want me to believe -- ask me if I believe in connecting to Wekweeti to the roads or infrastructure, absolutely. But Mr. Speaker, from what I am told this process is essentially just like the Mackenzie Valley Highway, going from Fort Simpson to Wrigley, ignoring Norman Wells, and going straight to Inuvik. Could you imagine that particular case?

Mr. Speaker, I can't stand for this, and I want to make sure when I ask questions to the Minister of Infrastructure, to make sure that Yellowknife doesn't become a bypass road that is completely ignored. Mr. Speaker, again, Yellowknife is a key partner in this. Yellowknife MLAs support the Tlicho people and the YKDFN asserting their abilities to grow their economy and support their people, and I will do that every way I can, but it cannot come at a cost of Yellowknife and the infrastructure here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Replies to the budget, day 7 of 7. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the 2026-2027 Budget Address points to a shifting and uncertain landscape in geopolitics, one of which we are all acutely aware. Anyone paying attention to world events knows that chaos is not a way to govern, not a way to build relationships and partnerships, and not a way to seize opportunities headed our way. And contrary to the fictional philosophy, chaos is not a ladder.

Difficult challenges require an analytic, coherent, and integrated approach. I proudly put NWT residents, their good ideas, and data-driven decision-making first, and that foundation also steers my decision-making on the 2026-2027 Budget before us.

I think it is sometimes easy to forget that the population of the Northwest Territories would not fill the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton for an Elks game. It's worth noting that the GNWT does not have the magnitude of fiscal and human resources as compared to a larger provincial jurisdiction.This is demonstrated, in part, by the fact that our per capita public spending is astronomical compared to similar services south of 60; health care, sadly, being the quintessential example.

Plainly, it costs more to provide public services for NWT residents. This is not a novel concept to any of us. At the same time, this chasm of disparity between an NWT resident and a provincial resident in available services and supports is wide, deep, and fundamentally wrong as many of my colleagues have pointed out over the last two years. Residents of all 33 NWT communities should have equal opportunities to good health, education, economic opportunity, community and personal wellness, and a safe and warm place to lay their heads at night. I do not believe that any of us dispute that.

But here we sit, in a territory facing down decades of compounding social problems, all of which need generational investment, and a government with a proposed path of just under $2.4 billion to fund and maintain programs and services that many residents expect and depend on. When local and global circumstances pile on, as they have done so with a weary and unending frequency over the last six years in constant climate-related issues like flooding, low water, highway clearing, wildfire and evacuations, to say nothing of a global pandemic, we continue to have cost overruns.

I specifically waited to give my reply to this budget until we reviewed the most recent supplementary estimates for 2025-2026, to know the totality of unexpected dollars spent above and beyond the main estimates and capital estimates of that year. If I am doing my math right, the supplementaries total an additional $450 million not previously authorized on top of the original main estimates total of $2.375 billion and capital estimates, a total of just under $328 billion.

Mr. Speaker, I think that puts our total spend, if we approve the last set of supps, at just over $3.152 billion. And we'll see what the actuals come out in the wash later on, Mr. Speaker.

All 19 of us hear from our constituents about what they and our communities require. The list is long, and all of our constituents' needs are important to each of us. As I've noted, especially in small communities the disparity of access to basic services is stark. In this regard, I do my best to carefully listen and learn from my colleagues with different lived realities than my own.

The chair of AOC is not wrong when he says that we are resource rich and cash poor. I also echo the commentary that we need to take quick action on capacity, transparency, and demonstrable progress to meet the moment of opportunity we find ourselves in with incoming federal investment and the attention of the major projects office and critical minerals partners.

Project management alone is going to be a herculean task for all partners. I wish to balance my colleagues' comments, however, with my concern that we, as leaders, demand that the public service always do increasingly more with fewer resources. This is why I continue to press the finance Minister for more staff training and investment in monitoring and evaluation across all departments and agencies. Government needs to prioritize understanding which of our programs are not working and why, how we can improve what programs are successful, or shutter services that are no longer meeting the mark. Cuts for the sake of cuts will never be my MO. Accurately positioning staff in areas of greatest need and priority, based on data, should be a key ongoing focus of Cabinet.

The best way forward for nearly 46,000 people who call this territory home is to pull together. I see the work of consensus and relationship building of this Cabinet, both in public and in conversation. I am impressed with my colleague's comments after he attended Roundup on behalf of standing committee, where he noted that our Ministers command attention and respect with their provincial counterparts. I also see executive council communicating effectively at every possible opportunity on a national stage, and that is precisely what we must do.

That said, I disagree with Cabinet consistently and regularly. I choose to execute my roles and responsibility as a Member respectfully, even in disagreement. For me, that means when I come to Cabinet with problems, I also try to do my best to come with possible solutions that are pragmatic and cost effective wherever possible.

As an example, I have successfully advocated for a change to income assistance regulations based on a constituent problem. In this budget, the shift to 24/7 laboratory and diagnostic imaging services is based on both the data collected by the health system and from patient experience reiterated by many Members in this House.

Constructive feedback can and does create impactful change. When we make bold choices together, like AOC's previous successful $150 million housing ask, we are at our best as an Assembly. The nature of decision-making in our territory is such that getting all key players pulling in the same direction in this House, with Indigenous nations, is both crucial and time consuming. As one of my colleagues pointed out last week, it can be an exceedingly difficult path to find consensus to agree on what is exactly the right path forward. Bold paths are even harder to pin down.

Mr. Speaker, as 19 MLAs, we do sit together and set priorities to work to govern ourselves, and it can be challenging to say the least. If you extrapolate that reality to our Cabinet colleagues' responsibilities to work collaboratively with over 50 Indigenous governments and organizations in the territory, as well as with their federal, provincial, and territorial counterparts, all with differing perspectives and priorities, one can clearly understand why taking action can take some time. But this doesn't mean that they and we can't always do better and work tirelessly towards bold, shared, respectful decisions made as expediently as possible.

Throughout this Assembly, I have said that I believe we need to look seriously at shifting our governance and so that capacity and responsibilities also shift. This means that the GNWT and federal governments must make more meaningful investment into capacity building for Indigenous governments. I am happy to see a small investment on that front in this proposed budget, and I will always continue to press for more capacity in this area.

I am not naive. Sweeping governance change will be generational and an iterative process, and it must be at a timeline based on Indigenous government desires. But it does go hand-in-glove with settling land claims and envisioning a brighter future for all people of the NWT.

As a non-Indigenous MLA, it's not my place to unilaterally decide or dictate what that future looks like, but seeking a good path towards true Indigenous government sovereignty is a North Star for how I approach my work. A chaotic approach of drastically swinging priorities and radical budgets that overhaul the public government to only re-overhaul it a few years later when it doesn't work is not how I see us reaching that North Star. Chaos is not the ladder to get us there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Replies to the budge address, day 7 of 7. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members will note, my colleague from Range Lake made reference to the Olympics, I am wearing my Team Canada colours today. Certainly appreciated seeing our men's hockey team win yesterday and I look forward to watching our women tomorrow morning and wish them all the best. But I thought I'd wear a bit of a thematic outfit today. So getting to my reply to the budget address.

Mr. Speaker, as we have been considering our 2026 Budget, the theme of both the budget address itself and the replies to it have focused on whether we are adequately responding to the challenges we're facing. As the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake put it, are we meeting the moment?

And Mr. Speaker, those challenges are many. We have a healthcare system being increasingly squeezed by national shortages of health care practitioners, cuts to integral programs like Jordan's Principle, rising debt, shrinking revenues, and increasingly difficult global market conditions leading to early closure of the mines that form the backbone of our economy, to name just a few. These certainly are difficult times we're facing.

How are we going to meet these challenges? I think we're all feeling the weight of this question, Mr. Speaker. I certainly know I am. And there's been a palpable sense of heaviness in this building, indeed in the world, as we delve into 2026.

Where I think we can find some comfort, Mr. Speaker, is in knowing that we are not facing these challenges alone. We bear this weight together. And in working together, we can take full advantage of our collective strengths. I think that is where the true potential of consensus government lies, and so I offer my reply to the budget address in the spirit of collaboration between Regular Members and Cabinet that our system is designed to uphold.

Working together is not always easy. And it is made more difficult still, because the structure of our system splits us into two different sides, which creates a system of accountability but it also naturally creates conflict.

Mr. Speaker, when I was studying conflict and analysis management, one of the case studies that was presented to our class was one where researchers took two groups of students and split them into two teams. They pitted those teams against each other. They were two camps. It was two summer camps, And they split those camps together and created competition for them to start to compete over each for resources. In that competition, researchers found that the camps quickly descended into tribalism, demonizing each other, fighting. And they observed both camps independently, and in both camps found that they increasingly started to identify strong differences and have difficulty seeing the other as being valuable, as being people who had good ideas. And then the researchers created a common problem that the camps had to fix. And they found that quickly, the demonization that had previously been occurring started to go away. The camps identified common interest. They started to see each other as teammates. And they worked together towards that common goal. And the animosity that had been building between them, simply because they were divided, started to disappear.

I bring this up, Mr. Speaker, because I think it's easy to get caught up inadvertently in tribalism when we are split apart by structure. I think we sometimes do it without even realizing it.

From the Cabinet side, I would imagine that Ministers look at us and feel frustration that it seems like we're asking for everything all at once; That if you did everything we were asking for, spending would be even more out of control than it is. And I acknowledge we do sometimes struggle to coalesce around common ideas. But we have also come together on the most major challenges facing our territory and pushed for change that reflects the priorities we all set together.

And Regular Members certainly can't be blamed for all our budgetary woes. In my short time in this Assembly, I've watched Cabinet struggle to curb spending and stick to their own stated policies. I've watched contracts double year over year. Projects escalate exponentially in cost without changing in scope.

Mr. Speaker, just yesterday, as we were reviewing the strategic infrastructure budget, it was revealed that we have spent more than $60 million collectively on advancing three major projects and have not yet finalized a project description for any of them let alone successfully brought any of them through environmental assessment. Neither of our sides are perfect, Mr. Speaker.

And so I would encourage Members to reflect on this and the phenomenon of how our thinking changes when we are split into separate sides and consider whether we are approaching each other with truly open minds and with the humility and strength of character to admit our shortcomings, to open ourselves to ideas of how to do things differently or better, and acknowledge that there isn't a single one of us who holds all the answers but together as a team, we have a lot of strength and ability.

Recently I got a chance to cross the floor, so to speak, and travel to the Roundup conference with some of my Cabinet colleagues, as the previous Speaker mentioned. As I noted in a previous statement, I was impressed by the time and dedication they put into fighting for our territory. I will admit I felt a bit out of place at times. I was mostly there in an observer role. It's not my job to be a Cabinet Minister. And so I found myself reflecting on the role I do play in this system and how it relates to theirs.

It was clear to me that our Ministers are extremely busy and don't have the time that Regular MLAs do to dive into issues in detail, identify gaps in what we're doing to advance our priorities, and focus on the things that they can't. In doing that work, Regular MLAs play an integral role in our system and can bring a lot of value to it. And so I am committed to doing just that, Mr. Speaker.

So I hope that by setting out all this context, it will help my Cabinet colleagues see that when I critique and question and bring ideas to the table, it is in the spirit of helping, of contributing what I can in my role to help us achieve our collective goals. With all of that said, I turn to the budget.

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the good. Cabinet has brought forward a vision that focuses heavily on advancing major infrastructure projects from the beginning of this Assembly, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, at this point, we have not one but two infrastructure Ministers. So in terms of identifying gaps, I won't speak to infrastructure much today because I think it is already a key focus of our government, and our needs and deficits have been spoken to at length already. I can say that I see myself and things I've been advocating for in some of the changes that have come forward in this budget. Changes to improve access to laboratory services in our hospital, an increase to IRMA funding to help advance our regulatory priorities, additional staff to move land transfer forward. I commend Cabinet in bringing forward these ideas and pleased to see these changes and excited to build upon them.

In our letter to the finance Minister, Regular MLAs advanced ideas that I agree with and contributed to, which address some of the gaps that we see in our plans and areas that we feel need more attention. I think it's important to let that letter speak for itself, but I will highlight some of the areas I agree with most and where I think we need to be going.

To sum up the themes, where I think we need changes or more focus on health care, economic development, education, and leadership.

Health care.

To put it succinctly, we need to focus our efforts on strengthening the foundation of our system from which all of our other health care goals and priorities will flow. We need to focus on stabilizing the workforce so we can achieve our goal of increasing access to primary care and to clearly state our goals for what we mean when we say increasing access. Goals which are simple and easy for the public to understand, such as addressing wait times and access to continuity of care from a primary care team whom they can book appointments with in a timely manner. It really needs to be that simple, Mr. Speaker. Though I know that getting us there is not a simple task by any means, I think by focusing on these fundamentals and on the foundation, as we set our priority, access to care, that is how we will achieve our wider goals, our greater goals for the system that the Minister has been communicating.

Economic development.

Mr. Speaker, I have spoken extensively in my opinion that we need to tie education and economic development together and they are intertwined and they need to be thought of together when we are planning.

Mr. Speaker, our economy is not going to be the same as it has been for the past 25 years. We have benefited from a huge boom that the diamond mines created, but I think we need to acknowledge and face, as it's been said with eyes wide open, that no single thing is going to replace the diamond mines. That panacea is not coming and we need to face it. We need to face it soberly.

But we should also note that for the past 25 years, this territory has been blessed with a double-edged sword of more development than we even had the capacity to truly take advantage of. 60 percent of employment at the diamond mines throughout their lives has been southern. In part due to the fact that devolution took place so late in the mines' life, we captured a fraction of 1 percent of the profits from those mines in our heritage fund. So as much as we have benefited from the mines, we also saw much of the potential benefits fly right over our heads and out of the territory. While that story is tragic in one sense, it also gives me a certain amount of comfort that if we truly put our efforts towards diversification and better capturing the benefits of development that is coming in the future, we are going to be okay. As was just pointed out, the small size of our population in comparison to our landmass is one of the greatest challenges and also a source of opportunity.

On one hand, we have a massive wealth of natural resources to benefit from if we manage and develop them responsibly. And on the other, we only need to employ the population of a small city at the end of the day. 45,000 people, Mr. Speaker.

So I support what we're doing with regards to infrastructure and I want to see us diversifying our economy. So I am going to turn to education, which has been a focus of mine from the beginning.

On education, we need to start with a foundation. I believe that foundation starts with literacy. Without that fundamental building block upon which learning is built, our students will not have the fundamental skill they need to succeed in school. Building from there, we need to ensure that students are supported throughout their time in secondary school so that they can have the skills that they need to pursue post-secondary education, to build up their ability to participate in our economy.

Mr. Speaker, to put it simply, we need a polytechnic university that is leading the charge on educating people throughout our communities, giving them the skills to benefit from a growing economy and build themselves up. A post-secondary system anchored in our three campus communities and delivering programming to students throughout the territory could be a part of the transformative change that Members are so desperately seeking when they stand up and speak in this House about creating opportunities for their people and, most importantly, for our youth, the generation of people who are going to inherit the results of what we do or do not build today. So let's invest in them, Mr. Speaker. Not just in our infrastructure, but in our people.

I will keep repeating that our people are the greatest resource this territory has to offer, because I know that it's true. So when I hear Members speak about how they want to see opportunities for their people to lift themselves up in this budget, to be educated and have good career opportunities, I can wholeheartedly support that, and I want that for my community, too.

The last item I want to speak to, Mr. Speaker, is leadership. On this item, when we're trying to advance ideas, when we're working with Cabinet and when we're bringing questions to the table, to the floor of this House, I keep hearing, well, Mr. Speaker, we're working with our partners, we're working to advance ideas, this is something that's in someone else's control. Mr. Speaker, if someone isn't stepping up and taking the lead, who else is going to step in if not us?

It's 2026. Diamond Mine closures aren't something that have hit us unexpectedly. The first one was planned for this year and has been planned for 25 years.

I sometimes find myself frustrated. How are people just waking up to this challenge now? I started speaking about the need to diversify our economy and build a polytechnic university to try and build up the economy of this territory outside of just mining back in 2015 when I first ran for council. And I often hear criticisms of the Legislative Assembly well, they haven't been talking about these problems. Whenever I hear that, I feel a bit frustrated because it's all I've been talking about as a politician for 11 years going now. I will keep trying. I will keep repeating that message.

So what I would encourage our leaders to do, and encourage us to continue to do, is imparting a sense of urgency. This territory does need leadership.

I spoke last year to attending the Indigenous economic development conference and I noted then that a lot of what I heard at that conference was people frustrated with the GNWT and what the GNWT wasn't doing. So people are looking to us for leadership. We do have to work with our partners. We have to work in concert with them. But at the tables that we're working with them in, I think that we can establish timelines, we can impart a sense of urgency, and we can help everyone coalesce together around the ideas that we've come up with to help grow our economy and to build up this territory, and we can be a force that brings those voices together and moves us in the right direction.

I acknowledged in a previous statement that in some ways I see us doing that. I spoke to the agreement that was signed at Roundup. I've spoken to the work that we've been doing to advance that, and I strongly encourage us to continue doing that. And I would double down and say that at the tables where we're working together, we need to communicate the sense of urgency and help the governments that we're working with, some of which are challenged with capacity, to move forward. So that's why I think things like investing in IRMA funding are really important, because it helps us do just that. And I would encourage us to go even further. I would encourage us to look at the Intergovernmental Council table and what we can do to build up the capacity of that system so that we can move so many of our priorities that run through that system forward.

We have to acknowledge, Mr. Speaker, that we are stronger together. As much as I've spoken today about our two sides working together, I feel the same way about the people of our territory, of all the various governments that are working together to advance the goals of this small municipality with a land mass bigger than most other countries in the world.

Mr. Speaker, we are certainly stronger together, and together we can succeed. But we run the risk of failing together too, if we can't come together and meet the moment. So I encourage us to all double down on our efforts, to set our differences aside, to work together. I encourage Cabinet to listen to the ideas, acknowledge them, and approach them with open minds that AOC is bringing to the table. And I think that together we have the best chance of succeeding. Those are my comments on the budget address, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Replies to the budget address, day 7 of 7. Member from Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I want to begin by stating that there are measures in this budget I support. It directs resources to shelters, health capacity, and wildfire readiness. Funding for emergency shelters will receive significant boosts. A homeless division is being created within Housing NWT. There is new funding for the Yellowknife Day Shelter and Sobering Centre. These are steps in the right direction, but while I support these priorities my constituents expect clarity on how these investments will benefit small communities, not only the regional centres.

In my riding, Mr. Speaker, communities have lived the consequences of floods and fires firsthand. Some families in the South Slave are still rebuilding or returning home. K'atlodeeche First Nation residents are now only moving into new homes after the 2023 wildfire, even as flood repairs continue. Enterprise continues the long road of recovery and renewal.

Mr. Speaker, one issue I must raise clearly. Enterprise needs a dedicated seniors' public housing or a seniors' home. Elders who were displaced by the 2023 wildfire disaster want to return to their community, but they need safe, appropriate housing to do so. This is not only a matter of infrastructure; it is about dignity, connection, and supporting people to age at home.

Enterprise also needs phase 3 power, a long-standing requirement to attract new businesses, reduce barriers to investment, and support community development. Without reliable modern electrical infrastructure, economic recovery will remain limited. This is a key step toward rebuilding the local economy and creating opportunities for residents.

The gap between regional centres and our small, predominantly Indigenous communities remains stark - socially, economically, and in the delivery of public services. The government's own economic outlook shows an economy under strain with declining diamond production and a projected GDP contraction in 2026. Even as we plan for nation-building infrastructure, these headwinds are felt first and hardest in the small communities.

Mr. Speaker, if we are serious about long-term stability, reconciliation and community wellness, then this government must also be serious about settling outstanding land claims and self-government agreements. Nowhere is this more urgent than in the Deh Cho process.

For decades, Deh Cho communities have waited for clarity on land governance and resource management, clarity that is essential for economic development, environmental stewardship, and community planning. The uncertainty surrounding unresolved negotiations affects investment, housing, land use decisions, and effective co-management of land and water. Most importantly, it affects people's confidence in their future.

Mr. Speaker, moving forward decisively on the Deh Cho process is not just a legal obligation or a political commitment. It is a community wellness strategy. Advancing negotiations and supporting a clear path to conclusion would

• Strengthen regional governance and decision-making;
• Provide certainty for businesses, communities, and investors;
• Support Indigenous stewardship and cultural revitalization;
• Enable land-based healing, tourism, and economic diversification; and,
• Honour the rights and history of the people who have lived on and cared for these lands since time immemorial.

Mr. Speaker, if this government is committed to readiness, then readiness must include completing the work of settling land rights and supporting Indigenous governments to exercise the authority they have always held. The GNWT must put meaningful and sustained effort into reaching fair and timely agreements, not simply managing the process but driving it forward.

Mr. Speaker, education is a treaty right, and access to that right in small communities has been eroded. After Aurora College announced the closure of 19 community learning centres in June 2025, many residents, especially Indigenous learnings, expressed serious concerns about losing local access to education and continuing education. My riding felt these impacts directly.

While the Minister has described a modernized approach through campuses and online delivery, the reality remains. In communities with poor connectivity, crowded homes and limited study space, online-only learning is not equitable. Hands-on, community-based education is essential, and because GNWT transfers make up the majority of Aurora College funding, residents demand and expect local learning opportunities in their communities, not just at three campuses.

Mr. Speaker, the fiscal challenges facing our health system are real. The new healthcare system sustainability unit has reported that per capita spending here is nearly double the national average. Medical travel is a major cost driver, and hospital services consume the largest share of staffing resources. The unit's goal is to define core services and improve efficiency without reducing access, and we must stay committed to that. But sustainability cannot be built on cutting public health promotion in small communities. Addictions, violence and trauma, remain daily realities for many of my constituents. Prevention is strongest close to home through community health promoters, elders, home visiting nurses, school-based education, and land-based healing with youth and families.

Mr. Speaker, community wellness is not only about health and housing. It is also about recreation, sports, culture and belonging.

Last year, the Enterprise Music Festival had to be cancelled; a major loss for our community spirit, tourism, local business opportunities, and the regional economy. Events like this matter. They bring people together and strengthen local pride while supporting tourism across the territory. We need to ensure communities have the support needed to host and sustain these events.

We also need more investment in sports and recreation. Sports build confidence, self-esteem, leadership and a healthy lifestyle, especially for youth. Many small communities lack coaches, programming, equipment and facilities. This government must play an active role in promoting sport and active living in all regions, not just the major centres.

Mr. Speaker, the budget must also address our climate reality. Low water levels persist across much of the territory. Increased diesel reliance and raising costs. While North Slave hydro conditions have improved somewhat, long-term uncertainty remains.

The 2025 wildfire season burned nearly 1.4 million hectares of forest in the NWT. Responders protected lives and community homes but the season was long, intense, and unpredictable. The investment in welfare capacity this year are justified, and small communities must be prioritized for wildlife urban interface training, equipment and FireSmart support.

In her budget address, the Minister stated that this budget shifts us from restraints to readiness, increasing the supplementary reserve while investing in people, essential services and economic foundation. That approach is sound, now we must ensure that readiness includes the communities most affected by past emergencies and most vulnerable to future ones.

If we invest in community-based education, local business development, tourism and festivals, sports and recreation, health promotion, transitional housing and on-the-ground presence, we will strengthen families, reduce long-term costs and close a divide that has persisted for far too long. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. I apologize, things were just a little bit; we will just take a couple seconds here.

Thank you. Sorry for my little -- just trying to get some stuff in order here.

Replies to the budget address, day 7 of 7. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have been listening to my colleagues in recent days discuss this year's budget. I tried to match what my colleagues, especially from the small communities, are saying about their plans and how my colleagues here on the Regular Member site are reaching for their communities. I have listened to their needs every day in session and committees. Together we are working for our communities which are always at the margin of the services, opportunity and power.

When I was first elected, I entered this Assembly in the by-election. I brought the concerns of my communities forward, but I was told the agenda was already set. It felt like the train had left the station and I was chasing it after to jump onto it, but it was too late. When I was re-elected, I was ready to get to work right from the start. I had my priorities from years of collaboration with my community leaders and listening to my constituents. I sent in my priority list to the Premier and the Cabinet. I started with capital planning because communities needed new schools, new recreation centres, and pumping stations. Yet, I saw very little of my priorities reflected. It struggled to even just get a junction light by Fort Resolution.

Beyond capital planning, what about my people's services. What about medical travel programs that works for my people in emergencies? Health care is a treaty right, yet time and time again my people are going to the bands for funding. For medical escorts, for aftercare services, these aren't their responsibility; they are the GNWT treaty obligation. What about the millions of being cut from Jordan Principal from our schools? The consequences are less teachers, aides, less Indigenous programming, less in school services for disabilities and Indigenous students. This amounts to a huge step backwards in Indigenous education when we should be Indigenizing education.

Decades of work in progress for our children is being rolled back. When a Member from the Mackenzie Delta spoke, I agreed with him on many of his points. It is because it's so obvious that our treaty rights are not being honoured. These are not abstract concerns; they are demonstrated and they have consequences on our whole territory.

My colleague from Inuvik Boot Lake in his comments spoke about how our government keeps describing change but not taking action. But taking action means leadership. Empty words are what happens when there is a lack of leadership. And we lack leadership on the right and needs of our Indigenous communities, because they do not have equitable power they are left with.

The Member of the Yellowknife Centre spoke about dependency. Why is this government creating so much dependency? Our mines are closing and there are no new developments in sight. This will impact our community's employment and investment. It shouldn't take this long to create an environment for investment. It shouldn't be this hard to partner with Indigenous governments to make investments happen. So we are back to dependency of the federal government for a transfer and if we don't have a strong economy and healthy people, then this budget does not address those needs. So our people will depend on the government because they don't have meaningful employment, of access to services that were promised to them in the treaties.

The saying goes the more things change, the more things stay the same. This is where our government is falling back to where we were before the GNWT obtained power from Ottawa. And that is because this government has not shaken its colonial perspectives. And the longer it takes to cast off those vestiges of colonialism, the worse our problems are getting. Because we are falling behind. And this Assembly, I fear, we won't be able to turn the tide unless we act.

But taking action means sharing power with Indigenous governments. This government knows that because of what every leadership candidate recognizes during their leadership committee. The Premier himself spoke of a 50-year vision towards a future of the North where shared power and decentralized services. This is the only way we can move forward the future together. Instead, we are stalled with a budget like this because the colonial government believes first and foremost it needs to protect its power. But soon that power will just be a paper because Ottawa will be subsidizing everything, the farther will fall behind.

This means our community is scrambling for a bigger piece of the Shaker's budget. Because their needs will stack up. Unhealthier people, more unemployment, less education, less housing, more capacity leaving the communities and leaving the North.

This is why we need the structure to reform from the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People and act because those structures we form, one that we realize will change how these budgets will be created. I was here when the last Assembly passed Bill 85 which directed this government to implement UNDRIP. It was a momentous occasion that promised to be very beneficial for First Nations and Indigenous governments across the North. We believe it was not just empty words but a plan for action.

The UNDRIP declaration provides a framework for reconciliation, healing, and peace. It reaffirms the rights of Indigenous people, recognizes in Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution.

After that vote in the previous Assembly, work now must be done to factor this declaration into all our decision-making process. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission highlighted in their calls for action as well further to UNDRIP.

All MLAs in this House made an oath to honour and respect treaties signed with Indigenous people when we took office. The treaties were always the law of the land. They're backed up by international legal standards which were reaffirmed in these chambers. Indigenous governments and organizations across the territory have also signed the NWT Council of Leaders memorandum of understanding. So we could have a meaningful way to measure the true reconciliation.

It was reported on Thursday that the government expected to spend $2.7 billion in the 2026-2027 Budget. The majority of that money will come from the federal government transfer.

For every dollar in federal transfer, a big portion comes from Crown, Indigenous and northern Affairs. This comes after the government increased their borrowing limit again - more and more money just to get us by not addressing the root cause which we have all seen coming for decades.

Mr. Speaker, more than 50 percent of the population is Indigenous, Metis and Inuit. And yet the GNWT does not consult Indigenous governments about how to use that money they receive from the Government of Canada. Even though much of the transfer to the GNWT is supposed to fund their services. And yet as our community continues to grow, the public service in Yellowknife continues to grow. Our public service is larger than it was proportionally when Nunavut and the NWT were one territory. And these aren't doctors, nurses, teachers. It's administrators, managers in Yellowknife.

This is how the colonial system looks out for itself. The resources first go to Yellowknife and then what's left goes to the communities. Therefore, the territorial government's budgeting still fails treaty rights by refusing to recognize the intent of these transfers and ignores duties to consult Indigenous governments on how these funds should be spent in contravention of UNDRIP. According to the action plan committee's 2024 Annual Report, an action plan has still not been published, and any meaningful steps to the implementation of UNDRIP remains unfinished. This continued lack of consultation pertains to many other ways such as through the scrapping of affirmative action without asking Indigenous governments, and to Aurora College closing 19 community learning centres and Indigenous communities, which come as a total surprise.

And every day this session, I am impressed by the Minister for Health and Social Services to uphold our treaty rights to health care. And no change. I will continue pressing this government for change.

I will press the Minister for ECE for an income assistance program that works for our people and our properly funded education system. I will press the House Minister to work with the federal government to empower our Indigenous governments to build homes. But despite the Minister's mandate letters calling for a consensus government and honouring treaties, some departments are just going full steam ahead to the end of their term and leaving our communities behind.

This is not how consensus government is supposed to work. We are here to work together, and this is not the future that was promised when our ancestors signed the treaties a century ago. Just because there are new levels of government, it doesn't mean those rights are no longer real.

So when I rise to oppose this budget, I am not standing in opposition. I am standing in favour of working together of consensus government. Because the most important is the consensus in our communities to uphold our rights and meet our needs to create a collaboration government of respect and dignity we have left in our two years of this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Replies to the budget address, day 7 of 7

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe these main estimates represent one of the most consequential budgets in recent years. The GNWT spending limit has increased from $1.8 billion to $3.1 billion. These are significant decisions that will shape the future of our territory and require thoughtful reflection and careful justification.

Mr. Speaker, our programs, investments, and policies must empower people, especially young people, to build lives with dignity, purpose, and stability here in the Northwest Territories. In our small communities, we need our youth. We know our youth are brilliant, resilient, and talented. If our education system consistently delivered strong outcomes, many of them would already be thriving in careers they love.

One positive step, Mr. Speaker, has been the removal of the funding cap for northern Indigenous students under the student financial assistance program, an overdue change. For far too long, Mr. Speaker, that cap forced young people into impossible decisions - either start school immediately, even if unsure of their direction, or wait and risk life circumstances later closing the door. Many who waited are now moving from job to job, not out of passion, but to meet basic needs. There is a real difference between having a job and having a career. Yet, even without the cap, post-secondary education remains expensive. Tuition, books, equipment, food, transportation and especially rent add up quickly.

Mr. Speaker, a single student with no dependent receives just $800 per month. When rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $900 to more than $1,500, that allowance does not come close to meeting basic living costs. Some students in residence face semester bills of $7,000 or more. Yet our supports do not reflect this reality.

Mr. Speaker, if we expect our youth to help themselves, our support must be sufficient, not symbolic.

The auditor general's report on housing in the Northwest Territories confirmed what communities have been saying for years. Too many homes are unsafe, overcrowded, or beyond repair. Mr. Speaker, in the Tlicho region the crisis is especially acute. Families are leaving their home communities for Yellowknife or elsewhere. It's not by choice, but out of necessities.

Mr. Speaker, if we want families to help themselves, we must give them the stability to do so. That means supporting homeownership and rethinking our rent scale so working families are not penalized for earning an income. A flat rental rate of approximately $800 for working tenants will give families room to save, repair, invest, and plan for their future.

Our wastewater data tell us the hard truth, Mr. Speaker. Opiates, sedatives, hallucinogens, and stimulants are affecting every region, every family, and every age group. We must acknowledge what is missing. We do not have enough treatment options, Mr. Speaker, extended care or aftercare. Without stable housing, the risks of relapse remain heartbreakingly high.

Mr. Speaker, research shows that maintaining sobriety for one year dramatically improves long-term success. But we cannot expect individuals to return from treatment to homelessness or the very environment that contributed to their addictions. On-the-land programs are vital and effective for many but others need western-based treatment, clinical support, and structured programming.

Addictions are also driving the rising number of children in care often because of unsafe housing or unsafe environment. Mr. Speaker, if it is not for the grandparent or grandparents, there would be more children in care due to the addictions. Mr. Speaker, if we want healthy communities and a strong economy, we must first support healthy people.

Mr. Speaker, our economic landscape is shifting. Mines are closing, and oil and gas activity has slowed. We need an economy that generates its own revenue, supports its own workforce, and builds its own future. We must prepare also for what the Premier has acknowledged. As land claims are finalized, the role of the territorial government will fundamentally change. The federal government will deal directly with the Indigenous governments, and the funding formula we rely on will not remain the same. We must prepare with clarity and long-term planning.

Mr. Speaker, the government must focus its investment on four priorities: Housing, education, health, and community governance.

Housing. Overcrowding harms both health and education. Diseases spread more easily, stress increases, and children struggle to study in overcrowded homes. I thank the Minister for the commitment to 300 new homes, and we must commit to 300 more built in the communities with the greatest need.

Education.

Education is a key social determinant of health and has long-term effects on our justice system, addiction rates, and economic outcomes.

Health.

Mr. Speaker, small communities rely on health services - nurses, ambulance staff, emergency responders - who are always on standby. These services never take a break, and they must be properly funded. Home care and long-term care services must support elders to remain in their homes and communities.

Community government.

Mr. Speaker, community governments are the fabric of our daily life. They maintain water, sewer, waste management, roads, and essential infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, many small communities have one water truck, one sewer truck, and one fuel truck. They may have one grader and one backhoe. There are no backup units. In remote communities, Mr. Speaker, a simple maintenance issue becomes a crisis. No replacement parts and no local mechanics. Everything needs to be brought in by air or truck. Minor costs become major costs.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, community governments need to meet certain accounting and reporting standards for capital and construction projects. If they don't report as per rigid accounting standards, they don't get the money. There are not many professional accountants working in the small remote communities.

Mr. Speaker, likewise, water and waste services funding is frozen at $22 million. A good supply of clean water is essential to the people's health. Yet the communities are being nickeled and dimed to poverty.

I recall a case where the City of Yellowknife was good enough to loan Behchoko an expensive water pump. However, we cannot depend on the kindness of strangers.

Mr. Speaker, well-funded community governments ensure strong, functioning communities. We must flow more infrastructure funding to them, Mr. Speaker, especially as many of our facilities age. Our 33 communities, especially small Indigenous ones, have many needs but few services. We must reduce restrictions and empower them with flexible funding.

Communities know best what their communities need. Mr. Speaker, if we are truly committed to helping those who help themselves, then we must make bold, practical investments that reflect the realities of our people. Housing is safe and available, education that opens doors, health services that support wellness and recovery, and community governments that are empowered to lead. These are not options. They are foundational.

Mr. Speaker, by strengthening these pillars, we give individuals and families the tools to build their own success. We create conditions where young people can pursue careers, where families can stay in their home communities, where those battling addiction can heal, and where our economy can stand on solid ground. Mr. Speaker, this is how we honour our responsibilities. This is how we build resilience. And this is how we secure a strong, sustainable future for the Northwest Territories.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, with reference to what my colleague from Frame Lake said in his budget address regarding working together and listening to our ideas, I would like for the Cabinet to listen to us and to work with Tlicho to create Tlicho administrative region. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Replies to the budget address, day 7 of 7. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Mr. Speaker, my questions will be to the Minister of strategic infrastructure, and I will begin by noting that the Slave Geological Province Corridor report, which I have in my hand, notes that the best route is going east and direct to the mining sector; and lastly, Mr. Speaker, I will point out that the City of Yellowknife supports the NWT economy with approximately $2.2 billion. That's 50 percent of the northern economy, Mr. Speaker. So my direct question to the Minister of Infrastructure is, will the Minister of strategic infrastructure ensure that any routing of the Arctic Economic Security Corridor includes a direct connection to the workhorse of this northern economy, that is, the city of Yellowknife. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from the Yellowknife Centre. Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, flowing from the words I've been listening to this morning, I am going to continue to work in partnership with Indigenous governments from around this territory, abide by the MOU that we have just signed with the Tlicho, with the Yellowknife First Nation, which mentions within it working with all Indigenous partners, and we're going to make sure that the route we choose is one that balances all of the needs, including, as is mentioned in there, the economic needs and the economic importance of this route which requires that it passes through rich regions for the geology. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I repeat the short words of the infrastructure Minister, connecting the North for the benefit of the Northerners. So, Mr. Speaker, my second question is not about excluding Indigenous partnership, it's including the city of Yellowknife in this big MOU. So why isn't the city of Yellowknife included in the routing conversation? Because this population represents 50 percent of the northern economy and 50 percent of the population, Mr. Speaker. It needs to be included in this conversation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, quite a large number of stakeholders are going to, of course, be included in a project the size of the proposed Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, running all the way up to the Nunavut Coast. Mr. Speaker, the Yellowknife municipal government is not a landholder akin to that of the Tlicho government or to the Yellowknife Dene First Nation, who anticipate, of course, settling the land claim, hopefully in the near future. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it may not be a landowner but, Mr. Speaker, my last question is really structured around the capital's interest in the northern economy. So I am told -- this is the question. I am told that the current sketch that's being worked out ignores the city of Yellowknife, Mr. Speaker, and if that's the proposed working route given to the GNWT to advocate, will the GNWT say no and will they have the courage to say the city of Yellowknife needs to be part of this corridor and not excluded and not ignored. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member. Final Supplementary.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not going to speak about a hypothetical sketch that I don't have in front of me. I don't know what this sketch is, who drew it or where it's from. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that the reason we've signed this MOU is to lay out a framework by which we work hand-in-hand with the Indigenous governments who are the landholders on whose lands this route is to traverse. But, Mr. Speaker, it's always been well known that it's going to have to involve a region where Yellowknife is obviously very prominently centered, as well as other Indigenous governments in the area, North Slave Metis being among them, to find the best possible route. It's a road that has economic value, we have to maximise economic value, and we were very careful in signing that MOU that reflected the need to have that economic value built into the routing. Thank you.

Your response to strategic infrastructure, energy and supply chains. Oral questions. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, again stemming from our town hall on crime and public safety, many residents expressed concern around seeing crime in their neighbourhoods and how we can better address it. Surveillance systems came up, including personal camera systems. Many people have those. But there was a discussion on whether or not there could be CCTVs, like you see in other major cities, like the city of London in the UK. Is this something that the Minister has looked into? Thank you. Minister of Justice.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no, this is not something that I've looked into. I know within Canada there are privacy implications that would apply to that approach. And certainly from what I do know about the topic, it's also typically -- the ability to do this would be contained in municipal legislation through community bylaws and that kind of avenue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, obviously funding for community justice programs would be a part of this. If it goes down to the municipal level, if it's something that can be done by bylaw. So can the Minister develop programming through his community justice division to ensure that communities have the resources they need, whether it's expertise in surveillance systems, bylaw officers, training equipment, whatever it takes. Clearly, we need to resource these if we're going to ensure public safety in our communities. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, To date we've had no requests from any community to pursue an avenue in this regard. Certainly, our office is always willing to have those conversations with communities if there is a desire to look at potential funding opportunities. So happy to entertain those if someone wants to reach out. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister work with the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs to develop formula funding for community safety programs in communities. That way, they don't have to come and ask him; they're just going to get money and they can use it to support community safety across the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker. I think the conversation, and if you look at the mandate letters from the Premier around community safety, I think we've all been given a mandate as Cabinet to work together in many areas to address the community safety concerns across the territory, and I think that's quite evident in the work that we have done today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Member from the Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Given the closures of all 19 community learning centres in early 2025 and the ongoing gaps this has created, will the Minister commit to developing a renewed and community-based approach to support adult learners, particularly in small communities most affected by these closures? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can confirm for the Member that I am absolutely, yes, committed to a community-based approach to adult learning. The closure of the community learning centres certainly came to a shock to everybody but certainly also present an opportunity to rethink how adult education is being delivered in communities across the Northwest Territories, especially small communities.

Following the closure of the community learning centres, I directed my department to develop a critical path outlining both short-term and medium-term solutions. That was everything from partnerships with the Literacy Council, where we're seeing employability training that is happening right now, to engagements that will be happening with Indigenous governments to really define more longer-term or medium-term how we're going to really shift community-based learning in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My next question is, when will the Minister present a clear and concrete plan for delivering continuing transitional education in our communities, including in-person adult learning options, to replace the services lost with the shutdown of the community learning centres? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, that plan is being worked out right now, so that includes some of the things that I just spoke of, like those partnerships with the literacy council, the outreach centres, but also it really comes down to work directly with communities and Indigenous governments so that we can use this as an opportunity to reimagine what that in-person learning can look like in small communities. And so we're working both on kind of short-term and more medium-term approach to this, and I am hoping to have something to come back to Members, and I will continue to update Members as I get more information from the department on the work that they're doing with this engagement.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Final supplementary. Member from the Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister for that. Can the Minister provide updated information on how effective the online upgrading model has been for learners in the Deh Cho riding, and does the Minister consider these outcomes successful when compared to past enrolment levels in the region? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is the first year that Aurora College is doing their new online version of their adult learning, and so we'll have to kind of give it some time to see how this year goes, how the results fair out, and so as soon as I have some updated information from Aurora College, once they've had the time to assess, then I would happily share that with Members from the other side. I think it's going to be really interesting to see the growth of online in the Northwest Territories, especially as we see more programming at Aurora College also shift to some online options to really open up the access to some of these programs, like for example, the diploma in nursing as well, that I know has shifted to an online option too for part of it, so more of a hybrid option.

We're also seeing more success with northern distance learning, which is an option for students up to the age of 21. So we're seeing in the Deh Cho region specifically with northern distance learning an almost 70 percent successful completion rate, which is really good news.

And I can also share with Members of the House that I came to work early this morning to sign off on completion certificates for the Canadian Adult Education Credentials, so more and more Northerners are also taking advantage of that pathway as well. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the education Minister about how we can provide more certainty to education authorities given the loss of Jordan's Principle funding. So, of course, the interim support initiative funding has been essential in tiding over education authorities for the current year by helping them hire the needed education assistants. However, that funding doesn't have the same flexibility as Jordan's Principle, and schools have struggled with less access to behaviour consultants, educational assessments, speech therapy, other sorts of things.

Now, I understand the Minister has been in regular communication with school board officials, and that helps, but I think we're all looking for more specific information to get more certainty around planning and budgeting.

So my first question relates to, there was an expectation that the federal minister would make an announcement either late last year or early this year addressing how Jordan's Principle funding might work going forward for northern Indigenous families. Is the Minister aware of any updated timelines on when we will hear from the federal government about a decision about the restoration of Jordan's Principle to the NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have not received an update from the federal government on when I can expect, along with the rest of the country, to receive information on an updated criteria for Jordan's Principle. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So that continues to be a big worry, and people are looking for contingency planning. So what further details about our own contingency planning can be shared now with the public and with school boards? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

So, Mr. Speaker, I last sat down with all of my education partners in November of 2025, and as you can imagine Jordan's Principle was a leading topic that we discussed. I've also had the opportunity to speak with multiple chairpersons of multiple education bodies about this same subject. And, really, from where I am at right now is requesting feedback on the support assistants initiative from education leaders across the territory. So I have asked them, how is it going, how has it worked out, and for their feedback on the program that we were able to stand up here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, on the subject of that interim support initiative funding, what more can the Minister do to help schools access funding for the lost supports that have not yet been restored, such as behaviour consultants, educational assessments, speech therapy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the timing of the changes to Jordan's Principle, along with some work that was already being done within the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, really was a bit of a blessing in disguise. So we were already in the process of reviewing our inclusive schooling directive. And that really is where, I feel, we need to focus our energy in, so that we're not looking at band-aid solutions but we're looking at really evolving how our inclusive schooling program works in the Northwest Territories.

I can share with the Member that just literally in real time, superintendents from across the territory are reviewing the management response to the What we Heard Report from the work that was done through multiple engagements, both in person, online, in written format, across this territory. It was a very well participated review, and so that is where our focus is. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to return to the Minister of strategic infrastructure. And my next round of questioning is going to be framed around who is representing the city of Yellowknife's interest in the 50 percent of our economy, Mr. Speaker.

Will the Minister of strategic infrastructure sign a memorandum of agreement, or a cooperation partnership agreement, with the City of Yellowknife to ensure 50 percent of the northern economy doesn't get boxed out and becomes a partner, as pointed out by the infrastructure Minister earlier today?

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife Centre. Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I meet frequently with the city. I have presented at the city quite recently, and I am happy to continue to have those discussions with the city to see what best way we can continue to work together and to discuss with them the state of the project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, will the Minister be interested in signing a formal agreement with respect to the Arctic Economic Security Corridor noting that the city of Yellowknife's interests will be represented at the table in some form, and it should highlight as a clear non-starter that the city of Yellowknife will not be excluded from this initiative. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the mayor of the city of Yellowknife has not expressed any concern of being excluded of the project. And, Mr. Speaker, we have done a lot of work on the current MOU and signed an MOU right now with the two landholding groups. We're going to follow through with commitments in that, which includes ensuring that there's economic benefits for all Northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I am confused if the Minister thinks it only has to come from the mayor, not MLAs. I mean, I am concerned about the less value it's viewed on our opinion, Mr. Speaker. The question is, the GNWT paid 75 to 25 cent dollars on the Highway No. 9 project. It should include the city of Yellowknife because this legislature is paying it. Will the Minister agree to investigate and discuss with colleagues, such as myself, to make sure the city of Yellowknife's interest is represented in this initiative, this territorial initiative? Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Final supplementary. Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I've already signed an MOU that says that we are committed to drive significant economic activity for Indigenous and northern residents and communities through responsible and environmentally sustainable critical mineral development. That is what the MOU that we just signed says, Mr. Speaker. I intend to follow through on that. I am more than happy to present on this project to committees, to MLAs, to the mayor, to the city, whoever wants to have those conversations. We are only at a stage of development, but quite frankly we're behind. We need to get this moving, and fighting about it and suggesting that we're not moving or suggesting that we're not working together or suggesting that there's someone who feels left out, isn't helping, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wanted to follow up with the Minister of education along the previous line of questioning around Jordan's Principle funding.

So, given that we can't wait indefinitely before budgeting and planning for next year, has the Minister given the federal government or the federal minister some deadline as to when we need to hear something, when we need a decision by, in order for us to do our own planning for the next school year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I really wish that I could give the federal government a deadline, but the federal government has their own work processes that they follow. We did expect to hear in the end of 2025 some results from their review of the criteria, but we have not yet heard. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So has the Minister set her own deadline for, you know, if we don't hear back at that point we will work on bringing forward our own internal contingency funding for the next school year; is there a date in the Minister's mind by which by that point we need to come up with our own money if we haven't heard from the feds? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that this conversation is definitely live with not just myself but also with my Cabinet colleagues, and I can also confirm that I am very focused on supporting the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to move forward with the inclusive schooling review and to really walk the line between making sure that we do that as quickly as possible but also making sure that we are very thoughtful and purposeful in our actions, because this is not a band-aid solution. It is a complete shift in changes that are needed to our education system for decades to come. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister commit to bring forward a supplementary appropriation ask in the May-June session if we have not heard by then about the federal government's commitment to restore Jordan's Principle funding? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what I can commit to the Member is making sure that I am working with my Cabinet colleagues through processes on this side of the House, and I can confirm with the Member that I have the support of my colleagues to make sure that we're having conversations around education and doing what we can to support Northerners. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Oral questions. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for those of the public who follow along with Committee in the Whole, they may have recognized that we had some confusion around the airport revolving fund the other night, Mr. Speaker, and so my questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure.

With the proposed incoming investment to the Yellowknife airport and the, admittedly, likely large pressures that will put on the airport and our planning, does the Minister have anything he's willing to share at this point around what we can expect to see for proactive planning to set the airport up for success for our DND partners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Great Salute. Minister of Infrastructure.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A lot of work is being done on the Yellowknife airport strategic plan. There's been lots of public engagement, lots of work going on in the background. The department's been working with the Department of National Defence on use of the area and what they can expect, so a lot of that's been working hand-in-hand. So yeah, just in general, I guess there's a lot of work being done in the background to prepare the Yellowknife airport for what potentially could happen there with potential growth and work being done by the Department of National Defence. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So in the spirit of collaboration, would the Minister be willing to come and give committee a public briefing on all of the good work that's happening and so to give the public an understanding of what to expect in timelines? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, so after our Committee of the Whole meeting, I think it would be important that we sit down and have a good discussion on what's going on at the airport in Yellowknife and talk about the proposed developments and the plans and also a little bit more information and dialogue regarding the revolving fund. I am more than interested in doing that, and we can let the department know when we get the invite. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure. Oral questions. Oral questions. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question would be to the Premier.

Mr. Speaker, the federal government is streamlining environmental assessments under the single review policy. Has the Minister met with the federal counterparts to ensure federal regulations continue to protect our waters here in the Northeast Territories given that if regulations are up to Alberta alone it may not safeguard our rights to clean water for the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to hand that over to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So this has been an ongoing issue that we have certainly addressed at the federal level through conversations with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, as well as the provincial level with Alberta, and we have also put out two written statements that clearly define our position when it comes to treat and release that we don't believe that under current conditions the science supports that as an approach. We've also encouraged both the federal and Alberta government to look at alternatives to treat and release as a potential solution for this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Okay, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess my next question will be back to the Minister of ECE if that's okay. Okay, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, Alberta has signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal Government of Canada to expand the oil sands development and, currently, it is anticipated Alberta will negotiate with the Coastal First Nation, BC. Does the Minister of ECE agree that the NWT and its Indigenous governments deserve a seat at that table to ensure downstream communities and ecosystems are protected? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, certainly from the Department of Environment and Climate Change perspective, we have always worked with our Indigenous partners, our Indigenous governments, and our Indigenous organizations, and we have many boards and representatives that participate in these activities, and we are constantly sharing information in both directions. So we certainly believe that that is the case. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Final supplementary. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if the court strikes down Alberta Bill 7 for violating Indigenous rights on transboundary protections, how will the Minister of ECC ensure Alberta complies and that Northerners' waters and communities are safeguarded? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this question is really a hypothetical question. There has been no decision made, so we would have to wait until the decision is completed in order to respond. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Oral questions. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In keeping with the Olympic sentiment here in the room today and celebrating our athletes, Members are rightfully concerned about the state of the physical activity, sport and recreation Fund. I spoke about it in the main estimates review. It's been dangerously close to its $3 million deficit. Many years ago, in the 18th Assembly, decisions were made that have imperilled the fund's future success and now it's even more complicated by the rise in costs of travel and low lottery sales. So the Minister said that he would commit to building a plan. It seems like the only plan to me is to spend the money it needs to continue to function and send our kids to these games. So can the Minister just commit going forward, that we're going to spend the resources that are required to support our young athletes? Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, again, as I stated yesterday in the Committee of the Whole meeting, we have been doing a bunch of work on stabilizing the fund and trying to find a path forward, you know, on the funds that we're lacking. We have money in the budget this year for supporting the Arctic Winter Games. Also, we're continuing to review what some of the issues are. Some of the stuff is out of our control, I mean with the the ongoing use of online gambling is definitely impacting our -- you know, like the the Sports Select and stuff like that. So, like, there's organizations out there that are doing the same thing and we're not seeing the benefits anymore. So, unfortunately, you know, we have plans on looking at legislating online gambling and have money in the budget if we can go ahead and study it and see what else we can get out of online gambling. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Sounds like a good idea, Mr. Speaker; I wonder who raised it. But, Mr. Speaker, is this the plan to solve the gap with the fund? Because if it is, bringing a consultant in to do studying is a far cry from actually implementing legislation, building a compliance regime, and moving forward with tax and regulation of something that is harming our communities and we're losing revenue because it's not regulated. So can we get more than a committee to look at this? Is the Minister signaling now, today, that we are going to do this, bring the revenues in to our gaming fund, and keep Northerners and consumers safe? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, yeah, we're looking into this. And I don't want to say we're studying it because I don't think that's the goal here. The goal is to move ahead as quick as possible so we don't lose out on the opportunities. However, I will say that I know Alberta just, you know, finalized a lot of their stuff, so we're not too far behind, and I hope we can catch up to them and maybe, you know, get some of that gaming legislation out there sooner rather than later. And, like I said, you know, the iGaming stuff is important, and I am happy the Member brought it up, and I am happy to continue to work with the Member on some of this stuff to try to build up that fund and find different ways of gaining revenue for our lotteries fund that ultimately supports sports in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, as much as I appreciate going off topic here, I do think I want to bring it back to multi-sport games. So a plan to plan is not a plan. Can the Minister commit that going forward, we will ensure that northern athletes will have access to multi-sport games as they've previously enjoyed before the fund started getting into trouble? That's a commitment to our youth. It's a commitment to our future. I am hoping the Minister will make it today. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the funds that have been allocated in the budget are a commitment that this government is definitely interested in maintaining the funding levels for the sport in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Colleagues, in recognition of the time, we're going to take a brief recess for our translators. Thank you.

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Oral questions. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of ECC.

Mr. Speaker, earlier I talked about Bill 7 that was introduced in the House in Alberta, proposing merging waters basins which would disrupt northern rivers and threatens our ecosystem and communities. What action will the Minister take to address this clear violation of the transboundary water agreement and also protecting and upholding treaty rights? Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as is required under our transboundary water agreement, the GNWT and Alberta will continue to monitor and assess water quantity and quality against our interim triggers that we have within our agreement, and we'll relay that information to the public via the annual report as we've done over the last number of years and through our bilateral management committee. And I am very happy to say that the bilateral management committee has representations from two Indigenous governments that sit directly on the NWT Water Strategy Indigenous Steering Committee. So we've also relayed our displeasure, if you will, with that approach from the Alberta government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.