Please be seated. I'd like to thank Ms. Qitsualik for the opening prayer. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the Government of the Northwest Territories' progress in advancing transitional housing initiatives and improving shelter operations across the North, as guided by A Way Home: A Comprehensive Strategy to Address Homelessness in the Northwest Territories.

In recent months, with the support of our partners, we have made meaningful advancements in addressing chronic homelessness in the NWT. I want to reaffirm our dedication to working together to find northern solutions that support and protect our most vulnerable residents.

Increasing transitional and supportive housing across the North was identified in A Way Home as a top priority. Enhanced supports and person-centered services give vulnerable residents the opportunity to address past issues, develop life skills and reconnect with their communities, ultimately helping them to move toward stable, long-term housing.

The GNWT and Housing NWT have been collaborating with several partners to bring more transitional and supportive housing to the North.

In December, Housing NWT and the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs unveiled the new temporary transitional housing facility located on Highway No. 3, adjacent to the Folk on the Rocks site in Yellowknife. This new 24-unit facility provides individuals experiencing homelessness with a supportive step when leaving the emergency shelter system. The facility is operated by the Yellowknife Women's Society, offering programming and services for residents such as case management, life skills development, and help with employment, income assistance and housing applications.

For the first time, residents have access to safe transitional housing in Yellowknife and soon they will also have access in Inuvik after returning from out-of-territory treatment services.

Housing NWT and the Department of Health and Social Services have collaborated with the Salvation Army in Yellowknife and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation in Inuvik to develop a transitional housing model for residents returning from addiction treatment. One five-bedroom home in each community has been renovated to operate as a transitional home for post-addictions recovery programs. These homes offer a safe, substance-free, and supportive environment where residents live as a cohesive unit to focus on maintaining their recovery, rebuilding essential life skills, and working towards long-term stability within their community.

The 2026-2027 Budget contains significant proposed increases for the operations of emergency homeless shelters. This increased funding is to ensure the safe and stable operations of this vital network of emergency shelters. This will allow organizations to attract and retain staff and ensure that they are adequately funded to address inflationary costs.

It was recently announced that in spring of 2026, Housing NWT will assume operational responsibility for the Yellowknife Day Shelter and Sobering Centre, which are currently managed by Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority. With a designated operational lead in Housing NWT, services will align across all shelters, supporting the GNWT's efforts to deliver a unified and coordinated approach to homelessness across the territory.

In 2021, Housing NWT began operating the Inuvik homeless shelter. During this time, the GNWT increased shelter funding to strengthen service stability and support local capacity, which created the conditions necessary to develop community-led operations. As a result, this vital service returned to a community organization last month when the Inuvik Homeless Shelter Advisory Board assumed operational responsibility of the shelter. Housing NWT has also issued a request for proposals to identify a potential operator for the Inuvik warming shelter, continuing the GNWT's efforts to expand community involvement in homelessness services.

I am encouraged by the meaningful progress we have made in addressing chronic homelessness in the Northwest Territories. To ensure our housing solutions reflect the needs and realities of the North, we will continue to strengthen our partnerships with non-governmental organizations, Indigenous governments, community governments and individuals with lived experience. Through these shared efforts, we can build a more responsive housing system that supports the residents to find safe and stable places to call home. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT. Ministers' statements. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Eight years ago, this Assembly received the report of a foundational review of Aurora College which our current Premier pushed for when he was an MLA. The review made a bold case for change that I think is worth reiterating now in 2026 as we face significant economic challenge because I don't think we've been acting with the urgency required to address what we are facing and was communicated in that report.

I quote, There are three key and urgent reasons that support the proposition and change recommended in the foundational review. Firstly, advances in higher education are increasing at a phenomenal rate, and, consequently, the college needs to adapt to this shift. Secondly, because of this increasing pace of change, the only way to retain a lifelong working capacity is to engage as a total NWT population in lifelong integrated learning. Hence, NWT social structures need to keep pace with the accelerated rate of change. The need for higher education has to be seen by the GNWT as a primary economic driver and key to developing a knowledge economy and as such, the need for workforce development has never been more acute. Thirdly, it is a well-researched fact that a critical mass of intellectual human capital attracts substantive investment. As a result, it's imperative that the NWT take action to immediately begin investment in a progressive 21st century higher education model. This investment will provide the necessary institutional capacity for the NWT to attract substantive national and multinational corporate attention and investment throughout the next three to four decades. It is important for the GNWT to decide and act on a new vision as early as practicable as the post-secondary sector is becoming increasingly global and competitive. The NWT is not only competing with other northern institutions but institutions from across Canada and North America.

Mr. Speaker, I highlight that last point in particular. When it was made, the proposal was for NWT to become the first circumpolar jurisdiction in Canada with a university. As I say these words today, eight years later, we are now facing the scenario of being the last with the Yukon years ahead of us and Nunavut making bold strides. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and colleagues. Mr. Speaker, if we want to understand why our jurisdiction is falling behind our peers, it is not due to inaction in one economic sector but rather that we have rested on our laurels while our neighbours have diversified. Mr. Speaker, the time to act on that was ten years ago, but now is the moment for us to turn this narrative around. Thank you.

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

Mr. Speaker, committee was told back in May of last year give us time, give us space. This was from the public administrator of the health authority when his work plan was unveiled six months after his appointment to what we thought might be a one-year term. With the public administrator replacing the leadership council, we were told health authority governance would become more efficient, streamlined, nimble, with more consistent oversight. And we were told if politicians would just back off with our constant queries and if frontline practitioners would stop publicly raising alarm bells, leaving the PA scrambling with media work, health authority leadership could settle in and get to work making change.

It's now been 14 months since the PA was appointed. We have blown past nearly every deadline for concrete results that were laid out in the work plan with no deliverables in sight.

The main action in the work plan towards health care workforce stabilization was to develop and release a people strategy by June 2025. Last September, we were told it was almost ready and would be released in October. It still hasn't been released.

The PA was supposed to produce a balanced budget for the NTHSSA by last December so we could see savings in these main estimates. I see no evidence of that work, Mr. Speaker.

He was supposed to be reviewing the health authority governance and organizational structure to find efficiencies and reduce duplication between HSS and the authority. That was due by December but as of September hadn't even been initiated. Also not initiated as of September was a comprehensive business case for the small community model of care.

The PA was supposed to be held publicly accountable with a dashboard on the website charting progress on the work plan. That was supposed to be up last June. Guess what? Still no sign of it.

Well, what about the intangibles? The PA made much of his commitment to boost morale, improve workplace culture and communication, make practitioners feel heard. But the practitioners I've talked to say they've never even seen the PA step foot into their workplaces. Mr. Speaker, I am not interested in giving any more time or any more space to the PA. It's time for results. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.

Mr. Speaker, Happy Lunar New Year, Happy Mardi Gras, blessed Shrove Tuesday, and Ramadan Mubarak, Mr. Speaker. My riding is diverse, and I want to remark on all holidays my constituents celebrate where and when I can.

As well, Mr. Speaker, I wish to also note that I have many constituents who are active in the YK Citizens for Ceasefire group. Every Saturday, they brave the cold and make their voices heard at the four-way intersection at 48th Street and 49th Avenue, in support of a free Palestine.

Today, they are rallying and raising their voices in a Canada-wide day of action to call for more stringent exports of arms and parts to the US, for transparency and consistency of permitting with all export partners. The proposed No More Loopholes Bill C-233 is before the House of Commons.

Mr. Lloyd Axworthy, former federal MP and Minister, stated in a column to the Globe and Mail that, quote, the bill does not restrict manufacturing, sales, or innovation. It merely standardizes reviews so that exports to the United States undergo the same processes as all others. Factories will continue to operate, jobs will remain secure, and responsible oversight will strengthen, rather than weaken, confidence in the sector, end quote.

Mr. Speaker, when we are experiencing the imperial boomerang in real time, that is, imperialist powers imposing repressive techniques honed abroad on the global south and then brought home and used against their own citizens, I am proud that my fellow Yellowknifers are speaking up for justice and appropriate transparency in arms trade. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, regulatory and permitting approvals are critical to advance projects. Mr. Speaker, the cornerstone of our consensus government here in the Northwest Territories is working together for all people. It's about being proactive, communicative, and solution-driven. Today, I want to speak about why that spirit of collaboration must extend to include meaningful partnership between the Government of the Northwest Territories, the federal government, and our Indigenous governments.

Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie Valley Highway environmental assessment demonstrates both the promise and the complexity of the major infrastructure developments. The scope has been extended, in consultation with Indigenous governments, Wrigley to Inuvik. Phase 1 is already underway. Phase 2 included in this scope, progress is needed, regulatory challenges overcome, overlapping consultation requirements across multiple Indigenous governments. Alternatively, Indigenous governments, through their modern treaties, have the option to direct negotiations with the federal government on access.

These aren't just bureaucratic hurdles, Mr. Speaker. My recent trips, I heard loudly consultation fatigue. When Indigenous governments don't have adequate capacity support, when we rush consultations instead of building it into the process from day one, delays can be frustrating.

Mr. Speaker, I am calling on this government to establish a joint Department of Infrastructure and Indigenous governments team to lead phase 2 of the Mackenzie Valley Highway environmental assessment. This team would coordinate consultation, eliminate duplication, ensure adequate capacity funding flows to Indigenous governments, and build timelines together. This is consensus government and a meaningful collaboration way. This is how we turn regulatory challenges into opportunities for genuine partnerships. Mr. Speaker, our Indigenous governments hold a key to progress and development. Mahsi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise again to speak to this government's continued refusal to address a growing crisis in Indigenous education. Today I want to dig deeper into Jordan's Principle funding, which our schools have become so resilient. If you look closely, you will see that this funding has not only taken on responsibility that belongs to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment but also filling in the gap left by the Minister of Health and Social Services.

When it comes to ensuring children and complex needs can fully participate in learning, there is a clear intersection between health and education. As schools' population continues to grow, an increasing number of children are arriving with disabilities, challenges that directly impact their ability to learn, including autism, speech, language, or auditory disorders, hearing loss, and mental health conditions. These needs must be identified early so the school can design a learning environment that meets their needs. Parents cannot do it alone, and many struggle to access funding from primary care or cannot afford the services their children require. As a result, our schools are not only forced to act as hubs for these services but they are also funding assessments and providing learning equipment out of their own budget. That should never happen and allowed to be happen.

I have said before, and I will say it again, relying on the Jordan's Principle to fund core territorial public services is how government is given honouring the treaties and failed to follow through the commitments made in the name of MMIWG, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and UNDRIP. Actions speak louder than words, and what is happening speaks louder and clear to all who want to hear it.

Every dollar received from Ottawa was a dollar this government failed to provide to necessary territorial services, and where those dollars were going was plain for all to see. Each year that passed was a choice and a choice to say no to Indigenous children and to ignore the treaty rights on education. Later today, I will ask the Minister of Health and Social Services on how she plans to stop shifting her responsibilities onto schools, especially now that the federal government will no longer pick up the tab. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The residents of the Northwest Territories require the best medical treatment that is available to them based on the treaties that were signed with the Crown, not with the Government of the Northwest Territories. These treaty obligations have to be honoured. If the residents have to live by policies and procedures, then we as a government are failing the residents of the NWT and are not obligating these treaties that our former chiefs signed on our behalf.

Mr. Speaker, before Chief Julius, a great Gwich'in chief, put his mark on the paper, it was made clear that he would sign Treaty 11 based on promises from the Crown. Two main promises that he wanted was the best education for his children and the best health care for his people. Conroy, the government agent, stated that as long as you can see that mountain -- and he was referring to Black Mountain -- just north of Teetl'it Zheh, he wanted these promises to be honoured. And today you can still see that mountain, but the treaty promises are not being honoured by the federal government or the territorial governments.

Mr. Speaker, it is time that we change the way that we treat our citizens, especially the Indigenous population of the Northwest Territories, when it pertains to health care. We have to stop answering them based on policies and procedures and provide them with assurance and security that we do, indeed, care for their well-being.

Mr. Speaker, I have been continuously receiving texts, emails, and calls about the way people are being treated when it comes to health care as a whole. They ask when is this type of treatment going to stop and when are they going to be treated with respect and not policies and procedures. Mr. Speaker, patients have been given little to no notice of their appointments, and most times have to cancel or reschedule because the time frame is too short. Patients with special needs are being denied escorts because of the policies. It is time to implement community navigators in the smaller communities who know the residents and their specific needs. Mr. Speaker, the time to provide the best health care to the residents of the Northwest Territories has long passed. Let us start a new page in health care, not based on policies and procedures but practice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to use my Member's statement today to thank everyone for the important work we've completed over the past two-plus weeks. Sometimes it certainly doesn't feel like we've got that work accomplished but there has, indeed, been some good work done, and I'd like to thank the Members of the House for that.

A reminder to us all, Mr. Speaker, that there are still a lot of concerned citizens out there. We have a high cost of energy still, a high cost of food, and certainly we know that there are those struggling with addictions and homelessness, Mr. Speaker, and we always have to keep those front and center on our mind. Mr. Speaker, they are counting on us. They're counting on us to work together as we conclude. So I look forward to concluding the budget process, to create a budget that's good for all Northerners, Mr. Speaker.

And I'd also like to say safe travels for those heading back to their home communities as we take a short break between this session. And thank you all, and, again, safe travels to everyone. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today there is growing urgency in the Tlicho region felt in Behchoko, Gameti, Wekweeti, and Whati where many families depend on the diamond mines for stable, well-paying work. For decades, the diamond industry has been a cornerstone of opportunity for Tlicho citizens, providing hundreds of jobs and strengthening our local economies. But that foundation is now at risk. The looming closures of Ekati and Gahcho Kue are immediate and serious threat to Tlicho workers. Gahcho Kue paused expansion and financial pressures driven by falling diamond prices and global instability suggests its operating life may shorten. Ekati, meanwhile, has required prior federal support just to continue operating, with warning that even more assistance may be needed if conditions fail to improve. These mines sustains more than 1,000 jobs, Mr. Speaker, across the Northwest Territories, and a significant share of those workers come from Tlicho community. If the mines shut down, the economy shock will hit regions like mine the hardest where alternative employment is already limited.

Mr. Speaker, industry leaders have cautioned that mine closures could trigger population loss and shrinking territorial revenue impacts that would be felt most severely in Indigenous communities like mine.

Mr. Speaker, while the GNWT has introduced temporary relief measures, such as tax adjustments and increased evaluation capacities, these steps address only short-term pressure. They do not answer the larger question facing the Tlicho Nation: What long-term plan exists to ensure workers have real sustainable employment options once the mines are gone.

Our region, Mr. Speaker, has contributed greatly to the prosperity of the Northwest Territories. It is time for the GNWT to demonstrate the same commitment by delivering a clear, forward-looking strategy that protects Tlicho livelihoods beyond the diamond mining era. Mr. Speaker, I will have question for the Minister of ITI. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently, I was speaking to Bob Zimmer. He's the MP in northern BC He's also the Conservative critic for northern affairs, and the conversation was really interesting. I asked MP Zimmer, are you familiar with the Premier's buddy, you know, that senior envoy in Ottawa who is a self-proclaimed Ottawa expert, insider, knows everything. He said, in short, who? Mr. Speaker, when I asked some more questions, he goes well, I've heard of the guy, and he said he's been unable to reach him. He doesn't even know how to get ahold of him. Mr. Speaker, he did say eventually he did bump into him at one of those wine and cheese functions, you know those ones with the little fancy crackers and stuff where people try to rub elbows and like to think they're bigger than they are. Well, Mr. Speaker, he did corner him and say, hi, let's work together. That was the last contact he had with the NWT $440,000 senior envoy, Mr. Speaker. Begs the question is what's the value of this MP. Good question. I asked him that -- sorry, senior envoy, from the perspective of this MP. He said well, if you've got a Minister in Cabinet, in government, all that good stuff, he said there is no point. He's doing the job that the Minister is currently doing. I'd consider that an utter failure and disappointment, Mr. Speaker, that our government is paying someone to do our MP's job, open doors.

Mr. Speaker, I listened to that Cabin Radio back in December 2025, and my goodness, Mr. Speaker, that Cabin Radio should have been a situation where someone should have resigned in shame. They didn't clearly lay out a plan. They couldn't articulate what they're doing, and he barely even wanted to answer the question how much that position cost, Mr. Speaker.

And speaking of cost, Mr. Speaker, is this government paying the Premier's buddy a $440,000 concierge service to do what? To drive people to the hockey games? To pick them up at the airport? Carry their luggage? Take them to the casinos? Take them shopping? I don't know. Nobody knows. There's no transparency, Mr. Speaker. The hubris of this government is beyond unaccountable, Mr. Speaker. It is just confusing.

Mr. Speaker, over the period of this government, over the whole continuum, we will pay $1.8 million approximately for this guy who has delivered what? Nothing, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is that I say fire the senior envoy -- because the Premier isn't even paying attention to my statement -- put that money into health care, put that money into child care, put that money into literacy, give it to seniors, Mr. Speaker. Let's spend it in a real result that gives real meaning to Northerners, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Colleagues, on December 12th, 2025, I had the honour of attending the Western Arctic Marine Training Centre's Bridge Watch Rating graduation ceremony in Hay River. This was the second year in a row I've been invited. In true northern way of celebrating the graduates, they had elder Roy Fabian and four youth do an opening pray song.

This remarkable program equips new entrants with essential Transport Canada certifications for bridge watch and deck duties, preparing them for safe, skilled careers at sea. Twelve dedicated students started and successfully completed the intensive 15-week course, earning their credentials. They hailed from across Canada and the North: Hay River, Vernon BC, Fort McPherson, Inuvik, Vancouver BC, Toronto ON, Whitehorse YT, Victoria BC. And proudly, Trenton Diamond 'C from Fort Simpson. Eight were Northerners showcasing the program's draw for locals and beyond.

What makes this initiative stand out? It's fully funded for Northerners through Transport Canada's Oceans Protection Plan, delivered in partnership with BCIT, and includes hands-on simulator training AND safety modules, and marine emergency duties all tailored for remote marine challenges. Students from outside the NWT flock here, excited by their reputation and job-ready outcomes. Past grads have joined the Coast Guard, BC Ferries, and more.

The grads received special messages from Thire Hein, former alumni; Minister Rebecca Alty; Premier Simpson, WAMTC board of director Terry Camsell; and executive director John Vandenberg. This program builds economic opportunities, marine experience, and pride in our North's workforce.

Congratulations to the grads, instructors, and the WAMTC team. I encourage and continue to support to keep attracting talent like Trenton from Fort Simpson in this field of work. Thank you.

Members' statements. Member from Range Lake.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Rule 8.3(3)(a), I give notice of intent to proceed with Bill 3, Carbon Tax Repeal Act, for further consideration in Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a hard-working Range Lake page Adam Kamali. Thank you for being here and supporting our proceedings. It's great to have you as part of our democracy today, Adam. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased today to have a page from Yellowknife South. She also happens to be someone I know very well. This is Ms. Savannah Gostlin who is paging for us here today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I like that red colour. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd just like to quickly recognize Frame Lake page Charlotte Hilton who is in the House today. Again, thank you so much for your service, and we've really been enjoying having the pages in the House, as always, this week. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. I'd like to recognize MaryJane Cazon, our translator from Fort Simpson. She is going to head home today. So MaryJane, have a safe trip home and we'll see you next week.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we missed anyone in the gallery, welcome to your chambers. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It's always nice to see people in the gallery.

Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Member from Range Lake.

Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts is pleased to provide its Report on the Review of the Auditor General's 2025 Audit of Protected and Conserved Areas in the Northwest Territories and commends it to the House.

INTRODUCTION

The Speaker of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly tabled the Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly - Protected and Conserved Areas in the Northwest Territories on May 23, 20251 ("the audit" or "the report").

The Office of the Auditor General's report provided detailed findings on the GNWT's readiness and capacity to deliver on the Healthy Land, Healthy People: GNWT Priorities for the Northwest Territories Conservation Network 2023-2028 (HLHP) work plan's objectives related to conservation. The audit focused on three outcomes: establishing new protected areas, supporting the effective and equitable management of existing protected and conserved areas, and securing long-term funding for conservation activities.

Protected areas in the NWT operate within a complex inter-governmental landscape, involving Indigenous governments, the federal government, and regional co-management systems. The GNWT's role is shaped by statutory duties under the Protected Areas Act (PAA), its intergovernmental commitments under land claim and self-government agreements, the broader national biodiversity commitments associated with Canada's 2030 targets, and other relevant territorial and federal legislation.

The PAA establishes the territorial framework for creating permanent protected areas through establishment agreements that specify roles, responsibilities, governance structures, and management expectations. Territorial protected areas (TPA) must be co-developed with Indigenous governments, with decisions made through collaborative processes that reflect Indigenous law, knowledge systems, and stewardship principles. Beyond the PAA, land and resource management in the NWT is also influenced by settled land claim agreements and ongoing negotiations in unsettled areas like the Dehcho. These agreements establish co-management boards, planning processes, consultation obligations, and shared roles in stewardship. The HLHP plan provides a strategic policy framework emphasizing Indigenous-led conservation, long-term sustainability, biodiversity protection, and recognition of cultural continuity.

Committee completed an extensive review of the OAG's report, including holding a public briefing on October 29th, 2025. This is Committee's report on that review with recommendations for the GNWT.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Committee thanks Jerry V. DeMarco, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development; Carey Agnew, Principal; and Stephanie Moores, Director, for their work on the audit and their briefing. Committee also thanks Karen Hogan, Auditor General of Canada.

Committee also thanks John MacDonald, Secretary to Cabinet and Deputy Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs; Robert Jenkins, Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change; and Pamela Strand, Deputy Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, and their teams for information supporting this review.

REPORT ON THE REVIEW OF THE auditor general's 2025 AUDIT OF PROTECTED AND CONSERVED AREAS IN THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Progress Made on Commitments Under Healthy Land, Healthy People

Committee recognizes that the GNWT has made meaningful progress toward ensuring that the territory is on track to achieve outcomes related to protecting biodiversity and ecological integrity while sustaining cultural practices and economic development for current and future generations through its network of protected and conserved areas under the PAA.

The audit confirmed that GNWT has advanced key priorities under the HLHP work plan, including securing long-term financing for Indigenous-led conservation under the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) agreement, and working to expand and manage the conservation network. While challenges remain in planning, governance, and operational capacity, committee acknowledges that these efforts represent a significant step forward in building a strong and sustainable framework for land protection and stewardship and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous governments.

To that end, committee acknowledges the significant efforts made by the departments and urges continued collaboration and innovation to strengthen conservation outcomes for future generations through a whole-of-government approach together with Indigenous governments.

Funding and Capacity Constraints

A central finding of the OAG audit was the GNWT's unsustainable reliance on short-term federal funding, which accounted for approximately 41 percent of conservation network expenditures in 2023-2024. Short-term funding creates operational instability, contributing to high turnover rates, unfilled positions, and challenges in meeting timelines for regulatory development, management plans, and monitoring programs.

The PFP agreement represents a major positive step in securing up to $375 million in long-term financing for Indigenous-led conservation activities. However, the PFP specifically funds Indigenous governments, not the GNWT, and does not replace the GNWT's own operational responsibilities under the PAA or its intergovernmental obligations. As Indigenous governments begin accessing PFP funds, the GNWT must ensure its own capacity keeps pace to avoid delays or gaps in fulfilling its statutory and partnership obligations.

Committee concludes that the GNWT may benefit from increased funding as well as a scaled funding model that reflects the distinct stages of conservation work under the PAA, including Cabinet approval of a candidate area, negotiation of an establishment agreement, regulatory development, and management planning. These stages require coordinated, multi-year departmental effort. Committee therefore makes the following two recommendations:

Recommendation 1: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories create a program line item for Conservation Planning and Implementation in the 2027-2028 Main Estimates and adopt staged funding triggers tied to milestones under the Protected Areas Act. And

Recommendation 2: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories stabilize its operational capacity for Territorial Protected Areas by increasing capacity funding to support management boards and by fully funding the staffing of positions identified in establishment agreements. The government should allocate sufficient resources in the 2027-2028 Main Estimates to close capacity gaps and ensure the effective delivery of management plans, monitoring programs, and Guardians initiatives.

Committee observes that conservation initiatives outside the PAA may follow different processes and funding pathways, and the GNWT's financial responsibilities for this work are not always clearly defined or predictable. Committee observes that a clearer understanding of these obligations is needed, along with a coordinated approach to securing federal support for non-PAA conservation activities. Committee consequently recommends:

Recommendation 3: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories identify its financial obligations and resource requirements for conservation initiatives outside the Protected Areas Act and provide the necessary funding, including working with the federal government to secure appropriate long-term resources for these activities within one year and report back to committee on progress.

Committee's study highlighted that conservation planning occurs over several years, and key activities cannot be completed within a single fiscal cycle. Reliance on annual funding creates uncertainty and slows progress on protected area establishment, management planning, and monitoring. Committee notes that flexible multi-year funding would provide greater predictability and allow resources to align with the timing of conservation work. Committee also recognizes that implementing multi-year funding is challenging under the current constraints of the Financial Administration Act, which limits the GNWT's ability to commit funds across fiscal years. Furthermore, while the financial administration manual (IB 805.02) allows for multi-year ongoing contribution agreements, any uncommitted surplus at the end of a fiscal year is clawed back. Committee is concerned that the existing financial tools for flexible, stable, long-term funding is not adequate for the scope and scale of conservation work and would therefore recommend:

Recommendation 4: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories establish more flexible multi-year financing tools by amending the Financial Administration Act and related policy instruments to enable funding mechanisms suitable for inter-generational conservation commitments, and to complete this work in time for it to be reflected in the 2027-28 Main Estimates.

Committee is aware that many Indigenous governments face capacity constraints that limit meaningful participation in conservation planning and the implementation of establishment agreements under the PAA. While PFP will provide substantial funding for Indigenous-led conservation work, it is uncertain if Indigenous governments and organizations will have capacity to engage in PAA-related activities. Limited staff, competing priorities, and increasingly complex conservation tables can restrict full participation and slow progress on shared objectives. Committee consequently recommends:

Recommendation 5: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide new capacity funding, including funding new grants and contributions, to provide dedicated new budget and resources to Indigenous governments to support their participation in conservation work under the Protected Areas Act that would not otherwise be covered by Project Finance for Permanence funds.

Candidate Areas Action Plan

The audit found that progress on advancing Dinaga Wek'ehodi and the four Dehcho candidate protected areas has been limited, despite their combined potential to add 23,521 square kilometers of protection, which is significant for meeting territorial and national conservation targets. Decision-making on these sites is complex and requires consensus among multiple Indigenous governments, coordination with ongoing land claim negotiations in the Dehcho, and substantial technical, ecological, cultural, and socio-economic analysis. The Nature Agreement identifies 2028 as the target for completing several of these candidate areas and commits the GNWT to leading annual public reporting on progress beginning in 2025. Committee notes that no structured approach for meeting these obligations has been outlined and that the first annual report has not yet been published. Without a clear action plan, defined milestones, and identified resourcing, the GNWT risks falling behind the 2028 targets and weakening transparency and accountability in the establishment process.

To support the advancement of Dinaga Wek'ehodi and the four Dehcho candidate protected areas, committee recommends the following:

Recommendation 6: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories table, by the end of the May-June 2026 sitting, a comprehensive action plan for advancing Dinaga Wek'ehodi and the four Dehcho candidate protected areas. The plan should set clear timelines, milestones, and accountability measures aligned with the 2028 Nature Agreement targets and include a strategy for resourcing and capacity support.

Recommendation 7: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories table information, by the end of the May-June 2026 sitting, on how its strategy for advancing candidate protected areas in the Dehcho is coordinated with ongoing land claim negotiations in the region. And.

Recommendation 8: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories publish the annual report committed to in the Nature Agreement including progress on commitments scheduled for the previous fiscal year and anticipated timelines for establishing the candidate protected areas under the Healthy Lands, Healthy People work plan.

Indigenous Hiring and Collaboration with Management Boards

Mr. Speaker, would like to share a quote from the Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change who shared with the committee at the public briefing: co-management only works if relationships are healthy.

We emphatically agree.

The audit found that Indigenous representation in hiring for positions associated with TPAs was limited. For the first five years after establishment, management boards were rarely involved in planning or carrying out hiring for roles identified in establishment agreements. Committee finds that this lack of involvement fell short of co-management commitments and has limited opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate directly in stewardship roles.

Although improvements were noted in 2023, participation by management boards remained inconsistent. The audit recommended that the GNWT ensure meaningful board involvement, and the GNWT agreed. At the public briefing on October 29, 2025, officials identified several improvements, including adding board members to hiring committees, limiting competitions to nearby communities, and seeking board input on job descriptions and recruitment. Committee notes these are positive steps but remains concerned that the GNWT has not identified indicators to measure whether these changes improve Indigenous representation or retention.

The audit also found that the GNWT lacked structured monitoring of progress in implementing establishment agreements. Although agreements require a formal five-year review, work had not begun and no critical path or milestones were in place. Committee agrees this gap risks delays in management planning, monitoring programs, and Guardians initiatives. While GNWT officials have accepted the recommendation and pointed to existing mechanisms such as meetings with management boards, the OAG questioned whether these are sufficient. In the public hearing, the Principal advised that interim check-ins may be needed to complement the five-year review cycle. To support those comments, committee recommends:

Recommendation 9: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories demonstrate how current measures to involve management boards in hiring are improving Indigenous representation and how these measures will be sustained and strengthened. Committee further recommends that the government establish timelines, metrics, and clear indicators of success to show how these actions ensure meaningful community representation in hiring for positions associated with territorial protected areas. And.

Recommendation 10: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories table, by the end of the May-June 2026 sitting, a detailed update, including an implementation framework for territorial protected area agreements, that responds fully to the auditor general's recommendation at paragraph 56 of the audit report.

Activities and Permitting within Protected and Conserved Areas

The audit confirms that the core instruments for TPAs remain unfinished or only partially in place. Draft regulations for Thaidene Nene were co-developed but not finalized, related policies remain interim or in draft, and management plans for both Thaidene Nene and Ts'ude Niline Tuyeta were not completed within five years of their establishment agreements. These gaps delay dependent work such as monitoring programs and create uncertainty for decision makers and proponents.

Committee finds that the lack of finalized regulations, approved management plans, and consolidated permitting guidance has left boards and proponents relying on interim tools and ad hoc coordination. This slows implementation of establishment agreements and undermines confidence in the permitting system. The audit's "partially completed" status for regulations and policies, combined with missed plan timelines, demonstrates the need for permanent rules and a clear pathway for activities within TPAs. As such, committee recommends:

Recommendation 11: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories finalize the regulations for Thaidene Nene and bring forward any outstanding policy instruments required for Thaidene Nene and Ts'ude Niline Tuyeta, sequenced with the approval of management plans and supported by publicly shared target dates within one year. And

Recommendation 12: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories update the regulatory, legislative, and policy framework so that it works coherently with territorial protected areas under the Protected Areas Act and resolves existing gaps. The GNWT should begin the required policy work to identify and assess options for legislative amendments and bring forward recommended changes for decision. Timelines for this work should be expedited, with milestones for delivery within the lifetime of the 20th Legislative Assembly.

Government Leadership

Leadership in conservation requires GNWT to coordinate across departments, anticipate pressures from increased Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, and ensure its processes are transparent, timely, and well resourced. The audit's Exhibit 4 identified key factors that enabled the successful negotiation of the PFP agreement, including stable representation, shared work planning, sufficient capacity, cultural practices, and strong facilitation. Applying these practices to TPA establishment and implementation could strengthen GNWT's leadership and improve outcomes across the conservation network.

Committee affirms that GNWT must respect Indigenous governments' right to lead conservation in their regions, and at the same time provide clear direction and ensure territorial commitments are met. GNWT cannot defer leadership by suggesting that progress depends solely on Indigenous capacity or availability. It must set a coordinated plan for protected and conserved areas, align targets across departments, and resource delivery.

Committee believes a strong approach requires the GNWT to convene partners through established intergovernmental forums like the Northwest Territories Council of Leaders and the Intergovernmental Council of the Northwest Territories, set timelines, remove policy and regulatory barriers, and ensure coordinated, timely decision-making across the government. Lessons from the successful PFP negotiations show the value of stable representation, shared work plans, cultural practices, and effective facilitation, and the GNWT should apply these practices to protected and conserved area establishment and implementation.

Recommendation 13: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories table, in the May-June 2026 sitting, a plan that sets out how the government will lead conservation planning in collaboration with partners through the Northwest Territories Council of Leaders and the Intergovernmental Council of the Northwest Territories without overriding Indigenous authorities; outlines the sequence of Government of the Northwest Territories decisions required to advance each protected area; and commits to a public, milestone-based update each November, as part of the reporting obligations under the Nature Agreement, to summarize progress and any variance from plan.

Recommendation 14: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories establish a process to obtain independent reviews, including legal or analytical reviews conducted through an Indigenous lens, when co-management partners encounter an impasse. Committee notes that progress on implementing accepted audit recommendations is not always timely and that the GNWT lacks clear mechanisms to hold senior leadership accountable for delivery. Establishing a link between deputy minister performance management and the implementation of accepted recommendations would strengthen accountability and help ensure sustained, on-schedule action on conservation commitments.

Recommendation 15: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories establish an audit performance plan for deputy ministers. The plan should link performance pay to timely implementation of Office of the auditor general of Canada audit recommendations that have been accepted by the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Reconciliation

Historic harms and systemic exclusion of Indigenous peoples from land stewardship and governance have left legacies that continue to affect trust and relationships. Some of these harms are recent, making rebuilding trust more challenging. These unresolved issues can impede efforts to work together on shared priorities such as conservation, even when frameworks for collaboration exist. Moving forward requires acknowledging these harms, issuing public apologies where appropriate, and actively creating space for Indigenous leadership while ensuring governments fulfill their responsibilities as partners.

Committee acknowledges that the GNWT enacted the UNDRIP Implementation Act, (UNDRIPIA) which commits the GNWT to harmonizing its laws and policies with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. UNDRIPIA came into force on October 6, 2023, and requires the Minister, in collaboration and cooperation with Indigenous governments or organizations of the NWT and the executive council, co-develop an action plan to achieve the objectives of the Declaration within two years of coming into force. Committee notes that this legislative timeline has passed. The action plan was not tabled during the October 2025 sitting, and the required public engagement has not occurred.

To give full effect to these commitments and demonstrate progress, committee recommends that GNWT take immediate steps to operationalize the Act and embed UNDRIP principles into conservation policy and practice. Conservation is an area where reconciliation must be visible and measurable. Committee further recommends that GNWT engage Indigenous leadership meaningfully by using the Council of Leaders and other fora with Indigenous governments and organizations to guide this work and creating forums for dialogue that build trust, consensus, and shared decision-making.

Recommendation 16: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories examine specific historical harms that have been raised by Indigenous governments and communities, identify those that warrant a formal apology and compensation, and take timely action to deliver those apologies along with appropriate reparations.

Recommendation 17: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide an update on the status of the action plan required by section 10 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Implementation Act. And

Recommendation 18: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide sufficient funding in the 2026-2027 Main Estimates and establish ongoing multi-year implementation funding, including capacity funding for Indigenous governments and organizations, to support and sustain participation in the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Implementation Act until implementation is fully achieved.

CONCLUSION

This concludes the Standing Committee on Public Accounts' Report on the Review of the Auditor General's 2025 Audit of Protected and Conserved Areas in the Northwest Territories. Committee looks forward to the Government's response, and their provision of details as to how they will implement these recommendations.

Recommendation 19: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to this report within 120 days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Reports of standing and special committees. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput, that Committee Report 35-20(1), Standing Committee on Public Accounts Report on the Review of the Auditor General's 2025 Audit of Protected and Conserved Areas in the Northwest Territories, be received by the Assembly and referred to Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Any abstentions? The motion is carried. Committee Report 35-20(1), Standing Committee on Public Accounts Report on the Review of the Auditor general's 2025 Audit of Protected and Conserved Areas in the Northwest Territories, has been received and will be moved into the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.

Reports of standing and special committees. Returns to oral questions. Acknowledgements. Oral Questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will be asking questions of my favourite health Minister today, and it's with respect to wait times.

Mr. Speaker, I was looking at the health and social services dashboard on wait times. Thank you very much for having that very important piece of information. But I don't find that it actually tracks specifics when you tie months to actual wait times. It says wait times by month is not the same in the sense of tracking them in the context of getting results. So in other words, it says we have people on priority, but it doesn't actually say who we actually serve. Does the department actually do an analysis as to how many referrals it has in the context of how many we actually see? Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don't have that level of detail.

Yes, thank you very much. I mean, the website is helpful. It's a little on the confusing side where it says referral count and then wait times, but I am not actually seeing where it transposes.

Mr. Speaker, is there any cost analysis ever done by the Department of Health and Social Services that looks into is it cheaper to bring specialists to the Northwest Territories rather than sending them to south using the medical travel process and therein lies the question. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the health authority's preference is to bring specialists to the Northwest Territories; however, all the specialists are not always available to travel to the Northwest Territories as they service Alberta residents at the same time. So within access to care, we provide them with the travel to Alberta for that care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's answer. Yes, there's some specialists that come here. The eye guy, I don't know what his name is, but he sees hundreds of people all at once. Excellent use of resources.

Mr. Speaker, is the Minister able to share what analysis they do on these types of appointments and strategies with me and my colleagues, including the public, because I can't find any analysis or strategy on the website on how we try to find the best way to do this business. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the years there's been many different ways to try and analyze this and right now, what this government has done is we have highlighted the medical travel piece, which also includes out-of-territory physician services, which is being analyzed right now by the health sustainability unit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So my questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services following up on my Member's statement.

So my understanding was that the public administrator was to be appointed for a one-year term with possibility of extension. As I noted in my Member's statement, the public administrator has so far failed to deliver most of the deliverables laid out in the work plan. So my first question for the Minister, is there a defined end date for the term of the public administrator or is the contract to be extended as long as there continues to be unfinished work? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in December, myself, the public administrator, the deputy minister, we briefed committee on the public -- the Minister's work plan. There, however -- so there are many areas that the public administrator has been directed to work on. There are some things that are -- some deliverables that have had extended timelines due to certain aspects, but I don't agree with the comment that there are many -- there are many of the things that are in progress. There are a lot that have been completed. There is still some work that, you know, is delayed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Okay, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I didn't really hear an answer to the first question. But following up on the Minister's comments, are there firm deadlines in place to ensure that those deliverables that are overdue will be received in time to make meaningful change during the life of this government? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, there are timelines. And like any other year we have, we ended up having delays. You know, there was the Dehcho journey that was part of this mapping of -- you know, with medical travel. That was one piece that was delayed. There are many different parts that are going on. And the Member's statement was people strategy. Well, when we went out and we heard from the -- myself, the public administrator, the deputy administrator, and the CEO went out and heard from staff, there was a lot more outside of the health and social services NTHSSA area so we had to go out and work with other departments to see how we could work together to try and fit in some of the requests that were being made by staff for this retention strategy. So there are other things that we are continuing to work on.

And the timeline for the public administrator is -- his contract is up in December, and we are on track with where we are with the plan for governance. And once we have made that decision, then we'll transition to that before the year is over. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife North.

Okay, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Minister for providing clarity on the first couple of questions.

So can the Minister speak to what barriers have been removed or what issues have now been resolved that would give this House more assurance that the deliverables can actually be completed by December of this year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the main part of -- you know, and other Members have stressed this, was we -- the main part was for the public administrator to ensure that what messaging was coming from this government through our priorities was being actioned within the NTHSSA. And with that direct line, we've now been able to focus on areas where we -- and I've said in this House, we have been focusing on not just on small communities, on the high priority, the areas that are most important to the residents, which is that first contact. And within that, the priorities -- the other piece was is to ensure that the, you know, NTHSSA's budget is -- budget is appropriate size for the services that we require them and we are expecting them to do. And that work has been going on. And within the mandate -- within the public administrator's mandate, he's got until this next year to have that budget so that way the next budget that's put forward is more in line with a balanced budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Oral questions. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, my question is what is the provision of speech-language therapy and social and emotional support being left to the schools instead of being administered by the Minister of Health and Social Services? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, within the mental health and speech-language, both -- for years, both the education and I think when -- and within health have had separate budgets, so the K to 12 I can't speak to that. That can go to the Minister. But where the health authority lies is when those children have needs for speech and those can -- those referrals are made to the speech pathology through a referral process. And they can be self-referral from families, from physicians, from the schools. And we provide those services; however, you know, right now we're challenged with a lot of vacancies. With mental health, I know with the CYCs, we have -- we initiated this program, I believe, 2018-2019. All of the mental health work was done under health and social services but after a two-year or three-year review, I believe there was a large push from education bodies to want to be more involved and have more of that within their authority and so that's why the change was made at the beginning -- to make the change at the beginning of this government, to split that so that part of the work was done in education and the clinical expertise would stay in health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My next question is why is the Minister forcing schools to use their budgets for children's assessments and essential learning equipment when the schools aren't equipped to deliver these services and don't have the funding and trying to tap into the surplus dollars doesn't work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would have to get more information as to what the Member is referring to as I wouldn't be able to respond to that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Final supplementary. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Much of the cuts to Jordan's Principle education funding supported services that are the responsibility of the Minister of health. Will she take the pressure off ECE and provide parents with timely access to assessments and to support their children with complex needs and requirements instead of forcing schools to fill that role? Mr. Speaker, education and health and social services are treaty rights. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what I would like to say on that is that, you know, in this House, you know, we've heard time and time again how it's impacted within education; however, a lot of these supports are -- you know, I think -- we know we don't have enough positions or whatever in ECE -- in the schools. You know, we're bound by what our budget is. We're bound to be able to provide the services, and we try to reallocate as much to the programs as we can. Within health and social services, it's the same area. Jordan's Principle has been supporting health and social services as well because education and health is both. And this is why myself and the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, as well as everybody from Cabinet, has been meeting and bringing this issue up, how it's impacting the Indigenous students especially in the Northwest Territories, and even more so in the smallest communities. When you look across Canada, you know, the smallest communities, the Indigenous communities are reserves, and that's the decision that they made before the new Minister came in, that they would only fund reserves. We've tried to educate them on the Northwest Territories that our small communities make up -- are mostly Indigenous kids so we need to be able to have this funding as well in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of ITI.

In 2021, the GNWT participated with many stakeholders, including Indigenous governments, on the Re-Imagining Closure project around mine closure and where ideas of common ground could be found about repurposing assets, among other ideas. Can the Minister tell me the status of conversations between the GNWT and other stakeholders and diamond mines as they close around asset repurposing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Minister of ITI.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories continues to support our diamond mines in conversations with potential stakeholders for assets. The diamond mines also are pursuing potential new uses of their assets themselves as well. That's everything from working with -- or sorry, ensuring that Indigenous governments understand what potential opportunities there are right down to their staff. So, for example, they have things like boats that are on site and ensuring that they are working kind of through their own stakeholder priority list as they near closure, has been a priority of theirs, and where we can we have supported those conversations as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you to the Minister for that. And I know the Minister is aware I have a passionate constituent who asks a lot of questions about this, so thank you.

Can the Minister tell me if as outlined in those conversations in the 2021 report on Re-Imagining Closure if an Arctic research and development centre continues to be a part of this conversation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, as you know there is a tremendous amount of assets. These are billion-dollar diamond mines that we have operating in the Northwest Territories that have a significant amount of infrastructure that could potentially be repurposed in a multitude of ways, whether that is a research centre, a logistics hub, or potentially processing of different types of minerals, depending on what type of adjustments can be made to processing plants. These are conversations that we continue to have. We as a government certainly don't have the pockets deep enough to continue to support this level of infrastructure without kind of a known use for it, but we continue to provide different ideas to, for example our federal partners as well, as we explore different opportunities within the Northwest Territories whether that is through critical minerals, through opportunities that exist with Arctic security as well. So we continue to make sure that all of our partners are aware of the level of infrastructure that does exist in the Northwest Territories and the potential opportunities that they present. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of ITI. Final supplementary. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister for that. I know she has a lot of opportunities to speak to various partners, including federal partners, on topics such as these, including the assets of the mines as they reach their closure.

Mr. Speaker, can she tell me if -- especially in Arctic security, Mr. Speaker, can she tell me if there is interest of the Department of National Defence to utilize some of these airfields and airstrips in their future planning? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, it's not just us that's talking to our counterparts within the federal government. The mines themselves, I know of one in particular that is also doing their part to ensure that these opportunities are known to the federal government, and where and when we can, we support these conversations as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of ITI. Oral questions. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, child care providers have been reaching out to MLAs recently and they feel that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is forcing them to collect sensitive personal information, including ethnicity and sex assigned at birth, and they feel that they are under threat of losing funding if they refuse. Forcing families to disclose this information as a condition of service to access or funding constitutes indirect or adverse effect discrimination, non-voluntary statistical reporting. Providers now feel caught between compliance and protecting families' privacy, putting them at legal and ethical risk. So I'd like to ask the Minister responsible how does ECE justify mandatory collection of ethnicity and sex assigned at birth despite clear human rights protections? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Range Lake. Minister of ECE.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, the demographic information that is found within the regulations for education, culture and employment's early learning and child care regulations is not new information that's being collected. I think it's worth stating here, Mr. Speaker, that this information, while listed in the regulations and while asked of early learning and child care providers to collect it, is not then collected by ECE and it is not mandatory that they collect it and then receive funding for it. No one is not receiving funding. So funding is still flowing. It is also an option for child care providers to simply note on their forms that a parent declined to provide this information, and that is respected as well by the department. But it is very important that parents and child care providers know that funding is not being withheld for not providing that information, and ECE does not maintain that information within the department. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, that's good news, but that's not what's being communicated clearly because that's why we're getting complaints. So can the Minister explain why this happened? Why was individual-level non-anonymized data collection suggested to providers instead of typical aggregated, anonymized statistical reporting as we see in federal programs? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, this information is found in the regulations in anticipation of information requests for reporting to the federal government. But without clear indication from the federal government as to how they intend to use that information and how that information can be ensured that it is respecting the privacy of Northerners, ECE is not collecting it from child care providers and is not providing it, obviously, to the federal government either. So while we are asking that ELCC providers, so daycare providers, collect that information and have it on file for families, if families decline to provide that information that is something that can be placed on a form. Like I said, that information is not collected and maintained by ECE and is certainly, obviously, not handed over to the federal government either. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Final supplementary. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you to the Minister for making that clear. Will the Minister endeavour to communicate with all early childhood providers and let them know -- clarify this position so there's no more confusion, they're not under this misapprehension that they're going to lose funding if they don't do this, and that they can clearly indicate that parents decline. Can the Minister commit to sending out letters or using the departmental resources to get that clarification out so there is no more confusion in the territory. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, I have a draft here that will go out to MLAs, and at the exact same time communication will also go out to child care providers as well today. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Oral questions. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up on my statement earlier, my question today is to the Minister of strategic infrastructure.

Will the Minister of strategic infrastructure expand on the current steering committee to include the Indigenous governments of PKFN and the Gwich'in Tribal Council? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am already in contact quite regularly with all three of the Indigenous governments who are lining the ultimate route of the Mackenzie Valley Highway. The current MOU exists between the GNWT and SSI. We also have a work plan signed with the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation and certainly am looking and hopeful that we will see an expansion in a formal capacity to bring all three groups, or all four groups with the GNWT, into a formal agreement. So certainly supportive of that, Mr. Speaker. The next step really will be to do that in alignment with the timing preferred by those Indigenous governments. But I am -- as I say, I am in contact with them, and I am expecting that we will get to that place as this project moves forward. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the Minister for that reply. Greatly appreciated that.

My second question, Mr. Speaker, will the Minister provide this group, once it's established, with SEED capital money, particularly to the other groups outside of SSI. SSI has some funding already. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there's different pots of money that may all be available and, firstly, any and everyone interested in opening a business or expanding a business along the Mackenzie Valley Highway can and should be reaching out to their regional ITI department. That is an opportunity to create businesses and to expand businesses, build businesses, as we anticipate work on this project to move forward quickly in the next little while.

There's also funding that is managed through strategic infrastructure with respect to the capacity and work readiness. So just last week, as the Member would know having been with them, we began the work of getting work readiness groups together on the first phase of the project with those communities, and there is funding available for that. As we move into the second phase and expand that work, I expect similar funding will become available so that we can get groups up and running so they have the work readiness capacity to be ready, not only for construction but for what comes next. So it's coming, Mr. Speaker. I am very much committed to it, and I appreciate the question. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am glad we got some startup capital that's forthcoming.

My next question there, Mr. Speaker, is what negotiations are underway with the federal government for the announced Arctic infrastructure fund back in November, that pot of money, one-third is for the NWT. I just want to know what the plans are for that Arctic infrastructure fund. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say I've had the chance to speak to the Minister of Transportation. I know the Premier has as well. We've certainly taken this up with respect to wanting to make sure that that fund gets utilized appropriately. It's only an amount that starts to get at some of the needs we have. It does not build the road entirely. So I am not sure if it's going to be a one-third or if it's going to be project-allocated. We have been certainly, and I think with our sister and brother territories, saying that this is not going to be enough in a big sense. But we've been front and center already, as I say, both myself, the Premier, other Ministers as well, explaining the three major projects that we have, being in the major projects office, and so I am confident we'll get our share of it, Mr. Speaker. And my point simply being that this Arctic infrastructure fund isn't necessarily going to be what builds the Mackenzie Valley Highway. It's going to be just part of what can get us over the hurdle of all of the major projects that we have. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, many of my constituents are nervous at this time with mine closure because this will have an impact on their livelihood. So with that in mind, Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the Minister of ITI what specific long-term diversification initiatives is the department developing to ensure sustainable employment opportunities for regions like the Tlicho once Ekati and Gahcho Kue cease operations. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Minister of ITI.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we certainly do have a diverse economy in the Northwest Territories. We do not have a diverse GDP. So a lot of our GDP still comes from diamond mining in the Northwest Territories, and we're working hard as a Cabinet to make sure that we're diversifying our GDP. That includes things like investing in housing to make sure that we have construction projects and we're continuing to increase our construction allotment from our GDP. We're investing in health care. We're investing in, for example, adding more schools to our capital planning for large infrastructure and increasing our small capital investments as well for school infrastructure. In addition to that, Mr. Speaker, we're working as a Cabinet to ensure that we're streamlining our regulatory process to make it easier for -- and more efficient for more mines to come online. In addition, Mr. Speaker, we have other opportunities in the territory that are coming up or exist today. An example of that is Giant Mine remediation and making sure that I am working quite closely with, for example Tlicho Investment Corporation, on maximizing the opportunities that exist from that work out there to make sure that we have as many Tlicho and YKDFN residents from the Yellowknife area that are working on that project. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, well, I just wanted to tell the Minister that, you know, I think they need to start focusing on decentralization, give us more jobs. Mr. Speaker, what concrete transition supports such as retraining programs, apprenticeship opportunities, or partnerships with Indigenous governments, are being planned to help Tlicho workers who may lose their jobs in the coming years?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, through education, culture and employment we have a suite of programs that employers have access to in order to do retraining with staff. This can be something, you know, like upgrading programs but can also be more on-the-job training, so specific for certifications required for them to evolve into a new position. We're also pursuing more funding through the federal government specific to industries that have been impacted by tariffs. And this is one such industry that exists in the Northwest Territories that has seen impact because of tariffs from the United States. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of ITI. Final supplementary. Member for Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what has the GNWT done to prepare for the potential economic and population impacts that experts warn could follow mine closures, especially in our smaller regional communities? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as an entire Cabinet, we have asked okay, where we can put some additional dollars that really not only achieve our economic goals in the territory but make sure that we're also achieving our social goals. We're at a point in time, Mr. Speaker, where we have to make sure that our investments are multi-use, just like our infrastructure, and so that includes looking at investments that speak to both our social and our economic needs in the territory, hence housing and health care investments, as well as investments in education.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to that, we've ensured that we're working quite closely with our partners, understanding that mine closures will have an impact in the Northwest Territories. We know across Canada that it takes many years to see a mine open and so the work that we're doing today in trying to make sure that we're doing short-term and long-term work as a Cabinet is work that really should have been done years ago, but we're up to the challenge, Mr. Speaker, in making sure that we're having these conversations with stakeholders so that people are aware of the programs we have available. We have a website dedicated to help after mine closure so that people have all of that information consolidated in one space, and making sure that as a Cabinet we're pursuing new opportunities for this entire territory. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of ITI. Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to be continuing on a similar thread to my previous colleague. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of ECE and ITI.

Mr. Speaker, does the Minister agree that transformational investment in growing the knowledge economy in the Northwest Territories is needed for economic diversification to secure our future? Thank you.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment or ITI.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes. I agree. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Excellent, I am very glad the Minister agrees. So with that, considering the success that we have seen the Yukon and Nunavut governments have had recently in attracting post-secondary investment, what is the Minister doing to work with Aurora College to leverage third party investment in our territory? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in addition to making sure that third party investments was included in the mandate agreement with the Aurora College board of governors, I've also ensured that if I know of any programs or funding sources that I am sharing that information with Aurora College, with their board of governors. I know that because of that they have pursued specific funding that is relevant for their housing desires. I've also confirmed with them that should they want to travel to Ottawa together in order to meet with federal counterparts on some of these opportunities or with other third party funders that I am more than happy to pair these meetings up with other travel that I do in my role as Minister. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Final supplementary. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I am happy to hear that the Minister is collaborating with the college.

Mr. Speaker, I note that the college recently received good news about their CAQC process, so it looks like pieces are starting to line up on the transition. Can the Minister confirm that the Polytechnic University Act will move ahead in this Assembly in order to support that transition? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we're certainly working on the required legislation for the Aurora College Polytechnic. That work has not stopped. That includes pieces like establishing a framework for that, evaluating what clauses from the existing Aurora College Act would be imported into new legislation, and also looking at the legislation or university or polytechnic legislation from other jurisdictions like the Yukon, speaking with counterparts over there as well, to find out information like what has served them well, what they would have liked to have seen different or what they feel would be other opportunities, so making sure that we're also pulling from lessons learned from other jurisdictions as we complete this work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to return to a subject similar to the one I just asked earlier to the health Minister but also in this Assembly, which is rheumatoid arthritis, Mr. Speaker.

Over 300 cases in the NWT are active in the sense of people need regular and ongoing treatment, some twice a year, sometimes up to four times a year, and have to fly to Edmonton for treatment. So the point being here is, Mr. Speaker, is there a better way. Rheumatoid arthritis requires a $300,000 paycheck. Has there been any analysis on understanding for value for service? So in other words, has the Minister, and her department obviously, done any work on analyzing the cost effectiveness of bringing a rheumatoid doctor to the Northwest Territories to provide clinic treatments? Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what the Member is saying is what we do want. We want to be able to recruit and have specialists to be able to come to the Northwest Territories to do this. We do know that it's hard on our residents to have to travel all the time. It's -- you know, there's costs involved with that. However, right now I know that they do have -- they are working collaboratively with the Alberta Health Services to try and recruit within their -- because it's within their jurisdiction, to be able to recruit many of these specialists, you know, coming to the Northwest Territories. You know, if we put out the positions, and we have in the past, the agreements that we've had with other specialists, there's nobody that wants to move here right now in these positions. And so even with recruitment, trying to do that. So we're closely working with Alberta Health Services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Now, Mr. Speaker, there are a whole suite of services when it comes to specialists. I am just going to call them specialists. So what type of analysis specifically are we doing? So in other words, have they done business case analysis studying about bringing these types of specialists to the Northwest Territories to run clinics here? And if that's the case, can the Minister share that with people like me? Furthermore, if it isn't the case, would she just say that? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The work that's being done, the analysis that's being done on the out-of-territory physician services, is in the -- the analysis is being completed within the health sustainability unit team. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.