Please be seated. I'd like to thank. Lilian Elias for the opening blessing.

Colleagues, good afternoon. I am going to keep this short. In this House, I expect to see behaviour, hear debate that makes our residents proud. I do not see and hear that behaviour and debate. Honestly, I am disappointed.

As Speaker of the House, I don't want to hear heckling and jeers. I don't want to see angry looks being directed at one another. I don't want to hear names used in the chamber. We all have titles and expect to use them. I don't want to hear Members of the Legislative Assembly talking over one another, and I certainly do not want to hear Members challenge me, even in zest.

We're here to do important work on behalf of the people in this territory. To do that, we need to work together and be respectful of each other. We will not agree on everything; however, when we disagree, we need to be respectful for each other. Our debate and discussions should be thoughtful and constructive. You can always choose to be respectful, and I am asking you to make that choice.

This is a short sitting. I have already seen behaviour that is unacceptable and beyond the standard to which we should hold ourselves - behaviour that does not show the respect needed for each other, for this institution, and for the people we represent. We can do better, we should do better, and we must do better.

I have said this before, colleagues. I don't want to have to say it again. Please choose your words thoughtfully and carefully. Please show each other, this institution, and our people the level of respect that we deserve. Thank you.

Ministers' statements, Minister of Infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide an update on this year's winter road and summer barging resupply seasons.

Every year, communities across the Northwest Territories rely on a massive, coordinated effort to make sure fuel and essential goods arrive safely and on time. For many communities, especially those without all-season road access, these resupply seasons are critical.

Through the fuel services division, the Government of the Northwest Territories coordinates fuel delivery to communities across the territory. That work happens year-round and involves an enormous amount of planning, forecasting, logistics, monitoring, and coordination behind the scenes. Whether fuel moves by winter road, barge, truck, or marine vessel, none of it happens without the careful and committed work of the fuel services division and the many operators, contractors, and transportation partners who help make these deliveries possible.

Despite lower than average water levels, though higher than 2024 barging season, it was successful with all planned fuel and cargo deliveries completed to ten northern communities through the marine transportation services. That strong season helped set us up for a winter haul.

This past winter, 10.5 million litres of fuel were delivered. More than 8 million litres of that fuel were delivered to eight winter road communities across communities and the rest to the all-weather winter road accessible communities.

Regardless of the efforts put forward each resupply season, staff work year-round to monitor supply levels, manage logistics, and coordinate deliveries to help ensure communities have the fuel they need when they need it.

Mr. Speaker, a colder than usual winter helped support winter road operations this season. Roads remained open longer and were able to support heavier loads and weight limits than expected. That said, crews had to stay flexible and responsive throughout the season. To keep the roads safe and reliable, crews carried out additional flooding on ice crossings and increased monitoring and maintenance activities. The entire Mackenzie Valley winter road system was also widened this season to accommodate moving oversized modular buildings up to Colville Lake. This widening included brushing where necessary and removal and /repositioning of signs. In February, the Sahtu experienced a high level of snowfall through the month resulting in increased maintenance costs to the road that had to be maintained with the new extended width.

Mr. Speaker, every resupply season comes with uncertainty. Weather conditions can quickly shift, water levels can change, and sudden disruptions can have major impacts on timelines and operations. That is why planning and contingency work is so important as part of what our teams do year-round.

Preparation for this year's summer resupply season is already well underway. Marine transportation services crews are continuing work to improve and maintain vessels while staff monitor snowpack and water levels ahead of the sailing season. Coordination is also underway with the Canadian Coast Guard to support buoy placement along the shipping routes. At the same time, cargo planning is continuing so communities, businesses, and customers can prepare for the upcoming season. Cargo rates, cut-off dates, and tentative sailing schedules were all announced earlier this month to help residents and businesses plan ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the people behind the scenes that do this work. A Successful resupply season does not happen as a result of one division or one group. They depend on coordination between the fuel services division, highway operations teams, marine transportation services, contractors, truckers, vessel operators, suppliers, clients, and the many others working together across the territory.

Every season teaches us something new. Our teams continue to adapt, improve, and strengthen the systems that communities rely on every year. Most importantly, this work helps ensure Northerners continue to receive the fuel, supplies, and essential goods that they depend on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure. Ministers' Statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, housing insecurity remains a significant challenge across the Northwest Territories and understanding its full scope is essential. Through an empathetic, collaborative approach, strong partnerships, and continued coordination, we are working to advance the priorities in the government's strategic response to homelessness, titled 'A Way Home', to better support individuals facing housing challenges.

The territorial housing needs assessment found that homelessness in the territory, as in much of Canada, is a growing challenge. The 2024 point-in-time homelessness count identified 327 individuals experiencing homelessness in Yellowknife. Meanwhile, the assessment highlights nearly 20 percent of its survey respondents had someone currently staying in their household on a temporary basis, an indicator of hidden homelessness. Our strategy puts forward solutions to interrupt homelessness wherever possible, and we cannot lose sight of those who are in a precarious living situation in delivering on these solutions.

To strengthen our understanding of homelessness in small communities, the GNWT is working with community partners to complete a point-in-time homelessness count in communities across the Northwest Territories this year.

Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT is focused on expanding transitional and supportive housing, strengthening shelter operations, and increasing the supply of appropriate and affordable social housing. For some, transitional housing provides a step out of homelessness and emergency shelters into more permanent housing. For others, particularly those returning home after addictions treatment, it provides access to safe, sober housing that supports continued recovery.

In Yellowknife, a temporary transitional housing residence on Highway No. 3, operated by the Yellowknife Women's Society, began accepting residents in December 2025, providing a safe and stable place to stay, with life skills programming and culturally grounded supports. I am pleased to share that this is currently operating at full capacity. Sheltering 24 individuals, the facility has already supported successful move outs into treatment or longer term housing. These much-needed services would not be possible without the dedicated work of the Yellowknife Women's Society.

Transitional housing for addictions recovery is being expanded. Through a partnership between Housing NWT, the Department of Health and Social Services, and the Salvation Army, a renovated five-bedroom home in Yellowknife now provides safe and sober housing for individuals continuing their recovery. A similar home developed in partnership with health and social services and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation will open in Inuvik this summer. I look forward to the continued work we will accomplish through these valued partnerships.

As we work to prevent and reduce homelessness, emergency shelters remain a critical entry point to safety and stability. In Inuvik, the homeless shelter and warming shelter are now operated by partner organizations in line with GNWT's efforts to stabilize services. In Yellowknife, Housing NWT assumed responsibility for the day shelter and the sobering centre from health and social services on April 1st, 2026. The goal of these transitions is to bring services together, with other support programs, improving coordination and access.

Additionally, Budget 2026-2027 increased ongoing funding for service operators managing emergency homeless shelters in the communities of Yellowknife, Fort Simpson, Inuvik and Hay River. As warmer weather arrives, the GNWT continues to work with the City of Yellowknife and community partners to respond to homelessness related issues as they arise, ensuring shelter spaces are available and accessible and reducing barriers to shelter use. The GNWT has collaborated with partners, such as the City of Yellowknife and the RCMP, to develop standard operating procedures that guide the GNWT's response to encampments, and how we interface with other governments, partners, and agencies. These are needed as we seek to understand the needs of residents who live outside the shelter system and reside in encampments as well as support them in accessing services that are available.

These initiatives demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships and community-led initiatives to meaningfully address homelessness in the territory. Homelessness is not something any one government or organization can solve alone.

Mr. Speaker, addressing homelessness remains a shared priority for the GNWT and our partners. While the causes are complex, our direction is clear: To work together, rely on evidence, and focus on solutions that support stability, dignity, and longer term housing. This work is not about quick fixes; it is about building the right supports in the right places so that every resident of the Northwest Territories has a safe place to call home. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT. Ministers' Statements. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Arctic Energy Alliance on their 2026 Company of the Year Award from Canadian Biomass Magazine. While AEA is, in actual fact, a non-profit society and not a company, they still punch well above their weight in the biomass community here in Canada and internationally.

During one of the coldest months in recent memory, in January 2026 I attended their Arctic bioenergy summit and tour here in Yellowknife to learn more personally and also bring back ideas to inform a standing committee study on renewable heating and economic diversification.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the summit and tour were world-class. The NWT has a lot to be proud of when it comes to adopting biomass heat but still has room to grow. The summit was an opportunity for all attending to learn about some new technologies and approaches that work in cold climates. The summit brought together community and Indigenous governments, industry, international academics, and project leaders from across the circumpolar world. Discussions focused on exploring practical bioenergy solutions such as wood pellets and chips that can help reduce heating costs, strengthen energy security, and support sustainable economic development in northern and remote communities.

Arctic Energy Alliance is rightfully being recognized as a leader in biomass space for the good work that they have done in the NWT and for connecting the NWT with pragmatic approaches that can help Northerners save on their bills and reduce their GHG footprint. Once again, congratulations to all the passionate staff at Arctic Energy Alliance on their award and recognition of their outstanding work by their peers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak about an annual event taking place in Inuvik between June 16th and 19th, I believe, Mr. Speaker. Of course I am talking about the annual Arctic Development Expo. This is the 25th annual this year. It started back in 2001 as the Inuvik Petroleum Show, as we knew it then, when it was first started, when there was still the light at the end of the tunnel for the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline led by the Aboriginal Pipeline Group and from that started the Inuvik Petroleum Show. And then in -- I think it was in 2019 is when they transitioned from the petroleum show. After we -- our regulatory system, as I've stated before, slowly choked the life out of that project, we moved it to the Arctic Development Expo.

So, again, it's the 25th annual, and for the first time since the transition they're expecting over 250 attendees. And I believe, Mr. Speaker, last year there was about 100 attendees at the show. Back when it was the petroleum show, we had up to 700, 800 folks come to Inuvik to attend. So very exciting.

And obviously that's on the heels of the announcements of what's happening with the DND funding, the Mackenzie Valley Highway, and all the other major projects in the area. Of course, as we've said, there is an eye on the Arctic right now, Mr. Speaker.

So I am told this year they're at over 300 registered delegates and still counting. So very exciting. I am happy to say that our Premier and our Cabinet will be attending, will be sitting on some panels up there, Mr. Speaker, and we look forward to that.

The demand, once again, is so high. As done previously, they're bringing in barge camps and setting them up on the river and setting up buses to bring folks back and forth. And also, Mr. Speaker, we're looking at 62 trade show booths in total right now with 55 exhibitors, main industries up there this year representing construction, infrastructure, transportation, as well as local Indigenous, territorial, and federal governments.

And of note as well, the department of defence, DND, are organizing a business to business session during the expo on June 17th from 3 to 4 p.m., which I expect will be very well attended.

So a big congratulations to the amazing staff up there that put this on every year. It's not easy to do. Those of you who have been there before, know what I am talking about; it is an amazing show. And those of you who are attending this year, I look forward to seeing you up there and I look forward to another great event. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, reforming child and family services has been a serious topic in this chamber since before the first major audit in 2014, and it has remained so ever since despite each new audit reminding us that nothing has ever changed.

After reading last week's audit, I find myself wondering at what point do we start trying to fix a problem or a department that does not want to change. The fact that no Minister has ever improved child and family services calls into question whether any Minister ever will. So today I want to ask my colleagues what exactly we are asking for when we say we want change.

We continue to ask the Minister to change how the department operates to improve outcomes. Yet, like every Minister before her, she invokes our trust and patience until we look the other way. This is not a serious conversation.

There is a consensus in this chamber that the territorial government is a colonial institution so why should it be entrusted with our Indigenous children? To us, the fact that 90 percent of the children in care are Indigenous is a simple problem but within a colonial structure, that is simply standard practice.

As Murray Sinclair said, the residential school monster now lives on in the child welfare system. So when this government was non-committal on establishing an Office of a Child and Youth Advocate, I was not surprised because I was not -- that I were responsible for keeping that monster alive. I would avoid independent oversight too.

So when the Minister says trust me and be patient, what I hear her telling me is that when constituents call me in the middle of the night because their children were apprehended at the airport or child apprehension where officers beat down the front door with a sledgehammer at a grandmother's home who is watching the grandchildren, that I should trust her and that they will be bad parents and be patient because eventually they'll lose hope and stop asking for help.

Mr. Speaker, I am not looking the other way and neither are my leaders, nor do I believe deeply colonial systems can be reformed. I will ask the Minister later today whether she will advance the transfer of child and family services to Indigenous governments or whether she will make a way for someone who will. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the private sector is critical to our economy, either at the territorial level or in the small communities throughout the territories.

Mr. Speaker, these enterprisers contribute significantly to the stimulus and stability on a disposable economy.

Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment together support building contracts, business development to the Fort Good Hope Construction Centre. This is a milestone, Mr. Speaker. A northern trades centre building demanded homes. Mr. Speaker, during construction, benefits are expanded, created through O&M partnerships, employment trades apprentices. Mr. Speaker, truly an emerging industry with a product in high demand.

Mr. Speaker, there are many unique aspects of this project - local ownership, workforce development, and the ability of youth drafting, designing, building floor plans, and witnessing the construction of those floor plans. Mr. Speaker, I want to say a huge leadership thank-you to the Minister of ITI, Caitlin Cleveland, and the Minister of Housing NWT, Lucy Kuptana, and the local Yamoga Land Corporation in Fort Good Hope.

Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions to the Minister responsible for Housing NWT on logistics and update. Mr. Speaker, this is a proud moment for all project stakeholders as the summer construction season starts. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NWT cannot build its way out of the housing crisis while leaving local workers on the sidelines. Public housing projects should help small communities grow their own trades workforce. When units are built in larger centres or by southern manufacturers, local residents lose the chance to gain experience on the very project their communities need.

Many residents already work with their hands. They fix what they can at home and learn through small projects. What is missing is a pathway that turns that practical ability into recognized training. For many Northerners, certification still depends on Alberta-based technical training. Year after year, at least half of NWT trade students have to leave the territory to complete that requirement. For residents in small communities, that means major costs and long periods away from home. Mr. Speaker, this is why we need a practical pathway into the trades, one that gives capable residents a realistic first step while still taking safety standards seriously. The goal is to create a pathway into certification not a shortcut around it. The NWT has housing work that could support this experience. We need to use it more deliberately so residents can support their communities and build confidence before committing to certification.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT needs homes built and repaired, and it needs more local tradespeople. We need to stop treating those as separate issues.

Mr. Speaker, our system has to reflect the realities of small communities. Public housing dollars should build homes today and help build the local trades workforce our community needs for the future. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of ECE at the appropriate time. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address a crisis of accountability regarding children who have been stripped of their homes and are in care in another jurisdiction within the NWT. The real grim our children are in care and dumped into environments that actively fail to support their well-being. This isn't a matter of minor administration oversight. This is systemic failure. My constituents and many communities are demanding to know why established protocols are being ignored when responsibility for the vulnerable children is in other facilities when they cannot be in their home communities with immediate family members. The Minister needs to understand this is a blatant disregard for placement protocols when Indigenous children enter the system. We have clear directives. Priority must be given to the culturally appropriate family and community-based care with institutionalized or licensed foster care used strictly as a last resort. Instead, those protections are being bypassed.

Mr. Speaker, these protocols are not optional guidelines. They exist to protect the child's cultural identity, their family ties, and their basic human rights. We cannot tolerate a two-tier system where children outside our borders are stripped of protection, care, and procedural accountability that they're legally owed. The department must be able to assist these children and families to be reunited under proper protocol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions from the Minister at the appropriate time.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as with several Members this sitting, I would like to highlight the words of Frame Lake's Youth Parliamentarian this year.

So, Mr. Speaker, I am here today to speak up for people experiencing homelessness in Yellowknife who are dealing with unsafe and often violent conditions. Yes, we have shelters, but how can support services actually help if both residents and staff don't feel safe inside them? There have been reports of staff stepping into fights and ending up with serious trauma and concerns about how some RCMP interactions are handled.

This problem within shelters has been a major issue and concern for a long time. We need to implement the right and proper training for both the staff and RCMP so that these situations can be handled in the best way possible.

Mr. Speaker, the 2024 Point in Time report shows 74 percent of people experiencing homelessness in Yellowknife, which is 226 individuals, were reported with substance use. This can increase aggression and impaired judgment, contributing to community violence. While plans mention addiction services, current options often require leaving the territory or relying on phone support. Why must people leave their families and culture to get help? With 50 percent of funding going to housing and only 4 percent to services, we're not breaking the cycle. We need stronger local addiction and mental health support in Yellowknife. Enforcing the idea to build a facility for Yellowknife results in a safer environment, especially downtown, for people including the future generation. There will be a higher chance of a decrease in violence due to substance use. Furthermore, the stress of choosing to go into rehab would be reduced significantly, and there would be no need to think about relocating. I believe that this is especially for public safety and a long-term solution.

So I wanted to thank my Youth Parliamentarian for raising these concerns, Mr. Speaker, and read them into the public record on their behalf. Thank you very much.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for the past two years, I have been going on and on about strengthening primary care because residents across this territory need and deserve to be able to see a health care practitioner in a timely way and to be supported by a team that knows them and understands their health history.

Currently, it is still a struggle. Some Yellowknifers can't get an appointment at all with Yellowknife Primary Care since there's not enough available slots. There are still chronic nurse vacancies in community health centres and some health cabin communities are still waiting months or years for a visit by a nurse or doctor. So that's why we fought so hard several months ago to get money added to the budget for primary care, and we are seeing the results of those efforts in the supplementary estimates tabled this week, with almost $2.7 million proposed for new nurse positions in primary care. So I am very much encouraged by this. I do believe it's the only way forward to be able to ensure we get more appointment slots and more frequent visits to smaller communities. But in order to see results, Mr. Speaker, we need to up our game on recruitment and retention.

Over the last year and throughout the last sitting, we were told that the answers to human resource challenges, like chronic vacancies and poor retention, would all be found in the people strategy. Now that process was delayed for at least six months as we were told HSS needed more time to incorporate staff feedback. While the people strategy was finally released in April, and I have to say that after all that buildup, it was a bit of a letdown.

If you take out all the full-page glossy photos, it amounts to about 10 pages of text, and it's extremely high level. It's full of broad principles, like effective communication, prioritizing safety and mental health in the workplace, cultural safety and antiracism but, honestly I can't find anything new in there that would signal a major shift in approach. We have many staff already tasked with health care recruitment and they do standard things like setting up booths at conferences, but I would argue we need to get more creative and more practical with our recruitment and retention approaches. Mr. Speaker, I ask for your unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our strength in the North is in our community and our personal connections. We share information best through word of mouth, so let's better empower our existing workers and community members to recruit from within their networks. Let's emphasize the personal touch and make sure that we give any new staff a real northern welcome to each of our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North.

Colleagues, before we continue with a Member's statement, I'd like to recognize the former Monfwi Member from 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th Assembly, former Minister and former Speaker and now the grand Chief for the Tlicho. So welcome back to the Assembly, Mr. Lafferty.

Members' statements. Member from Range Lake.

Mr. Speaker, once again I am sounding the alarm about serious and growing systemic failures in our healthcare system that are now forcing Northerners to leave their home communities in order to access medically required care.

CBC North recently reported on a case in Yellowknife involving Lauren Seabrook, a Range Lake constituent, a health care professional, and an occupational therapist who has dedicated her career to supporting children with complex needs. Lauren was later confronted with her own rare and serious medical condition requiring ongoing specialized treatment, including tube feeding and coordinated clinical support over an extended period of care. Despite her professional understanding of the system, she was left without adequate local supports whatsoever. Instead of receiving coordinated system-led care, she was forced into managing a fragmented system of her own, making repeated daily calls simply to arrange basic and essential services, coordinate providers, and maintain continuity of treatment.

Mr. Speaker, this is not a functioning care model. It is a transfer of clinical responsibility onto patients who are already in crisis.

Medical professionals involved in Lauren's care, described in the CBC North report, confirmed that the Northwest Territories does not currently have the programs required to provide her ongoing levels of support due to gaps in interjurisdictional arrangements including access to Alberta's home nutrition support program. She was advised the only safe option was to relocate to Alberta in order to continue treatment.

Mr. Speaker, this is not an isolated administrative oversight. It reflects a broader structural issue - insufficient case management capacity, fragmented service delivery across systems, and health agreements that do not adequately support Northerners with complex or chronic conditions requiring long-term coordination and continuity of care. When even healthcare professionals cannot navigate the system they work in, we must recognize the seriousness of this failure. We are also hearing increasing amounts from residents who describe being left alone without adequate support during vulnerable medical moments further underscoring the lack of coordinated navigation and patient-centered care.

Mr. Speaker, no one should have to choose between their health and their home. Period. I urge the Minister of Health and Social Services to act immediately to strengthen case management supports and apologize to my constituent for the fact that she has to leave her home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, eight months ago I raised serious concerns about the GNWT's approach to Deh Cho treaty negotiations. Today, those concerns remain unresolved. Deh Cho communities are negotiating a land and governance treaty with Canada with the GNWT as a third party. The concern is the uncooperative approach the GNWT continues to take in these negotiations. Despite repeated concerns from Deh Cho leaders and despite meetings with the Premier, GNWT negotiators continue to hold positions that undermine the legitimate aspirations of Deh Cho First Nations and threaten the success of these negotiations.

Mr. Speaker, it would not be fair to describe this attitude as colonial. In an era of reconciliation, this should not still be happening.

The Premier has said that GNWT supports moving away from colonial government toward a future with self-governing First Nations. He has said that GNWT will have less authority in the future and that programs and services now delivered by the GNWT will be delivered by Indigenous governments.

Well, Mr. Speaker, that future is now. The time for action is now. Deh Cho First Nations are asking the Premier to confirm that the GNWT will comply with the 2001 Interim Measures Agreement and clearly state that no land in Deh Cho territory will be sold or leased without the support of affected Deh Cho First Nations communities.

The Premier has also stated support for joint decision-making and land disposition in Deh Cho territory. Recent events at Lindberg Landing where illegal squatters have effectively seized Deh Cho lands show why that action cannot wait. Deh Cho First Nations are also asking the Premier to give new direction to GNWT negotiators, including support for future Deh Cho government authority over wildlife, harvesting, wildfire response, and access to Deh Cho lands by non-residents. I will have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today not in anger but in pure disgust. The auditor general's child and family services report proves that the system rot goes back even further than most days we talk about. The 17th Assembly, over a decade ago, it is officially petrified into a permanent, catastrophic failure. For 12 years, this House has been fed glossy stories and hopeful wishes.

In 2018, as stated by then-Minister in his words, I quote, it was gut-wrenching. The facts at that time proved that 88 percent of children in care were Indigenous. Mr. Speaker, today that failure rate is 91 percent. Almost every child -- single child under the Minister's protection has been functionally left at risk.

Mr. Speaker, just when we thought the Minister's department hit rock bottom, oh no, she handed out shovels, Mr. Speaker. By law, suspected child abuse must be assessed within 24 hours and yet one-third of the time it takes past 16 days to just open a file. Mr. Speaker, this isn't paperwork; this is people avoiding responsibility. When investigations are triggered, they blow past the legal deadline 71 percent of the time.

Mr. Speaker, this is an obliterating failure. Who is going to take responsibility? So don't dare say, oh it's a paperwork problem. It's a responsibility problem, Mr. Speaker.

So the policy gap that 98 percent of the children are not in proper homes, this is state-sponsored cultural abandonment, Mr. Speaker. The predecessor blamed lack of feet on the ground. The current Minister says operational pressures. I see it as creative avoidance response, Mr. Speaker.

Frontline vacancies are between 14 and 34 percent so stop blaming the staff, and somebody needs to take responsibility for finding people to work there, Mr. Speaker. While this Minister burns through three-quarters of a billion dollars in the budget, no one can see one single executive direction to say fix this at all costs. So 908 days have passed at the helm. This Minister claims this matter matters to her. Well, Mr. Speaker, I yet to see any proof of it. So what we see is the systematic racist system that she used to rail against continues under her watch.

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I think we need to appoint another health czar to oversee the health Minister, Mr. Speaker, because this shameful result just keeps getting more disappointing. In short, I hope the Minister will do the honourable thing and request a shuffle, or we should. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to read the statement from Youth Parliamentarian Bailey Nigiyok from Ulukhaktok. Her words resonate with me, and I am humbled by her honesty. These are Bailey's words.

Mr. Speaker, alcohol has been a problem for a long time in many of the northern communities. When people drink too much, it can lead to fighting, stress at home, and kids not feeling safe or supported. Teenagers and families are dealing with impact of other substances too, Mr. Speaker. Weed is different but it has become really normal, especially for youth. A lot of people think it's not a big deal because it's legal but for teens, it can affect motivation, focus in school, and mental health. Some people use it to relax or escape stress but sometimes it just hides bigger problems underneath.

In a small place like Ulukhaktok or other communities, it's hard to ask for help. People worry about being judged or being talked about, and there isn't a regular addiction counsellor that somebody can go to privately and consistently. Because of that, the problem can build up quietly until it becomes serious.

This government takes these concerns seriously, Mr. Speaker. To better support communities, we are working with the Department of Health and Social Services and will be providing transitional housing in all remote communities in the Northwest Territories for people coming back from addictions treatment. This means that people will have a safe place to call home while they adjust back to life in their community.

In addition to this, Mr. Speaker, we will be building a wellness centre in Ulukhaktok, Tuktoyaktuk, and Norman Wells. Instead of focusing only on addiction, this centre will focus on mental health, culture, and support. It will offer youth programs, talking circles, land-based healing workshops, and a safe place to speak openly without feeling judged. It is not about labelling people. It is about helping people build coping skills and feel stronger.

Ulukhaktok and remote northern communities are strong, but we can't ignore the real challenges. If we want healthier families and better futures for youth, we need real support in place. These investments in transitional housing and a wellness centre is an investment in our community's future.

Now, Mr. Speaker, these are the words of Bailey Nigiyok, Youth Parliamentarian, but this is also a reminder for all of us in this House that people at home are watching and they're listening. They need to know that their government will support them and their elected representatives will advocate for constituents in all aspects of their lives. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker, and quyananni to Ms. Bailey Nigiyok.

Thank you, Member from the Nunakput. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife South.

Thank you Mr. Speaker,

As I have done every year after Youth Parliament, I would like to bring the words of the youth representative from Yellowknife South to the House. This year, Mr. Speaker, Yellowknife South was represented very ably by Hayden Pearce who delivered the following statement:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring forward an issue that affects many residents across the Northwest Territories - medical travel and access to appropriate health care.

For many people in our small and remote communities, accessing specialized care means leaving home for days or even weeks at a time. Traveling to regional centres or outside the territory often brings financial strain, family disruption, and emotional distress. While the medical travel program ensures access to insured service, residents continue to raise concerns about escort eligibility, delays, accommodation challenge, and gaps in communications. Another problem is the cost of medical travel to the GNWT.

There are practical steps we are taking. First, we will maximize the use of virtual appointments whenever clinically appropriate. Initial consultations, follow-up, and routine check-ins can often be done effectively through Telehealth, allowing patients to remain in their communities. Virtual care should reduce unnecessary travel while ensuring timely access to in-person hand-on treatment when it is truly required.

Second, we are building stronger supports around those who must travel including flexible escort policies for elders, youth, and vulnerable patients. In a more efficient process, we are also strengthening wraparound support by improving communications, providing clear travel information, and exploring patient navigator roles to guide individuals through appointments, accommodations, and return travel. Building partnerships with Indigenous governments and community organizations is helping to create a safety net so that no one feels alone while receiving care far from home. And we can manage costs fairly.

Mr. Speaker, when someone is already facing a serious health concern, navigating complex travel arrangements should not add to their burden. Elders traveling alone, youth sent far from their families, and residents from our smallest communities, often describe how overwhelming it feels to arrive in a large unfamiliar centre. Being separated from language, culture, and support networks can increase fear and isolation.

Mr. Speaker, equitable health care means more than providing service. It means ensuring those services are accessible, culturally safe, and patient-centered regardless of geography.

This Assembly is strengthening our medical travel system, expanding virtual care where appropriate, and investing in meaningful support for those who must travel for treatment.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, and thank you Hayden for representing Yellowknife South this year. Thank you.

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

Mr. Speaker, June is a busy and important month of milestones and endless sunshine, and also marks Indigenous History Month, Pride Month, Immigrant Heritage Month and Juneteenth. Indigenous History Month calls on us to listen, learn, and act in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. Pride Month recognizes 2SLGBTQIPA+ identities and advocacy, reminding us that while there is joy in celebration, there is still important work to be done. Juneteenth marks both the end of slavery and the continued pursuit of justice. And Immigrant Heritage Month highlights the diversity, courage, and determination of those who have come to build new lives.

At first glance, these are separate observances in a very busy month but each is deeply connected by a common thread - the need, the very human need, for connection.

We know that connection matters yet we are living in a time where it is slipping. People are spending less time with friends and neighbours than they did even a decade ago, participation in community groups has declined, and more people report feeling lonely despite being constantly connected online, a space that seems increasingly unsafe. Our circles are shrinking and with that our opportunities to truly understand one another are shrinking too.

Connection matters so much in this moment, Mr. Speaker. It's about building bridges where gaps exist, creating spaces where everyone feels safe showing up as themselves, and ensuring that no one is left isolated or invisible. It's about moving beyond symbolic recognition toward real, everyday acts of inclusion that strengthen communities. Awareness without connection can only take us so far. Real change happens when we move closer to each other, when we listen, when we share space, and when we recognize our shared humanity.

So this June, as we celebrate, let's also challenge ourselves to reconnect. Because at the end of every day, what unites all of these observances is simple but powerful. We all want to feel connected to our shared and individual histories, identity and, most importantly, to each other. And we all deserve to be seen, heard, valued, and safe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Colleagues, Rock Matte passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, in Montreal, Quebec, at the age of 67. Born on October 2, 1958, in La Sarre, Quebec, Rock lived a full and dynamic life shaped by curiosity, independence, and a deep commitment to the people he loved. Over the years he called Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Fort Simpson home. In June 2005, he and his family moved to Fort Simpson where he became a valued member of the community. Rock was a member of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories from 2007 to 2017, contributing his knowledge and perspective to the legal field. In 2019, he moved to Montreal to be closer to his daughters while they pursued their studies at Concordia University.

Rock is survived by his loving wife, Renalyn, and his daughters Sylvia and Abigail. He was predeceased by his daughter Melissa in June 2017, as well as his parents Norma Pelletier and Gaston Matte, his brother Carol, and his sister Jocelyn.

To his daughters, Rock was a man who lived life on his own terms with independence, determination, and a spirit that could not be confined. Sylvia remembers her father as someone who followed his own path, making sacrifices while still giving his time and care to those he loved. He taught his daughters strength, resilience, and the importance of perseverance, lessons that will guide them throughout their lives.

Abigail reflected on her father's love of conversation and his passion for sharing knowledge.

Rock had a wide range of interests and an insatiable curiosity about the world. Through his words, ideas, and presence, he left an enduring legacy not only for his family but for all who had the privilege of knowing him. Above all, he was proud of and deeply devoted to his family.

Rock's brother remembered him as a self-made anthropologist, a brilliant and thoughtful individual with deep knowledge of Indigenous history, politics, and social issues. He was someone who thought critically and engaged deeply with the world around him.

As shared by his friend Muaz Hassan, Rock will be remembered for his strong presence, sharp political insights, and even his controversial opinions. Whether in agreement or disagreement, conversations with Rock were always spirited and meaningful, often ending with shared meals and lasting memories. His friendships were marked by lively discussions, mutual respect, and a sense of camaraderie that extended across borders.

Rock Matte leaves behind a legacy of intellect, independence, and love. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and acquaintances in Canada and around the world, but his spirit will live on through the lives he touched and the lessons he shared.

Members' statements. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize my friend Grand Chief Lafferty who's joined us today. I served with him in the 18th Legislative Assembly. But I'd also like to recognize two of my Range Lake constituents, Lauren Seabrook and Jeff Seabrook, who are here to observe our proceedings today. Thank you very much for being here.

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

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [Translation] insert* [Translation Ends] Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty [Translation] insert* [Translation Ends] for today. Thank you. Sorry about that.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd also like to recognize our former colleague and Grand Chief Lafferty of the Tlicho government who's been a great partner to the Government of the Northwest Territories and a great representative nationally of the Northwest Territories as well. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Hay River North. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too, would like to recognize Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty for being here today, and everybody else in the gallery. Mahsi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, will join the entourage in welcoming Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty. I also had the privilege of working with the grand chief during the 18th Assembly. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Deh Cho.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize Mr. Jackson Lafferty of Tlicho. Mahsi.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your chambers, and I would like to thank you very much for giving us the honour to represent the people in our ridings and the people of the Northwest Territories. I hope you will enjoy the proceedings. It is always nice to see people in the gallery.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery Recognition. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Reports of standing and special committees. Member from Great Slave.

Mr. Speaker, your Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges is pleased to provide its Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, No. 4, and commends it to the House.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that Committee Report 45-20(1), Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Report on the Review of Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, No. 4, be deemed read and printed in Hansard in its entirety. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Question has been called. All those in favor? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried.

---Carried

*Deemed read - Report link

Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that Committee Report 45-20(1), Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, No. 4, be received by the Assembly and referred to Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Question has been called. All those in favor? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried. Committee Report 45-20(1) has been received and will be moved in the Committee of the Whole for future consideration.

---Carried

Reports of standing and special committees. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to provide its Report on the Statutory Review of the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act and commends it to the House.

The Standing Committee on Government Operations conducted a statutory 10-year review of the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act to assess whether the Heritage Fund is positioned to function as a credible, disciplined, and forward-looking sovereign wealth fund for the people of the Northwest Territories.

Evidence from public engagement, expert testimony, and comparisons with global best practices, showed that the Act requires modernization to ensure the fund can deliver lasting intergenerational benefits and effectively transform finite resource revenues into long-term public wealth.

The review highlighted several overarching themes essential to the success of any sovereign wealth fund:

• A clear and durable legislative purpose,
• Strong and independent governance, and
• A coherent long-term investment framework.

Committee found that the Heritage Fund's purpose must be more explicitly defined as permanent intergenerational savings supported by a governance model that separates the roles of government, an arm's-length board, and professional investment managers. Strengthening transparency and alignment with international standards, such as the Santiago Principles, is equally critical to building public trust and ensuring accountable stewardship.

Committee also emphasizes the importance of long-term financial discipline. Predictable, rules based contributions and withdrawals, protection against short-term fiscal use, and planning for resource revenue volatility are necessary for the fund to grow to a meaningful scale.

Together, the report's recommendations point towards a modernized, transparent, professionally governed Heritage Fund positioned to convert today's resource wealth into enduring prosperity. With the right legislative and governance framework, the Heritage Fund can stand as a model of intergenerational stewardship and long-term financial resilience.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will summarize the recommendations of the report.

Recommendation 1: The Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories amend the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act to clearly describe the fund's purpose as intergenerational savings. Committee recommends replacing provision 2(2) and 2(3) in the Act with the following:

• 2(2) The purpose of the Heritage Fund is to serve as a permanent intergenerational savings mechanism for the people of the Northwest Territories.
• 2(3) The Heritage Fund is to benefit future generations of people of the Northwest Territories from ongoing economic development, including the development of non-renewable resources, by maintaining safety of principal while maximizing total return on investment.

Recommendation 2: The committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories develop a comprehensive mandate for the Heritage Fund that goes beyond the wording in the Act and serves to explicitly link the fund's savings rule, spending rule, and investment model.

Recommendation 3: The committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories, through the Minister and the financial management board, establish clear policies, oversight mechanisms, and structured decision-making processes for the Heritage Fund to ensure investment decisions align with the fund's purpose and to ensure that investment decisions remain the responsibility of an independent board free from political involvement.

Recommendation 4: The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories amend the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act to create an independent, arm's-length Heritage Fund investment board responsible for administering and managing the Heritage Fund. Committee further recommends that the board's mandate should be set out in in the Act to include:

1. Investing the Heritage Fund in accordance with this Act and any regulations;
2. Providing independent professional investment expertise to safeguard and grow the fund;
3. Acting in the best long-term financial interests of the residents of the Northwest Territories;
4. Ensuring that investment decisions are made free from political involvement; and
5. Performing any other prescribed duties.

Recommendation 5: The committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories repeal all provisions in the Act assigning investment-related powers, duties, or reporting obligations to the secretary to the financial management board and replacing with the Heritage Fund investment board.

Recommendation 6: The committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories establish accountability, appointment, and conflict of interest provisions for Heritage Fund investment board members.

Recommendation 7: The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories amend the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act to establish a clear governance model with defined role separation between government as the fund owner, an arm's-length governing board, and professional investment managers to ensure independent and accountable oversight.

Recommendation 8: The committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories align the Heritage Fund with the Santiago Principles to strengthen transparency, accountability, prudent investment practices, and long-term public trust.

Recommendation 9: The Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories engage with global best practice organizations, including the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds, to support ongoing improvements to the Heritage Fund's governance and investment management.

Recommendation 10: The Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories establish a comprehensive transparency framework for the Heritage Fund, including regular plain language public reporting, audits, clear disclosure of investment strategy and performance, and mandatory publication of governance and investment policies.

Recommendation 11: The Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories continue 10-year statutory reviews of the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act to be publicly undertaken by a committee of the Legislative Assembly and requiring a government response.

As such, committee recommends that section 10 concerning the 10-year review of the Act remain in place.

Recommendation 12: The Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories establish a clear, legislated investment mandate for the Heritage Fund that defines its purpose, strategic and long-term investment objectives, and acceptable levels of risk, providing the foundation for strategic asset allocation and performance expectations to be reviewed by committee.

• Committee further recommends that the following comprise the investment mandate:
• Adopting a long-term strategy to support sustained growth and diversification;
• Setting rules-based deposits and withdrawals to ensure predictable contributions and protection against short-term pressures;
• Applying a total portfolio approach to maintain a balanced asset mix and regularly reviewing allocations;
• Identifying and managing investment risks while pursuing long-term returns;
• Once the fund reaches a large enough value, consider a legislated inflation proofing rule to ensure it maintains its purchasing power over time.

Recommendation 13: The committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories amend the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act to establish clear rules based deposit and withdrawal provisions, including how often, how much, and under what circumstances, to ensure predictable, long term contributions that support intergenerational wealth and economic stability.

Recommendation 14: The Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories assess increasing the proportion of resource revenues deposited into the Heritage Fund to ensure the fund grows at a rate capable of supporting intergenerational equity as resource revenues decline.

Recommendation 15: The Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories maintain the current ban on withdrawals from the Heritage Fund beyond 2033 to allow it to reach a critical threshold.

Recommendation 16: The Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories amend the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act to include a clear provision that the Heritage Fund is not to be used for short-term deficit financing, and recommends inclusion of the following language into section 7:

1. The Heritage Fund shall not be used for the purpose of financing a short-term deficit, including but not limited to:
2. An operating or cash-flow deficit of the Government of the Northwest Territories;
3. Temporary revenue shortfalls; or
4. Any other short-term fiscal pressure arising within a fiscal year.
5. No withdrawal may be made from the Heritage Fund unless expressly authorized under this Act for a purpose consistent with the long-term objectives of the fund.

Recommendation 17: The Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories enact a legislative requirement that any future amendments to the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act, or any authorization of transfers from the Heritage Fund, be approved by a special majority of Members of the Legislative Assembly. Committee recommends replacement of section 8 with the following language:

1. No amendment to this Act, nor any authorization of transfers from the Heritage Fund, shall be valid unless approved by a special majority consisting of not less than two-thirds of all Members of the Legislative Assembly.

Recommendation 18: The Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories undertake a comprehensive review of mineral and petroleum royalties and taxation to determine whether the Northwest Territories is retaining an appropriate and equitable share of resource revenues for the benefit of its residents.

Recommendation 19: The Committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories strengthen forecasting capacity within the Departments of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Finance to improve accuracy and reliability of resource revenue projections and support long-term fiscal planning.

Recommendation 20: The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to the recommendations in this report directed to it within 120 days.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Great Slave, that the remainder of Committee Report 46-20(1), Standing Committee on the Government Operations Report on the Statutory Review of the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act, be deemed read and printed in Hansard in its entirety. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Question has been called. All those in favor? All those opposed? All those abstaining? Motion carried.

---Carried

*deemed read - Report link

Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Great Slave, that Committee Report 46-20(1), Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Statutory Review of the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act, be received and adopted by the Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

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

---Carried

Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Great Slave, that pursuant to Rule 9.4(5)(a), the Government of the Northwest Territories table a comprehensive response to this report, including all recommendations, within 120 days, or at the earliest opportunity subsequent to the passage of 120 days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Question has been called. All those in favor? Opposed? Abstentions? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Reports of standing and special committees. Member from Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your Standing Committee on Social Development is pleased to provide its Report on Healthcare Accountability and Sustainability and commends it to the House.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Standing Committee on Social Development presents this Report on Healthcare Accountability and Sustainability to provide the Government of the Northwest Territories with feedback received from experts in health care. Through this report, committee aims to inform the GNWT and, beyond its release, intends to continue holding the Government accountable for adequately addressing the health care needs of residents and the pressures facing the healthcare system.

Committee received six presentations between October 2024 and March 2026. Witnesses and subject-matter experts spoke about the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers and flexible employment models to help the Northwest Territories achieve sustainable vacancy rates in healthcare staff. Experts also spoke of ways to improve upon the administrative workload and burden of healthcare staff in the territory.

Committee learned of the importance of expanding the scope of practice for certain types of nurses in the territory and to invest in the use of registered psychiatric nurses to support the NWT's mental health system. Committee highlighted nursing education programs that are needed in the territory to support the nursing profession.

Committee analyzed the current structure and reform efforts for the NWT's healthcare system, and included sentiments on the initiative of primary healthcare reform, medical travel modernization, and the small community model of care. Committee examined the efficiency of healthcare spending in the territory, one of the highest spending rates in healthcare in jurisdictions across Canada.

With the pressures of population growth and an aging demographic in the territory, identifying efficiencies in spending is crucial to further access to care.

Throughout its study, committee identified gaps in key leadership initiatives such as the 2025-2028 people strategy. Gaps in licensing and regulation were also examined, including in pan-Canadian licensure for physicians, the labour mobility of nurses, and the regulation of allied health professionals.

The delivery of healthcare services in the territory has struggled on numerous fronts in recent years, with examples such as the decline in healthcare staff across the country and continuous issues with poor coordination of medical travel and inadequate associated supports in northern and remote communities.

Committee urges the GNWT to take timely and coordinated action to implement the 27 recommendations outlined in this report. These recommendations reflect the wishes of healthcare staff, experts, and residents of the NWT to strengthen its healthcare system.

LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation 1: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories work directly with frontline healthcare staff to incorporate their knowledge and connection to social networks into the recruitment of healthcare professionals in the Northwest Territories healthcare system.

Recommendation 2: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories investigate and report on the feasibility of increased incentives for healthcare workers in small communities, such as subsidized rental units and designated spots at childcare centres and day homes for healthcare workers.

Recommendation 3: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories research, identify and address barriers, including those related to privacy within the Health Information Act and related to necessary higher technology upgrades to support the timely implementation of technologies such as online booking, automated reminders for appointments, virtual care, remote ultrasound, and expanded use of artificial intelligence scribing across healthcare settings.

Recommendation 4: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories ensure that procedures are in place for the implementation of new technologies in the healthcare system, including appropriately trained designated staff and clear processes for quick and effective application and execution.

Recommendation 5: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories promote job sharing opportunities for healthcare professionals in the Northwest Territories, based off of Nunavut's model, as a strategy to increase the recruitment of healthcare professionals to the territory.

Recommendation 6: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories significantly increase investments into the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority for their work in providing on-the-job education training to licensed practical nurses to further enhance the sustainability of the healthcare system and the autonomy of this type of nursing profession.

Recommendation 7: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories work with employers and licensed practical nurses to promote awareness of their changed scope of practice, and work with employers to update job descriptions to ensure that they are reflective of the regulatory scope of practice in order to provide proper support to licensed practical nurses.

Recommendation 8: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories create a targeted initiative to expand and support the integration of nurse practitioners in small communities to improve access to timely primary care services, including ensuring that nurse practitioners have continuous and reliable access to consultations with physicians.

Recommendation 9: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories review current job descriptions within the health and social services system to see where registered psychiatric nurses may be best utilized.

Recommendation 10: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories conduct research into the feasibility of establishing registered psychiatric nurse educational programs in the Northwest Territories that would meet the unique needs of our mental health system.

Recommendation 11: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories conduct research into the feasibility of implementing programs to address key nursing education and professional development gaps such as nursing refresher programs, nurse practitioner programs, nursing bridging programs, registered psychiatric nursing programs, midwifery programs, and prescribing and diagnoses programs in the Northwest Territories.

Recommendation 12: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories invest in the professional development of all nurses in the Northwest Territories without reducing the allocated funding envelope for professional development for other health practitioners.

Recommendation 13: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories conduct research into potential changes to the healthcare delivery framework in the Northwest Territories, including governance and reporting structures, with potential changes to be based on the three governance structure principles outlined in this report.

Recommendation 14: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories immediately reassign the initiative of organizing team-based care for frontline healthcare workers to the medical director to ensure there is a clear point person to take over the details of this initiative.

Recommendation 15: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories develop, in consultation with the Standing Committee on Social Development, and publicly report on a plan for how team-based care will be operated in small community health centres and health cabins.

Recommendation 16: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories work with the Government of Canada to share or transfer some decision-making power of the Non-insured Health Benefits Program to Yellowknife, including establishing a physical office for non-insured health benefits in the North.

Recommendation 17: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories create a bursary program for Indigenous residents of small communities and a funding program with the purpose of incentivizing residents of small communities in the Northwest Territories to pursue nursing education programs.

Recommendation 18: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories create a marketing strategy targeting the recruitment of Indigenous residents into healthcare fields and healthcare education programs by showcasing success stories of northern Indigenous healthcare practitioners working in the health field.

Recommendation 19: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories staff patient advocate positions in each small community of the Northwest Territories.

Recommendation 20: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories demonstrate that the work of the healthcare systems sustainability unit and the public administrator of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority is being informed by the experiences and input of frontline health practitioners to better understand where to find efficiencies in the healthcare system, such as with medical travel, and with every decision being made and reported upon, that it notes the input that has informed the decision.

Recommendation 21: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories publicly release how many dollars can be saved by eliminating non-core services including a break down per program/service area.

Recommendation 22: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories publicly release the methodology used by the healthcare systems sustainability unit for the evaluation of the seven program/service areas identified for initial sustainability efforts, and how they will gain an understanding of each program/service area.

Recommendation 23: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories demonstrate costing and milestones of the 2025-2028 People Strategy and commit to an independent analysis of its results.

Recommendation 24: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories prioritize the work of advancing a pan-Canadian licensure at the national level as well as work with the Yukon government and the Government of Nunavut to establish the tri-territorial licensing model.

Recommendation 25: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories establish a scholarship or bursary (similar to British Columbia) that internationally educated nurses can access in the Northwest Territories to support the cost of their Inspire assessment program with a condition that they work a certain number of years in the Northwest Territories healthcare system upon receiving the scholarship or bursary.

Recommendation 26: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories work with the College and Association of Nurses in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to ensure cultural training programs are afforded to internationally educated nurses as well as cultural competencies for nurses across the board.

Recommendation 27: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories research a regulatory model based on British Columbia's Health Professional Occupation Act with the aim of creating an arm's length regulator that encompasses a group of allied health professionals in the Northwest Territories and report on their findings.

Recommendation 28: The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to this report within 120 days.

Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Member from Monfwi.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Mackenzie Delta, that Committee Report 47-20(1), Standing Committee on Social Development Report on Healthcare Accountability and Sustainability, be received by the Assembly and referred to Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. The motion is in order. To the motion. All those in favor? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Member from Monfwi.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Mackenzie Delta, that the remainder of Committee Report 47-20(1) be deemed read and printed in Hansard in its entirety. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Question has been called. All those in favor? All those opposed? All those abstaining? The motion is carried. Committee Report 47-20 is deemed read and will be printed in Hansard.

---Carried

*Deemed Read,- Report link

Member for Monfwi.

We're good? Okay.

Reports of Standing Special Committees. Returns to oral questions. Acknowledgements.

Colleagues, I realize we have an hour of oral questions, so we are going to take a brief break so the translators can have a rest before we start with the next part. Thank you.

---SHORT RECESS

Call us back to order. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity. I just wanted to make a statement of personal explanation in response to a Cabin Radio report published this morning titled, MLA's Concerned About How Planned New Highways Could Affect Caribou.

So in this article, I feel that my comments were paraphrased and mischaracterized both through the subheading, too many roads, and the following paragraph, Yellowknife North MLA Shawna Morgan went further in her questioning and asked if the GNWT has considered simply not building any more roads as a means of protecting caribou.

So, Mr. Speaker, this is in fact not what I asked in the hearing last week, and my position is not that there are already too many roads. I was not and am not taking a position against the building of the Arctic Economic Security Corridor or the Mackenzie Valley Highway. I was making a point about the importance of cumulative impact assessment and how that practice of cumulative impact assessment means that we need to identify thresholds for disturbance, in this case linear disturbance which includes roads, beyond which caribou populations will suffer. So I was just urging the government to ensure that our regulatory system properly includes the practice of cumulative impact assessment so we know well ahead of time if we're approaching a threshold. And I was not suggesting that we've already reached that threshold and that we should not build any more roads. And furthermore, I just want to acknowledge too that the Indigenous people of this land have always been the primary protectors of caribou and still are, and I certainly also respect people's desire for more access to their communities. I just wanted to draw attention to the practice of cumulative impact assessment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to clarify.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Oral questions. Member for Monfwi.

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

Will the Minister explain what the department is doing to reduce the need for NWT trade students to leave the territory for Alberta-based technical training? Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we continue to work with Aurora College who works diligently to work to expand their offering of trades programs in the Northwest Territories here. Another key part of working with -- or sorry, growing our trades offerings in the territory is making sure that these apprentices or these students have access to people that they can work with in order to gain their hours. So one of the things that we've done is create more pathways to work with people who have significant hours by creating pathways for designated trainers. So that's people with extreme hours of experience in their trade and making sure that we can connect them with students. And also working with my colleagues in other departments, for example housing and infrastructure, to make sure they have opportunities for apprentices within their departments as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister confirm the most recent numbers on apprenticeship opportunities in small communities across the NWT. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know that we currently have just over about 350 apprentices in the Northwest Territories. Opportunities for apprentices would not be solely tied to the Government of the Northwest Territories. For example, there is apprenticeship opportunities in both infrastructure and in housing. Housing recently increased their funding specifically to increase the number of apprentices that appear in communities and regions across the territory. But these opportunities are also made all the more accessible and viable by employers in the territory, and so making sure that we're working with employers is a key component of this too. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Final supplementary. Member for Monfwi.

Many of these apprenticeships, they get assistance from NWT SFA so I was hoping that she would give me the number but she didn't give me that number. But that's okay, we'll put it in writing.

Will the Minister commit to developing a practical pathway into the trades that allows capable residents in small communities to gain experience and build towards certification closer to home? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, the Member and I are definitely aligned on this one. We've increased the pathways to trades in the life of this Assembly for NWT residents and continue to work on increasing our partnerships with employers, as well as making sure that we are improving the access to these programs through evolving the processes within education, culture and employment, and also connections through contracting within the Government of the Northwest Territories through other divisions or departments as well. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am going to quote from unedited Hansard to prepare my question. So, Mr. Speaker, it says, I am pretty even-keeled, and I don't even make decisions based on emotion. The visceral reaction that I have to the willful neglect and disgraceful mismanagement of a system that has meant to protect vulnerable children means I couldn't look myself in the mirror if I didn't support this motion. Shame on those who didn't, and I don't know how they can sleep at night.

Mr. Speaker, that is attributed to the Premier, R.J. Simpson, with respect to the failure of the motion of the former health Minister for their removal.

Mr. Speaker, noting the AG has highlighted systemic deterioration and unaccountability, will the Premier shuffle this Minister or remove her portfolio, period? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recall making that statement. I think about it quite often. I think about where I was as a Regular Member at that time and not having the experience as a Minister or as a Premier seeing this side of government, and then just how far -- how much I've learned in the meantime about accountability and about comments that we make as Regular Members. So what we're comparing here is not apples to apples. That report was scathing. That report said that things had gotten worse, not better. The report we're dealing with now, it shows improvement. It shows that we're actually moving in the right direction as opposed to the wrong direction. It highlights there's more consistent responses to urgent situations within 24 hours. There's more regular interviews with children and families during investigation. There's an increase in Indigenous foster care providers. There's more consistent completion of key foster care documentation and evidence of prioritizing placements for the majority of children and youth with extended family or Indigenous family members. These are improvements, Mr. Speaker, and I am glad that I am working with the Minister who is advancing these improvements. So no, I am not going to shuffle Cabinet. I am not going to ask for resignation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Maybe, Mr. Speaker, I mean -- interrupting the House, maybe that's your game.

Mr. Speaker, the ultimate issue is apparently the Premier has changed his mind on accountability; Maybe it doesn't matter over there. Mr. Speaker, as pointed out by the AG, there's been non-compliance with statutory deadlines, resource management and operations. This Minister could have issued a ministerial directive, 908 days to do this, and if the Premier thinks it isn't worse then he's reading a different report.

Mr. Speaker, will the Premier accept the resignation of this Minister or shuffle her? Because I tell you, the North is expecting a response.

Already asked an answered. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the Premier demonstrate that accountability and responsibility is happening over there because of this gross mismanagement of resources? Mr. Speaker, who is going to be accountable for this mismanagement highlighted by the Auditor General of Canada? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This side of the House never shies away from accountability and the report was -- the recommendations in the report were accepted, and they're being actioned. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, the 2018 report, all of them were accepted and it's worse. Mr. Speaker, the 2026 report, they're all worse. Mr. Speaker, who is going to be legally responsible for statutory rules that aren't followed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think that that's laid out in legislation and the Member can have a look at that as a Regular Member. I know that he's here to hold us to account, and so I look forward to what he comes up with through his research. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Oral questions. Member from Great Slave.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of ITI. Currently, the Twin Falls Territorial Park trail is closed due to the erosion along the riverbank. This includes five kilometres of trail between Alexandra Falls, Louise Falls, and Escarpment Creek. All three viewing platforms also remain closed.

Mr. Speaker, this is a beloved stretch of parks within the NWT that many visitors also enjoy as their introduction to the territory by road. The photos along that riverbank have been shared by NWT Parks of the erosion that's occurred between last year and this year, and they are stark. So, Mr. Speaker, can the Minister provide more details about the assessment of the Twin Falls Territorial Park trail that needs to take place? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is absolutely right. The entire 5-kilometer riverside trail connecting Alexandra Falls day use area, Louise Falls campground, and Escarpment Creek camping area, including all platforms at Alexandra Falls and Louise Falls in the Twin Falls Territorial Park are closed to the public. This is incredibly important information to get out to the public because there is ongoing erosion underneath the -- ongoing riverbank erosion, and this is also combined with the discovery of underground caverns that are causing instability and safety concerns for public access.

Mr. Speaker, if you give me a moment, please, there is a contractor that is secured to conduct geohazard and geotechnical assessment of the Twin Falls Territorial Park between Alexander Falls and Escarpment Creek. That work will take place this summer and inform next steps. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is good news; however, if the current trails are no longer passable would there be contemplation that they would be rebuilt closer to the highway? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from the Member but certainly don't want to make assumptions as to what that geotechnical information may tell us. And the timeline and the action that is required will certainly depend on what information we get back from the geotechnical assessment, and I can confirm for the House that we're working closely with infrastructure on this. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, I can appreciate that but when I hear underground caverns, that's pretty serious and alarming. So if the erosion is truly severe, Mr. Speaker, will the Minister be making further park closures and/or make them permanent? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, we've taken action to close the 5-kilometre trail and also the viewing platform to make sure that the areas that we know are unsafe are closed off to the public and so we ask the public to please respect that signage. Also, with the information that we get back from the assessment that we're working on through infrastructure, we'll be able to identify if further action is required and we'll make sure that we are transparent with the public with that information as we receive it so that if there is ongoing public safety concerns, the public is aware. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister of ITI. Oral questions. Member from the Sahtu.