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, 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.