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

Mr. Speaker, thank you. Mr. Speaker, as the school year comes to an end, I want to recognize students in the Tlicho region from Chief Jimmy Bruneau School, Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School, Mezi School, Jean Wetrade School, and Alexis Arrowmaker School, from junior kindergarten to grade 12 graduating class.

Every school year brings new challenges and to every student who kept moving forward, you deserve to be celebrated. You may not see it now, but the education you've shown is special and it will pay off in the future. The students who served as patrons or took part in Youth Parliament deserve recognition as well - Shiloh Simpson and Juliana Mackenzie of Behchoko. It is always special to see our young people engage in the work of this House.

To the parents and grandparents who helped them keep going, thank you. That support can be difficult when families are carrying pressures of their own, but the stability you give them is the foundation of their success. I also want to thank the teachers who have worked tirelessly to guide them. Anyone who has seen a classroom in the final week of the school knows teachers deserve recognition and probably a good nap.

Educating our youth is one of the most important responsibilities we have. Teachers are there to teach, but they are often asked to carry needs that go far beyond the classroom. When a child needs deeper support, the child and family services system must be strong enough to respond. Teachers need to be able to focus on teaching, knowing that students will still be supported. That is how we give students the best chance to succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I wish all our students and teachers a good summer. I know that students are counting down the days, and I suspect a few teachers are too as well. So job well done to all the students and parents. I'd like to welcome all the students, the parents, the teachers, and all the support that they have given to these young people. Please stay safe and look out for each other. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Member's statements. Member from the Deh Cho.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the new health and social services fee guide shows how disconnected this government has become from the cost of living crisis. While residents are asking for relief, this government is increasing fees and adding new costs for essential care. Long-term care fees have gone up, and for the first-time residents will now be charged the daily fee for alternative level care and will be charged while waiting a long-term care bed effective July 1st, 2026. Each type of care will cost families more than $12,000 a year.

Mr. Speaker, this will hit small communities hard, where basic goods are already unaffordable. But families across the NWT will feel the pressure whether they live in a small community or a larger centre. That is because this cost will fall on families already struggling to keep up. For those who need financial assistance, government points to a fee waiver application. But the waiver criteria only proves how disconnected this policy is.

To qualify for assistance, family income must be under $80,000. So what happens to a family just over that threshold, already paying northern prices for food, fuel and rent? An additional annual expense of $12,000 could take up to 15 percent of their annual income before taxes. For families already living paycheck to paycheck, that is completely unrealistic.

Mr. Speaker, I understand the deficit is a serious problem, but the answer cannot be to make essential care more expensive for families being pushed to the edge. Government needs to take responsibility for the system pressures instead of making struggling families pay more for care they cannot go without. I will have questions for the Minister of health at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address my Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Line unanswered written questions noting that the critical questions raised, in my opinion, were not answered.

In my written question, I appreciated the Minister providing some high-level context, but a closer look reveals that the vital information still remains missing and unanswered. The Minister shared that a P3 agreement costs approximately $12 million annually but only generates $2.3 million from ten customers.

Mr. Speaker, it was originally sold as to print money, not to give away money, Mr. Speaker, so the question is what happened; where did the wheels fall off the car? Mr. Speaker, is the GNWT subsidizing a private entity to run this thing?

So at the same time, the government has failed to deliver specifics on the financial breakdown by this project phase and customers' costs that were requested. Mr. Speaker, I am left wondering. Worse yet, the actual management agreement was completely withheld under the guise of confidentiality. Now, I am sure something could have been provided to an MLA like myself, even an embargoed copy of some sort, Mr. Speaker. We get hundreds of confidential documents a week around here, Mr. Speaker. One more wouldn't have hurt, Mr. Speaker, and I, of course, would have respected that.

But when it comes to the future of our communities now, Mr. Speaker, the response falls even further short. The Minister lists which communities currently have service, and which rely on satellite but completely deflects on providing a clear implementation schedule or cost projections for the connecting of those communities left behind. Hey, who wants a community left behind? No community left behind, Mr. Speaker. That's my saying.

Mr. Speaker, the government disappoints them and it's disappointing me.

Furthermore, the serious issue of revenue leak to other jurisdictions was entirely ignored. Again, I need to remind you, when the government's spending $12 million and only getting two back, Mr. Speaker, we need to start asking some serious questions.

Lastly, the only complete answer out of all the questions I received was a reference to the BC economic study. While very important to understand outside data and how it's used, but Northerners deserve transparency about our infrastructure, Mr. Speaker. We deserve to know more about our budget and certainly about our timelines.

The general overview was falling short, Mr. Speaker. We deserve digital equity and certainly value for service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before we break for the summer, I want to take a moment to recognize the graduates for my consistency of Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. And, in particular, it was my great pleasure to inform this House that we have a very large group of strong graduates this year from both Lutselk'e, Fort Resolution, Dettah, N'dilo, and Yellowknife.

In Lutselk'e, I want to give my heartfelt congratulations to our graduates:

• Naomi Isadore-Michel
• Zachary Martin
• Alexander Abel
• Jonas Lockhart
• Alaya Catholique
• Devanna Catholique

In addition, in Lutselk'e we have two exceptional Indigenous language instructors retiring this year after many decades of service: James Lockhart and Elizabeth Catholique.

In the Fort Resolution, I want to congratulate:

• Roshanda Baillsilie
• Preston Forrest
• Sylvia Mandeville

I want to wish you all the very best in the future that you have ahead of you.

In Yellowknife, I want to congratulate:

• Kayden Boucher
• Angel Betsina
• Cheyenne Koyina
• Shelby Betsina
• Stanley McKenzie
• Quinton McKenzie
• Kyle Sangris
• Troy Beaulieu
• Colton Sangris
• Justin Card
• Matilda Charlo
• Tamara Sangris
• Lillian McKenzie
• Tina Liske
• Emerance Goulet
• Rebecca Evadjuk
• Henry Ben Martin
• Detoncho Fizi
• Hannah Lafferty
• Brendan Lafferty
• Alia Erasmus
• Sheena Charlo Lafferty
• Cameron Martin
• Lizdaya Martin Crapeau
• Mia Martin Crapeau
• Kelly Tsetta

From the K'alemi Dene School in N'dilo, I am proud to recognize graduates Clayton Tanzia and Eve Judith Goulet.

I also want to acknowledge from Fort Resolution:

• Dr. Lainey Beaulieu, who achieved her medical degree and continues to be an inspiration to our community;
• As well, former graduates Magnolia Unka, who got her law degree;
• Elita Edjericon, who got her master's in education; and
• Jess Anderson, who also got a Red Seal in heavy duty mechanics.

All are outstanding community members who have demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication in their respective fields.

To all the graduates, I extend my sincere congratulations. I also want to thank the teachers, school staff, families, and community members who have supported them along the way. Congratulations to all, and I wish you a very successful year and have a safe summer. Mahsi.

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

Mr. Speaker, June is a time for reflection and celebration as we mark National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month while also recognizing Men's Mental Health Month.

National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to honour the rich histories, cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. For generations, Indigenous communities have sustained deep connections to the land, vibrant cultural traditions, and systems of knowledge that continue to shape this country.

It is also a time to acknowledge the lasting impacts of colonization, including the legacy of residential schools. We all share a responsibility to advance truth and reconciliation. Recognizing this history is essential to building respectful partnerships and a more just and inclusive future.

June is also Pride Month. What began as an uprising on June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn has grown into a global movement; a celebration of identity, resilience, love, and a continued call for inclusion, safety, and equal rights for all.

These observances are deeply connected. Long before colonization, many Indigenous cultures recognized and respected diverse gender identities and roles. Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer individuals stand at the intersection, reminding us that identity, culture, and community are intertwined.

At the same time, June is also Men's Mental Health Month, a crucial reminder that mental wellness must be part of our broader conversations about inclusion, community, and care. For too long, many men have been told to be silent about their struggles. This silence can lead to isolation and harm. It is important that men feel supported and empowered to share their feelings in a healthy and productive way.

Creating safe spaces for men to speak, to be heard without judgment, and to seek support is essential; not only for individual well-being but for stronger families and communities. This is especially important in the context of reconciliation and inclusion, where understanding and compassion must extend to everyone.

As we mark this month, let us celebrate our progress, listen to lived experiences, and recommit ourselves to respect, inclusion, reconciliation, and mental wellness, ensuring everyone, across all identities and experiences, has the support they need to live with dignity, pride, and a true sense of belonging. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, I wish to offer congratulations to the following high school graduates in the Nunakput riding for 2026:

In Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk

• ·Miley Wolki
• ·Sophie Ross-Saunders
• ·Jones Elias
• ·Sabrina Nasogaluak
• ·Cheryl Chicksi
• ·Natalie Avik.
• Angik School in Paulatuk:
• ·Kristen Green
• ·Ethan Ruben
• ·Nora Ruben.

In Ulukhaktok at the Helen Kalvak Elikhakvik is:

• ·Sierra Akhiaktak
• ·Kaden Okheena
• ·Kieren Notaina
• ·Ian Kataoyak.

I wish to offer you the best in all your endeavours. As young leaders in your community, there are many children that look up to you now. The hopes and dreams of your family is with you as you move ahead for further education, work placement, apprenticeship, or travel and volunteerism. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to send my congratulations to the graduating class of East 3 Secondary School who will be graduating this Saturday. It's such an incredible milestone. Last year, we had multiple, multiple speakers at their grad, and I know I've heard from many of them before there's too much talking. So this year, I know that I won't be able to be there with them all but I am cheering them all on with pride. And as the MLA for Twin Lakes, I want to say that the community is proud of you, all of you. And whether your next step is work, college, university, trades, whatever your path takes you, carry your resilience, your roots, your strength, because these are the gifts that your ancestors have instilled in you.

I also want to say congratulations to all of the little kindergarten graduates who also will be graduating. Hopefully I will be home to be able to see them. And, you know, in Inuvik, we used to have two schools and so the grade 6 graduation from the elementary school to the high school is always a big event. I still remember my graduation. I had -- I think I had torn jeans from playing outside. And then I remember my daughter's graduation, I had to go and buy her, it was like a grade 12 graduation dress. So they've made this a big, big thing. And so I am very proud of all of them for their successes. And all of the Aurora College grads that just graduated from their programs and all of our graduates that are graduating from all of their post-secondary, coming home, you know, to work and, you know, take on new careers, I applaud you and I encourage you to keep learning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Colleagues, today I rise in the House to congratulate the Class of 2026 from two schools in the Nahendeh riding, Liidlii Kue Regional High School and Echo Dene School. This is an important milestone for graduates, their families, teachers, school support staff, and their communities, and I am pleased to recognize their hard work and achievement.

Colleagues, these students completed their high school journey during an extraordinary period that included the global pandemic and all the disruption that came with it. Their education was interrupted, their routines were changed, and they were asked to adapt in ways none of us could imagine. Yet through it all, they persevered. They remained committed, they stayed focused, and they continued moving forward. In many ways, these graduates are stronger because of what they have overcome. They are stronger students because they have tested themselves. They are stronger candidates for employment because they have learned to adapt and persist in the face of uncertainty. Most importantly, they are strong people because they discovered resilience, determination, and integrity within themselves.

For some grads, this day marks the end of 13 long years of school and the beginning of a new chapter. For others, it is the next step in a long educational journey, whether that is university, college, or an apprenticeship. Whatever path they choose, they should know that they are well prepared for the road ahead.

To all the graduates (names attached at the end of the statement and ask to be deemed as read and printed in the Handard), I say this: The diploma you receive is the result of years of effort, commitment, and perseverance. Wear it with pride. It represents not only what you have accomplished but also the promise of what is yet to come. Congratulations to the Class of 2026. I wish each of you every success as you celebrate this special day and take your next steps forward, and I will see you guys next week.

I look forward in witnessing your celebration next week as I said just previously.

As well, Shazney Waugh graduated from UBC with distinction with a BA in gender, race, sexuality and social justice with a minor in Indigenous studies. And Daniel Gargan-Lacasse, who will graduated from Red Deer polytechnic social work diploma -- hint, hint, potential opportunity for us -- June 5, 2026.

Again, congratulations to all the grads and I ask all of you to help me thanking them.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize a few people in the gallery today. I'd like to recognize, also like you, Debbie DeLancey, who when she was the deputy minister of MACA, I was a town councillor in Hay River and used to complain about the lack of funding for our community. So I'd like to welcome her. I'd also like to welcome a few Gwich'in elders here today, good friends of mine. Sue Look, Bella Husky, Alice Charley, Annie Rose McNabb, and Esther Semmler. Thank you for visiting us here today.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have a couple of visitors from Fort Smith here today, and their MLA is out representing the territory on the national stage, so I'd like to, on his behalf, recognize Mildred Martin and Rashmi Patel and welcome them to the Assembly. As well, I would like to recognize Marie Wilson, one of the Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to welcome my grandmother Esther Semmler. And I also want to welcome Sue Look, Alice Charley, Annie Rose McNabb, Bella Husky, and Debbie Delancey. She wasn't my boss at MACA but I did work under her when I was at health and social services, and now she is the co-chair of the Council of Leaders health and social services working group. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Great Slave.