Question has been called. Does the mover wish to close debate?

Why yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you very much for the support of colleagues on this motion. I just want to point out, in case it wasn't clear, but the application that's specifically referenced in the second clause of the motion around the 41-hectare Frame Lake parcel is not a selected -- is not land selected by the Akaitcho process or any Indigenous group that I am aware of. So that again -- and I gave a lengthy speech about how that works, how interim land withdrawal works. And, of course, the motion also, the final -- or the second last clause talks about not infringing on any Indigenous rights. So I am not sure how that wasn't communicated clearly but just -- I want to really state that, that this motion -- land is life in the Northwest Territories, and it's so important, which is why that's in there, to make sure with absolute certainty there is no question about the potential harm to Indigenous people by inappropriately seizing land that is not ours to take.

Mr. Speaker, the reason why this motion came about is because the City of Yellowknife put together a very nice information package, came to standing committee, came to the board of management, and has loudly advocated for this. And that's the community I represent. I am friends with many of those councillors. I'd like to think I have a good relationship with the mayor. And it was easy to say, well, let's give your presentation package a bigger stage on the floor of the House. I don't see that as interfering with any regulatory process. My good friend from the Sahtu frequently speaks about the need to speed up Mackenzie Valley Highway, something I support, I think something we all support, and I've never heard any concern that we might be stepping on anyone's toes about a specific project in a specific region to do a specific thing. So I am a little surprised today, but that's fine. Everyone needs to make their own decisions. But, again, what I was calling for in my speech is something I think that is important. It's approaching these challenges with public policy and in an unceded, unsettled land claim area, it is incredibly challenging to make decisions because there's uncertainty kind of built into that process until there is certainty. But governments have to act with confidence. We only have 4-year terms, and if we're too hesitant to act decisively, especially when there's an opportunity ahead of us, then things can slow down, and we have a bad reputation of being a very slow government.

So the reason for this motion has been clear: The City of Yellowknife brought this forward. They're great advocates for our community. I am happy to support them in bringing this to the floor. I am happy we could get -- show support from across the territory and that we can move forward. And I hope that all those who are listening understand that this is an urgent matter that needs top priority. Every Yellowknifer cares about this, and I am happy to have supportive colleagues moving forward. And I would request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Member from Range Lake has asked for a recorded vote. All those in favour, please stand.

All those opposing, please stand. All those abstaining, please stand.

The results of the recorded vote are six in favour, zero opposed, and 11 abstentions. Motion carried.

---Carried

Colleagues, being reflective of the time we need to let the interpreters get a break. So we went a little over so we will have a brief break, and then we'll come back.

---SHORT RECESS

The interpreters appreciated that. Motions. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Rule 6.2(14), I wish to withdraw Motion 85-20(1). Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. The Member from Range Lake wishes to withdraw Motion 85-20(1). Rule 6.2(14) provides that a motion may be withdrawn with the consent of the seconder providing that debate has not begun. As we have not started debate on this motion, I will turn to the Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh for his consent to have the motion withdrawn. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, as a seconder of this motion, do you consent?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I consent to the Motion 85-20(1) to be withdrawn. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Colleagues, pursuant to Rule 6.2(14), Motion 85-20(1) has been withdrawn and by the mover with the consent of the seconder.

Motions. Returns to oral questions. Acknowledgements. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So my first set of questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure, following up on my Member's statement today.

So my understanding is that there is already work underway within the Department of Infrastructure to create an NWT building standards policy framework. Now, I am not sure if that means we're busy creating building standards or what the policy framework part actually means, but my first question is, can the Minister describe what work is taking place towards creating northern building standards and what is expected to be the end result of that work, the end product. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Minister of Infrastructure.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So the Departments of Infrastructure, Municipal and Community Affairs, and Housing are working together to advance a coordinated approach to build standards for the Northwest Territories. This includes research, policy development, and assessing the implications of broader approach of the national building standards across the country and the territory. The working group is actively engaging with partners and stakeholders, including community governments, to understand the potential impacts, identify areas of concern, and ensure that northern realities are reflected. The intended outcome of the comprehensive building standard framework for the Northwest Territories that strengthens safety and consistency and is supported by a clear policy foundation where needed and at end of the legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister tell us what is the timeline or the estimated timeline for completing that work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

So the working group is currently reviewing the existing regulatory framework and continuing the engagement with local stakeholders. Based on this work, recommendations to be established in the NWT building standards framework will be advanced in 2026. The goal is to bring forward a legislative proposal, if needed, before the end of the current Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Infrastructure. Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I am tentatively hopeful here and encouraged. Can the Minister tell us how he will ensure that building standards are not a one size fits all, you know, imposition and how they can be responsive to very different environmental and economic constraints, both within communities and amongst our very diverse NWT communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So this work is not about importing the southern building practices in the North. It's about strengthening the public safety and by formally adopting a nationally recognized code and standards the way they work in the North and reflect in the North. To be clear, we're not developing a standalone NWT-specific building code. Instead, the focus is adopting the National Building Code, which is developed collaboratively by provinces and territories to reflect the diverse conditions of the North. Importantly, jurisdictions have the flexibility in how they could adopt and apply the code. For example, Nunavut has tailored its building regulations by removing or modifying provisions related to water heater efficiency, foundations, and thermal insulation for better reflecting the northern conditions. The NWT will take a similar approach, ensuring that any framework is adaptable, practical, and responsive to the unique environmental, economic, and capacity realities of our northern communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My job as Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs is to engage with Indigenous leadership, so I am always happy to engage with Indigenous leadership. I understand that Lutselk'e has had an election and that the results need to be verified. I am not quite sure of the process right now, but I know that it's sort of we're in the midst of that right now. And so as soon as everything is confirmed and set, I am happy to have those conversations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.