Thank you, Madam Chair. I also want to just touch base on the long-term care facility for Fort Smith, the 24-bed, the planning process will start after the next election. I'm just wondering, there will be public consultation with the seniors' society and the caregivers with regards to this facility; is that part of the process, Minister?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I MOVE, second by the honourable Member for Hay River North, that when this House adjourns on Friday, September 29th, 2023, it shall be adjourned until Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023;

AND FURTHERMORE that at any time prior October 3rd, 2023, if the Speaker is satisfied, after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, or at a time later than the scheduled resumption of the House, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as if it had been duly adjourned to that time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is September 30th, which is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day recognizes the dark history and legacy of residential schools, the missing children, and the survivors from these institutions. This date is a date of remembrance and of reflection for all Canadians across the country. It's also a day to acknowledge our country's colonial history and all the trauma, pain, and suffering that has been done to Indigenous peoples. It is also a day that we commemorate the families, communities, and survivors of those impacted by residential schools.

Mr. Speaker, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a very significant date, so it is extremely important that we observe this day and that we never forget or try to erase this history from our collective consciousness. It is important that people understand and respect the significance of this day and people take time to educate themselves and each other about why this date is on our calendar.

Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if on this date I did not take this opportunity to once again state that Fort Smith is home to one of the last remaining residential school buildings that is still in active use in Canada. I am referring to the Breynat Hall at Aurora College Thebacha Campus. It is unfortunate, upsetting, and uncomfortable for many people in my community to see that building still standing and remains in active use in Fort Smith. This building is the first thing that needs to come down and be replaced when the new headquarters of the future polytechnic is established in Fort Smith.

Regardless, Mr. Speaker, I hope that all people will take a moment tomorrow to consider what reconciliation means to them and to this country. I know that for some, this may be an awkward or difficult subject to talk about; however, I would encourage everyone to move out of their comfort zone and have a conversation with somebody about this important topic. It is vital for our country to be able to engage in this type of dialogue as that will help in the healing process and in moving our country forward in a good and positive way. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I look at the capital budget, and I'm very happy with what's in there. I think there are some areas that are -- you know, we're always talking about green energy, and we're going to go ahead with the planning of the expansion of the Taltson. There are some issues that I will put in a statement next week. But, you know, overall -- and the territorial fire centre is more important now than ever. And I'm very happy that it's in this capital budget. I think that, you know, looking at that old building that's over 50 years old and all the plug-ins that we saw and now they're trying to save the data that has been accumulated through the years, I'm very happy with this capital budget. And, you know, we're always talking about -- and I hear my colleagues, everybody was interested in the Taltson today. Not on a really positive note. It should be a positive thing when you're going to green energy, especially with climate change. I've learned a lot about climate change even though I'm very pro-business in this Assembly because I was never really interested in that area before because never had to. I was able to make a decision the day that I decided I wanted to make a decision the last 14 years before I came here four years ago. This was a learning experience for me, this last -- these four years, but it was a positive experience. I've learned from each of my colleagues in a different way, and I appreciate the budget that's before us. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister confirm that the forthcoming new collective agreement will be fair and favourable to ordinary workers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister provide the House with an update in general terms on the status of negotiations for a new collective agreement? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, according to a July 2023 UNW press release, the Government of the Northwest Territories has expressed desire to have a new collective agreement in place before the territorial election this fall. Does the Minister anticipate that a new collective agreement will be signed before election day on November 14th? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of Finance have any timelines for when a new collective agreement will be signed between the Government of the Northwest Territories and UNW? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak about the ongoing negotiation regarding the new collective agreement for the Union of Northern Workers, UNW.

Mr. Speaker, all throughout my life I have always been someone that is worker-friendly. I have always cared deeply for my community, and for the well-being of all my constituents and for all the people of the NWT. Plus, the Government of the Northwest Territories, the major employer of many NWT residents, so it is extremely important that the new collective agreement is fair and beneficial for all employees. That is why I am concerned about the status of talks between the UNW and the Government of the Northwest Territories which seem to have halted and broken down for some reason.

Mr. Speaker, I understand the Government of the Northwest Territories expressed to have a tentative agreement in place before the upcoming territorial election. However, at this juncture, it appears that this desired timeline will not be achieved. I also understand that as of mid July, a mediator has been called in to help facilitate both parties into a mutually agreed-upon collective agreement. I am also told, Mr. Speaker, that a third-party lawyer from Vancouver has been hired to help with this process as well, which is an aspect of this process that I have a problem with.

I do not understand why the Government of the Northwest Territories always seeks help from outside the territory, outsourcing work and paying people to come to the NWT to try solving these types of matters. That's not always the right decision to do. The people of the NWT are very much capable of making their own decisions, especially in decisions that affect people's livelihoods and everyday lives. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mr. Speaker, the cost of living in the NWT is always rising, particularly over the last year and a half. According to the bureau of statistics, within the last year alone the price of food in Yellowknife has gone up 10.7 percent; the price of clothing has gone up 7.6 percent; electricity has risen by 3.4 percent; and, fuel oil has risen by 7.3 percent. Also, the key interest rate from the Bank of Canada is at its highest rate in over 20 years. All of these factors are making it increasingly harder for people to put food on the table and get by.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I know that many Government of the Northwest Territories' employees are wondering when a new collective agreement will be finalized and signed by the Government of the Northwest Territories and the UNW. I certainly hope that the negotiations will not be drawn out too long, and I also have hope that these negotiations do not break down entirely and result in strike action as we have seen recently with many industries across the country and around the world. I have questions for the Minister of finance at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.