Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories holds significant authority over lands within community and municipal boundaries;

AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories could support the economic development of communities by enabling community control of community land via block land transfer;

AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories initiated a block land transfer with the City of Yellowknife in 2021, as a pilot project to guide the rest of the Northwest Territories community land transfers, and this block land transfer remains outstanding;

AND WHEREAS the delay of block land transfer to communities is delaying the development of communities and the implementation of urgent housing solutions desperately needed across the Northwest Territories.

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by Member for Frame Lake, that the Government of the Northwest Territories complete the block transfer of land to communities within municipal and community boundaries without delay;

AND FURTHER, that the Government of the Northwest Territories remove requirements from communities that are impeding this transfer, such as the requirement for surveying, community zoning and by-law development for land that is under Government of the Northwest Territories authority.

AND FURTHERMORE, that the Government of the Northwest Territories remove internal impediments that are delaying the efficient transfer of lands within municipal and community boundaries;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide public updates on the status of block land transfer to communities;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to this motion within 120 days.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.