Delivered on March 6, 2018

Mr. Speaker, we are continually reviewing and updating our income security programs to make sure they respond to the needs and realities of Northwest Territories residents. All program changes are made based on research and analysis, to ensure these programs are well managed and help residents across the North. 

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment increased the Northwest Territories Child Benefit in July 2017, and we raised the Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit in September 2017.

Delivered on March 1, 2018

Mr. Speaker, the francophone community is a vibrant part of the multicultural mosaic of the Northwest Territories. As we move into the 20^th Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, from March 1^st to 21^st, we have some milestones to mark and events to celebrate.

Mr. Speaker, today is national Pink Shirt Day. Wearing pink today symbolizes that we, as a society, will not tolerate bullying of any kind. This day of recognition and action was started in 2007 by two young men in Nova Scotia, David Sheppard and Travis Price. As an act of protest and support, they gave pink shirts to their fellow students, after a grade 9 student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school.

Delivered on February 27, 2018

Mr. Speaker, on April 1, 2018, the minimum wage in the Northwest Territories will increase from $12.50 to $13.46 per hour, the third highest minimum wage in Canada.

Delivered on February 23, 2018

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has a responsibility to make sure that high school students in the Northwest Territories have access to an equitable, high-quality education that prepares them to be contributing members of our communities. We owe it to our young people to provide an environment that supports wellness, inspires a sense of identity and builds on their strengths, because we know it means a greater chance for success both in academics and in life.

Delivered on February 21, 2018

Mr. Speaker, this is Education Week in the Northwest Territories. I would like to celebrate the educators who have dedicated their careers, and lives, to teaching our children and youth. I would also like to share how I and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment are supporting their success.

Delivered on February 20, 2018

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Kate Powell, Principal of Deninu School in Fort Resolution, on being recognized as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2018. Principals who receive this award are nominated by their colleagues, school staff, and community members. She is the 14th principal in the Northwest Territories to receive this honour.

Delivered on February 15, 2018

Mr. Speaker, it is critical to ensure that the northern postsecondary education system meets the changing needs of our students and the demands of the Northwest Territories labour market.

Delivered on February 13, 2018

Mr. Speaker, the social fabric of a small community is one of its strengths. Close family ties and a strong sense of community belonging are enduring characteristics and cannot be understated when residents make important life choices for their employment, education and skills training.

Delivered on February 9, 2018

Mr. Speaker, we have an ambitious postsecondary agenda that is part of the mandate of this government. Undertaking the Foundational Review of Aurora College, working with the College on a renewed long-term strategic plan, and creating a legislative framework to recognize postsecondary institutions will allow us to expand opportunities for postsecondary education for Northwest Territories residents.