Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to update Members on our economy and to discuss some of the fiscal challenges that we will face as we work to deliver our Assembly’s shared priorities.
As we move towards the first Budget of this Assembly, we must be realistic in our expectations for how quickly we can make positive changes to strengthen our programs and services and deliver on our commitments to support the NWT economy.
Mr. Speaker, the issue of property tax arrears has often been cited as a barrier for residents trying to purchase land, obtain a mortgage, or access various Government of the Northwest Territories programs. Frequently a significant portion of these arrears are attributable to interest charged on outstanding debt. The impact of this interest compounds over time and can leave residents with significant challenges to recover.
Mr. Speaker, the issue of property tax arrears has often been cited as a barrier for residents trying to purchase land, obtain a mortgage, or access various Government of the Northwest Territories programs. Frequently a significant portion of these arrears are attributable to interest charged on outstanding debt. The impact of this interest compounds over time and can leave residents with significant challenges to recover.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update the House and Northwest Territories residents on the implementation of the NWT Carbon Tax.
The Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NTLCC) recently changed its approach to liquor distribution within Yellowknife as the contract for the Yellowknife Liquor Warehouse expired.
While these changes result in lower prices overall, an unintended consequence of the change was higher costs for liquor license holders. To mitigate the impact of these increases, the NTLCC have implemented a discount program for liquor license holders to mitigate the impact of any increases. The discount program will be extended to liquor license holders across the NWT.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received the report from mediator Vince Ready that incorporates his binding recommendations and other matters agreed to by the parties during mediation.
Following the mediation which concluded on February 10, 2019, the GNWT and the Union of Northern Workers (UNW) agreed to a process for submitting outstanding issues to Mr. Ready for binding recommendations.
Finance Minister Robert C. McLeod announced today that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has signed an agreement with North Star Infrastructure (NSI) to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road.
Quotes:
YELLOWKNIFE (February 10, 2019) - After two days of mediation convened by Mediator Vince Ready, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Union of Northern Workers have not reached a tentative agreement.
However, the parties have agreed to submit their outstanding issues to Mr. Ready for binding recommendations.
Finance Minister Robert C. McLeod presented the 2019‑20 Budget, continuing the fiscal plan to carefully manage spending under difficult fiscal challenges. Budget 2019 proposes $1.873 billion in spending to support the priorities of the Assembly and strengthen existing programs.
The 2019-20 Budget projects $1.933 billion in revenue, which will provide a $60 million operating surplus.
Highlights in support of the 18th Legislative Assembly’s priorities include:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present the 2019-20 Budget for the Government of the Northwest Territories. This Budget continues to invest in our people and our territory to achieve, as set out in the very first sentence of the 18th Legislative Assembly mandate, our vision of a territory where all our people, communities and regions share in the benefits of a healthy, just, sustainable and prosperous society.
