Mr. Speaker, in a little more than two weeks, the Government and Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories will be taking on new responsibilities for public lands, water and resources. For the first time, Northerners will be able to pass laws and make their own decisions about how our environment is managed and protected and our resources are developed. As we have acknowledged many times in this House, this is an historic occasion in the ongoing evolution of this territory.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 12, 2014) – New approaches to encourage women to run in upcoming elections, such as an annual Women’s Parliament, was one of the topics discussed at the bi-annual meeting between the Status of Women Council Board and the Minister Responsible for Women Bob McLeod. The Minister and the Board also discussed ongoing issues of mutual interest including government policies affecting women and their families.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to provide the House with an update on the success of the Department of Transportation’s online driver and motor vehicle services.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 11, 2014) – Premier Bob McLeod met with leaders of the Aboriginal parties to the Devolution Agreement on Friday, March 7^th  to continue building their relationship in anticipation of devolution.

Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road continues to serve our territory as a seasonal solution to community resupply and economic development. Today, this road is more important than ever as industry prepares to tap into the enormous resource potential in the Mackenzie Valley.

Increased traffic along the Mackenzie Valley winter road due to industry activities means increased maintenance requirements for the Department of Transportation. During this time, the safety of the travelling public is the Department’s first priority.

Mr. Speaker, cancer rates have increased slightly over the last few years. Even one case affects dozens of people. Cancer Sharing Circles have been held in Fort Good Hope, Fort Resolution and Fort Liard to share information, facilitate dialogue and inform the development of local action plans to address this important issue. The Cancer Sharing Circles showed us that we need to do more work on the services available for cancer patients and their families. Our smoking and drinking rates remain too high, and further improvements are needed with regard to healthy eating.

Mr. Speaker, our legal aid program is one of the best in the country. We are pleased that the Department of Justice and the Legal Services Board have expanded their scope of coverage to provide legal support for civil law matters through the services of a Legal Aid Outreach Lawyer.  We realize people in need require additional support to deal with family or other civil law matters to reach their full potential.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Auditor General of Canada’s report on Child and Family Services was tabled in this House. The Auditor General’s findings indicate that the health and social services system is not adequately meeting its key responsibilities for the protection and well-being of children, youth and families. This is a serious concern for all of us.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 27, 2014) – Premier Bob McLeod announced today the signing of the Northwest Territories Intergovernmental Resource Revenue Sharing Agreement (RRS) and the Northwest Territories Intergovernmental Agreement on Land and Resource Management by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, Gwich’in Tribal Council, and Tłįchǫ Government.

Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity to share with you an exciting initiative that will move forward some of our government’s top priorities – enabling Aboriginal youth to achieve their potential through quality education and developing home-grown solutions to our labour market challenges.