Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged our entire society on a fundamental level, forcing us to grow and adapt in the face of unprecedented threats to the health and wellbeing of our loved ones and our communities. Three years since the outbreak of the pandemic, it is still easy for many of us to recall the fear and uncertainty of those early days, as the world searched for answers amid reports of rapidly rising death tolls.

Premier Caroline Cochrane today issued the following statement:

“This afternoon, federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland unveiled the 2023 Federal Budget. I, like many Northerners, have been eagerly awaiting its release to learn how it will support residents of the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the recent addition of the Legislative Assembly’s Process Convention related to the introduction, consideration, and enactment of bills under the Intergovernmental Council Legislative Development Protocol. I do not often get to express appreciation for the work of the Legislative Assembly as led by you Mr. Speaker, and supported by the Clerk and your staff. This new process convention is another example of the Northwest Territories leading the way in collaboration with Indigenous governments.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce the launch of a new comprehensive online funding program information portal. Available on the main GNWT website, the new portal will make it easy for residents to find and apply for government funding opportunities.

Check in against delivery

Members of Cabinet met yesterday with federal Ministers to discuss increases to federal health care funding.

Premier Caroline Cochrane was joined by Minister of Health and Social Services Julie Green and Minister of Finance Caroline Wawzonek in a meeting with federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Dominic LeBlanc and federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos.

Premier Caroline Cochrane has made the following change to senior management in the Northwest Territories public service.

Dr. Erin Kelly is appointed as Deputy Minister of the new Department of Environment and Climate Change, effective April 1, 2023. The Deputy Minister of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) since February 2020, Dr. Kelly played a key leadership role for the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) in bringing to successful conclusion negotiations to establish Thaidene Nëné and Ts’udé Nilįné Tuyeta.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, I welcome my colleagues back for the February – March 2023 sitting of the 19th Legislative Assembly. I hope you all had an opportunity over the last few months to spend time in your constituencies hearing from residents and stakeholders so that we can collectively and collaboratively work together to advance the priorities of the people who elected us to represent them.

Last week Cabinet members and officials from the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) attended the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup conference in Vancouver to promote the territory’s mineral resource, exploration, and development sector.

Premier Caroline Cochrane and members of Cabinet will be in Ottawa this week to meet with federal ministers to discuss Northwest Territories (NWT) priorities ahead of next year’s Federal budget.

The goal of the meetings is to raise awareness and build a better understanding of key NWT priorities and the benefits investment in the North will have on Canada. These priorities include the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project, Mackenzie Valley Highway, and the Aurora College transformation to a Polytechnic University.