The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is proposing amendments to the Hours-of-Service regulations for electronic logging devices (ELDs) under the Motor Vehicles Act to support road safety in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

ELDs automatically record driving time in commercial vehicles. The device replaces the paper log system and makes it easier to track, manage, share and improve the accuracy of a driver’s Hours-of-Service record.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is now accepting applications from Indigenous governments in the NWT, community governing authorities, non-government organizations and the Health and Social Services Authorities for the 2023 Healthy Choices Fund.

$400,000 is available to fund health promotion and prevention activities that support NWT communities and their residents.  For 2023, an additional $410,000 is also available to support the health and wellbeing of NWT seniors through age friendly communities and to reduce the harms of alcohol use.

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Government of Canada, the Tłı̨chǫ Government and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

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Mr. Speaker, in 2018, the Government of the Northwest Territories released the 2030 Energy Strategy, our roadmap to supporting secure, affordable, and sustainable energy in the NWT.

Guided by the Energy Strategy, the Climate Change Strategic Framework and the GNWT’s mandate, we are working to increase the use of alternative and renewable energy and reduce the territory’s greenhouse gas emissions.

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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.

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Mr. Speaker, on January 16th, the Government of the Northwest Territories launched a new Open Data Portal to provide a single point of access for existing GNWT data resources.

This portal represents a significant step forward in our commitment to transparency and open government, and it will be a valuable resource for residents, businesses, researchers, and anyone else interested in the data and information that shapes our communities and our economy.

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Mr. Speaker, I would like to share information about the voluntary supports available for Northwest Territories children, youth, and families through the health and social services system. There are several voluntary support services in place that are based on the prevention of negative outcomes. Community Social Workers are available to assist individuals and families in accessing them.

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Mr. Speaker, today is International Women’s Day, an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, to raise awareness of gender inequality, and to recommit to building a territory that values, respects and gives equal opportunity to all women and  2SLGBTQIA+ people.

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Mr. Speaker, addressing housing needs in the Northwest Territories cannot be done by any single government. We must continue to build and strengthen partnerships: partnerships with Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, community governments, Non-government Organizations, private companies, and  the Government of Canada.

March is Nutrition Month! The link between food and good health cannot be underestimated. Registered dietitians play a vital role in nutrition guidance that supports the unique needs of NWT residents.

Eating a variety of healthy food each day helps to manage weight, prevent illness, and promote overall wellbeing.

This Nutrition Month, practice healthy eating by: