The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the Knowledge Agenda: Northern Research for Northern Priorities 2025. It is a five-year plan that identifies the territory’s most important research needs and sets a clear path for collaboration with research partners.
Initial findings and recommendations from the investigation into concerns around education in the Dehcho region have been released to the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) by the independent investigator. The GNWT is taking immediate actions to support education bodies with next steps.
On July 10, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) appointed an independent investigator under section 113 of the Education Act to investigate a range of concerns in the region and provide findings and recommendations for solutions.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the participants who represented Team NT and the NWT Youth Ambassadors Program at the 2025 Canada Summer Games that were held in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, from August 8 to 24.
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Mr. Speaker, this summer I had the honour of co-hosting the 43rd annual meeting of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women here in Yellowknife. Ministers from across the country gathered in this lovely city to discuss shared priorities.
The 2025 Northwest Territories Environmental Audit has noted the improvements in the GNWT’s work. The Audit is a legislated independent review that takes place every five years.
The Audit examines how effectively the NWT’s environmental regulatory system is working, assesses how environmental information is used in decision-making, and evaluates progress on cumulative impact monitoring. It also examines the adequacy of responses to past audit recommendations.
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Mr. Speaker, the 2025 emergency season once again tested the strength and resilience of our territory. It showed the courage and dedication of those who step forward in times of crisis to protect residents and communities. It also reinforced that the changes and improvements we have made since 2023 are making a real difference in how we respond and recover.
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Mr. Speaker, the Territory’s 2025 wildfire season was a challenging one. With 201 wildfires and nearly 1.4 million hectares burned, this was one of the most-active wildfire seasons in Northwest Territories’ history.
I want to acknowledge the tireless dedication, personal sacrifice, and incredible teamwork of our staff. Wildfire crews showed up day after day to protect our territory. These efforts deserve the recognition and appreciation of this House.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to recent discussion about the state of the Northwest Territories’ mining industry:
“Mining has been central to the Northwest Territories’ economy for generations, and our government shares the concern about the challenges the industry is facing.
Jay Macdonald, Minister of Justice, issued the following statement in response to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent announcement on building safer communities.
“The Government of the Northwest Territories welcomes Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement that the federal government will table amendments to the Criminal Code next week to strengthen bail and sentencing provisions for violent and repeat offenders. These proposed reforms respond to concerns that Northerners have been voicing for some time about the impact of crime and safety in communities.
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Mr. Speaker, I am committed to building more homes for Northerners.
We are turning this commitment into action through a multi-year plan with funding from the GNWT, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and Housing NWT. Each year for the rest of this Legislative Assembly, Housing NWT will invest $50 million annually, including $41.6 million per year from the GNWT, to build new homes and repair existing ones.
