Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, traditional lifestyles are a very important part of the social, cultural, and economic fabric of communities in the Northwest Territories.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, Partnership is a theme I have spoken about many times since becoming the Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. The reason for this is simple: the most effective way to address the housing crisis in the Northwest Territories, is by working in partnership with Indigenous governments, community governments, non-governmental organizations, and the Government of Canada.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the world was thrust into uncertainty and turmoil as Russia launched an attack and subsequent invasion of Ukraine.

The Northwest Territories stands with Ukraine. The images coming out of the eastern European nation are horrifying. My heart goes out to those who are forced to flee their homes to find safety, and to those who have lost their lives in a senseless act of aggression by Russia.

The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) has announced a new mandate, composed of a statement of mission, values, and vision. A key deliverable under A Strategy for Renewal of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, the mandate reflects the NWTHC’s role in social wellness, and sets the stage for further steps in the renewal.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, “Let’s Go Fishing”. That is the theme of this year’s Indigenous Languages Month, which we celebrate every February, in partnership with Indigenous governments, and the Northwest Territories Literacy Council. To help everyone embrace this year’s celebration, we are sharing a delicious Fish Chowder recipe in all nine official Indigenous languages. Throughout February we continue to encourage residents to engage in the exciting activities in communities and schools to promote Indigenous language use.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, on November 24th I rose before this House to announce a strategy for renewal of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. A strategy that is focused on taking action to address the housing crisis in the Northwest Territories.  I am very pleased to rise again today to announce that, guided by the strategy, we are continuing to take action and set the stage for real, positive change.

The Government of Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Department of Infrastructure has posted a presentation on the planned capital spending for the year ahead as part of its annual Industry Day.

Every year, the GNWT hosts Industry Day, this is an opportunity for contractors and organizations, interested in doing business with the GNWT, to gather information on planned capital projects and expected budgets for projects taking place during the upcoming fiscal year.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) has launched a survey to gather input on the 2022 Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (HIRA). The Northwest Territories (NWT) HIRA provides an examination of the risks that pose the greatest threat to the people, property, environment, and economy of the NWT.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI), Caroline Wawzonek, is pleased to announce further increased supports for small and medium businesses across the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Since March 2020, the GNWT has been supporting entrepreneurs and businesses through diverse and flexible programming, assisting businesses with costs such as rent, utilities, and bookkeeping.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, today is Pink Shirt Day, a day when we take a moment to pause and reflect on how we treat one another.