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Mr. Speaker, in my time as the Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation I have made it a priority to travel to communities to listen to what our residents are telling us about housing and then seeking solutions to the barriers that are identified. Homeownership is a goal for many of us, but it can be a challenge. The costs of owning and maintaining a home can be expensive, and out of reach for many of us, especially those in rural and remote communities.

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Mr. Speaker, the Public Land Act  received assent on August 21, 2019, at the end of the 18th Legislative Assembly. The new Public Land Act consolidates the existing Northwest Territories Lands Act and the Commissioner’s Land Act into one cohesive land management regime. To bring the Act into force, new regulations must be developed.  

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Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to strengthening our leadership and authority on climate change as well as enhancing efforts to stabilize the cost of power and increase the use of alternative and renewable energy. As part of these commitments, our government has made almost $26 million in energy-related investments this past year, which are highlighted in the 2019-20 Energy Initiatives Report, which was released in January.

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Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek released the 2021-22 Budget, the second budget of the 19th Legislative Assembly.

Total revenues of $2.192 billion are expected in 2021‑22 and total expenditures of $2.124 billion, which include spending for programs and services and infrastructure contributions. The 2021‑22 surplus is forecasted to be $69 million.

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Mr. Speaker, approximately one year ago, I stood in this Assembly and introduced Budget 2020 as part of a journey. I described it as a foundation from which we could build a positive fiscal path towards long term economic growth and stability. There were already negative economic indicators but I said that we should not describe our circumstances as a crisis. I said that I was cautiously optimistic that achieving our priorities and building from a solid foundation was possible with discipline and planning.

Indigenous Languages Month, celebrated in February each year highlights the nine official Indigenous languages of the Northwest Territories, honouring the culture and knowledge that each language has passed on through generations,

The theme for Indigenous Languages month 2021 is “Cook with Me” to celebrate the important role of food and cooking in cultural traditions, identity, and community.

This year’s event is celebrated in partnership with the NWT Literacy Council and encourages all residents to learn about our official Indigenous languages and speak them with pride.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green issued the following statement today:

“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has been faced with finding unique ways to deal with the challenges presented to us. Most recently, our government has been tasked with finding creative ways to ensure the deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines are administered safely to Northwest Territories (NWT) residents in some of Canada’s most remote Northern communities.

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Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will deliver the Budget Address on Thursday, February 4, 2021.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome everyone back to the Chamber for the resumption of the Second Session of the 19th Legislative Assembly. We have a lot of work ahead of us over the next two months, and I look forward to working in close collaboration and partnership with both sides of this House. We all have the best interests of the Northwest Territories and its people in mind, and as we make progress on the priorities of this Legislative Assembly, it will be for the benefit of current and future generations of NWT residents.