Mr. Speaker, the month of June is designated as Senior Citizens Month in the NWT.  It is a time to recognize and show appreciation for the contribution made by seniors and elders to our communities, our families and society in general.

In the Northwest Territories, seniors continue to be the fastest growing demographic in our population.  In fact, it is projected that seniors and elders will comprise approximately 20 per cent of our territory’s population by 2035. This presents opportunities as well as challenges, Mr. Speaker.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce a new online application system for the NWT Nominee Program effective today.

Mr. Speaker, we will defeat the scourge of COVID-19, and when we do, we will be better prepared to attract and welcome new residents.

Check Against Delivery

Mr. Speaker, every June the Government of the Northwest Territories, together with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Mines, and the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission of the NWT and Nunavut, mark mining week in our Territory.

Check Against Delivery

Like other Departments across the GNWT, the Department of Justice saw its operations, administration, programs and service delivery impacted by COVID-19. Some functions or activities were delayed as more urgent tasks took over and staff were redeployed. Yet as we begin to take stock of the last few months, there are both challenges and opportunities that have appeared. I want to speak today on the response and emerging opportunities within Court Services and Corrections.

Minister of Justice Caroline Wawzonek released a third-party program evaluation and social return on investment (SROI) study on the Integrated Case Management Pilot Program in Yellowknife. 

Issued June 10, 2020.

Public Events and Meetings

The Premier will participate in the sitting of the Legislative Assembly

Closed Events and Meetings

The following events are closed to the media

The Premier will meet with the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, along with Minister Thom and the Chief Public Health Officer

The Premier will chair a Cabinet House Strategy meeting

The Premier will attend a meeting of the Children and Families Committee of Cabinet

Check Against Delivery

Mr. Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis on a level the world has not seen in generations. Taking action to slow its spread and protect public health has required leadership from all levels of government.

Today I would like to highlight the work that has been done by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the Emergency Management Organization in response to COVID-19.

Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 has affected all areas of social and economic activity in the Northwest Territories and around the world. As the pandemic has evolved and jurisdictions have been able to manage its spread, all governments are looking at the public health measures that have been put in place and are continuing to adjust them.

Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories, Diane Thom, Minister of Health and Social Services, and Dr. Kami Kandola, Chief Public Health Officer issued the following joint statement today to clarify the existing Public Health Order – COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Self-Isolation Protocol:

“Travel restrictions are a legitimate and necessary measure implemented by the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its impact on Northwest Territories (NWT) residents, communities and the health care system.