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Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to talk about how the Government of the Northwest Territories is making improvements when it comes to our technology systems and online services. Our main goal is simple, we want to make government services easier to access, and safer to use. We want people to be able to securely access services, like applying for a permit, or accessing a marriage, birth or death certificate, no matter where they live in the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) continues to make meaningful progress in its efforts to improve Indigenous representation in the public service through the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework, launched in 2022-2023.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is advising residents of several Northwest Territories (NWT) communities that Northwestel will be conducting planned network maintenance on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. (MST).

During this maintenance window, some services will be disrupted for up to four hours. In Yellowknife, disruption will impact local and long-distance telephone calling, 9-1-1, cellular and internet services. In Hay River and Fort Smith, long-distance telephone and 9-1-1 services will be impacted.

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Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Member for Kam Lake, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, will be absent from the House for a portion of today’s proceedings today to meet with the Forum of Labour Market Ministers.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Mr. Speaker, the 2025 wildfire season is now underway, and our team is ready to respond.

Response is just one part of the equation. Readiness and preparedness are equally critical. Following the 2023 season, the GNWT has enhanced its wildfire management program through strategic investments and initiatives. Today, I will update Members on the investments we have made that are helping us build a more prepared and resilient territory.

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Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to building more homes for Northerners.

This commitment is strongly supported by large new incremental investment in housing totaling $150 million dollars over the remaining term of the 20th Legislative Assembly.

The investment is the result of strong collaboration by all Members of this House, and highlights the strength of our consensus government system. Improving the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing is a top priority of this government.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update Members on the formal intergovernmental meetings I have taken part in this spring and those still to come. These are valuable opportunities to advance our priorities and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous governments and with federal, provincial, and territorial colleagues. They are helpful in educating other jurisdictions about the Northwest Territories and our government mandate, and to ensure that northern perspectives are reflected in discussions of national importance.

Yellowknife (May 25, 2025) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and its partners are aware of a new encampment established in Yellowknife.

Emergency shelter services remain available for individuals seeking safety, basic needs, and support. The GNWT continues to work closely with shelter operators to monitor capacity and respond to needs. Since October 2024, the average occupancy rate for emergency shelters in Yellowknife has been 87%, and total shelter capacity has not been exceeded at any time.

In response to ongoing public discussion and growing interest in the modernization of the Public Service Act (PSA), we wish to jointly affirm our shared commitment to continuing our conversations on the remaining provisions of the PSA, in particular Section 41, which pertains to the structure of bargaining units.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is proud to serve as Chair of the Committee on Internal Trade this year, at a time when Canada’s economic unity, supply chain resilience, and competitiveness are more important than ever.