Mr. Speaker, today there are increasing numbers of women leaders who are working at the local or regional level for the betterment of our communities. But only a handful of women have ever taken seats in this Legislative Assembly. 

Mr. Speaker, it’s time to change that.  Our governing bodies should be representative of the populations they serve, and women make up half of our population. We need more women in political leadership at all levels, but especially here in this House. 

Mr. Speaker, as the 18^th Legislative Assembly comes to an end, now is a good time for us to look back at the past four years and the good work we have done together for the people of the Northwest Territories.

The 18^th Assembly has been the first full Assembly since the federal government devolved responsibility for public lands, resources and waters to the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of the 18^th Legislative Assembly, our government committed to explore options for renewable and alternative energy sources and to improve our energy conservation efforts. The 2030 Energy Strategy was released in 2018 to provide a long-term vision for energy use and supply in the Northwest Territories and we began implementing the six strategic objectives outlined in the Energy Strategy last year, through initiatives detailed in a three-year Energy Action Plan.

Mr. Speaker, on June 4^th, I tabled the final report of the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in this House. The report, entitled Reclaiming Power and Place, outlines the systemic causes of the violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people in this country. The Inquiry’s report also presents 231 recommendations as Calls for Justice. 

Mr. Speaker, the 18^th Legislative Assembly has made it a priority to strengthen relationships with NWT Indigenous governments. We have focused on fostering government-to-government relationships, and advancing, finalizing and implementing land, resources and self-government agreements.  Together we have charted a vision for the economic future of the NWT, and we have come together to make the case for greater investment and decision making in our territory.

Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Robert C. McLeod released a new framework that will guide the development of five regional range plans for boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Range plans are tools for decision-makers, developers and communities to help manage activities on the land in a way that supports caribou conservation.

YELLOWKNIFE (August 22, 2019)– Caroline Cochrane, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), today released Doing Our Part: Initial Response to ‘Reclaiming Power And Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women And Girls’ (“the Initial Response”).

Mr. Speaker, addressing the housing needs of vulnerable people, including seniors, single people and homeless individuals, has been a key priority of this government and all Members of this legislature.  The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is addressing the housing challenges faced by vulnerable groups through its investments and infrastructure projects.

Mr. Speaker, Seniors and Elders hold a unique place throughout our Territory. They are our mentors and caregivers, and the wealth of knowledge and wisdom they provide is beneficial to all Northwest Territories’ residents. Seniors and Elders are also the fastest growing population in the NWT, and there is a need to understand how our government programs and services are supporting them now and into the future.

Mr. Speaker, this Government is committed to ensuring that the people of the Northwest Territories have access to a wealth of high-quality post-secondary education opportunities. Educated citizens are critical to a healthy northern society and a strong and prosperous economy. Our Government is acting on the 18^th Assembly’s Mandate priorities to expand opportunities for post-secondary education, trades-oriented learning and northern educational institutions and to foster the knowledge economy.