Mr. Speaker, thirty-five years ago today, the Committee for Original People’s Entitlement, or COPE, signed the Inuvialuit Final Agreement with the Government of Canada on behalf of the Inuvialuit of the Western Arctic. The Inuvialuit Final Agreement was the first comprehensive land claim agreement north of the 60^th parallel and only the second of its kind in Canada. In many ways, this agreement led the way for the future negotiation of land, resources and self-government agreements in this territory and, perhaps, in Canada.

The Minister of Health and Social Services wishes to announce that the Government of Northwest Territories will now cover Mifegymiso for NWT residents with a valid NWT Health Care Card who do not have full coverage for prescriptions under another program or group insurance plan. 

Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services announced this year’s recipients of $400,000 to support health promotion and prevention activities Through the Healthy Choices Fund. Twelve eligible organizations and community governments received funding to help maximize the impact of health promotion and prevention activities that support individuals, families, and communities in making healthy lifestyle choices.

 Some of this year’s successful proposals include:

Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities, Glen Abernethy, congratulated recipients of the 2019 NWT Disability Awareness Awards presented as part of the annual Disability Awareness Tea today in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly. Minister Abernethy issued the following statement recognizing this year’s award recipients:

Today, Alfred Moses, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs will present the Northwest Territories (NWT) 2019 Outstanding Volunteer Awards at a ceremony in Yellowknife.  These annual awards provide an opportunity to show our appreciation to volunteers and volunteer organizations for their outstanding contributions in communities across the territory.

 Recipients of the 2019 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards are:

Mr. Speaker, these are exciting times in post-secondary education in the Northwest Territories. 

This Government is meeting its commitment to expand opportunities for post-secondary education, trades-oriented learning and northern educational institutions while fostering the knowledge economy. This work is essential to ensuring that northerners have access to quality post-secondary programs and supports.

Mr. Speaker, the Mine Rescue Competition has a strong history in the Northwest Territories.  The first event took place in 1957, and the competition has been growing every year.

 This weekend marks the 62^nd Annual Mine Rescue Competition.  Teams will come together from mines all across the Territories to test their skills.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the World Health Organization’s World No Tobacco Day which is tomorrow, on May 31, 2019.  This day provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking to promote the prevention of tobacco use and its cessation. 

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to update this Assembly on negotiations toward the shared management of oil and gas resources in the Northwest Territories offshore.

Today, during the “Celebrate Healthy Living” event, the Departments of Health and Social Services and Municipal and Community Affairs launched the simple and interactive Carrot Rewards mobile app – one of the first mobile apps officially endorsed by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).