YELLOWKNIFE (February 27, 2019)—The Government of the Northwest Territories invites all NWT residents to submit their ideas for naming Government of the Northwest Territories’ buildings in:
Mr. Speaker, community governments are an important partner for the Government of the Northwest Territories and we continue to be one of the only jurisdictions in Canada that provides ongoing funding to this level of government. While we recognize that community governments have many financial needs that exceed current funding levels, we remain committed to supporting them and have made considerable gains in closing the community government funding gap during the 18th Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, this Legislative Assembly has committed to support early childhood development and today I want to provide Members and the public with an update on our work to provide equitable access to a range of inclusive, culturally informed programs and services for and children under five years of age and expecting parents.
Mr. Speaker, many factors impact a child’s life both negatively and positively. As a parent, I understand some of the struggles parents face and as a Social Worker I adhere to the principle that all of us; (parents, family, friends, community members, and governments) have a role to play in ensuring children have the supports to succeed in life.
Mr. Speaker, today is national Pink Shirt Day. I applaud all Members for wearing pink in the House today to symbolize that we will not tolerate bullying of any kind.
The internet has opened an invaluable connection to the world by allowing residents of all ages in even our smallest communities’ access to information and opportunities easily. Sadly, it has also allowed bullying to move online.
As part of the Department of Health and Social Services’ official release of the Caring for Our People: Cultural Safety Action Plan 2018-2020 today, a Declaration of Commitment was signed to embed cultural safety within the Northwest Territories’ health and social services system.
Signatories to the Declaration of Commitment included:
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to taking action so that seniors can age in place. We want to ensure that all seniors living within the Northwest Territories have the support and programs they need to continue living in their own homes, if possible, and participate as full members in their community.
Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to addressing health inequities experienced by our residents. In October of last year I provided information on the Department of Health and Social Service’s plans to move forward with our cultural safety and relationship-based care approach, and today I am pleased advise that the 2018-2020 Caring for Our People: Cultural Safety Action Plan will be tabled later today.
Mr. Speaker, our world-class tourism industry offers the greatest opportunity we have to grow diversity in our economy.
As we approach April 1st, the budget proposed for the next year fiscal year reflects this. It contains nearly $6.3 million in contributions and program funding to support our tourism industry; an increase of $800 thousand dollars from 2018-2019.
Mr. Speaker, municipal elections were held in nine hamlet communities in the Northwest Territories on December 10, 2018. There were 71 candidates in total, vying for 46 available seats. I am pleased with the large number of candidates, as this indicates there is keen interest in local government and that individuals want to serve as leaders and decision-makers for their community.
