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Good afternoon, and thank you for being here today.
I would like to welcome Madame Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, and MP Michael McLeod to Yellowknife Airport, the largest airport in the Northwest Territories and the gateway to our communities and southern destinations.
YELLOWKNIFE (February 10, 2019) - After two days of mediation convened by Mediator Vince Ready, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Union of Northern Workers have not reached a tentative agreement.
However, the parties have agreed to submit their outstanding issues to Mr. Ready for binding recommendations.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has a mandate commitment to use the Land Use and Sustainability Framework to establish the Thaidene Nëné protected area in partnership with Indigenous governments and the Government of Canada.
I can inform Members of the Legislative Assembly that we have made significant progress toward the establishment of the protected area with the negotiation of a draft Establishment Agreement between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Łutsel K’e Dene First Nation.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes the need to advance the territorial vision of land and resource management in accordance with the Land Use and Sustainability Framework and we have made a mandate commitment to evolve our legislative, regulatory and policy systems by developing and proposing a variety of Acts including a Mineral Resources Act.
Minister of Justice Louis Sebert announced today the appointment of Donovan Frederick Molloy, Q.C., as the new judge of the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories. This appointment will be effective February 20, 2019.
Mr. Molloy graduated with distinction from the Law program at University of New Brunswick in 1992, and was called to the Bar in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1993.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to update Members on our government’s recent work on cannabis public education and community health engagement.
Northerners have told us that they want more evidence-based, culturally relevant information on the health effects of cannabis. In response to that call, the Department of Health and Social Services has been working in partnership with other Departments and agencies, as well as the federal government, to ensure that NWT residents have access to the information and resources they need in order to make informed choices.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories made a mandate commitment during this Legislative Assembly to continue to develop and advance initiatives to displace diesel generation in the NWT including advancing the Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion project.
Premier Bob McLeod issued the following statement today on events at the Yellowknife South constituency meeting on the evening of February 5, 2019:
“I am disappointed by the events that took place at my constituency meeting last night. These meetings are an important opportunity for me to hear about all priorities and concerns from residents of my riding. The constituency meeting was not meant to be a forum to carry on negotiations that will be taking place in another forum.
Finance Minister Robert C. McLeod presented the 2019‑20 Budget, continuing the fiscal plan to carefully manage spending under difficult fiscal challenges. Budget 2019 proposes $1.873 billion in spending to support the priorities of the Assembly and strengthen existing programs.
The 2019-20 Budget projects $1.933 billion in revenue, which will provide a $60 million operating surplus.
Highlights in support of the 18th Legislative Assembly’s priorities include:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present the 2019-20 Budget for the Government of the Northwest Territories. This Budget continues to invest in our people and our territory to achieve, as set out in the very first sentence of the 18th Legislative Assembly mandate, our vision of a territory where all our people, communities and regions share in the benefits of a healthy, just, sustainable and prosperous society.
