Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is following through on our mandate commitment to strengthen connections with our public and private sector partners in transportation infrastructure.

Marine transportation is an essential lifeline for residents and businesses in many small communities of the Northwest Territories. Communities on Great Slave Lake, the Mackenzie River, and the Western Arctic coast rely on tugboats and barges for the resupply of essential goods and fuel.

Mr. Speaker, the issue of property tax arrears has often been cited as a barrier for residents trying to purchase land, obtain a mortgage, or access various Government of the Northwest Territories programs.  Frequently a significant portion of these arrears are attributable to interest charged on outstanding debt.  The impact of this interest compounds over time and can leave residents with significant challenges to recover.

Mr. Speaker, the issue of property tax arrears has often been cited as a barrier for residents trying to purchase land, obtain a mortgage, or access various Government of the Northwest Territories programs.  Frequently a significant portion of these arrears are attributable to interest charged on outstanding debt.  The impact of this interest compounds over time and can leave residents with significant challenges to recover.

Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to update this Assembly on negotiations toward the shared management of oil and gas resources in the NWT offshore, along with our ongoing work to undertake a 5-year science-based review of the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas activity in arctic waters.

Minister of Infrastructure Wally Schumann welcomed the announcement of new federal funding to advance the development of the Slave Geological Province (SGP) Corridor.

The project will receive a total of $40 million to support environmental regulatory reviews and planning studies. Transport Canada will contribute $30 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) and the Government of the Northwest Territories will contribute $10 million.

Check against delivery

Good morning. I am pleased to be here this morning to take part in this official announcement. I would like to thank MP McLeod and all guests for joining us.

MP McLeod continues to support our infrastructure initiatives and recognizes that these types of projects are investments in the future of the north. For that and his continued support, we are grateful and pleased that you are able to join us this morning.

Seven new environmental monitoring and research projects are receiving funding through the Northwest Territories Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program (NWT CIMP).

Every year NWT CIMP funds environmental monitoring and research projects which aim to provide valuable scientific and traditional knowledge for resource managers, governments and communities to use when making decisions.

Mr. Speaker, during my time as Minister of Justice, I have often spoken about the Corrections Service and the important work they are doing to improve the programming and supports available in our facilities to help address the needs of individuals in our corrections system.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Northwest Territories Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program is providing $1.7 million this year to support
28 monitoring and research projects.  Funding recipients include Indigenous governments and organizations, universities, and territorial and federal government departments.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is responsible for ensuring that Income Security programs respond to the needs and realities of residents. I am proud of how this government has increased its financial support to those in greatest need.