Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about foster care and the important role that the Foster Family Coalition of the Northwest Territories has played, and will continue to play, in partnering with Child and Family Services to improve recruitment, training and support for foster families.

Foster families perform a vital service to children that must be placed in care. I want to recognize and thank all foster families from across this territory for the valuable support they provide to our children and youth.

The Government of Canada is protecting and conserving nature and wildlife, an important legacy for future generations. Together with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Conference of Management Authorities and Indigenous governments, organizations and communities, we are making progress toward the recovery and protection of boreal caribou.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 12, 2019)—The Government of the Northwest Territories has released its employee guide to support a common and consistent approach to public engagement planning, implementation and reporting.

The Public Engagement Employee Guide reflects the best practices model created by the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2), which is an international association that seeks to promote and improve public engagement practice. The Guide also builds on the shared expertise and experience of GNWT employees.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has been working hard to fulfill its mandate commitment to secure funding to advance planning and construction of priority transportation corridors in the Northwest Territories. This includes upgrading the winter road portions of the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road to an all-weather highway, and planning for the Slave Geological Province Corridor. Today, I am pleased to provide an update on the status of these strategic infrastructure projects.

Mr. Speaker, there have been many positive initiatives developed as we have worked to fulfill mandate commitments related to housing.  Good quality and affordable housing in our communities cannot be brought about just from the efforts of government.  We need to engage all parties that have the capability and the willingness to improve housing conditions for our residents. 

Mr. Speaker, Income Security programs are a vital piece of the societal safety network that together help address the needs of NWT residents.    

Those who access programs within this complex network are often at a point of vulnerability in their lives. It is good government practice to continually review and evaluate programs, especially social ones, to ensure that those in need are being provided appropriate supports and services.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of global Open Government Week, I would like to take this opportunity to update this House on our Government’s progress in advancing our mandate commitments for increasing government transparency and accountability.

One year ago, Mr. Speaker, I stood on this floor and announced the release of our government’s Open Government Policy.  The Policy represented an important step toward fulfilling our government’s pledge to greater openness and transparency.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to provide Members with an update on the draft Child and Family Services Quality Improvement Plan. The Quality Improvement Plan sets out actions that we are taking right now to address issues identified as part of internal reviews, the 2018 Auditor General’s Report, and from staff feedback.

Ministerial Travel

Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of March 11, 2019.

• Bob McLeod will be delivering a keynote address at the Arctic Oil and Gas Symposium on March 13 in Calgary.
• Wally Schumann is participating in industry meetings on March 15 in Calgary.

Meetings and Appearances

Please note that event organizers may have attendance restrictions­­_­ for their event. Contact organizers for more information.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge International Women’s Day.  International Women’s Day is held annually on March 8^th to celebrate women’s social, cultural and political achievements throughout history and across nations.  International Women’s Day also provides an important opportunity to showcase commitments towards women’s equality, to raise awareness and to highlight initiatives towards gender parity.