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Mr. Speaker, effective emergency management and preparedness are critical to the safety and well-being of Northwest Territories residents. Today I want to recognize individuals and groups whose dedication and efforts have helped keep NWT communities safe.

The Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award is a national recognition for outstanding contributions to emergency management. Federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers present this award to highlight efforts in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

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Mr. Speaker, investing in our roads, bridges, airports and highways is critical to keep communities connected, improve safety, and support economic growth. Whether it is making sure families can travel safely, helping businesses move goods, or supporting emergency response, strong transportation infrastructure is essential for all Northerners.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received approval from the Government of Canada to increase its federally imposed borrowing limit from $1.8 billion to $3.1 billion.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is proud to recognize outstanding NWT residents who were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in a ceremony held at the Legislative Assembly’s Great Hall.

The Coronation Medal is a national honour awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to their communities. Recipients from across the Northwest Territories were recognized for their significant contributions to public service, volunteerism, and community development.

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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to update Members on the implementation of new Community Government funding allocations that will come into effect in April 2025.

MACA distributes over $110 million in annual funding through the Community Government Funding Policies. While this funding was never intended to cover 100 percent of community funding costs, the funding helps community governments cover the costs of core programs and services like clean drinking water, local roads, recreation, and public safety.

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Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to highlight the significant strides we have made in advocating for better telecommunications services in the Northwest Territories.  Our work with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, has led to transformative changes that will benefit all residents of the Northwest Territories.

In the Legislature today and later today at the NWT Association of Communities AGM, Minister Vince McKay will provide an update on the new Community Government funding allocations that will come into effect in April 2025.

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Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Member for Kam Lake, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment will be absent from the House for the remainder of this week to attend Federal/ Provincial/Territorial Committee on Internal Trade in Toronto, Ontario. The Minister will also be away Monday and Tuesday next week to attend the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference in Toronto, Ontario.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all the nominees for the 2024 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards and to celebrate this year’s award winners. Since its establishment in 1991, the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards program has recognized extraordinary volunteers and highlighted the essential role of volunteerism in the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) today recognized the exceptional contributions of volunteers across the territory at the 2024 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards (OVA). The awards were presented by Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) during a ceremony held at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly. The annual awards celebrate the vital role of volunteerism in fostering strong, resilient, and connected communities throughout the NWT.