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Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to building more homes for Northerners.

This commitment is strongly supported by large new incremental investment in housing totaling $150 million dollars over the remaining term of the 20th Legislative Assembly.

The investment is the result of strong collaboration by all Members of this House, and highlights the strength of our consensus government system. Improving the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing is a top priority of this government.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update Members on the formal intergovernmental meetings I have taken part in this spring and those still to come. These are valuable opportunities to advance our priorities and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous governments and with federal, provincial, and territorial colleagues. They are helpful in educating other jurisdictions about the Northwest Territories and our government mandate, and to ensure that northern perspectives are reflected in discussions of national importance.

Yellowknife (May 25, 2025) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and its partners are aware of a new encampment established in Yellowknife.

Emergency shelter services remain available for individuals seeking safety, basic needs, and support. The GNWT continues to work closely with shelter operators to monitor capacity and respond to needs. Since October 2024, the average occupancy rate for emergency shelters in Yellowknife has been 87%, and total shelter capacity has not been exceeded at any time.

In response to ongoing public discussion and growing interest in the modernization of the Public Service Act (PSA), we wish to jointly affirm our shared commitment to continuing our conversations on the remaining provisions of the PSA, in particular Section 41, which pertains to the structure of bargaining units.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is proud to serve as Chair of the Committee on Internal Trade this year, at a time when Canada’s economic unity, supply chain resilience, and competitiveness are more important than ever.

Mr. Speaker, as we move further into the high-risk season for flooding and wildfires, the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking every step to ensure we are ready for emergencies, with the capacity to respond swiftly, coordinate effectively, and work collaboratively with our partners to protect the safety and well-being of NWT residents and communities.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Member for Hay River North, the Premier will be absent from the House for today to host the Western Premier’s Conference here in Yellowknife.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Mr. Speaker, making health care accessible to every NWT resident is a core mandate priority of this government. People across the NWT access our medical travel program, whether they are travelling to access health services in a regional centre, in the capital, or in the south. This means that a reliable medical travel program is vital to NWT residents and to achieving this mandate priority.

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Mr. Speaker, homelessness is a complex issue that affects all of our communities. The rising cost of living, addictions, and climate emergencies have disproportionately affected our most vulnerable residents. The GNWT is committed to finding solutions that will provide more homes for Northerners.

The GNWT continues to focus on a whole-of-government approach to address homelessness, following the development of A Way Home: A Comprehensive Strategy to Address Homelessness in the Northwest Territories.

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