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Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to announce the establishment of the Bobbi Hamilton Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Achievement. The Department of Justice is establishing this award to recognize individuals who demonstrate the principles that Bobbi embraced in her daily life.
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Monsieur le President, today I rise to celebrate the vibrant Francophone community of the Northwest Territories during the 27th Annual Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. This month-long celebration throughout March highlights the rich linguistic and cultural contributions of Francophones across Canada, including right here in the North.
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Mr. Speaker, Substance use, and addiction continue to have a big impact on people across the Northwest Territories. Addiction is closely tied to our shared history of colonization, the legacy of residential schools, and the trauma and mental health challenges that have followed. The Government of the Northwest Territories understands these deep-rooted connections and is committed to supporting Northerners on their path to recovery.
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Mr. Speaker, today I want to describe how key infrastructure projects are helping support our government’s commitment to building strong relationships with Indigenous governments.
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Mr. Speaker, climate change is creating significant challenges for the Northwest Territories, impacting communities, people, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The GNWT is addressing these challenges by integrating Indigenous knowledge and fostering partnerships to build resilience and sustainability for future generations.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has approved an Indigenous Employment Policy to ensure that Indigenous applicants have equitable opportunities for employment and career advancement within the public service.
Minister of Health and Social Services, Lesa Semmler, issued the following statement today regarding the court approved plan for tobacco compensation:
"Today, I am pleased to announce a resolution in our efforts to recover money for our health care system from the tobacco companies that sold cigarettes in Canada. The Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Ontario has approved a plan that represents the largest resolution of its kind in Canadian history and the third largest ever globally.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), in partnership with the Salvation Army and the City of Yellowknife, announces the official opening of a new transitional housing program for addiction recovery in Yellowknife. This program provides a safe, sober living environment for individuals returning from treatment, helping them rebuild stability and reintegrate into the community.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services (NTHSSA) is recommending residents with non-urgent dental travel plans review their dental appointments and plan for a later date if they do not already have confirmation of accommodations for their travel. This recommendation is due to extremely limited accommodations in Yellowknife, which is a trend we are seeing more across the city, but especially common this time of year with enhanced travel and tourism.
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[This statement will be spoken in French]
Mr. Speaker, work in the Northwest Territories is evolving, and our laws must keep up. That is why, in 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories launched a review of the Employment Standards Act and Regulations; the first comprehensive review in over a decade. Workplaces have changed significantly, and our legislation must ensure fair, modern protections for workers and clarity for employers.
