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Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations on land administration and management, specifically around traditional use cabins on public land. Our ongoing efforts reflect our shared priorities to develop respectful, transparent, and effective land use policies that support traditional land use, harvesting rights, and community wellbeing.

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Mr. Speaker, I had an opportunity to provide opening remarks this week at the 2024 NWT Recreation and Parks Association Conference and I wanted to recognize the program coordinators, youth representatives, and recreation professionals who have gathered in Yellowknife this week.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has launched a new Business Licence eService. This new eService allows business owners across the Northwest Territories, particularly those in smaller communities without local licensing bylaws, to easily apply for and renew business licences online.

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Mr. Speaker, skilled tradespeople are needed everywhere, now more than ever. Apprentices and Journeypersons are a vital part of our economy. They literally keep the wheels turning, buildings standing, water flowing and the lights on.

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Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has committed to making programs and services more accessible to residents and to better streamline administrative processes.  Today, I am pleased to announce a new initiative that will change the way businesses in the territory obtain their licenses. The launch of our new eService program for business licenses is a major step in promoting a business-friendly environment that demonstrates our commitment to supporting economic growth across the territory.

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Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about an issue that is important to the maintenance of the public housing stock. I am speaking about the damage to public housing units and the costs to Local Housing Organizations and Housing NWT. I want to highlight how this damage impacts the workplan of Local Housing Organizations and Housing NWT.

The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre will be closed on October 29, 2024, for construction work to improve the building.

The Mezzanine Gallery and upper ramp will remain closed from October 29 to November 23, 2024, and the NWT Archives Reading Room may close temporarily without notice during this timeframe. All other galleries will remain open; however, the Feature Gallery, upper-level washrooms and café will only be accessible by stairs.

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Mr. Speaker, providing suitable, accessible, and affordable housing is a top priority for this government. Housing NWT is dedicated to delivering quality solutions that address the evolving housing needs of Northwest Territories’ communities and residents.  Housing NWT continues to deliver a significant capital plan including 512 housing units. This will result in 148 new and replacement public housing units, as well as the modernization and improvement of 364 housing assets currently operating throughout the territory.

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Mr. Speaker, the high cost of energy remains one of the greatest challenges for residents and businesses across the Northwest Territories. The realities of our northern environment only amplify these burdens. However, the GNWT is committed to alleviating these pressures through immediate relief and sustainable, long-term solutions, paving the way for a more stable and affordable future for all Northerners.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight our ongoing work to strengthen the recovery supports available across the Northwest Territories for those struggling with mental wellness, substance use, and addictions. In recent years, that work has evolved to offer more relevant and flexible support to residents.