Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its Mandate to work in partnership with other orders of government to address affordable housing requirements and to support Aboriginal and local governments in their housing aspirations and initiatives to address homelessness.

We are delivering on that commitment and I am pleased to tell you today about a new partnership initiative between the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and K’atlodeeche First Nation that will let us deliver housing services and programs on reserve land.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment provides many critical programs and services for some of the territory’s most vulnerable residents through its Income Security programs. Through our ongoing efforts to continually improve these programs, I’d like to share with you today a significant change to the way we will be supporting families with children.   

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its Mandate to develop and implement an Agriculture Strategy to increase domestic food production, improve distribution networks for NWT-produced foods and to increase producer and supplier opportunities.

The price of food is a significant driver of the Northwest Territories’ high cost of living in all of our communities, Mr. Speaker.  Equally important in supporting and growing our vibrant communities, is diversity in localized economies.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Colleagues and visitors in the gallery are wearing purple to promote awareness for this important day.

Mr. Speaker, our work towards eliminating Elder abuse is done in partnership with the NWT Seniors Society and the NWT Network to Prevent Abuse of Older Adults. I would encourage all Members to read Creating Safe Communities for Older Adults: A Five Year Strategy for the Northwest Territories 2015-2020 prepared by the NWT Network to Prevent Abuse of Older Adults.

Mr.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to take steps to close the skills gap using the Skills 4 Success strategic framework.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its Mandate to capture opportunities for investment in transportation infrastructure by working to secure funding to advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Mr. Speaker, the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway is also part of our long–term transportation strategy.  The northern most part of the highway, between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, is steadily advancing towards completion.  At the same time, our government is also focused on another critical section of the Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Mr. Speaker, it has been 25 years since Charles Fipke and his team discovered diamonds near Lac de Gras and brought the largest mineral rush in decades to our North.

This year, our diamond mines surpassed $50 billion in total mineral value produced in these 25 years.

The Government of the Northwest Territories mandate document highlights the fact that benefits from non-renewable resource production enable investment in many priority areas.

Mr. Speaker, National Public Service Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Public Service employees across Canada.  Here in the Northwest Territories, we have an engaged and highly motivated Public Service that provides quality programs and services for our residents.  Our employees’ commitment to service and dedication to their communities are an important part of what makes the GNWT a great place to work and what makes the NWT a great place to live.

Mr. Speaker, this year, the Northwest Territories Association of Communities celebrates 50 years of collaboration and partnership among community governments and with the Government of the Northwest Territories.