Check Against Delivery

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.  It is my extreme pleasure to join you today to talk about what the future holds and how we can get Northerners working to ensure this wonderful territory we call home thrives and prospers. 

Check against delivery

Good morning.  Thank you for the opportunity to speak today about the importance of infrastructure investment to the growth of the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has recognized the opportunities public-private partnerships (P3s) can bring to help the government address its current infrastructure deficit, which is currently around $3 billion, and other key strategic infrastructure projects that would help stimulate our economy and improve services to our residents.

Yellowknife (April 15, 2016) – Premier Bob McLeod issued the following statement on the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling extending rights to Métis and non-status Indians:

“Today’s Supreme Court decision is an important one, and will have implications for Métis and non-status Indians throughout Canada. The Government of the Northwest Territories, like all jurisdictions, will need time to review this decision more closely to gain a better understanding of the potential implications for the Northwest Territories.

(Check against delivery)

Good morning and welcome, friends from the circumpolar Arctic, and thank you all for attending and taking part in this important industry forum today.

I would like to first acknowledge that we stand on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

(check against delivery)

Thank you for that generous introduction. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate your attention this afternoon as we talk about economic leadership in the Arctic Region — a region of increasing interest and importance for the energy sector.

I would like to offer my gratitude to The Energy Council for hosting the conference this week. The programming thus far has been extraordinarily engaging and informative. I look forward to further events as the weekend continues to unfold.

Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has made it a priority to focus on culturally appropriate delivery methods for mental health and addictions services in our communities.  To accomplish this we need to improve the services and supports that are provided to residents. We know that the current system needs improvement, and we must rethink the way mental health and addictions services are delivered.

Mr. Speaker, many communities face challenges in providing programs and services to their people because lack of affordable housing makes it hard to recruit and retain staff.  Lowering the cost of living is one of the priorities of this Assembly and increasing the availability of safe, affordable housing is one of the key actions to advance that priority. 

Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has made improving accountability, transparency and collaboration a key priority.  Having an effective, up-to-date access and privacy regime is fundamental to that priority.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today and extend my best wishes to the 270 athletes, coaches and managers from 18 communities who will make up Team NWT at the 2016 Arctic Winter Games being held in Nuuk, Greenland from March 5^th to 11^th.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories joined Canada-wide efforts to recycle end-of-life electronics with the launch of the new Electronics Recycling Program on February 1^st. Electronics can contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals, including lead, cadmium and mercury. These chemicals and metals can make their way into our environment if we do not properly manage the disposal of our old electronics.