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Mr. Speaker, the cost of delivering health and social services is increasing faster than our resources can handle, at a time when our government is also facing additional costs related to climate change and inflationary pressures. This is why the delivery of sustainable health and social services is an important part of this government’s mandate, and the priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly.
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Mr. Speaker, on September 30th, 2024, Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Government of the Northwest Territories, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Government of Canada, and Inuvialuit Qitunrariit Inuuniarnikkun Maligaksat made history by signing the Inuvialuit Coordination Agreement and Fiscal Agreement.
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Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to provide an update on the Mackenzie Valley Highway project, an ambitious initiative that reflects our continued commitment to fostering sustainable development in the North.
The Mackenzie Valley Highway project dates back several decades, with discussions starting as early as the 1970s. Over the years, extensive planning and consultation have taken place to ensure that this project respects the land and the communities it will serve.
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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.
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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.
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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.
