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Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about gender-based violence. Two out of 100 residents in the NWT have reported intimate partner and family violence to the police. As of 2019, Statistics Canada lists the NWT as having the second highest rate of police-reported intimate partner and family violence in Canada, and we know that not everyone reports these incidents to the police.

Women are disproportionally affected by gender-based violence.

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Following portion will be spoken in Dene Kǝdǝ́

[Mr. Speaker, genuine education is rooted in place and culture, and it cannot be nurtured in isolation. As the guiding piece of legislation for our Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system, it is essential that the Education Act includes the voices and perspectives of Indigenous governments and our education partners.

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Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide an update on the challenges faced this year in maintaining the Northwest Territories' supply chain and the steps our government is taking to address them.

Our territory has been hit hard by a combination of record low-water levels, wildfires, rail disruptions, and added strain on our winter road systems. These issues have impacted the delivery of fuel, goods and services to our communities.

But, Mr. Speaker, I want to assure you and the residents of the NWT that we have taken decisive action.

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Mr. Speaker, when students have food security, they can focus on learning, growing, and participating within their school communities; and most importantly, on being kids.

To help students succeed, the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories are working towards signing a three-year funding agreement that will support the expansion of the NWT school food program: Healthy Food for Learning.

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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.