Mr. Speaker, in early January 2014, the construction of the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway was officially started.

This is an important first step to realizing the long-term goal of an all-weather road through the Mackenzie Valley.  This is the largest and one of the most challenging infrastructure developments ever undertaken by the Government of the Northwest Territories. It is a strategic infrastructure investment that will strengthen and diversify our economy, and is a priority of the 17^th Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, in a little more than two weeks, the Government and Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories will be taking on new responsibilities for public lands, water and resources. For the first time, Northerners will be able to pass laws and make their own decisions about how our environment is managed and protected and our resources are developed. As we have acknowledged many times in this House, this is an historic occasion in the ongoing evolution of this territory.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to provide the House with an update on the success of the Department of Transportation’s online driver and motor vehicle services.

Mr. Speaker, jobs for Northerners are a priority of all Members of this Assembly. For the Government of the Northwest Territories, the NWT Public Service Strategic Plan and the Workforce Planning Strategy provide multi-pronged approaches to build capacity through recruitment, development and retention. I would like to provide Members an update on some of these initiatives being led by the Department of Human Resources.

Mr. Speaker, we are making the final preparations for our new Med-Response clinical support line for community health workers. This innovative project is a priority in the Department of Health and Social Services strategic plan and advances the 17^th Legislative Assembly’s goal of ensuring a fair and sustainable health care system. It uses technology to connect people with services and it will be an important part of our effective, efficient health system.

Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road continues to serve our territory as a seasonal solution to community resupply and economic development. Today, this road is more important than ever as industry prepares to tap into the enormous resource potential in the Mackenzie Valley.

Increased traffic along the Mackenzie Valley winter road due to industry activities means increased maintenance requirements for the Department of Transportation. During this time, the safety of the travelling public is the Department’s first priority.

Mr. Speaker, cancer rates have increased slightly over the last few years. Even one case affects dozens of people. Cancer Sharing Circles have been held in Fort Good Hope, Fort Resolution and Fort Liard to share information, facilitate dialogue and inform the development of local action plans to address this important issue. The Cancer Sharing Circles showed us that we need to do more work on the services available for cancer patients and their families. Our smoking and drinking rates remain too high, and further improvements are needed with regard to healthy eating.

Mr. Speaker, our legal aid program is one of the best in the country. We are pleased that the Department of Justice and the Legal Services Board have expanded their scope of coverage to provide legal support for civil law matters through the services of a Legal Aid Outreach Lawyer.  We realize people in need require additional support to deal with family or other civil law matters to reach their full potential.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Auditor General of Canada’s report on Child and Family Services was tabled in this House. The Auditor General’s findings indicate that the health and social services system is not adequately meeting its key responsibilities for the protection and well-being of children, youth and families. This is a serious concern for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, we are transforming the way we use technology to deliver health care to our residents. People all over the world use secure, accessible technology for banking or to connect with their friends and family. Now we can use it to improve access to health services and provide better care to our residents.