Mr. Speaker, investing in prevention, education and awareness, and early childhood development are priorities of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
On March 4th and 5th, the Department of Health and Social Services will host the Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Partnership Symposium. The theme is Sharing Voices, Inspiring Hope: FASD in Northern Communities - Finding Solutions that Work.
Mr. Speaker, mineral exploration and development is a cornerstone of the NWT economy. Ensuring the continuing health of this sector is critical if we want to grow our economy and achieve our vision of a strong, prosperous Northwest Territories. Last fall, this government reached a major milestone when it released the NWT Mineral Development Strategy. This is a comprehensive plan to ensure the long-term growth of a sustainable mining industry that will create jobs and economic opportunities for the people of the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity to share with you an exciting initiative that will move forward some of our government’s top priorities – enabling Aboriginal youth to achieve their potential through quality education and developing home-grown solutions to our labour market challenges.
Mr. Speaker, building strong working relationships with Aboriginal governments has been a personal priority of mine and of this Assembly. Our ability to work together in the spirit of respect, recognition and responsibility is what enables us to serve the common interest of all the people of this territory and will be the foundation for the successful implementation of devolution.
Mr. Speaker, retirement planning is key to all of our residents’ personal financial health. Our government is committed to helping them make the choices that are right for them to build their own strong, sustainable future.
Mr. Speaker, as of April 1st we are finally going to have legislative authority over water, excluding the offshore, in our Territory.
This is major step forward for the people of the Northwest Territories as water binds us together. We share with all NWT residents the desire to safeguard our water resources for current and future generations.
New responsibilities assumed by Environment and Natural Resources under the new NWT Waters Act will enable us to do this.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today on the Department of Lands’ role in the new Regulatory Regime in the Northwest Territories post-Devolution. The NWT Devolution of Lands and Resources Agreement will bring significant changes to the Northwest Territories. The Department of Lands has a key role in ensuring that the sustainable use of public land reflects the priorities and values of Northerners.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes that our future prosperity is heavily dependent on the responsible development of our abundant natural resources. On April 1, 2014, our government will be assuming new responsibilities for the administration of public lands, resources and rights in respect of waters.
Mr. Speaker, culture and language support our identity and help strengthen the common goals of NWT communities. I am pleased to announce that, through the work of the Department of Human Resources, the Government of the Northwest Territories is now able to offer Certificates of Recognition to our employees in each of the 11 Official Languages of the Northwest Territories. Certificates of Recognition are presented to employees who have shown dedication and commitment to the public service and include both long service and retirement.
Mr. Speaker, in the Northwest Territories addiction to drugs or alcohol is the number one issue facing many northern inmates. The Department of Justice is taking steps to enhance addictions programs through the Corrections Service.
