(October 23, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, increasing employment opportunities where they are most needed is a key priority of this Assembly. We need to connect our labour force with the available public service jobs across the NWT. As part of our Workforce Planning Strategy, the Department of Human Resources is developing a Regional Recruitment Program.  It will incorporate unique approaches to recruitment with on-the-job training so that people across the North have opportunities to be supported in their development as public servants.

(October 23, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, bullying is a complex social issue, and has potentially devastating effects on student achievement, attendance and mental health.  Unfortunately, we have all seen the most shattering results of bullying across Canada, and we are focused on ensuring this does not happen in the NWT.  Everyone has a role to play in making sure our residents are safe and feel safe in their communities, at home, and at school.

(October 22, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, many Northwest Territories residents continue to experience family violence or are dealing with its negative after-effects. This is not the kind of territory that we want. We talk about healthy and educated people in this Assembly, and we talk about safe and sustainable communities. We are committed to achieving those goals and addressing family violence is an important part of that commitment.

(October 22, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity today to update Members on our partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University on water and cold region research.

This partnership helps support our Government’s vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories by insuring we use sound and reliable evidence-based information when developing policy, programs and services.

(October 21, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, today I would like to update the Legislative Assembly on changes to homeownership programs offered through the NWT Housing Corporation.

(October 21, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, the Accountability Framework for Community Governments is now complete. This framework will be an important tool that will allow MACA and community government stakeholders to better coordinate our working relationship based on defined indicators that measure the health and success of community governments.

(October 18, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, the Department continues to improve Income Security Programs and services based on a report from the Auditor General in March 2013. We received valuable feedback from the Standing Committee on Government Operations in June 2013.  As we move forward with effective, efficient government, client service is at the forefront of our minds.

(October 18, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to update Members on our fiscal situation and discuss some of the things we are looking forward to in the near-term.

(October 17, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome my colleagues back to the continuation of the Fourth Session of the 17^th Legislative Assembly.  It is good to be getting back to work. We have an ambitious agenda, Mr. Speaker, and a lot left to accomplish as a territory and as a government, so I hope my colleagues are feeling well-rested.

(October 7, 2013) - Thank you for coming tonight and special thanks to MLA Wendy Bisaro for agreeing to be our moderator this evening. I’d also like to recognize any MLAs present. I know that Minister Ramsay and MLAs Bromley and Hawkins wanted to be here this evening but are traveling on business right now and weren't able to make it back for this meeting. Premier McLeod also had another commitment, but is very interested in hearing from me about tonight’s discussion.