(October 29, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, one of the goals this Assembly set out to achieve almost two years ago is a healthy, educated people, free from poverty. To move towards this goal, the Premier committed to the development of an Anti-Poverty Strategy.
(October 29, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, shortly after taking office – as we considered the economic opportunities, realities and challenges that lay ahead for our Territory – the 17th Assembly highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy to guide our economy though this time of unprecedented political and economic change. Today I am pleased to inform Members that the Governance Committee has completed an Economic Opportunities Strategy for the NWT, which I will be tabling later today.
(October 28, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories strengthens awareness of our Northern identity and uniqueness by promoting our many cultural backgrounds and revitalizing our languages. I am very pleased to advise this House that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment held the third annual Minister’s Culture and Heritage Circle to celebrate the tremendous contributions that people across this territory have made.
(October 28, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, this Assembly is committed to investing in prevention to keep our health system sustainable. Vaccines are a cornerstone of preventative medicine and I would like to encourage all Northwest Territories residents to get their free flu shots this fall.
(October 28, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is recognised as one of Canada's Top Diversity employers in 2013 for the initiatives we've undertaken to enhance opportunities for Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The GNWT is committed to developing and maintaining a public service representative of the people we serve across the NWT.
(October 24, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, holding both the transportation and economic development portfolios, I very much appreciate the strong contribution that transportation makes to a strong and prosperous Northwest Territories. Transportation has always been at the forefront of enabling Northerners to grow and develop our economy. Never has the role that transportation plays been more important to guaranteeing our future growth and prosperity than it is today.
(October 24, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, community safety is a critical priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories. We need to look out for each other and make our neighbourhoods places with a strong sense of well-being. Everyone needs to feel safe and be safe.
(October 23, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, responsible oil and gas development has the potential to grow and diversify the Northwest Territories economy, and help create a sustainable, prosperous territory. Nowhere has this reality been more apparent than in the Sahtu Region. There is a lot to learn when it comes to ensuring our residents are prepared for rapid development, and that any development continues to minimize environmental and social impacts.
(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.
