Ministers' Statements and Speeches

Bullying Prevention

(February 27, 2013)Mr. Speaker, today is the official Anti-Bullying Day, a day celebrated during the last Wednesday of February of each year. I am pleased we are wearing pink carnations today, marking a day of protest against bullying. This action was started by two brave young men in Nova Scotia, David Shepherd and Travis Price, who gave away 50 pink shirts after a grade 9 student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school.

Sahtu Oil and Gas Development Update

(February 25, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, oil and gas development has the potential to grow and diversify the Northwest Territories economy, a key priority of this Government.  Nowhere has this reality been more apparent than in the Sahtu Region. Today I would like to give this Assembly an update on the activity in the Sahtu over the past few months and the plans for moving forward.

Supported Housing for Seniors

(February 25, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on plans for supported housing for seniors. One of the priorities of the NWT Housing Corporation’s strategic plan, Building for the Future, was to develop infrastructure based on community needs including approaches to support housing for seniors and aging in place.

Highway Tragedy

(February 25, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, last week, we learned of the tragic loss of two truck drivers and serious injuries to a third person as a result of a collision between two commercial vehicles. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families and friends of those who perished and to the survivor who is now recovering from the injuries sustained in the collision. This is a tragedy that has had a devastating effect on the families and loved ones involved.   Our condolences go out to those affected by this terrible event.

Early Childhood Development

(February 22, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, it is a priority of this government that children get the best possible start in life so they can reach their full potential. It is important that we continue investment in Early Childhood Development as this is an investment in the future of our children.

In January of this year, in partnership with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, we hosted a roundtable to identify priorities for a renewed Early Childhood Development framework. I am pleased to report that the roundtable was a success.

Good Governance Conference

(February 22, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to speak about the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs’ upcoming Good Governance Conference. This year’s conference theme is “Community Ownership.” The conference will take place at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife from February 26 to 28, and 165 participants representing all 33 communities are expected to attend.

Mackenzie Valley Highway

(February 22, 2013) - The construction of an all-weather highway down the Mackenzie Valley to the Arctic Coast is vital to connect our communities and to access a wealth of natural resources that are critical for growing the NWT economy and ensuring Canada remains prosperous within the global economy.  

Pages