Mr. Speaker, languages are about identity – who we are and how we understand and interact with each other. Promoting our languages harmonizes with a connection to cultural values, and provides a sense of identity and belonging.
Mr. Speaker, the 2012 forest fire season is officially over.
This year a total of 298,000 hectares of land were affected by 279 wildfires. The majority of these fires, 241 were lightning caused, 25 were person caused, four were caused by industry, two arose from a coal seam near Tulita and the cause of seven fires were unknown.
There were also eight fires in the NWT section of Wood Buffalo National Park, eight fires in Nahanni National Park and a fire at the Great Bear Lake National Historic Site.
October 23, 2012
Mr. Speaker, we all have a role to play in stopping abuse from taking place in our homes. Unfortunately, family violence continues to be a significant concern.
We know violence in the homes of NWT residents is having long-term physical, social and economic impacts on family members, communities, and the territory as a whole.
Mr.
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Department of Transportation for receiving the Silver Award for Innovation from the Institute of Public Administrators of Canada.
Every year, the institute recognizes world-class innovators for improving public service in Canada. This year, the Department of Transportation is nationally recognized as one of these innovators. This prestigious award acknowledges the hard work of many individuals and provides an opportunity to share the influence of their good ideas with the rest of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on the implementation of the new public housing rent scale. Implementation of the new rent scale started on July 1, 2012 and to date response has been very positive.
You will recall that the changes to the public housing rent scale was part of the 17th Legislative Assembly’s strategic priorities and is a central piece of Building for the Future, the NWT Housing Corporation’s strategic plan.
Mr. Speaker, the Government is committed to being an inclusive workplace open to all Northerners. A diverse workplace improves our ability to serve the public.
Mr. Speaker, investment in the Northwest Territories’ tourism industry is vital to our goal of a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices.
Like our resource industry, the tourism industry has many spin-off benefits and is on the brink of tremendous growth. The Government of the Northwest Territories continues to work to improve the visitor experience and encourage tourism.
Mr. Speaker, Small Business Week is from October 14-20.
Small Business week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements that Northwest Territories entrepreneurs make to all our communities. I would like all of us to take this opportunity to recognize and thank our small business owners and operators. They keep our economy strong, employ residents and supply us with necessary goods and services.
