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 17^th 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.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that the Government of the Northwest Territories hired 308 students this past summer.  This was an increase of nine percent from 2011, when 286 students were hired.  Of the 308 students hired, 54.6 per cent were Indigenous Aboriginals.

The Summer Student Employment is an investment in our future and our youth.  Through this Program, Northern students gain valuable work experience to complement their formal education and test drive the GNWT as a future employer. 

• Thank you for inviting me here today to speak with you about what the GNWT has planned for the 2013/14 fiscal year.

• The GNWT’s 2013/14 infrastructure budget marks a return to more historic spending levels after delivering unprecedented infrastructure budgets totaling more than $1.1 billion over the previous four years.