May 31, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Department of Transportation’s efforts to adapt to climate change.

May 30, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, we want a territory where a strong, diversified economy provides opportunities and choices to all our residents.  Socially responsible and environmentally sustainable development of our resources will be one of the keys to achieving that goal. The Northwest Territories is resource-rich and brimming with potential.  Today I would like to speak about some exciting developments in the oil and gas sector, and of the significant opportunities the development of resources can bring to our residents.

May 30, 2012 - The strategic framework Building for the Future: Northern Solutions for Northern Housing, released on April 16, 2012, outlines the direction that the Housing Corporation will be taking in delivering housing programs and services to NWT residents.

May 30, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, in 1997, the governments of Canada, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan signed the Mackenzie River Basin Transboundary Waters Master Agreement.   When we signed, our governments agreed on the principles for co-managing the Mackenzie River Basin’s water ecosystems. We also  made plans for signing bilateral agreements between each of our provinces and territories.

May 29, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to advise this House that a ceremony was held today to celebrate the tremendous contributions that people across this territory have made to education.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment launched the Education Hall of Fame to recognize that we all play an important role in supporting the education of our children.  It reflects the valuable contributions that educators, volunteers, board members, administrators and other community members make. 

May 29, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, NWT artisans and filmmakers make a positive economic and cultural impact on our territory, and today I would like to highlight some initiatives to support and grow the arts, crafts and film sectors.

May 28, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, early childhood development and the early years of learning in Kindergarten are a priority for the Department.  As we are all aware, healthy childhoods are the best foundations to develop healthy, productive adults.

May 28, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, since the implementation of the New Deal for NWT Community Governments in 2007, community governments have been in control of their own infrastructure priorities.  The New Deal has changed the way they do business with Municipal and Community Affairs, and as a result, the department’s role has transformed into that of coach, advisor and supporter.

May 25, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I wish to update the Assembly on programs that give our Aboriginal youth a stepping stone to serving their communities in the RCMP.

Our Assembly has identified a goal of diversifying our economy, ensuring that people in each community and region have choices.  The Aboriginal Community Constable Program and the Aboriginal Pre-Cadet Training Program are innovative training programs that support this goal.

May 25, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, Northwest Territories parks and campgrounds attract thousands of visitors to our Territory every summer.  They are a vital element of our tourism sector – and one we continue to invest in heavily by ensuring they are maintained, improved, and made more accessible to visitors.  These facilities are also enjoyed by our own residents and contribute enormously to the quality of life that we enjoy here in Canada’s North.