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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is undertaking a review and renewal exercise to ensure that the Housing Corporation’s efforts are effective and producing the desired outcomes for Northwest Territories communities and residents.
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Mr. Speaker, later this afternoon, I will table the Report of the Procurement Review Panel, which provides a review of the GNWT’s procurement policies and practices, as well as recommendations on how these can be improved.
Government procurement, especially in the Northwest Territories, is far reaching, and the steps that we take to respond to the panel’s recommendations will support the GNWT’s mandate commitments to:
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Mr. Speaker, it is becoming more common for people to be asked to prove they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. As a result, the GNWT has worked diligently to make sure that NWT residents have a safe, secure proof of vaccination document that is accepted across the country and internationally.
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Mr. Speaker, I welcome my colleagues back to the House for the resumption of the Second Session of the 19th Legislative Assembly. Despite this sitting being delayed as a result of the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in the territory, I expect this has been a busy time for all of us as we focus on the important work we have been elected to do by the people of the Northwest Territories.
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Welcome and thank you for participating in this workshop.
I believe the NWT has an opportunity to play not only a leading role but a key role in the supply of critical minerals and metals to meet growing international demand.
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Congratulations Minister Bibeau on continuing your role as the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food.
Here in the Northwest Territories, agriculture looks a bit different than it does down South. Our industry is challenged by extreme and diverse weather conditions, limited soil quality and the remoteness of our communities. Yet despite these challenges, we maintain a small, but dedicated network of growers, passionate about the territory’s agriculture industry and its potential.
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Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to meet with your membership today.
I closed my comments to you last year by saying how much I was looking forward to seeing you all “in person” in 2021. But here we are again, meeting virtually.
What for the NWT was primarily an economic crisis this time last year has escalated over the summer and fall to be a serious health care situation that continues to have a great impact on residents, communities, and businesses.
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It is a pleasure to address you today as part of this long running event.
It would of course be far more enjoyable for each of us to be under the midnight sun in person. Instead, I have turned my mind to next year and to the message I can deliver at what appears to be a turning point in this stage of response to global pandemic. If the trends continue, next year we will all be able to gather once again in Inuvik, in the Beaufort Delta – at the height of the summer solstice and speak and meet with you in person.
Today, Honourable Shane Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Honourable Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance, announced the creation of the Emergency Disaster Assistance Advance Program (EDAAP).
The Emergency Disaster Assistance Advance Program allows for immediate payments to provide funding to residents, small businesses and community governments impacted by this year’s flooding in the Northwest Territories.
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Mr. Speaker, today, Northwest Territories residents will come together to march through the streets of Yellowknife to honour the 215 Indigenous children found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School last week.
This is an important opportunity for all of us as residents of the NWT to come together and show our support for people during this difficult time. It has brought to the surface painful memories for many, and with the strength of the community, we will get through this, together.
