Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update the House and Northwest Territories residents on the implementation of the NWT Carbon Tax.

The Government of the Northwest Territories committed in our mandate to advance a number of renewable and alternative energy solutions to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lower the cost of living.  One of those commitments included implementing a new NWT Energy Strategy which we achieved in April 2018 when we tabled the 2030 Energy Strategy:  A Path to More Affordable, Secure and Sustainable Energy in the Northwest Territories.  This strategy defines our long-term vision and approach for transitioning to a lower carbon economy.

Mr. Speaker, thirty-five years ago today, the Committee for Original People’s Entitlement, or COPE, signed the Inuvialuit Final Agreement with the Government of Canada on behalf of the Inuvialuit of the Western Arctic. The Inuvialuit Final Agreement was the first comprehensive land claim agreement north of the 60^th parallel and only the second of its kind in Canada. In many ways, this agreement led the way for the future negotiation of land, resources and self-government agreements in this territory and, perhaps, in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories made a mandate commitment to develop a northern manufacturing strategy in collaboration with industry and the NWT’s Manufacturers Association.

I am pleased today to table the Northwest Territories Manufacturing Strategy for diversifying our economy.  The Strategy was developed with extensive input from the public, Chambers of Commerce, businesses and, most importantly, the NWT Manufacturers Association.

Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to improving access to emergency services and enhancing community wellness and safety through the rollout of the 9-1-1 service in all 33 communities.

The three-digit telephone number “9-1-1” is known as the number to call in emergencies throughout North America. The 9-1-1 service gives the public fast and easy access to our communities’ emergency services in situations when someone’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy or when a crime is in progress.

Mr. Speaker, many northerners continue to be held back by mental health and addictions which is why the 18^th Legislative Assembly made it a priority to focus on mental wellness and addictions recovery. Today I would like to update Members on a significant milestone that we have achieved towards making sure that NWT resident who need mental wellness and addictions services can get the help they need locally and through culturally-appropriate methods.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the important work carried out by the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.  The Inquiry was established by the Government of Canada along with all provincial and territorial governments in response to public outcry about the alarming number of Indigenous women and girls who are known to be missing or murdered.

Mr. Speaker, these are exciting times in post-secondary education in the Northwest Territories. 

This Government is meeting its commitment to expand opportunities for post-secondary education, trades-oriented learning and northern educational institutions while fostering the knowledge economy. This work is essential to ensuring that northerners have access to quality post-secondary programs and supports.

Mr. Speaker, the Mine Rescue Competition has a strong history in the Northwest Territories.  The first event took place in 1957, and the competition has been growing every year.

 This weekend marks the 62^nd Annual Mine Rescue Competition.  Teams will come together from mines all across the Territories to test their skills.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the World Health Organization’s World No Tobacco Day which is tomorrow, on May 31, 2019.  This day provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking to promote the prevention of tobacco use and its cessation.