Mr. Speaker, ensuring Northwest Territories highways are a safe place for all road users is a top priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories. The challenges we face in regards to road safety are constantly evolving, and these challenges must often be met with unique and innovative solutions. In addition to the work undertaken each year to maintain and upgrade the engineering component of our highways, the Department of Infrastructure is also committed to staying up to date on policy and legislative initiatives aimed at making our roads safer.

Mr. Speaker, programs focused on both teacher and student wellness are foundational to Education Renewal. Mental wellness is essential for everyone involved in teaching and learning, and we have acted to address this need.

Mr. Speaker, with the conclusion of the seventh annual Dead North Film Festival this past weekend, it is appropriate that I speak today on our vibrant film industry and its growing importance to our economy.

First, I’d like to congratulate all of the participants in this year’s event.  Nearly 40 films were submitted to the festival this year with entries from across the North, each region of our territory; and from as young as nine and ten years old.

Mr. Speaker, the land, water, air, wildlife and plants of the Northwest Territories play a critical role in the lives of Northerners.  They are part of our heritage, identity and way of life. They provide for us in many ways as food for our families, traditional clothing, and transportation routes. The land sustains our livelihoods through hunting, trapping and gathering. It is the basis for our arts and culture.

Check against delivery 

Good morning everyone.

Thank you to the Parliamentary Secretary for his words.

Mr. Lefebvre has done a great job of outlining the details of the investments that our governments are making today.

As he mentioned, the Slave Geological Province is a region rich in mineral deposits. It is – in fact - the birthplace of Canadian diamonds.

Mr. Speaker, the transformational changes we have been making across the education system are gaining momentum to help fulfil this government’s mandate commitments towards education renewal.

Under the Skills 4 Success strategy, grades nine to 12 students and youth aged 18 to 24 across the North will soon have access to Career and Education Advisors. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has already hired six to work with students to help them navigate their best academic path from ‘classroom to career’.

Mr. Speaker, community governments are an important partner for the Government of the Northwest Territories and we continue to be one of the only jurisdictions in Canada that provides ongoing funding to this level of government. While we recognize that community governments have many financial needs that exceed current funding levels, we remain committed to supporting them and have made considerable gains in closing the community government funding gap during the 18^th Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, this Legislative Assembly has committed to support early childhood development and today I want to provide Members and the public with an update on our work to provide equitable access to a range of inclusive, culturally informed programs and services for and children under five years of age and expecting parents.

Mr. Speaker, many factors impact a child’s life both negatively and positively.  As a parent, I understand some of the struggles parents face and as a Social Worker I adhere to the principle that all of us; (parents, family, friends, community members, and governments) have a role to play in ensuring children have the supports to succeed in life.

Mr. Speaker, today is national Pink Shirt Day. I applaud all Members for wearing pink in the House today to symbolize that we will not tolerate bullying of any kind.

The internet has opened an invaluable connection to the world by allowing residents of all ages in even our smallest communities’ access to information and opportunities easily.  Sadly, it has also allowed bullying to move online.