Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, I recently represented the Northwest Territories in Toronto at the Federal-Provincial-Territorial meeting of Ministers Responsible for addressing Red Tape and improving government efficiencies.

I highlighted the work we are doing in the Government of the Northwest Territories to improve services, modernize regulations, streamline permitting processes, and use digital technology to improve access and efficiency. I received a great deal of positive feedback on our efforts, and many of my colleagues are interested in learning more about our approaches.

Mr. Speaker, while I take this interest as a positive sign, our focus remains forward-looking to continue identifying and addressing barriers that can delay projects, create challenges for businesses, and make more difficult to access services. 

I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the centralized e-mail address for residents, businesses, and public servants to raise red tape issues directly at redtape@gov.nt.ca. I encourage all residents to continue bringing forward specific examples.

Work is also underway to address more complex barriers. For example, through our recent MOU commitments, we are working with the federal government to improve how land, water and mineral development are regulated to improve clarity and predictability and to better align environmental assessment and permitting processes to reduce timelines, duplication and address uncertainty. We are also working collaboratively with Land and Water Boards to ensure our major projects teams can deliver projects in a timely way while upholding our obligations for environmental stewardship.  All of this work has a common goal of adding consistency, clarity and avoiding unnecessary burden.  

We also plan to streamline permitting and improve service delivery across several areas. For example, we are developing regulation under the new Liquor Act that will reduce duplication and improve coordination with the Fire Marshall’s office. We are expanding online services, such as motor vehicle transactions and licensing, to improve access and reduce processing times.

Mr. Speaker, since we introduced the GNWT Guideline on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence, or AI, last year, we’ve been working to build awareness and skills to ensure that public servants use AI responsibly and carefully. We have been exploring how we can use these tools to help with routine tasks so employees can focus on work which harnesses their individual knowledge and expertise to support service delivery. For example, AI tools are being tested to support note-taking in healthcare settings, so less time is spent on paperwork and more time is spent with patients.  In other areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development, AI tools are being tested to improve efficiency. As we move forward, these efforts are guided by a clear focus on responsible, careful, and ethical use to ensure accuracy, protect privacy, and maintain public trust.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all residents and business owners who take the time to help us identify red tape, and recognize the public servants who find ways to address it. The progress we are seeing reflects coordinated efforts across departments. Whether through improving permitting systems, expanding digital services, strengthening regulatory design, or identifying practical efficiencies through fiscal sustainability work and frontline experience, this is a whole-of-government effort.

These efforts are making a meaningful difference, but we know the job is not finished. In October, I will table a report on the government’s red tape reduction efforts to demonstrate results, reinforce accountability, and set out the work we will continue to do for residents and businesses.

Mr. Speaker, reducing red tape requires ongoing attention and commitment to continuous improvement. It requires us to keep listening, learning, and adapting to what residents and businesses are experiencing so we can reduce unnecessary barriers and improve access to all services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.