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Good afternoon, and thank you for attending the first Premier’s Territorial Address.

This 20th Legislative Assembly is just over a year old, and in that time, we’ve seen triumphs and tragedies, new opportunities, and familiar challenges. Political shifts at home and abroad are forcing us to reassess long-held assumptions about how the world works. Today, we take stock of the past year, look ahead to the future, and shed light on governance in the Northwest Territories.

I want to begin by addressing a serious threat to both Canada’s economy and national sovereignty, posed by a country that, for generations, has been our closest friend and ally. Just three days ago, the U.S. government announced sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. Yesterday, they paused implementation for 30 days. What comes next is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the traditional political order—where sovereignty is respected and negotiations take precedence over coercion—is shifting. We must adapt.

Of course, the NWT is not alone—we stand shoulder to shoulder with every province and territory, the federal government, businesses, unions, NGOs, and the citizens of our great country as part of a strong and united Team Canada. We must each do our part to confront this threat or support one another if we are forced to adapt to a new economic order.

The GNWT will do its part. Given the temporary pause, we have held off on plans to halt the procurement of American products, but we remain prepared to act if necessary. Next week, I will be traveling to Washington, D.C., along with my fellow Premiers, to educate American decision-makers on the importance of a strong and stable Canada-U.S. relationship.

At home, we all have a role to play. I encourage residents and businesses to buy Canadian whenever possible. If 40 million Canadians commit to buying Canadian, we will save jobs and spur investment. And what better time to explore our own country? The vastness and beauty of the Northwest Territories offer unparalleled experiences for tourists, and what’s more patriotic than exploring Canada’s North?

This situation underscores a deeper issue—Canada’s over-reliance on the United States. In many ways, this is a problem of our own making. While we work to address external threats, we must also strengthen our own foundations. Internal trade remains tangled in protectionist policies and uncoordinated regulations that stifle efficiency. Removing these barriers would boost GDP, attract investment, and help offset potential U.S. tariffs.

At the national level, the Committee on Internal Trade—of which all provinces and territories are members—has taken on new urgency. It has been cited by the Prime Minister, Premiers, economists, and CEOs as one of the most significant opportunities to grow and protect Canada’s economy. And in 2025, the Northwest Territories will be at the helm, Chairing the Committee.

Just last week, Minister Caitlin Cleveland, our Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Investment, called an emergency meeting of the Committee, leading to a recommendation to drastically reduce internal trade barriers on an expedited timeline.

Now, I’ve been in a lot of these kinds of meetings. Often, they’re scripted, the outcomes predetermined, and the real work happens behind the scenes beforehand. But this was different. Minister Cleveland stepped up—not just for the NWT, but for Canada—helping to drive real, meaningful progress.

There have been few opportunities in our country’s history where the political will existed to get this done. Now, we have that opportunity—and with the NWT playing a pivotal role, we intend to move this work forward.

This is just one example of the outsized role the NWT is playing on the national stage. The renewed focus on sovereignty, security, and supply chains has put the NWT at the center of Canada’s strategic future.

I’ll speak more about that later.

While a potential trade war is on many people’s minds, this past year has been eventful in other ways.

Just over a year ago, I stood before my colleagues in the Legislative Assembly and shared my vision for the Northwest Territories 50 years into the future. I spoke about an NWT with a strong economy, fueled by our territory’s abundance of natural resources; about healthy, thriving ecosystems; about vibrant cultures and languages; and about a unique system of governance where Indigenous self-governments and the Government of the Northwest Territories work collaboratively to advance the prosperity of our people.

Over the past year, everything I’ve seen, heard, and experienced has convinced me that this vision isn’t just possible—it is our future, and we’re on track to achieve it.

The foundation for this future was laid by all 19 Members of the Legislative Assembly when we collectively developed the Priorities of the 20th Assembly. Despite our geographic, political, and cultural differences, MLAs came together to create a focused list of priorities that are relevant to every region and community in the NWT. Based on these priorities, Cabinet developed the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories—a strategic roadmap to make meaningful change in the lives of Northerners. Our mandate prioritizes work on housing, the economy, health care, the effects of trauma, and the safety of residents. These are significant challenges that the GNWT cannot tackle alone, which is why the mandate fully commits our government to working in partnership with Indigenous governments to advance our shared goals.

Collaboration with Indigenous governments has been—and will continue to be—a cornerstone of my efforts and the efforts of every member of Cabinet, all of whom have fully embraced this approach. But true partnerships require true partners. Progress can only be achieved by working side by side with Indigenous leaders and ensuring their voices are central to the GNWT’s decision-making processes.

I have been extremely honored and humbled by the openness Indigenous leaders have shown in working collaboratively with our government. We do not take this openness for granted. We understand that partnership is not a box to be checked off but a process that requires sustained effort over time. Trust is not given—it is earned, and rightly so.

Of course, as with any relationship, we won’t always agree. But when we don’t, we work in good faith to address those disagreements head-on. And despite our best efforts, we will make mistakes from time to time. When that happens, we learn from them and do better.

In the first year of this government, we’ve already seen the results of this collaborative approach. Two significant examples are the NWT Council of Leaders meetings held in Ottawa and the Our Land for the Future Agreement. Both of these initiatives involved multiple Indigenous governments and several GNWT departments working together on a scale I have never seen before.

The NWT Council of Leaders is a forum where Cabinet and Indigenous leaders from across the territory sit together as equals to discuss and act on issues of territorial importance. In October, we met in Ottawa and invited federal ministers to meet with us. Despite the diversity of interests and needs across the territory, we were able to find common ground on many issues and present a united front.

Our governments worked together to create the agenda for our trip, set shared objectives, and develop common messaging. Coordinating this effort required a great deal of communication and collaboration—something Ottawa was not used to seeing from the North. Typically, when federal ministers agree to a meeting, we are expected to go to them. But because of the size and unity of our delegation, they came to us.

Together, we hosted federal ministers in a room where the flags of every participating Indigenous government were displayed, and leaders from across the territory took turns chairing and speaking at each meeting. In addition to the main table discussions, various Indigenous governments held side meetings focused on their individual priorities, with support from our Cabinet ministers when requested.

The impact of this effort has been significant. It has increased national awareness of the NWT and its people and has received positive feedback not only from the federal government but also from other provinces and territories. But more importantly, it was a unique opportunity for us as Northern leaders to get to know each other better, to truly understand our individual and shared priorities, and to deepen the trust and relationships that will carry us through the remainder of this term.

Shortly after we returned from Ottawa, the fall sitting began. One of the most significant items on the legislative agenda exemplified the trust and collaboration needed to advance our vision of collaborative governance.

The Our Land for the Future Agreement is an Indigenous-led initiative that includes 23 Indigenous governments, the GNWT, the federal government, and three private donors. Over the next 10 years, this agreement will bring $375 million into the NWT to support Indigenous-led conservation, land guardianship, stewardship, and economic development.

To secure this funding, Bill 15: Northwest Territories Indigenous-Led Conservation Fund Establishment Act had to be passed. However, tight federal deadlines meant we could not follow our usual legislative process, which includes dedicated time for Standing Committees to review, consult, and report on bills before they move forward. On the Cabinet side, timelines had to be significantly compressed. This was challenging, and at times uncomfortable.

But it was also a powerful demonstration of trust—and proof of what we can accomplish when we work together.

Everyone at the table recognized the critical importance of this funding—not just for the GNWT, but for our Indigenous partners and for the future of the territory. Our Regular Member colleagues understood this as well. In the end, every single Member of the Assembly voted in favour of the bill. Most of the process was completed in a single day—something unprecedented in this legislature—with the final vote taking place the next day.

And while accelerating the legislative process is not something I recommend, or hope to repeat, it was the right decision in support of a historic agreement. Sitting in the House that day, with Indigenous government leaders in the Gallery as we achieved this milestone together, is something I will always remember.

Our approach to collaboration is rooted in the same principles we strive to implement in all aspects of governance:

• We must be deliberate, calculated, and sensible in our actions.
• We must adapt to changing realities—whether political shifts, economic pressures, or climate challenges.
• And we must be bold when the moment demands it.

This focused and strategic approach is also shaping our federal engagement. In the past, the GNWT has been criticized for asking Ottawa for everything, all at once, without clear priorities or rationale. In this government, our approach is different. It is methodical. It is disciplined. It is targeted.

We have also taken a pragmatic approach to our fiscal situation. Our Fiscal Strategy proposed aligning expenditures with revenues while working to reduce debt. While we haven’t met our ultimate target, we have maintained fiscal discipline, and the reductions we implemented have left us in a much stronger financial position than we would otherwise be in.

Had we not taken these measures, we wouldn’t be talking about a fiscal situation—we’d be talking about a fiscal crisis.

Finances are top of mind for many people across Canada and here in the NWT. The economy remains a priority for both the Legislative Assembly and the Government of the Northwest Territories, and we continue to advance initiatives that will strengthen economic growth and attract investment.

A key part of this work is raising the profile of the NWT and educating the public, businesses, and industry about what we have to offer Canada. As Premier, I have worked to ensure the Northwest Territories has a stronger, more vocal presence in national and international discussions. Through op-eds in national publications, appearances on news programs and podcasts like Power & Politics and WONK, and direct engagement with Canadians on platforms like Instagram, I have worked to keep the challenges and opportunities of the North at the forefront of the national conversation.

This isn’t just about visibility—it’s about advocacy. It’s about ensuring that federal decision-makers, business leaders, and Canadians see the NWT as an integral part of Canada’s future. By keeping the North on their minds, we are paving the way for long-term partnerships and investments that will benefit all Northerners—and all Canadians.

External events have also elevated our profile. Over the past year, growing concerns over sovereignty and security have drawn national and international attention to the North. The Government of Canada has responded by releasing a new Foreign Policy and a new Defence Policy focused on the North, and has committed hundreds of millions of dollars in investments to advance these policies. This includes projects like the Inuvik runway expansion and airport development, as well as a new Rangers facility in Yellowknife.

We continue to push for these investments, but also for greater collaboration between Canada, the GNWT, and Indigenous governments to ensure that the benefits are maximized for Northern communities. We continue to remind Ottawa that it is we—the people of the North—who are doing the real work of asserting Canada’s sovereignty in this region.

In addition, recent global supply chain restrictions have underscored the need for Canada and its allies to secure access to critical minerals—the essential building blocks of our modern world. These commodities are vital for green technology, medical advancements, defense systems, and cutting-edge computing.

The Northwest Territories is rich in critical minerals and can serve as the first link in a safe, reliable supply chain that fuels Canadian innovation, job creation, and economic stability. With uncertainty surrounding the future of international trade, it is more important than ever that we develop domestic supply chains and strengthen Canada’s industrial capacity. Our economic future—and that of the generations who come after us—depends on a resilient and self-sustaining Northern economy, one that is less vulnerable to global instability and shifting foreign policies.

Of course, resource development must be done in collaboration with the Indigenous peoples whose lands are impacted. The Northwest Territories has a robust regulatory system that enables development while ensuring the protection of important and sacred areas, guided by Indigenous knowledge.

Indigenous peoples must have both the means and the opportunity to meaningfully engage with industry on resource projects. That is why we have worked with Indigenous governments to strengthen their capacity to participate fully in these processes. At the same time, we are taking an all-of-government approach to resource development—enhancing collaboration between departments responsible for both promotion and regulation, and continuously refining and streamlining our systems and policies.

We all share responsibility for both the economic and environmental health of the Northwest Territories.

The impacts of climate change continue to create emergency situations across the NWT. I’ve spoken before about my personal experience as a Hay River resident, being evacuated three times in two years due to floods and wildfires. Those experiences were part of why I chose to run for Premier.

We need every resident and community to be prepared for emergencies—to know their roles and responsibilities during an evacuation or crisis response.

This summer, I had the opportunity to visit Norman Wells and Fort Good Hope while they were in the midst of a wildfire evacuation. In Norman Wells, we met with evacuees and heard firsthand how welcomed and supported they felt. I also met with local leadership and the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the growing impacts of barge disruptions and the additional strain caused by the wildfire response.

I have carried those conversations with me ever since. They have shaped ongoing work with MLA McNeely, Sahtu leadership, Cabinet, and our federal partners over the past several months. To date, this work has resulted in nearly $2 million in additional investments to ensure continued access to essential goods, while also working to reduce the costs of fuel and heat for residents of Norman Wells.

Beyond these immediate interventions, we are working together to accelerate the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway. This project has been discussed for decades, but this year’s drought and critically low water levels on the Mackenzie River have pushed its importance into the national consciousness.

For the people and communities of the Sahtu, the Mackenzie Valley Highway is not just an infrastructure project—it is a lifeline. But it is also a nation-building initiative, one that will serve Canada’s national security and defense interests while reinforcing our sovereignty through increased community connectivity and economic development.

I was also able to fly into Fort Good Hope, where I met with community members and staff working on firefighting and emergency response. I was struck by the initiative the community had taken to lead their own response, including firefighter training provided for local Guardians earlier in the year—training that, I believe, played a key role in helping save the community. As a government, we have learned from this experience, and we will apply those lessons as we continue to strengthen our approach to emergency response and collaboration.

Unfortunately, in this emergency situation, there was a tragic loss of life.

Near the start of the year, a plane crash in Fort Smith claimed lives, and over the course of this year, we have lost many beloved members of our communities. Whether through accident, illness, or the natural passing of time, each loss has left a mark.

Losing loved ones, facing emergencies, and living through uncertain times all take a toll on our health and well-being. That is why access to healthcare and addressing the effects of trauma are priorities of this Assembly.

Like every healthcare system, ours is under immense pressure—to do more with fewer resources, to find financial efficiencies, to adapt to workforce challenges, all while responding to growing demand for services.

We have taken bold steps to address these pressures on two fronts. First, we established the Healthcare System Sustainability Unit to identify opportunities for financial efficiencies. Second, we appointed a new Public Administrator to drive operational improvements and enhance accountability.

These parallel streams ensure focused leadership as we work to support our healthcare system and the dedicated professionals within it.

We have also strengthened collaboration with Indigenous governments on healthcare issues, and we continue to work in partnership to push the federal government for improvements in the administration of Non-Insured Health Benefits for Indigenous peoples in the NWT.

As Minister of Justice and as an MLA, the number one issue I hear about is the increasing presence of illegal drugs and the devastating impact they are having on individuals, families, and communities across the Northwest Territories. Since the pandemic, drug-related crime has risen significantly, forcing communities of all sizes to confront the deaths and destruction caused by the influx of drugs. These drugs are being trafficked by organized crime groups from southern Canada, often with the unwilling involvement of local residents.

We take this crisis extremely seriously, and we are taking action. Over the past four years, the GNWT has responded to urgent calls from communities for stronger enforcement by funding dozens of new RCMP positions. In 2024, we expanded this effort by funding a new seven-person Territorial Crime Reduction Unit, specifically tasked with targeting illegal drugs and organized crime.

RCMP officers stationed in communities are already busy handling daily policing duties. They don’t always have the time or resources for in-depth investigations. The Crime Reduction Unit helps fill this gap, providing dedicated enforcement capacity to disrupt the flow of drugs into our communities.

In addition to this new unit, we worked with the RCMP to establish the first full-time Emergency Response Team in the NWT. This specialized nine-officer unit is trained to respond to critical incidents, ensuring that law enforcement has the resources necessary to handle high-risk situations. These investments build on the RCMP’s divisional drug strategy, which was implemented last year and has already shown success in disrupting drug trafficking networks operating in the North.

However, enforcement alone is not enough. That is why our government is introducing three new pieces of legislation to give the RCMP and communities stronger tools to combat crime. The first is Safe Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) legislation, which will allow authorities to shut down properties that are actively harming communities, including homes being used for drug trafficking. The second is new trespass legislation, which will provide clear legal authority to remove individuals from properties where they are not authorized to be and where they are engaging in criminal activity. This has been a particular issue in some apartment buildings, where drug trafficking has put residents at risk.

The third and final measure is Civil Forfeiture legislation, which will help ensure that those who try to profit from drug trafficking cannot keep the proceeds of their crimes. Right now, if an individual is arrested with drugs intended for trafficking, along with large amounts of cash, both the drugs and the money are seized. However, if that person is not convicted, the money is returned to them. Under this new legislation, the RCMP will be able to apply to the courts to permanently seize cash and assets linked to illegal activity. If law enforcement can demonstrate, on a balance of probabilities, that the money came from crime, it will not be returned. This law can also be used to seize vehicles and other assets used in drug trafficking and organized crime.

These strong and targeted measures are necessary to disrupt the flow of drugs, support our communities, and ensure that those who profit from criminal activity are held accountable. We will continue to take a firm and comprehensive approach to addressing this crisis, because the safety and well-being of Northerners must always come first.

This response is necessary, but we cannot enforce our way out of a drug crisis. As long as there is demand for drugs, there will be supply. I know that many residents—including our friends and family members—are struggling with addiction. While I encourage anyone who needs help to seek support, I also recognize that this is easier said than done.

At the same time, not everyone who uses illicit drugs is addicted. If you are a recreational drug user, understand that by sustaining demand, you are directly contributing to the drug crisis and the pain and suffering inflicted on your fellow Northerners. This is not someone else’s problem—it is all of our problem. We all have a role to play in addressing it.

Housing is another challenge we are tackling together. Increasingly, the federal government is investing directly with Indigenous and community governments to expand housing options and availability. While this approach is welcome, the GNWT continues to play an essential role in the provision and maintenance of social and supportive housing. This includes transitional housing, supportive living facilities, Elders’ housing, and public housing.

The NWT Housing Forum, which brings together Indigenous governments and Housing NWT, recently hosted its first symposium, bringing together all levels of government, NGOs, and industry partners to share information and collaborate on housing solutions across the territory. Housing was also a central focus of our Council of Leaders meetings in Ottawa, reinforcing our shared commitment to addressing this issue.

Through targeted investments and strategic partnerships, we are making meaningful progress in tackling the housing crisis. To date, 49 housing units have been completed during the 20th Assembly, with another 92 in the process of construction. This is concrete progress that will make a real difference in the lives of Northerners.

As we close out today, I want to take a moment to recognize the Ministers who make up your Executive Council. It has been an eventful year, to say the least, and there is much I could say. But I’d like to end by bringing you into the Cabinet room and sharing some insight into the individuals who have taken on this responsibility.

There is a steep learning curve when you first become an MLA, and an even steeper one when you step into a Ministerial role. That’s why I have always been impressed by brand-new MLAs who take on these positions. In this government, we have three such Ministers—Minister Kuptana, Minister McKay, and Minister Macdonald. Even though they are my elders, they were the rookies at the Cabinet table. But each of them brings a lifetime of experience that has been invaluable to their roles and to Cabinet as a whole.

Minister Kuptana took on the Housing portfolio—a fast-paced, high-profile file with high expectations—and she has proven she is up for the challenge. At the Cabinet table, she has emerged as a strong voice for small communities. Of course, we all support small communities, but you don’t know what you don’t know, and her insights have been invaluable in improving our decision-making process. She’s not afraid to speak her mind and can always be counted on to hold her colleagues to account. Lucy also has a strong moral compass. Whether I’m speaking in Cabinet, in the House, or here today, I often look to her reaction to know if I’m on the right track.

Minister McKay took on the role of MACA Minister at a time when the department was inundated with planning and recovery efforts. His practical, front-line knowledge and resident-centered perspective have been crucial, both in those efforts and in responding to the emergencies we’ve faced since. If you know Vince, you know he’s not afraid to speak his mind and take a stand, even if it’s unpopular. That kind of leadership is needed at the Cabinet table. He’s showing it every day by taking on significant, difficult, and often controversial initiatives—including updates to the community funding formula, the disaster assistance policy, and online gambling.

Minister Macdonald also brings front-line experience to his role as Minister of ECC, and I often find myself picking his brain for insight. His measured and level-headed approach helps ground and center Cabinet discussions, and the seriousness and dedication with which he approaches his work—especially around wildfires—gives me comfort as a resident.

We also have two Ministers who previously served as regular members—Minister Cleveland and Minister Semmler. Their experience on the other side of the House has given them a unique perspective that strengthens Cabinet’s ability to work with Regular Members, and both have taken on significant portfolios.

Minister Semmler, as Minister of Health, actually requested to take on the health file—a rare thing. Since then, she’s jokingly offered to give it back on more than one occasion, but the reality is that she has handled this daunting portfolio with remarkable determination. She came into the role with deep knowledge from her time on the front lines and as a Regular Member, but health is a file that only gets more complex the deeper you go. It has been impressive to watch her tackle seemingly insurmountable challenges and make bold decisions. And I will say, all Ministers are very supportive of each other, but when you’re the Minister responsible for the lion’s share of government spending, the Cabinet room can be a tough place. That makes her leadership all the more impressive.

Minister Cleveland has also come into her own over the past year, taking on both ITI and ECE—two massive portfolios that, in many other jurisdictions, would be split among half a dozen Ministers. Her background as a Regular Member prepared her well, and she hit the ground running. With a year under her belt, she now carries herself like a veteran. And, like any good Kam Lake MLA, she has a laser focus on the economy and ensures that Cabinet applies an economic lens to every decision we make.

Finally, I have to recognize the Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Infrastructure—who, I believe, holds the largest portfolio and workload ever assigned to a GNWT Minister. As Finance Minister, she has steered the territory through COVID, carbon tax, floods, fires, inflation, drought, and now the looming threat of tariffs. She has also taken on major, transformational initiatives—including significantly accelerating the Mackenzie Valley Highway project, updating the decades-old Affirmative Action Policy, and leading the transition of our energy system. And she does all of this while fielding calls about every stretch of highway that needs plowing, every pothole on access roads, and every school with heating or sewer issues.

But beyond all of that, I believe her greatest contribution to Cabinet and government is her ability to work with Regular Members, find common ground, and advance policies and budgets—year after year. That’s the kind of leadership that makes progress possible.

I say all of this because I want people to understand the dedication of this Cabinet. There are not many Cabinets like this—not just here and now, but anywhere, ever. This is a group of people who take their responsibilities seriously, who care deeply about the North, and who work together with determination, even when we don’t always agree.

And of course, we don’t always agree. That’s not how leadership works. We deal with complex issues, difficult decisions, and situations where there are no easy answers. We bring different perspectives, different lived experiences, and sometimes different opinions. But we voice them. We listen. We challenge each other. And we learn from one another. Because of that, our decisions are always better.

More importantly, our decisions are always grounded in the interests of the people of the Northwest Territories. That is what unites us. That is what drives us every single day.

As we move into our second year in office, our rookie year is behind us. The experience we have gained—both as individual Ministers and as a team—will allow us to be even more effective in the year ahead.

There will be challenges. There always are. But there will also be opportunities. And if this past year has proven anything, it’s that when the Northwest Territories steps up, we make an impact. We lead.

But leadership isn’t just about government—it’s about all of us. It’s about the people who call this place home. The families, workers, business owners, Elders, and young people who push our territory forward every single day. It’s about the communities that come together in times of crisis, the partnerships we build, and the resilience that defines us as Northerners.

The work ahead won’t always be easy. It never is. But in the North, we don’t shy away from hard work. We face it head-on. We adapt. We persevere. And we do it together.

I am proud of what we have accomplished so far. And I know that by continuing to work side by side—with each other, with Indigenous governments, with our MLA colleagues who are essential to the success of consensus government, and with communities and all Northerners—we will keep building a stronger, more prosperous Northwest Territories. Not just for today, but for generations to come.

I look forward to continuing that work alongside all of you.

 

Thank you.