Thank you for tuning in today.

There has been much discussion around access to liquor stores and liquor products during COVID 19. I want to say to residents that the GNWT has no intention of closing liquor stores during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We have weighed the pros and cons, looked to the experience of jurisdictions across Canada and heard many different voices on this issue and have decided that removing all lawful access to alcohol would simply do more harm than good. 

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Good morning

It is a pleasure to be here today, starting the week by talking to you about the second wave of funding and financial program changes that the Government of the Northwest Territories is rolling out to help support individuals, families, businesses and communities.

The last time we were here, when we discussed the roll out of the first wave of financial relief the GNWT put together in response to COVID 19, I said that we would continue to look for opportunities to be creative in the delivery of government services. 

Le gouvernement des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (GTNO) comprend que les mesures d’éloignement et d’isolement physiques qui ont été instaurées pour combattre la propagation de la COVID-19 engendrent une nouvelle pression économique très réelle pour les résidents, les familles, les entreprises, les gouvernements autochtones et les collectivités des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (TNO).

 Le gouvernement des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (GTNO) est conscient des difficultés que vivent les entreprises, les fournisseurs de services, les résidents, les gouvernements et les organismes non gouvernementaux des TNO en raison de la pandémie de COVID-19 et des mesures de santé prises pour combattre la propagation du virus.

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I’d like to take a moment to reiterate what many of my colleagues have also addressed over the last few days, and that’s that I know this is an anxious time, and many of us are unsure and worried about what the future holds.

The situation with COVID-19 is evolving quickly, and in times like this, what many people want most are answers. They want to know that their physical, and financial wellbeing are being looked out for. That their governments understand these pressures, and are doing everything they can.

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It was only eight days ago, last Thursday, that the Legislative Assembly was part way through our winter budget session. Eight days ago the full Assembly came together, took stock of the growing risks of the COVID-19 pandemic and took action by deciding to end our winter session early. This past Monday, all 19 members of the Assembly supported the passage of an interim appropriation to provide a temporary budget for the functioning of the Government of the NWT until we can reconvene at the end of May.

La priorité absolue du gouvernement des Territoires du Nord‑Ouest (GTNO) est la santé et la sécurité des Ténois, et nous prenons des mesures proactives pour être prêts à répondre à la situation de la COVID‑19 au fur et à mesure qu’elle évolue.

À l’heure actuelle, aucun cas de COVID-19 n’a été signalé aux Territoires du Nord‑Ouest (TNO), et le risque de contracter le virus aux TNO et au Canada demeure faible.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories wants NWT businesses to flourish. For small businesses in particular, prompt payment of invoices is critical to their financial health.

As Minister, I can assure you that the Department of Finance places a high value on maintaining a positive working relationship with the companies the GNWT does business with.

Introduction

Monsieur le Président, les Territoires du Nord-Ouest sont riches en possibilités, grâce à leurs vastes étendues, à l’abondance de ressources et à une population forte de sa diversité.

La ministre des Finances Caroline Wawzonek a publié le budget 2020-2021 du gouvernement des Territoires du Nord-Ouest, le premier budget de la 19^e Assemblée législative.

Des recettes totales de 2,19 milliards de dollars sont attendues en 2020-2021, et les dépenses totales prévues s’élèvent à 1,98 milliard de dollars, incluant entre autres les dépenses ministérielles et les contributions aux infrastructures. L’excédent pour 2020-2021 devrait atteindre 203 millions de dollars.