Thank you to the Northern Territories Federation of Labour for gathering us together for this important ceremony and giving me the opportunity to speak today on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Today, on all government buildings across the country, we fly our flags at half-mast. We light our candles in remembrance. We observe a moment of silence and we reflect. Because today, we stand with others in observance of the National Day of Mourning to remember the lives of those we’ve lost to workplace diseases and injuries.

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Thank you. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize dignitaries in attendance, and you, members of the Northwest Territories business community, for being here today.

Congratulations to Richard Morland and the members of your new Board of Directors who will now take the lead on the important work that is put forward by this Chamber; encouraging, supporting, and advocating for local business throughout the Northwest Territories.

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Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.  It is my extreme pleasure to join you today to talk about what the future holds and how we can get Northerners working to ensure this wonderful territory we call home thrives and prospers. 

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Good morning.  Thank you for the opportunity to speak today about the importance of infrastructure investment to the growth of the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has recognized the opportunities public-private partnerships (P3s) can bring to help the government address its current infrastructure deficit, which is currently around $3 billion, and other key strategic infrastructure projects that would help stimulate our economy and improve services to our residents.

Yellowknife, le 15 avril 2016 – Le premier ministre Bob McLeod a fait la déclaration suivante sur la décision de la Cour suprême du Canada d’étendre les droits aux Métis et aux Indiens non inscrits :

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Good morning and welcome, friends from the circumpolar Arctic, and thank you all for attending and taking part in this important industry forum today.

I would like to first acknowledge that we stand on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

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Thank you for that generous introduction. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate your attention this afternoon as we talk about economic leadership in the Arctic Region — a region of increasing interest and importance for the energy sector.

I would like to offer my gratitude to The Energy Council for hosting the conference this week. The programming thus far has been extraordinarily engaging and informative. I look forward to further events as the weekend continues to unfold.

Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has made it a priority to focus on culturally appropriate delivery methods for mental health and addictions services in our communities.  To accomplish this we need to improve the services and supports that are provided to residents. We know that the current system needs improvement, and we must rethink the way mental health and addictions services are delivered.

Mr. Speaker, many communities face challenges in providing programs and services to their people because lack of affordable housing makes it hard to recruit and retain staff.  Lowering the cost of living is one of the priorities of this Assembly and increasing the availability of safe, affordable housing is one of the key actions to advance that priority. 

Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has made improving accountability, transparency and collaboration a key priority.  Having an effective, up-to-date access and privacy regime is fundamental to that priority.