Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to announce that the Government of the Northwest Territories has, for the fourth year in a row, been chosen as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2016. This recognition by the Globe and Mail and Mediacorp Canada Incorporated distinguishes organizations that strive to include women, Aboriginal peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender peoples in the workplace.

Mr. Speaker, one of the key challenges facing the Northwest Territories’ transportation system today is climate change.  In the past years, warming temperatures have led to permafrost degradation causing roadbed and runway instability, and shortened operating seasons for winter roads.  But climate change also means lower water levels that are disrupting marine resupply services for remote communities, and forest fires that are causing travel delays and permafrost and infrastructure damage.

Mr. Speaker, this is Education Week.  It is a time to focus on how our education system supports our students to gain the knowledge and skills required to live productive lives and to recognize the teachers that help them achieve their personal, academic and career goals.

Mr. Speaker, supporting quality early childhood development in collaboration with other organizations is a priority for the 18^th Legislative Assembly. We all want the children of the NWT to have the best possible start in life so that they can reach their full potential. To realize this goal, the Early Childhood Development Action Plan was developed to address gaps in services delivered to children aged zero to five, by creating new programs and improving existing ones.   

Mr. Speaker, advancing, finalizing and implementing land, resources and self-government agreements is one of the key priorities of the 18^th Legislative Assembly and one of my personal priorities.

Good morning.

I am thrilled to be here for Pink Shirt Day, and I would like to thank MLA, Julie Green, Yellowknife Centre and MLA, Kevin OReilly, Frame Lake, and the Public Service Alliance of Canada for organizing today’s event on this important issue.

Bullying is a complex and serious issue that can have devastating effects on our children and youth. Bullying is unacceptable and we are one of the jurisdictions across Canada actively standing up to stop bullying.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories mining industry has a rich, storied history. It has provided thousands of jobs to citizens across our 33 communities, billions in revenue for investment in the well-being of our peoples, and innovations that have put the Territory on the cutting edge of responsible resource development.

(Check against delivery)

Thank you for the invitation to join you today. 

Like you, I am looking forward to hearing from Nicole (guest speaker) – and so will not take up much of your time today.  

I did, however, want to take the opportunity today to congratulate President Rene and your new Board; and to confirm - to all of you - our commitment, as government, to maintaining the valued relationship we have with this Chamber. 

Mr. Speaker, increasing the availability of safe, affordable housing and building stronger relationships with community governments and other stakeholders are two of the priorities agreed to by Members of the Legislative Assembly. 

Mr. Speaker, with the economy, environment, and climate change among the priorities identified by the 18^th Legislative Assembly, the Government of the Northwest Territories is pleased to highlight the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway construction project as a leading example of economic diversification and environmental stewardship.