Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today and extend my best wishes to the 270 athletes, coaches and managers from 18 communities who will make up Team NWT at the 2016 Arctic Winter Games being held in Nuuk, Greenland from March 5th to 11th.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories joined Canada-wide efforts to recycle end-of-life electronics with the launch of the new Electronics Recycling Program on February 1st. Electronics can contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals, including lead, cadmium and mercury. These chemicals and metals can make their way into our environment if we do not properly manage the disposal of our old electronics.
Mr. Speaker, through the Petroleum Products Program, the Department of Public Works and Services provides fuel to 16 NWT communities not served by the private sector. The Department supplies fuel to these communities by truck during the winter road season and by barge in the summer. Prices for consumers typically change once or twice each year, in spring and in fall, after a new supply of fuel is delivered to the community.
Mr. Speaker, collaboration is one of the Priorities of the Assembly and is an important part of how the Government of the Northwest Territories does business. That includes developing and fostering effective partnerships in supporting a comprehensive and collaborative approach to managing and conserving our environment and our wildlife, forests and water resources.
Mr. Speaker, last week I had the honour to participate in the 2nd National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Winnipeg. This was an important opportunity for the Northwest Territories to engage in the national discussion on how we can take action together to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls. The core of this Roundtable was the families of missing and murdered women. Their voices were heard loudly and clearly, and they want action.
Mr. Speaker, beginning in 2014, the federal government launched a review of the Canada Transportation Act. The purpose of this review was to look forward 20 to 30 years to identify priorities and potential actions in transportation that would support Canada’s long-term economic well-being, including that of the Northwest Territories, or NWT, and Northern Canada.
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On behalf of Premier Bob McLeod and the Government of the Northwest Territories, I would like to welcome you to the Northern Governance Conference. I am pleased to see so many people here with an interest in the long-term economic and social well-being of the people of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to providing quality early childhood development programs that will help our children reach their full potential. We want our youngest citizens to have the best opportunity to become healthy, educated, successful adults who are well prepared to embark on meaningful and rewarding careers.
Mr. Speaker, later this week I will be participating in the meeting of First Ministers in Vancouver where I will have the opportunity to collaborate on areas of priority to residents of the Northwest Territories, including the economy and climate change.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of a transformative figure, an economic builder in our territory, a true Northern leader, Nellie Cournoyea.
Nellie served our territory and the Inuvialuit people for nearly four decades. Her career is a testament to what can be achieved with heart, resilience and clarity of vision.
