Mr. Speaker, June 15^th to 21^th is National Public Service Week. This year’s theme is “Proudly Serving Canadians”. National Public Service Week provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the contribution and accomplishments of public service employees across Canada, and especially here in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, two years ago, the 17^th Legislative Assembly made supporting sustainable, vibrant, safe communities one of its goals. Today, I wish to advise Members on Municipal and Community Affairs’ efforts to help achieve that important goal. I am referring to efforts that are underway to help ensure the safety and security of Northwest Territories residents by assisting with community emergency preparedness.

Mr. Speaker, healthy educated people are a priority for this Assembly and our government continues to investigate ways to support our children’s development and give them the right start in life.

Mr. Speaker, addressing housing needs is a priority of the 17^th Legislative Assembly and the NWT Housing Corporation. This year is the first year of a multi-year plan that will see considerable investments in housing infrastructure that will have significant impacts on housing in our communities.

Overall the NWT Housing Corporation expects to spend approximately $48 million on housing infrastructure during 2014-15 and, Mr. Speaker, today I wanted to provide an update on this work.

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to creating prosperity for all our citizens and we recognize that residents of rural and remote communities have unique needs. We recognize that it can be difficult to communicate with government departments when people do not know who to contact or if they are not able to access on-line services.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before the House today to inform you that Cabinet has agreed to begin developing regulations under the NWT Oil and Gas Operations Act that will set out filing requirements for projects involving hydraulic fracturing.

Mr. Speaker, making sure our children inherit a healthy environment that supports traditional lifestyles in a modern economy through the wise use and protection of our natural resources is one of the main goals of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

As you are aware, as of April 1, 2014, ENR took over responsibility for managing water resources in the Mackenzie Valley and inland waters in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region through the administration of the Waters Act and regulations.

Mr. Speaker, every day, seniors across the NWT make important contributions to their families, their friends and their communities.

We don’t always give them the credit they deserve, but recognizing June as Seniors’ Month in the Northwest Territories and June 15^th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is one way to show our appreciation to NWT seniors.

Mr. Speaker, with increased legislative and regulatory authorities, the Government of the Northwest Territories is positioning itself to take a more proactive and direct approach to expanding the territorial economy and to providing long-term and lasting economic growth and opportunities for the people of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, June 1^st is National Cancer Survivors Day. This day is an annual celebration of life and loved ones. Each year, it reminds us of the importance of speaking openly about cancer, and supporting one another in the face of such a serious disease.

On average, 111 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the NWT every year. There is life after diagnosis. The NWT residents I know who have cancer have shown courage and strength in their individual cancer journeys.