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Mr. Speaker, the 20th Legislative Assembly has made access to health care one of our top priorities. I am happy to share that as of today May 30th, the Łıwegǫ̀atı building is open to the public.

Quality health and social services for patients and clients from this building supports the new campus of care model through the co-location of services. This includes integrated teams for primary care, outpatient rehabilitation services, extended care, and long-term care.

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Mr. Speaker, increasing Indigenous representation in the public service has long been a goal of the Legislative Assembly. Indigenous under-representation within the public service is a complex and multi-dimensional issue and requires a variety of actions to address, from changes to policy and programming, to increasing resources and training opportunities.

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Mr. Speaker, I want to provide the House with an update on negotiations and discussions with the Government of Canada on the delivery of the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits program. This is a national program available to eligible First Nations and Inuit residents. In the NWT, portions of the program are administered by the GNWT on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada, through a contribution agreement.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a significant issue affecting the Northwest Territories: the historic low water levels that have been observed over the entire Mackenzie River Basin.

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Mr. Speaker, as we face another season of floods and wildfires, I understand that many communities and residents are concerned about the potential for disaster events. We have experienced a series of unprecedented disasters over the past four years, and as the snow melts, we are seeing dramatic changes to our landscape as a result of record low water levels.

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Mr. Speaker, the only way this government can effectively address the territory’s housing crisis is through true partnership with Indigenous governments. As stated in this government’s mandate, Indigenous governments play an important role in advancing housing initiatives that meet the unique needs of NWT communities, and we must work closely with them to ensure we are implementing housing solutions that have a real, positive impact on residents.  

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Mr. Speaker, with this first budget of the 20th Legislative Assembly, we are changing how we deliver on priorities in a way that is realistic, responsible and always with an eye on being financially ready for whatever the future might bring.

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Mr. Speaker, later today I will table the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2023 to 2027. This Mandate will be our guide as we work to advance the Priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly.

Check against delivery on May 17, 2024

Good morning and thank you for inviting me to be a part of NAPEG's Professional Development Symposium.