Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update Members on homeownership clients that have direct mortgages with the NWT Housing Corporation and steps we are taking to work in partnership with these clients to ensure they are able to provide their families with affordable, adequate and suitable housing, while meeting their responsibilities as homeowners.

Mr. Speaker, in 2011, the Auditor General of Canada recommended improvements to the Department’s ability to evaluate and report on performance.  Specifically, the Auditor General recommended that we implement system-wide indicators, develop a program evaluation plan for the health and social services system, and regularly inform this Assembly about the performance of the system. Mr. Speaker, later today, I will table the first Annual Report on the Strategic Plan. 

Mr. Speaker, when we meet here in the Legislative Assembly we often talk about the opportunities for our communities and residents provided through the GNWT’s infrastructure programs. However, today I would like to bring your attention to work that the Department of Public Works and Services is doing as part of the GNWT’s environmental remediation program, and the opportunities that this work is creating for our smaller communities.

Mr. Speaker, later today at the appropriate time, I will table a public discussion paper entitled,, “A Vision for Energy in the Northwest Territories: Developing the 2013 Northwest Territories Energy Plan”. .  This paper is the first component of a multi-step process that will lead to the development the 2013 Energy Plan.

 Mr. Speaker, November is National Adoptions Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to recognize families in the Northwest Territories who provide a remarkable service to children.  

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that the NWT has been a world leader in recognizing aboriginal customs and culture when children need a family. Our legislation recognizes that our people take care of our children within their families, extended families and the community.

Mr. Speaker, over the last few sessions I have been reporting on work the Northwest Territories Power Corporation has been doing to ensure that its structure and operations are aligned with government’s goal to keep electricity costs as low as possible. As owners of NTPC, Northerners have a vested interest in making sure the Corporation achieves this objective. I believe NTPC is up to the job.

Mr. Speaker, in my travels across the Northwest Territories, meeting with communities, attending assemblies and numerous board meetings, I have heard one constant theme. Addictions are destroying our families and communities.

This government spends millions of dollars on addictions services. But our people are still drinking in large numbers.

Mr. Speaker, the oil and gas industry has been at the heart of our economy for many years. As one of our enduring industries, we have always recognized the need to work not only with the companies that want to tap into our vast resources, but also with those who live and work in the regions so that the economic benefits remain exactly where they should – in the North.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is dedicated to providing relevant curricula and improving educational outcomes for all students of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, on September 12th, negotiations towards a Délįnę Final Self-government Agreement reached a significant milestone. After many years, the negotiators have agreed on the draft text of a Final Self-government Agreement and financial agreement. This achievement is important as it lays the basis for the Parties to ratify the Final Agreement. As Mr. Yakeleya noted when this was announced last month, the move towards self-government complements the Sahtu Comprehensive Dene and Metis Land Claim and gives Délįnę the opportunity to make their own history.