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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform this House that the draft NWT Energy Management Strategy is out for public feedback until February 21, 2023.  

This strategic approach will support both Housing NWT’s energy goals and objectives, as well the strategic objectives of the GNWT’s 2030 Energy Strategy, and a long-term view towards guiding energy management decisions and investments. The strategy will also support skills training, economic development opportunities and more reliable and sustainable energy systems for Housing NWT. 

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Mr. Speaker, last month I attended the annual Association for Mineral Exploration Roundup conference in Vancouver with fellow Cabinet Members and government officials. We were there to advance this Legislative Assembly’s priorities to increase resource exploration and development in our territory; adopt a benefit retention approach to economic development; make strategic infrastructure investments; and, to identify, prioritize, and strengthen key actions to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

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Mr. Speaker, in the past two years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has provided over 50 million dollars in funding support. This year Housing NWT is again delivering an exceptionally large capital program of over 104 million dollars.

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Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories transportation system is critical to connect residents and communities, to support the economy and to allow for the delivery of goods and services. 

Our government is committed to improving, maintaining and expanding our highway system to offer safe and reliable infrastructure that can adapt to the effects of time and climate change, while also creating training and employment opportunities for our residents.

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Mr. Speaker, I welcome my colleagues back for the February – March 2023 sitting of the 19th Legislative Assembly. I hope you all had an opportunity over the last few months to spend time in your constituencies hearing from residents and stakeholders so that we can collectively and collaboratively work together to advance the priorities of the people who elected us to represent them.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to the devastating impact that the drug poisoning crisis has had on the community in Hay River. The Coroner has confirmed that there were six deaths related to drug poisoning in 2022. Many families are struggling to understand and cope with the emotional toll of these deaths.

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On behalf of myself, the Premier and my Cabinet colleagues, congratulations on arriving at the 50^th anniversary of the Yellowknife Geoscience Forum!

My gratitude to the NWT and NU Chamber of mines for their continued good work and commitment to organize and host this annual event. Thank you also for the invitation and opportunity to speak this afternoon.

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Madam Speaker, Housing Northwest Territories marks its 50th year.  With our Strategic renewal underway, Housing NWT is seeking to make improvements to the way we do business, and in particular focus on building and establishing stronger partnerships.
Leading up to National Housing Day on November 22, I would like to share with you some exciting things happening as well as celebrating the people who have made a difference in supporting Housing’s work over the years.

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Madam Speaker, as the Minister responsible for the public service I can say without question that employees are the GNWT’s most important resource. An engaged workforce that is committed to its work is critical to the delivery of quality programs and services to residents across the territory. This is why the Government of the Northwest Territories, like many other public and private sector employers in Canada, wants to ensure that public servants are engaged and satisfied at work.

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Madam Speaker, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs continues to be engaged in flood recovery and I am pleased to provide Members with an overview of the efforts taken to date and the status of the ongoing work.