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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.

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Madam Speaker, at the appropriate time today, I will table Changing the Relationship, the final Action Plan in response to the Calls for Justice on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.

At its core, this action plan is about relationships. Our relationships with institutions, governments, people, and history.

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Madam Speaker, as employment levels reach historic highs, tight labour markets are being experienced across the Northwest Territories and Canada.  To address labour shortages, the Government of the Northwest Territories is working to strengthen our northern workforce through legislation, funding programs, academic and technical supports, and enhanced programs and policies.

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Madam Speaker, settling and implementing treaty, land, resources, and self-government agreements is a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories and a key part of the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Concluding agreements with our Indigenous government partners will advance reconciliation, recognize, and affirm Indigenous and treaty rights, support program and service delivery by Indigenous governments, and set the stage for economic self-determination.