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Mr. Speaker, making strategic investments in our transportation system is one of the mandates of the 19th Legislative Assembly, and modernizing Northwest Territories airport infrastructure will help to achieve this. Investing in airport improvements keeps our communities connected while reducing the cost of living and supporting economic opportunities.

Given our vast Territory and dispersed communities, air travel is essential for Northern residents, businesses and tourists.

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Mr. Speaker, I would like to address the House about the Environment and Natural Resources search of the Łutsel K'e camp on September 13th. Many people have asked for more information about how and why a search was conducted at the camp near Artillery Lake. As this search was a matter before the courts, we could not provide more information.

On October 24th, the search warrant used for this search was quashed.

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Mr. Speaker, today I would like to provide an update on the 2022 wildfire season. Wildfires are a natural and important part of the boreal forest. They help keep ecosystems healthy, and they burn off excess fuels, like dead and dried out foliage, that builds up within the forest, which can lead to more extreme fires.

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Mr. Speaker, partnerships are key to addressing the territory’s housing crisis.
Through partnerships with Indigenous governments and communities, we are effectively finding housing solutions that recognize the unique needs of communities across the NWT.  As we advance the Housing NWT renewal strategy, I am pleased to report that these partnerships are already leading to real, meaningful work that will improve quality of life for residents.  

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Mr. Speaker, today I am providing an update on the Prohibition Creek Access Road Project to correct the public record, refute some misinformation, and also address some of the recent allegations raised in this House about the procurement process for this project.

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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report to this House and residents of the NWT on the progress we are making to transform the child and family services system to better serve children, youth, families, and communities. We want to create a system that provides services that are culturally safe and anti-racist.

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Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling the 2023-2024 Capital Estimates, which uses a revised approach in budgeting that better aligns the GNWT’s planned spending with actual project delivery.  Overall, the proposed Capital Estimates include $328 million in total spending, comprised of $292.5 million in departmentally managed capital, and $35.5 million for Housing NWT.   

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Mr. Speaker, good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be back in the House for the Fall sitting of the 19th Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, just over three years ago many of us were elected to this House to represent residents in constituencies across the territory. With just under one year remaining in the life of this government, we have much to accomplish.