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Mr. Speaker, a fundamental part of our success as a government, and the future prosperity of our territory, depends on a productive and collaborative partnership with Indigenous governments. We must foster constructive and respective relationships with our Indigenous leaders, and to seek ways to advance reconciliation, recognize and affirm Indigenous rights, and support expanded program and service delivery.

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Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories understands how important it is for residents to have reliable and efficient access to driver and vehicle services. For this reason, we are committed to delivering and improving these services for the public, even during a global pandemic.

I would like to thank the employees working at driver and vehicle offices across the territory, including our regional contractors and online support staff.

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Mr. Speaker, on September 1, 2021 the minimum wage in the Northwest Territories will increase from $13.46 per hour to $15.20 per hour, making it the second highest minimum wage in Canada behind Nunavut. Since the last increase in 2018, the cost of living and the average hourly wage in the NWT have risen. This increase ensures that the minimum wage does not fall behind, brings our minimum to average wage ratio more in line with the rest of Canada, and makes us more competitive with our neighbouring jurisdictions.

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Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories knows how important it is to enable Seniors to age in place with dignity as loved and valued members of our communities. That is why the 19th Legislative Assembly has identified this as one of the 22 priorities in the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories.  We are taking a whole-of-government approach to create the conditions in which Seniors will be able to stay at home as they age.

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Mr. Speaker, local elections are important to community residents as they provide an opportunity to select a municipal government that reflects the wants and needs of the community. Being an elected official is one of the best ways that an individual can support their community in providing a safe, sustainable, and healthy environment for their residents.

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Uqaqti, uvani katimavikpangmi ilitchuripkarait qanuqangalutikraq hunigliqaa munaqrimun kiinauranik atuutinganun ilaulahilugi  inaurani ittuat, aglipkaqniarlugi havautating unmuktinniarlugu inuuniarniq akihuruaq. Matkua hurarautingit ikayurniarait Northwest Territories havaatigun inuit ikayurniaiqlugit tamairuat kiinauranik puvaklurnim payariarikangating.

Uqaqti, una pikaqapta ikayuqkavut Kavamavut una havalahipkaqlugu Tljchomi appqutiqpak.

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Mr. Speaker, one year ago, I tabled the Mandate of the Northwest Territories, 2019-2023. The mandate document outlines the actions our government is taking to advance the 22 priorities established by this Legislative Assembly, and includes timelines and measures for tracking our progress.  The priorities reflect actions that the 19 of us agreed needed to be advanced, and we collectively developed them in recognition that these actions were needed to strenthen the social and economic status of the Northwest Territories. 

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Mr. Speaker, in March of each year, we celebrate social workers across Canada and in the NWT.  This year’s theme for Social Work Month is Social Workers are Essential.

Mr. Speaker, social workers play a vital role in supporting and maintaining individual, family and community well being across the Northwest Territories.  Social workers are trained to help people address personal and systemic barriers that negatively impact them realizing their full potential.

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Mr. Speaker, one of the many exciting developments to expect as we get closer to launching the polytechnic university is increased capacity for Northern research. We know that the work underway, to increase the number of researchers and build effective research supports, for College partners and stakeholders across the Northwest Territories will serve as catalysts for Northern social and economic development.