Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to announce the release of Living Well Together, the online Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Training program for employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, March 8th is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the women and girls in our lives who have made immeasurable contributions to making the Northwest Territories, Canada, and the world, a better place for everyone.
Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, volunteerism plays an important role in contributing to healthy, safe and vibrant communities in the NWT. Community volunteers are essential to community health and well-being and we recognize their role in contributing to a strong and resilient territory.
To acknowledge the vital contributions of our volunteers the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards program was developed in 1991. The awards provide an opportunity to recognize outstanding volunteers in the NWT and highlight the importance of volunteerism to NWT residents.
Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in advance of International Women’s Day. In 1975, the United Nations designated March 8th as an opportunity for unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action about the place and role of women across the social, economic, cultural, and political fabric of the world. While it is a day for celebration, on reflection, we must raise awareness of the work that is left to be done towards gender equality.
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is Choose to Challenge.
Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my commitment as Minister of Health and Social Services, as a Member of this Legislative Assembly, and as a resident of the Northwest Territories, to address racism in all its forms in the NWT health and social services system.
Monsieur le Président, le gouvernement des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (GTNO) tient à créer un milieu de travail sécuritaire et inclusif pour tous ses employés. Pour y arriver, il doit sensibiliser ses fonctionnaires aux formes que peut prendre le racisme au travail.
Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has a moral and ethical obligation to root out racism in our institutions. This obligation extends beyond the overt, visible, and obvious acts of hate and violence that we can easily see and condemn. It includes the subtle, hidden, systemic racism that persists in legislation, policies, and practices.
Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, the safety of our residents is a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories. Through the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Emergency Management Organization, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, or MACA, supports communities in building local capacity in response to emergencies.
Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, professional engineers and geoscientists play an essential role in the growth and development of the Northwest Territories. They help address our society’s needs and solve our problems. Their work is evident all around us – in our buildings, highways and airports; in our safe drinking water; in our power and communications; and in our mapping and resource development in the North, to name a few.
Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that as we focus this sitting on the government’s budget, including how GNWT spending impacts the NWT economy and the role it can play in our economic recovery efforts, we are also beginning a territory-wide conversation about our government’s procurement practices and policies. Procurement is a significant tool that can positively increase the benefits of government spending on the private sector and, as a result, on the economy as a whole.
