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Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an important cultural milestone. The NorthWords NWT Writers Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary: twenty years of championing Northern voices and building community through storytelling.
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Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to recognize the outstanding achievement of staff at Housing NWT, who were recently honoured with the Community Project of the Year Award from Canadian Biomass. This award celebrates the district heating wood-pellet boiler system installed at the Sissons Court housing complex in Yellowknife.
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Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to talk about how the Government of the Northwest Territories is making improvements when it comes to our technology systems and online services. Our main goal is simple, we want to make government services easier to access, and safer to use. We want people to be able to securely access services, like applying for a permit, or accessing a marriage, birth or death certificate, no matter where they live in the Northwest Territories.
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Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Member for Kam Lake, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, will be absent from the House for a portion of today’s proceedings today to meet with the Forum of Labour Market Ministers.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Mr. Speaker, the 2025 wildfire season is now underway, and our team is ready to respond.
Response is just one part of the equation. Readiness and preparedness are equally critical. Following the 2023 season, the GNWT has enhanced its wildfire management program through strategic investments and initiatives. Today, I will update Members on the investments we have made that are helping us build a more prepared and resilient territory.
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Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to building more homes for Northerners.
This commitment is strongly supported by large new incremental investment in housing totaling $150 million dollars over the remaining term of the 20th Legislative Assembly.
The investment is the result of strong collaboration by all Members of this House, and highlights the strength of our consensus government system. Improving the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing is a top priority of this government.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update Members on the formal intergovernmental meetings I have taken part in this spring and those still to come. These are valuable opportunities to advance our priorities and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous governments and with federal, provincial, and territorial colleagues. They are helpful in educating other jurisdictions about the Northwest Territories and our government mandate, and to ensure that northern perspectives are reflected in discussions of national importance.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is proud to serve as Chair of the Committee on Internal Trade this year, at a time when Canada’s economic unity, supply chain resilience, and competitiveness are more important than ever.
Mr. Speaker, as we move further into the high-risk season for flooding and wildfires, the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking every step to ensure we are ready for emergencies, with the capacity to respond swiftly, coordinate effectively, and work collaboratively with our partners to protect the safety and well-being of NWT residents and communities.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Member for Hay River North, the Premier will be absent from the House for today to host the Western Premier’s Conference here in Yellowknife.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
