Mr. Speaker, although last year’s fire season was a significant break from years past, we know that each fire season brings its own unique challenges.
Over the winter, most of the territory experienced below average precipitation, and the few weeks of record breaking warm temperatures we saw earlier this spring caused snow to disappear weeks earlier than usual in some areas.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has a mandate commitment to have land use plans in all regions of the Northwest Territories. Furthermore, the government’s vision of land management, articulated in the Land Use and Sustainability Framework, states we will promote and support land use planning in all regions of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, in the Northwest Territories, responsible resource development is at the core of who we are. It drives our economy, has generated billions in opportunities for northern and Indigenous-owned businesses and provides thousands of jobs to residents.
Our natural resource wealth is not limited to minerals. We also have some of the world’s largest reserves of natural gas and oil, both onshore and offshore and these resources, developed safely and responsibly, will result in significant long-lasting benefits and returns for NWT residents.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories made a mandate commitment to develop a territorial climate change strategy that takes into account Northern energy demands and the cost of living, while reflecting international and national commitments to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Last year on May 1, the Government of the Northwest Territories released the 2030 Northwest Territories Climate Change Strategic Framework. This is our government’s coordinated, comprehensive response to mitigating and adapting to climate change, outlined in the following three goals:
Mr. Speaker, today marks a major milestone for Health Care delivery in the Northwest Territories. On May 26, 2019 we began accepting patients at the new Stanton Territorial Hospital, and implemented a detailed patient move plan to bring patients from the old Stanton hospital to our brand new facility.
Mr. Speaker, to advance our government’s commitment towards community wellness and safety, we are taking steps to improve care for our people by working with the Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, to explore the creation of one self-regulatory framework for all nursing professionals in the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre has acted as the territory’s museum for the past 40 years. The institution cares for a large collection of objects representing the peoples, cultures, history and land of the Northwest Territories on behalf of all the people who live here.
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to welcome all Members back to the continuation of the Third Session of the 18th Legislative Assembly. As we near the end of our term, our government continues to focus on advancing the priorities of the Assembly and fulfilling remaining mandate items. These are intended to help create a better future for all residents of the Northwest Territories, including the advancement of outstanding claims and self-government negotiations.
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Good morning everyone and thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today about LNG potential in the Northwest Territories.
In the Northwest Territories, responsible resource development is at the core of who we are. It drives our economy, has generated billions in opportunities for northern and Indigenous-owned businesses and provides thousands of jobs to residents.
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your invitation to appear before the Standing Committee today as you review Bill C-88 - An Act to amend the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and the Canada Petroleum Resources Act.
As you review this bill, I would like to share with you some of the Northwest Territories recent history which is specific to the NWT offshore and the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act.
