Mr. Speaker, today is national Pink Shirt Day. I applaud all Members for wearing pink in the House today to symbolize that we will not tolerate bullying of any kind.
The internet has opened an invaluable connection to the world by allowing residents of all ages in even our smallest communities’ access to information and opportunities easily. Sadly, it has also allowed bullying to move online.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to taking action so that seniors can age in place. We want to ensure that all seniors living within the Northwest Territories have the support and programs they need to continue living in their own homes, if possible, and participate as full members in their community.
Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to addressing health inequities experienced by our residents. In October of last year I provided information on the Department of Health and Social Service’s plans to move forward with our cultural safety and relationship-based care approach, and today I am pleased advise that the 2018-2020 Caring for Our People: Cultural Safety Action Plan will be tabled later today.
Mr. Speaker, our world-class tourism industry offers the greatest opportunity we have to grow diversity in our economy.
As we approach April 1st, the budget proposed for the next year fiscal year reflects this. It contains nearly $6.3 million in contributions and program funding to support our tourism industry; an increase of $800 thousand dollars from 2018-2019.
Mr. Speaker, municipal elections were held in nine hamlet communities in the Northwest Territories on December 10, 2018. There were 71 candidates in total, vying for 46 available seats. I am pleased with the large number of candidates, as this indicates there is keen interest in local government and that individuals want to serve as leaders and decision-makers for their community.
Mr. Speaker, we are making significant progress in meeting this government’s mandate commitments to strengthen the Northwest Territories postsecondary education system.
I am pleased to advise that the drafting of legislation to govern postsecondary education in the NWT is nearing completion. The proposed legislation will create, for the first time, a process to ensure the effective governance and quality assurance of all postsecondary institutions operating in the territory.
Mr. Speaker, over the past 15 years, the Government of the Northwest Territories has worked in partnership with the federal government to help meet the infrastructure needs of community governments. These efforts have helped community governments access federal funding, in accordance with our current mandate commitment in this area.
Mr. Speaker, securing funding to advance planning and construction of new transportation corridors is a key commitment in this government’s mandate. These transformative projects help to connect communities, support employment and training opportunities, increase our resiliency to climate change, and create new social and economic opportunities.
Today, I am pleased to provide an update on the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road project, an exciting new 97-kilometre highway that will provide year-round access to Whatı̀ from Highway No. 3.
Mr. Speaker, a few months ago I had the pleasure of signing the Bilateral Agreement between the Northwest Territories and Canada on the National Housing Strategy. One of the first funding allocations Canada proposed under the Strategy was the Northern Housing Fund, which brought $36 million in funding to the Northwest Territories. However, this is just a starting point.
Mr. Speaker, Regional Wellness Council members are a critical part of our health and social services system. They are change leaders in their communities and a voice for residents in their regions. They champion the ideas and concerns of residents and are passionate about using that information to shape and improve our health and social services.
