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Mr. Speaker, climate change is creating significant challenges for the Northwest Territories, impacting communities, people, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The GNWT is addressing these challenges by integrating Indigenous knowledge and fostering partnerships to build resilience and sustainability for future generations.
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[This statement will be spoken in French]
Mr. Speaker, work in the Northwest Territories is evolving, and our laws must keep up. That is why, in 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories launched a review of the Employment Standards Act and Regulations; the first comprehensive review in over a decade. Workplaces have changed significantly, and our legislation must ensure fair, modern protections for workers and clarity for employers.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge International Women’s Day, which is observed annually on March 8th to celebrate women’s social, cultural, and political achievements throughout history and across nations. International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to showcase commitments towards women’s equality, raise awareness about issues affecting women, and to highlight initiatives towards gender parity.
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Mr. Speaker, vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect residents and communities from serious diseases. Today vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are weakening trust in science and public health. As a result, vaccination rates are declining, leaving residents, especially Elders and children, vulnerable to preventable diseases.
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Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT continues to expand its inventory of public housing units. These new units will provide stable living conditions and reduce homelessness for vulnerable populations. Safe, affordable housing improves quality of life. It impacts health, self-confidence, stability, and stronger families, giving people the chance to look beyond survival and focus on opportunity.
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Mr. Speaker, strengthening internal trade is essential to ensuring that businesses across Canada can grow, compete, and thrive. With the United States’ decision to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports and the Canadian government’s counter-tariffs, Canada urgently needs to strengthen our internal trade framework. Studies show that eliminating interprovincial trade barriers could add billions to Canada’s gross domestic product annually, lower consumer costs, and improve supply chain resilience.
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Mr. Speaker, almost 30% of residents in the Northwest Territories over the age of 15 consider themselves smokers. Smoking, which includes vaping, remains one of the worst substances for your overall health and can significantly reduce a person’s life expectancy. That is why the Government of the Northwest Territories continues to find new ways to support residents in making the shift towards a smoke-free life.
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Mr. Speaker, as the 2025 wildfire season approaches, I would like to provide an update on the planning and investments we have made to support wildfire prevention, mitigation and resilience. Our approach is focused on preparing people and communities across the NWT to live safely alongside wildfire, ensuring that we are ready for emergencies.
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Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Member for Hay River North, the Premier will be absent from the House today due to illness.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Mr. Speaker, effective emergency management and preparedness are critical to the safety and well-being of Northwest Territories residents. Today I want to recognize individuals and groups whose dedication and efforts have helped keep NWT communities safe.
The Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award is a national recognition for outstanding contributions to emergency management. Federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers present this award to highlight efforts in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
