Mr. Speaker, today there are increasing numbers of women leaders who are working at the local or regional level for the betterment of our communities. But only a handful of women have ever taken seats in this Legislative Assembly. 

Mr. Speaker, it’s time to change that.  Our governing bodies should be representative of the populations they serve, and women make up half of our population. We need more women in political leadership at all levels, but especially here in this House. 

Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of the 18th Legislative Assembly, our government committed to explore options for renewable and alternative energy sources and to improve our energy conservation efforts. The 2030 Energy Strategy was released in 2018 to provide a long-term vision for energy use and supply in the Northwest Territories and we began implementing the six strategic objectives outlined in the Energy Strategy last year, through initiatives detailed in a three-year Energy Action Plan.

Mr. Speaker, the 18th Legislative Assembly has made it a priority to strengthen relationships with NWT Indigenous governments. We have focused on fostering government-to-government relationships, and advancing, finalizing and implementing land, resources and self-government agreements.  Together we have charted a vision for the economic future of the NWT, and we have come together to make the case for greater investment and decision making in our territory.

Caroline Cochrane, ministre responsable de la condition de la femme, au nom du gouvernement des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (GTNO), a publié aujourd’hui Faire notre part – Réponse initiale à Réclamer notre pouvoir et notre place : le rapport final de l’Enquête nationale sur les femmes et les filles autochtones disparues et assassinées (la « réponse initiale »).