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Mr. Speaker, today I want to extend my continued sympathies to the families of two men who gave so much to our territory and also highlight how our government will be honouring their memories for years to come. I am of course speaking about the loss of two exceptional men, former Housing Minister Alfred Moses, and former Housing NWT President and CEO,
Tom Williams. I have carried their memory in this portfolio, advancing our relationships with Indigenous governments and most importantly, working directly with our communities.

It is because of their leadership and support that we have been able to take the National Housing Strategy and convert it into successful relationships and funding for housing in the Northwest Territories during the 19th Legislative Assembly. Examples in this government include individual partnership agreements with indigenous governments for housing, as well as direct funding from Canada to Indigenous governments for housing-related infrastructure.
I am pleased to be a part of the success in that relationship and all relationships throughout the NWT that opened the door for Housing NWT to be successful in the Northwest Territories.

I am still saddened by the passing of Alfred Moses and Tom Williams during the time of this government, as I am sure many of us are. In respect of their work and accomplishments for this government and in this portfolio, today I would like to announce scholarships in both of their names.

The two new scholarships that Housing NWT has recently introduced; the Alfred Moses Memorial Scholarship and the Tom Williams Memorial Scholarship, aim to recognize and celebrate students who provide positive contributions to housing programs across the territory. These scholarships are in memory of Alfred and Tom, who demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing housing issues in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT will offer six scholarships of $1000.00 for the Alfred Moses Memorial Scholarship, and six scholarships of $1000.00 for the Tom Williams Memorial Scholarship annually. Both scholarships will award one in each of the five Housing NWT districts, and one in Yellowknife. Scholarships are available to NWT students entering a field related to housing, with applications being accepted until July 5, 2023.

Housing NWT already strongly supports the development of apprentices across the territory in the maintenance trades and these new scholarships will provide additional support to a wider group of students in both secondary and post-secondary education programs.

Mr. Speaker, as we have previously shared with Members of the Legislative Assembly, we will work with the Department of Education, Culture, and Employment to promote and coordinate Housing NWT’s apprenticeship program to secure additional candidates throughout the territory. Housing NWT has a target of hiring 12 Local Housing Organization apprenticeship positions every year. In 2022-2023, 11 apprenticeship positions were approved, and since 2007, Housing NWT’s apprenticeship program has helped 22 people earn their journeyman certification.

Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT understands that investing in our youth means a better future for all residents. Our values include innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. With the introduction of these scholarships, we are expanding our support to as many students and apprentices as we can. We believe this will help strengthen our workforce, with more skilled workers and a brighter future for housing solutions.

Mr. Speaker, Alfred Moses and Tom Williams both made a lasting impression on my life, and with the introduction of these new memorial scholarships, their legacies will carry on with more students exceling in their honour. Housing NWT is happy to play a part in their success.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.