Mr. Speaker, ensuring that housing programs and services reflect community values and priorities has been a key commitment of this government. Implementing Northern Solutions for Northern Housing also means working in partnership with other orders of government to develop more affordable housing.

To meet these commitments, we have been working hand-in-hand with local governments to develop Community Housing Plans that will guide and support their housing aspirations.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is following through on our mandate commitment to strengthen connections with our public and private sector partners in transportation infrastructure.

Marine transportation is an essential lifeline for residents and businesses in many small communities of the Northwest Territories. Communities on Great Slave Lake, the Mackenzie River, and the Western Arctic coast rely on tugboats and barges for the resupply of essential goods and fuel.

Mr. Speaker, the issue of property tax arrears has often been cited as a barrier for residents trying to purchase land, obtain a mortgage, or access various Government of the Northwest Territories programs.  Frequently a significant portion of these arrears are attributable to interest charged on outstanding debt.  The impact of this interest compounds over time and can leave residents with significant challenges to recover.

Mr. Speaker, the issue of property tax arrears has often been cited as a barrier for residents trying to purchase land, obtain a mortgage, or access various Government of the Northwest Territories programs.  Frequently a significant portion of these arrears are attributable to interest charged on outstanding debt.  The impact of this interest compounds over time and can leave residents with significant challenges to recover.

Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to update this Assembly on negotiations toward the shared management of oil and gas resources in the NWT offshore, along with our ongoing work to undertake a 5-year science-based review of the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas activity in arctic waters.

Wally Schumann, ministre de l’Infrastructure, a salué l’annonce d’un nouveau financement fédéral pour faire progresser le développement du Corridor d’accès à la province géologique des Esclaves (PGE).

Une somme de 40 millions de dollars sera accordée au projet pour les examens environnementaux et réglementaires, et les études de planification. Transports Canada versera un montant de 30 millions de dollars tirés du Fonds national des corridors commerciaux et le gouvernement des Territoires du Nord-Ouest versera 10 millions de dollars.

Check against delivery

Good morning. I am pleased to be here this morning to take part in this official announcement. I would like to thank MP McLeod and all guests for joining us.

MP McLeod continues to support our infrastructure initiatives and recognizes that these types of projects are investments in the future of the north. For that and his continued support, we are grateful and pleased that you are able to join us this morning.

Sept nouveaux projets de surveillance et de recherche environnementales recevront un financement du Programme de surveillance des effets cumulatifs des TNO (PSECTNO).

Chaque année, le PSECTNO finance des projets de surveillance et de recherche environnementales qui visent à fournir des connaissances scientifiques et traditionnelles précieuses aux gestionnaires de ressources, aux gouvernements et aux collectivités. Ces connaissances sont ensuite utilisées dans les processus décisionnels.

Mr. Speaker, during my time as Minister of Justice, I have often spoken about the Corrections Service and the important work they are doing to improve the programming and supports available in our facilities to help address the needs of individuals in our corrections system.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Northwest Territories Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program is providing $1.7 million this year to support
28 monitoring and research projects.  Funding recipients include Indigenous governments and organizations, universities, and territorial and federal government departments.