Northwest Territories News

Mr. Speaker, the late Nelson Mandela said that overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right; the right to dignity and a decent life. As a government, we are committed to helping residents be self-reliant and to live with dignity. We have made investments in a wide range of programs, including education, housing, early childhood development, health promotion, and addiction prevention and treatment to help reduce and prevent poverty in our territory. However, government alone cannot eliminate poverty. It takes a coordinated response from communities, Aboriginal governments, non-government organizations and businesses.

Annual Anti-Poverty Round Tables that engage representatives from all sectors in every region provide an important way to share success stories and identify common issues and priorities. These collective discussions help align the poverty reduction efforts of all partners for maximum impact.

On December 2nd and 3rd, 2014 the second annual NWT Anti-Poverty Round Table was held in Yellowknife. Over 100 delegates from community organizations, Aboriginal and community governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses from every region of the NWT came together to identify and address key priorities to reduce and prevent poverty. The common themes that emerged from the Round Table were food security, homelessness, on-the-land programs, early childhood, and wellness.

Mr. Speaker, the atmosphere at the Round Table was positive and encouraging. We are using input gathered at this event to finalize a Territorial Anti-Poverty Action Plan.

This Territorial Action Plan, developed under the leadership of the Anti-Poverty Advisory Committee I established last year, is a multi-stakeholder plan that will address priorities identified by stakeholders and provide a road map to help guide our collective efforts for reducing and preventing poverty.

Another important component of the fight against poverty is the GNWT Anti-Poverty Fund. This $500,000 fund was created to support community-based anti-poverty efforts and allow territorial stakeholders to submit funding proposals for initiatives to tackle poverty or symptoms of poverty in their communities, regions or at a territorial level. Fourteen projects, covering a range of innovative activities from communities across the NWT are currently being funded and we anticipate receiving even more applications for the 2015 fund.

Mr. Speaker, healthy, educated people free from poverty is one of the goals of the Assembly and the Government of the Northwest Territories. It is only by forming a strong circle of partnerships that we can be successful in reducing and preventing poverty. Working together we will help residents live with dignity and self-reliance.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, in support of our Government’s NWT Biomass Energy and Greenhouse Gas Strategies, the promotion and use of biomass technologies remains a priority for this government in its efforts to reduce energy costs and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

With the ability to reduce the fossil fuel usage of a building by 80 to 90 percent, the Department of Public Works and Services’ early adoption of, and continued use of renewable biomass energy technology is something I wish to highlight today.

By March 31st of this year, the Department will have installed 22 biomass systems in seven communities that will be providing heat to 30 separate buildings and facilities throughout the Northwest Territories. These completed biomass installations displaced 1.8 million litres of fossil fuel in 2013-2014 alone and reduced greenhouse gas emissions associated with the operation of our public infrastructure by 4,882 tonnes per year.

New biomass projects scheduled for completion this year include the Deninu School in Fort Resolution, the Airport Terminal Building in Yellowknife and the South Mackenzie Correction Centre in Hay River while the projects planned for 2015-2016 include the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife, along with the schools in Fort Good Hope and Tulita.

Over the years we have adapted our policies and procedures to better support our continued commitment to this technology. Today all major capital projects are considered for biomass installations as part of our planning process. I am pleased to advise Members that biomass heating systems are being installed for new health centres in the communities of Fort Providence, Fort Resolution, Hay River and Norman Wells.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is considered a leader in the deployment of commercial biomass technology for public infrastructure. While biomass heating is one of many programs and approaches used by the Department of Public Works and Services, it plays an important role in supporting our government’s energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our Government’s goal of reducing the cost of living in our northern communities.

By the end of this fiscal year, our investments in biomass technology will have cumulatively displaced heating oil equivalent to ten million litres, will have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 26,444 tonnes, and will have saved our Government approximately $2.42 million in associated costs.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice has been a Canadian leader in the Corrections field with innovative and respectful wellness programs for Aboriginal inmates, including traditional counsellors, healing rooms, counselling with Elders and spiritual ceremonies.

As Members from previous Assemblies will remember, I have always been a strong, and at times vocal, proponent of the need for a transparent, effective and accountable Corrections system.

As Minister, I continue to fully support open and accountable processes for the management of the Corrections service and rehabilitation of inmates, the security of our staff and the safety of our communities. This mirrors a trend that is also happening throughout the various correctional services in Canada.

Our professional Corrections service staff are responsive to those committed to their care. Their work is performed on a 24/7 basis in five NWT facilities and by probation staff in our communities. We take the obligations for public safety and for the security of our staff and the inmates in our care seriously and thoughtfully. We will continue the practice of making strong and measured decisions after careful consideration.

As part of this commitment, the Corrections service has created a new Performance Assurance and Accountability Framework. This work began late last year and will be advanced through a phased approach until fully implemented in 2016. This Framework will address how we support staff as they carry out their duties. It will address the ethics and values they bring to their work, emphasize accountability to the processes in our system, and allow us to apply policies and directives efficiently and effectively using best correctional practises.

The Framework will give us an enhanced and structured ability to monitor key performance areas, including areas related to legislation, correctional directives and key operational objectives.

It will also enable us to realize efficiencies by managing staff deployment levels to provide safe and efficient management of our facilities. The Framework will assist in monitoring the timely provision of vital staff training for ensuring a safe and healthy workplace for all Corrections staff as they work to maintain and improve their skills and work performance.

While reviewing workloads and operations in our facilities is not new, the Performance Assurance and Accountability Framework will give the Department a formalized structure to reach the efficiencies expected by this Assembly, to be effective, and to maintain the safety and security of our facilities.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice will continue to review its work and evolve with best practises to provide an environment that helps inmates work towards their rehabilitation and prepares them to reintegrate as healthy contributing members of our communities.

I will keep this Assembly informed of our progress.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, last year I spoke on the government’s Service Innovation Strategy.  Today I would like to provide an update.   The Service Innovation Strategy has many parts and is ultimately intended to improve government services to the public, whether online, by phone or in person.  It supports our 17th Legislative Assembly goal of “Effective and Efficient Government”. 

Last Fall, the Northwest Territories hosted the annual meetings of the Public Sector Service Delivery Council and the Public Sector Chief Information Officers.  The two Councils composed of members from jurisdictions across the country, work collaboratively to enhance public service to Canadians and bring together service leaders from the federal, provincial and territorial governments to share information and best practices.

These Councils are an invaluable resource for the Government of the Northwest Territories as we work toward improving our services to the public and adapting many of our services to an online channel.

During the meetings, we had the opportunity to showcase the work being done by the Department of Executive Government Service Officers in our smallest communities.  Both Councils were most impressed, noting that the GSOs are this government’s human equivalent of a one-stop shop for government services in the regions.  GSOs connect people, information and services, by providing one-on-one support to residents of the smallest communities who may need additional help getting online and other services offered by the GNWT, federal or municipal governments.

The GNWT is committed to improving service, so measuring satisfaction is key.  Along with our participation in these Councils, the GNWT is participating in two national surveys which track resident and business satisfaction with government services.  The results will be used to identify areas for improvement and focus our resources better.

A key area we have been trying to improve, is making it easier to search and find information and services online.  One of the ways we are doing that, is by providing a consistent user experience to anyone visiting our websites. GNWT departments are now required to use common standards when they develop or update their websites.  This will help ensure people are able to find the information and services they need, regardless of which department website they are visiting.  The Department of Finance is currently updating its website in accordance with these standards.

Providing easy-to-find information on government services was the first priority of the Service Innovation Strategy.  The Service Directory website – which is an online, searchable website of GNWT services, was launched in December 2013.  It made it easier for residents to find information on government services.  Next on the horizon is a refresh of our flagship GNWT website.  We are also looking to create a portal for easier access to all online services, and hope to make that available in early 2016.  Both of these initiatives are designed to improve our ability to connect and communicate with citizens in ways that they prefer.

Recently, we established a trusted method for departments to put services online and for residents to create secure credentials when signing up for online service, using a username and password of their choice.  The Department of Transportation was the first to incorporate these new features, which now allow residents to renew or cancel their vehicle registrations online, book a driver exam, or obtain a driver abstract.  Residents are able to reprint receipts online, for any of the services they have used.  The Department of Education, Culture and Employment will be next, as they introduce this new secure method with their online services, including a “myECE” portal with Student Financial Assistance and Apprenticeship services.  Several other services are being planned to use the same approach, and will be rolled out over the next two years.

Online services work best when we have sufficient bandwidth and telecommunications services in all communities.  Mr. Speaker, with construction of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Link now underway, we look forward to the improvements this important initiative will bring for both government service and community access.  This strategic piece of infrastructure is going to play a key role in moving the NWT into the digital economy, making us a global leader in remote satellite sensing and improving services for Northerners.

We are also active participants in Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission proceedings and in federal government broadband initiatives which might impact Northerners, such as recent discussions with Industry Canada regarding the Connecting Canada funding.

All of these initiatives and more to come, in order to ensure we can meet you online.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 19, 2015) – Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty announced enhancements to immigration programs in the Northwest Territories today.

“To sustain a strong and competitive economy, grow and diversify the work force and maintain the level of service to which we have become accustomed, this government is committed to increasing the population by 2,000 people over the next five years,” said Minister Lafferty. “Immigration needs to be part of that solution.”

ECE is redesigning and expanding the Nominee Program to provide employers with seamless and expert program delivery, help employers and industry recruit and retain talented workers, and help newcomers successfully integrate to make the Northwest Territories their new home.

Other improvements include the launch of the Northwest Territories Express Entry System for Skilled Workers. The Express Entry System will help employers quickly and efficiently recruit and employ skilled workers when there are no qualified Northerners available.

To improve online service delivery and available information for both employers and job seekers, the JobsNorth website was replaced with Canada’s Job Bank on January 15, 2015. All services previously offered by JobsNorth are available on Canada’s Job Bank with additional services, including job-matching capabilities and bilingual service.

“The Department has been working closely with employers to enhance and expand the Nominee Program to better meet their labour market needs,” stated Minister Lafferty. “We will continue these partnerships to ensure our immigration programs and services remain responsive to their labour market and business needs.”

In addition to contributing to the GNWT economic development and population growth through immigration, ECE has developed an initiative called Skills 4 Success. This initiative will improve skills and training for Northerners to ensure they are prepared to obtain meaningful work in the growing NWT economy.

For detailed information please visit: www.ece.gov.nt.ca or www.immigratenwt.ca.
Click here for a backgrounder.

Media inquiries:
Jacqueline McKinnon
Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: 867-920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (February 19 2015) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Department of Lands is responding to the 17th Legislative Assembly’s decentralization priority by offering meaningful opportunities for capacity-building jobs in regional centers and communities.

Recognizing the essential role the Department’s inspection services play in responsible and sustainable development for communities and the territory, the Department of Lands has launched a Training and Development Program for five entry-level Resource Management Officer positions (also known as inspectors). These newly-created three-year term positions will be stationed in the Department’s five regional offices: Inuvik, Norman Wells, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith and Yellowknife. Recruitment for the program is currently underway and is expected to be complete later this spring.

“When the Department of Lands was established on April 1, 2014, I committed to provide new resources for additional inspection services,” said Minister of Lands Robert C. McLeod. “This training program will give successful candidates the education and experience to position themselves for permanent inspector positions within the Department of Lands or other government or non-government organizations.”

This new Training and Development program is designed to allow individuals to pursue careers in the resource management field using their on-the-land skills. By participating in the program, the candidates will become familiar with all aspects of their job function. The program will use a combination of formal education, GNWT and departmental courses, on-the-job training, mentoring and self-directed learning. The length of the training plan will vary depending on each candidate’s education and experience.

Once the candidate completes the program, they will meet the basic qualifications for higher level posts such as the Resource Management Officer II position. Their role in ensuring companies’ compliance with legislation and the specific terms and conditions of authorizations will be essential to the Department of Lands and Northwest Territories regulators.

This new structure supports the Department’s efforts to build local capacity, Aboriginal employment and aligns with the priorities of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Media Inquiries
Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Lands’ inspection services are essential for responsible and sustainable development in the NWT. Their success hinges on building the capacity of the inspections program through training and professional development planning. Inspections services help companies comply with relevant legislation, and meet the specific terms and conditions set out in authorizations issued by the Department and NWT Land and Water Boards.

In establishing the Department of Lands, a key consideration was a made-in-the-NWT approach to the inspections process, one that would respond to the 17th Legislative Assembly’s decentralization priorities – building capacity in regional centres and communities.

With resources approved by this government, Mr. Speaker, a Training and Development Program for entry-level Resource Management Officers – or inspectors – is now complete and ready for implementation. I expect that the recruitment process will be concluded this spring.

This program will establish five new Resource Management Officer positions, one to serve each region. These entry level positions are targeted to provide opportunities at the community level.

This means that individuals with land-based skills can continue to use those skills in the resource management field as inspectors. The length of training may vary with each candidate, depending on the education and experience of the candidate.

A fully trained candidate will have the minimum qualifications for an RMO II position and will have future opportunities for career advancement within the GNWT. These Resource Management Officer positions, along with other Resource Management and Superintendent positions, open career paths and succession planning opportunities for this Department.

This is a new structure – one that builds capacity, and one that enables Lands to further support the Aboriginal employment and regional recruitment strategies and priorities of this government.

Thank You, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has the potential to be an energy giant. We are home to world-class oil and gas reserves in the Deh Cho, Central Mackenzie, Mackenzie Delta, and Beaufort Sea. This territory sits atop an estimated 80 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and seven billion barrels of oil. Estimates indicate the Arctic contains one-fifth of the world’s untapped oil and gas reserves.

In order to develop the Northwest Territories’ tremendous petroleum resources in an environmentally responsible and economically efficient manner, we need to develop a comprehensive plan. Today I would like to talk to you about this Government’s work to create an Oil and Gas Strategy.

Similar to the approach taken to develop the Economic Opportunities Strategy and the Mineral Development Strategy, which were released by this Government in 2013, we are drawing upon the expertise and knowledge of regional and territorial stakeholders, Aboriginal governments and industry to develop a strategy that truly reflects Northern values and priorities.

Historically, the NWT economy has been reliant on mining. While there has been oil and gas activity in the territory for decades and this sector has made significant contributions to the economy over the years, particularly in the Central Mackenzie Valley around Norman Wells, the sector is far from reaching its full potential.

Mr. Speaker, the oil and gas sector currently faces the challenge of low global oil prices. As such, it is an opportune time for the NWT to focus on actions that will make us a more competitive and attractive destination for oil and gas investment and responsible development in the days to come.

The NWT Oil and Gas Strategy will outline how we intend to control the pace of the NWT’s oil and gas development. It will focus on building upon the existing foundation of oil and gas exploration in the NWT and establish a clear path to responsible production of oil and gas across the territory’s petroleum-rich regions. The Strategy will outline opportunities to help people gain appropriate trades and skills for future employment in the oil and gas industry.

Mr. Speaker, the next step towards realizing this Strategy is to gather additional public input through an online survey that will soon be released. We have already completed interviews with subject matter experts and held focus groups with key stakeholder organizations and businesses, and Aboriginal and community government representatives in regional centres across the territory.

We will also seek input from the Members of the Legislative Assembly. The consultation process will provide us with an opportunity to increase awareness about the importance of responsible oil and gas development in the NWT, the associated benefits for all NWT residents, and the support and infrastructure required to develop this industry. The NWT Oil and Gas Strategy is expected to be released in June 2015.

Mr. Speaker, managing the NWT’s natural resources responsibly will help provide a solid basis to our economy and support the creation of jobs and economic opportunities for NWT residents and businesses. This Strategy, informed by the input of the public, Aboriginal governments, MLAs and stakeholders, will help guide our decisions over the next 20 years and ensure that our residents enjoy sustainable benefits from the development of NWT petroleum resources.

I look forward to providing Members with further updates on the Oil and Gas Strategy as it develops.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the second winter of construction on the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway Project is in full swing with our contractor working 24 hours a day, seven days a week from both Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. Our contract partner, EGT Northwind, is focused on constructing new embankment and installing needed structures during the 20-week construction season, while continuing to train and employ Inuvik and Northern residents on the largest new highway construction project underway in northern Canada.

Engineers with the Department of Transportation estimate that since the project started last February, crews have moved over 1.5 million cubic metres of embankment material. To put that figure into perspective, it is approximately 62,500 loads of material moved by the 34 rock trucks currently hauling 24 hours a day.

Moving a massive quantity of material requires a small army of well-coordinated, trained, and enthusiastic employees. EGT Northwind has almost 600 people currently employed to operate and maintain the heavy equipment and support vehicles, supply and operate the work camps, and manage all aspects of the project from engineering and design to monitoring the construction area for signs of wildlife. I invite Members to join me in thanking the many individuals who are working to build the 120-kilometre segment of highway during the harshest season of the year.

Approximately 70 percent of the workforce is comprised of residents of the Beaufort Delta region and other NWT communities who have had more than 29,000 person-days of employment. That is a substantial contribution to meeting this Assembly’s priority of creating employment opportunities where they are most needed.

Mr. Speaker, delivering meaningful training opportunities contributes to a sustainable future for Northern residents who wish to enter the construction industry. The contractor has successfully trained more than 70 individuals as heavy equipment operators and 30 individuals as Class 1 and 3 drivers with airbrakes. These valuable and transferable skills will outlast the highway’s construction and allow residents to take advantage of job opportunities associated with other developments ongoing across the NWT.

The Department also collaborated with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to produce a workshop for frontline project personnel on protecting water resources and fish habitat.

Mr. Speaker, environmental stewardship remains a priority for the Department in the delivery of its programs and services, including the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway Project. The Department employs construction and operational procedures that use the best environmental practices to ensure wildlife, land, fishery, and water resources are protected. It also continues to track progress on 286 commitments made to regulatory agencies to ensure the project is delivered in a manner that addresses the concerns, expectations, and requirements of all parties involved.

Mr. Speaker, constructing the northern-most segment of Mackenzie Valley Highway to the Arctic coast was made possible in part by Canada’s strategic investment of $200 million. The Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway Project continues to be managed within the $299 million budget and remains on schedule, with an estimated 40 kilometres left to be completed at the end of this winter construction season.
An Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway Project display is set up in the Great Hall of our Legislative Assembly Building and I invite residents to come learn more about the project.

The construction on the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway is moving Northerners that much closer to completing a vision of a Canada that’s connected by road from coast to coast to coast.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the House that the Territorial Nominee Program has been greatly enhanced to better meet the needs of employers and to advance the population and economic growth objectives set by this government.

Economic growth in the territory is creating opportunities for employment and investment in many sectors, particularly in the non-renewable resource sector. To continue to build a strong and competitive economy this Government has committed to increasing immigration as a component of the broader economic and population growth work while maintaining our priority to continue to prepare Northerners for future economic and employment opportunities.

This is why we are taking a coordinated and unified approach to enhancing immigration programs and services to attract and retain more skilled newcomers to the territory. Enhancing immigration will help grow and diversify the labour force and support economic growth and prosperity over the long term.

The Nominee Program is a government-wide initiative delivered by two departments. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment delivers two employer driven streams, and the new Express Entry Stream. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment delivers two business streams.

The Nominee Program has been identified as one of the pillars of the GNWT’s efforts to support the territory’s population growth objectives. ITI has set a target of 8 nominees formally enrolled in the business related stream. ECE committed to increasing the number of employer driven applications under the Nominee Program by 25 percent each year over five years beginning in 2014.

To this point, I am very pleased to announce that ECE has already surpassed this target. In 2014, the number of approved nominee applications increased by more than 50 percent. This translates into 48 approved applicants including their 62 dependents – a total of 110 people approved under the Employer Driven Nominee Program in 2014. We are also on track to surpass our target this year. This is great news for the territory, and over five years we project more than 800 new residents living in and contributing to the NWT economy. This initiative is a key component of our Growth Strategy, aimed at attracting 2000 new residents to the NWT over the next 5 years.

We have made several key enhancements to the Nominee Program. First we have provided a one-stop and seamless program administered by knowledgeable and dedicated staff. We have also engaged with employers and other stakeholders to hear from them first-hand how best to improve the program. With their input, we have revised program procedures and materials to ensure information is accurate, clear and understandable. We have introduced program service standards and launched a toll-free information line for employers across the NWT. All of these enhancements will better facilitate the application and nomination process.

We moved our Northern employment services website from Jobs North to Canada’s Job Bank in January to provide employers and job seekers with enhanced online employment services.

The Department has expanded the Nominee Program with the introduction of the new Express Entry System. Citizenship and Immigration Canada launched the new Express Entry System for skilled immigrants in January 2015. This new system allows the Government of Canada to select and manage applications for permanent residence more efficiently and faster. Through the Nominee Program, ECE has implemented a new Northwest Territories Express Entry System for skilled workers. The addition of the NWT Express Entry System provides another 100 available positions for potential candidates in addition to the 150 currently available through the Nominee Program, bringing the total to 250 spots for candidates.

Mr. Speaker, we are also leading the development of an Immigration Framework. This Framework will focus the GNWT’s efforts and strategies to help employers get the talent they need, increase growth and diversification of the economy, and promote the NWT as a destination-of-choice for talented newcomers.

In the months ahead the department will be engaging employers and stakeholders to inform the Immigration Framework and will continue this important work to enhance our immigration programs and services to help keep our economy strong and ensure our residents prosper.

At the same time, ECE is leading a Skills 4 Success Initiative, to take a hard look at our skills training and post-secondary education programs and supports. We want to improve employment success for Northern residents, close skill gaps for in-demand jobs, and more effectively respond to employer and community needs. We all recognize that the number one resource in the NWT is its own people.

Mr. Speaker, I want to emphasize the importance of these initiatives to the territory. A growing, vibrant economy needs workers and, with our abundant natural resources, there are jobs emerging all the time, without people to fill them. A coordinated approach to immigration, our work force, and labour market will help improve economic and population growth, and increase opportunities for our residents.

Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation is updating its Multi-modal Transportation Strategy that will guide further development of our integrated air, road, rail, and marine systems over the next 25 years.  Engaging stakeholders and the public so we understand their priorities and needs has been a critical part of the process. Later this afternoon I will table the NWT Transportation Strategy 2015-2040 Stakeholder Engagement Report summarizing what the Department of Transportation heard during the initial phase of public engagement held in the fall of 2014.   The strategy will be regularly reviewed going forward to ensure it is current and reflect the needs of the Northwest Territories.

The Department used public meetings, online surveys, written surveys, a letter writing campaign, and face-to-face interviews to gather perspectives on the transportation system. We heard from stakeholders across the NWT, including Members of this Assembly, Aboriginal leaders, community leaders, residents, businesses, industry and key stakeholder organizations from the NWT and southern Canada who conduct business in our territory.

The Stakeholder Engagement Report summarizes their input and confirms the strong supporting role that transportation infrastructure continues to play in enabling economic growth for our territory and the delivery of essential services to its residents.  It is clear that Northerners and stakeholders want to see further enhancement and expansion of transportation facilities and services to meet current and future needs.

Three key themes emerged during the consultation. First, we must continue to maintain and improve our existing highways, winter roads, marine and airports to enhance the level of service and improve transportation safety. Second, we must expand the transportation system into new areas of the NWT to better connect our communities and support resource development potential. Finally, we must continue to improve the way we do business by modernizing transportation policy and regulations, by better communicating with the public to improve awareness and safety, by embracing new technology, and by adapting the system to the effects of climate change.

Our next step is to prepare a draft of the transportation strategy based on feedback gathered through engagement and technical background reports.  The Department will then visit each region of the NWT again in the spring of 2015 to discuss the draft strategy with residents and stakeholders.

Mr. Speaker, northerners recognize that safe and cost-effective transportation services are important to our communities and to the development of new economic opportunities in each region of the NWT.  We look forward to further engagement with residents this spring.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, as we have been hearing in this Assembly recently, on-the-land healing programs are critical to achieving our goal of healthy, educated people free from poverty. That discussion echoes recommendations previously made by the Minister’s Forum on Addictions and Community Wellness.

The Department of Health and Social Services recognizes the importance of spiritual and cultural healing and has made on-the-land programming a key component of the continuum of care and treatment of addictions. We are working with Aboriginal governments to deliver on-the-land programs as part of Territorial addictions services. These programs are designed and developed by communities to meet their needs, whether that is aftercare, youth programming, or dedicated time for families to heal together.

In the 2013-2014 fiscal year, three very different pilot projects took place in the Tlicho, Inuvialuit, and Akaitcho regions. These three projects helped us work with partners to determine the most effective approaches to on-the-land healing and common factors for success.

All three Aboriginal governments have indicated that community response to these initial pilot projects was very positive, and there was great interest in knowing when the next program might be offered.

This success reinforces our commitment to continued investment and ongoing evaluation of on-the-land programs. Aboriginal governments are essential partners in this effort, and we are working collaboratively to meet the needs of all residents. Aboriginal governments are using the funding, and the additional resources and expertise available through the Department, to deliver programs unique to their regions.

I’d like to highlight some of those programs for Members today:

The Tlicho Community Services Agency held on-the-land programs for Tlicho residents in the summer of 2014, and is planning a session centered around traditional knowledge and aftercare for the winter of 2015.

Building on successful pilot projects last summer, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation is offering five additional wellness camps to residents of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, at Reindeer Station and the Gwich’in Campground.

The Gwich’in Tribal Council will provide a five-day on-the-land program for the four Gwich’in Settlement communities: Aklavik, Inuvik, Tsiigehtchic, and Fort McPherson.

The Sahtu Dene Council will offer two 10-day camps near Délîne for families from across the region.

The Akaitcho Territory Government will support community-based on-the-land addictions programs delivered by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the Deninu Kue First Nation, and the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation.

Plans for the Dehcho have not yet been finalized, but we continue to work with them to determine the best approach for their region.

Mr. Speaker, this is an exciting approach to treatment and healing, and demonstrates this Government’s commitment to providing residents with innovative mental health and addictions services that support them on their path to wellness.

We are off to a good start, but we know that the demand for on-the-land programs far exceeds what we can provide alone. The Department is working closely with other Departments, Aboriginal governments, and our partners in the philanthropic sector, to explore the potential for a Funder Collaborative that will allow communities and Aboriginal governments to tap into other funding sources.

It is the hope and expectation of all partners in these initiatives that their work will lay the groundwork for expanded on-the-land healing opportunities across the Northwest Territories in the future.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, as we have been hearing in this Assembly recently, on-the-land healing programs are critical to achieving our goal of healthy, educated people free from poverty. That discussion echoes recommendations previously made by the Minister’s Forum on Addictions and Community Wellness.

The Department of Health and Social Services recognizes the importance of spiritual and cultural healing and has made on-the-land programming a key component of the continuum of care and treatment of addictions. We are working with Aboriginal governments to deliver on-the-land programs as part of Territorial addictions services. These programs are designed and developed by communities to meet their needs, whether that is aftercare, youth programming, or dedicated time for families to heal together.

In the 2013-2014 fiscal year, three very different pilot projects took place in the Tlicho, Inuvialuit, and Akaitcho regions. These three projects helped us work with partners to determine the most effective approaches to on-the-land healing and common factors for success.

All three Aboriginal governments have indicated that community response to these initial pilot projects was very positive, and there was great interest in knowing when the next program might be offered.

This success reinforces our commitment to continued investment and ongoing evaluation of on-the-land programs. Aboriginal governments are essential partners in this effort, and we are working collaboratively to meet the needs of all residents. Aboriginal governments are using the funding, and the additional resources and expertise available through the Department, to deliver programs unique to their regions.

I’d like to highlight some of those programs for Members today:

The Tlicho Community Services Agency held on-the-land programs for Tlicho residents in the summer of 2014, and is planning a session centered around traditional knowledge and aftercare for the winter of 2015.

Building on successful pilot projects last summer, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation is offering five additional wellness camps to residents of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, at Reindeer Station and the Gwich’in Campground.

The Gwich’in Tribal Council will provide a five-day on-the-land program for the four Gwich’in Settlement communities: Aklavik, Inuvik, Tsiigehtchic, and Fort McPherson.

The Sahtu Dene Council will offer two 10-day camps near Délîne for families from across the region.

The Akaitcho Territory Government will support community-based on-the-land addictions programs delivered by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the Deninu Kue First Nation, and the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation.

Plans for the Dehcho have not yet been finalized, but we continue to work with them to determine the best approach for their region.

Mr. Speaker, this is an exciting approach to treatment and healing, and demonstrates this Government’s commitment to providing residents with innovative mental health and addictions services that support them on their path to wellness.

We are off to a good start, but we know that the demand for on-the-land programs far exceeds what we can provide alone. The Department is working closely with other Departments, Aboriginal governments, and our partners in the philanthropic sector, to explore the potential for a Funder Collaborative that will allow communities and Aboriginal governments to tap into other funding sources.

It is the hope and expectation of all partners in these initiatives that their work will lay the groundwork for expanded on-the-land healing opportunities across the Northwest Territories in the future.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, last year’s extreme forest fires burned an area of over three million hectares. While it was likely the worst fire season we’ve ever had, wildland fires are a natural occurrence, leading to forest and wildlife renewal.

One early sign of renewal is the appearance of morel mushrooms, and we anticipate a bumper crop this summer.

Morel mushrooms are a prized delicacy sought by national and international food service markets. They cannot be cultivated in a commercial environment, and NWT morels, in particular, are known to be of better quality, taste, texture and size than those found elsewhere.

We saw evidence of the economic potential of this resource last summer, when residents in the Deh Cho – working with southern buyers – realized an estimated 750 thousand dollars from the harvest of morel mushrooms in the Fort Simpson vicinity. Mr. Speaker, if this year’s harvest meets expectations, it could be worth as much as ten times that amount for residents in communities around Great Slave Lake.

The harvest of NWT morels offers an opportunity to make a significant contribution to our Northern economy. Mr. Speaker, our role as Government is to establish an environment in which such opportunities can be identified, pursued and realized.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has been preparing for a significant harvest of morels for a number of years. As well, ENR will be pursuing amendments to the Forest Management Act to allow for the regulation of mushrooms.

In anticipation of this year’s morel crop, ITI, along with our partners, is developing a comprehensive handbook and field guide – and is preparing to deliver a number of orientation workshops to help inform, prepare and protect NWT residents interested in taking part in this year’s harvest.

We hope to be able to advise southern buyers that they will not need to bring large crews of pickers to the NWT – highlighting, instead, that we have a trained, knowledgeable resident workforce in our communities to support the morel harvest.

The NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy speaks of the importance of diversifying our territorial, regional and community economies by investing in Northern businesses and taking advantage of resources that are readily available to residents of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, morel mushrooms are one such resource that is ripe for the picking we look forward to a bountiful crop this summer.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, last year’s extreme forest fires burned an area of over three million hectares. While it was likely the worst fire season we’ve ever had, wildland fires are a natural occurrence, leading to forest and wildlife renewal.

One early sign of renewal is the appearance of morel mushrooms, and we anticipate a bumper crop this summer.

Morel mushrooms are a prized delicacy sought by national and international food service markets. They cannot be cultivated in a commercial environment, and NWT morels, in particular, are known to be of better quality, taste, texture and size than those found elsewhere.

We saw evidence of the economic potential of this resource last summer, when residents in the Deh Cho – working with southern buyers – realized an estimated 750 thousand dollars from the harvest of morel mushrooms in the Fort Simpson vicinity. Mr. Speaker, if this year’s harvest meets expectations, it could be worth as much as ten times that amount for residents in communities around Great Slave Lake.

The harvest of NWT morels offers an opportunity to make a significant contribution to our Northern economy. Mr. Speaker, our role as Government is to establish an environment in which such opportunities can be identified, pursued and realized.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has been preparing for a significant harvest of morels for a number of years. As well, ENR will be pursuing amendments to the Forest Management Act to allow for the regulation of mushrooms.

In anticipation of this year’s morel crop, ITI, along with our partners, is developing a comprehensive handbook and field guide – and is preparing to deliver a number of orientation workshops to help inform, prepare and protect NWT residents interested in taking part in this year’s harvest.

We hope to be able to advise southern buyers that they will not need to bring large crews of pickers to the NWT – highlighting, instead, that we have a trained, knowledgeable resident workforce in our communities to support the morel harvest.

The NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy speaks of the importance of diversifying our territorial, regional and community economies by investing in Northern businesses and taking advantage of resources that are readily available to residents of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, morel mushrooms are one such resource that is ripe for the picking we look forward to a bountiful crop this summer.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the resource sector is the single largest contributor to the NWT economy. Mining has created more than 28,000 jobs and produced $46 billion in minerals since the early 1930s. Those numbers help to tell the story of our success in this industry, which has provided residents and businesses across the territory with opportunities.

 To ensure our residents and communities receive long-term benefits from responsible mineral exploration and development, the NWT Mineral Development Strategy and Implementation Plan were developed. Of the 28 recommendations in the Plan, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is the lead on 12. Today, I would like to update Members on the progress we are making on a few of these initiatives.

 One of these initiatives is the Mining Incentive Program, launched last June. The program was oversubscribed by almost 200 percent in its inaugural year, with seven exploration companies and two prospectors receiving funding. We hope to continue this successful program for 2015.

 We also recently announced the establishment of a Mining Industry Advisory Board. Once established, this Board will provide technical advice to government and ensure mining regulations are in place to foster economic growth while maintaining high regulatory, environmental and social standards.

This Board will consist of between five and seven volunteers with a wide range of technical knowledge and sustainable development expertise. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment will recommend names of possible board members after consultation with the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines to reflect the best cross section of mining expertise as possible.

To promote the Northwest Territories as an attractive place to invest in mineral development we have a marketing and investment campaign underway with the theme of “Unlocking our Potential”. In addition to advertisements, this campaign will build on our presence at the events and tradeshows we participate in. At the Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver in January, we had a tradeshow booth that showcased the Northwest Territories and its tremendous potential to the prospectors, geoscientists, and investors in attendance. I look forward to providing you with an update on this campaign at a later date.

Good geoscience information is critical to the long-term development of the NWT mining sector. To ensure government and industry have the information they need, we are working to position the Northwest Territories Geoscience Office as the principal source of public geoscience knowledge, another recommendation in the Implementation Plan. A study of the glacial history and permafrost conditions of the central Slave Geological Province will provide insight to guide our efforts to stimulate the next round of diamond and metals exploration in the Slave Province. This is thanks, in part, to an increase in geoscience research funding from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

We also have plans to build a Geological Materials Storage Facility in Yellowknife that will house the territory’s substantial geological collections. Exploration companies and prospectors can re-use the existing drill core, which, for some companies, has resulted in millions of dollars of exploration savings.

Mr. Speaker, the Mineral Development Strategy and Implementation Plan give this government an important tool for supporting this sector and will continue to be evaluated and updated as we move forward to ensure that actions remain relevant and effective.

This Assembly has a vision of a strong, sustainable and prosperous North, Mr. Speaker. For more than 80 years, the mining industry has been a pillar of the Northwest Territories’ economy. The Mineral Development Strategy and Implementation Plan will help us to ensure the mining industry continues to be a key contributor to achieving our vision and the NWT’s economic growth.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Fostering Open Expression among Youth team, better known as FOXY, for receiving the 1 million dollar Arctic Inspiration Prize. 

The Arctic Inspiration Prize recognizes and promotes the extraordinary contribution made by teams in gathering Arctic knowledge and using this knowledge for real world applications. The prize is awarded by a selection committee, engaged partners and ambassadors. FOXY was nominated for this award by Premier Bob McLeod, with support from Minister Lafferty, Minister McLeod and myself. This year was the first time the entire prize had been awarded to one group, rather than split among several recipients. 

FOXY is a northern-based, youth-led sexual health education program that has been operating in the Northwest Territories for three years. It focuses on the complex determinants of sexual health in the Canadian North, not just visible indicators of sexual health problems and provides honest, realistic, and comprehensive education that empowers young women to make their own informed decisions. This program is designed by and for young women. It recognizes and addresses the link between sexual health and mental health and supports youth in developing healthy relationships based on equality, respect, and consent. By encouraging youth, and especially young women, to connect with their cultures and fostering the growth of young leaders and strong social support networks, FOXY also contributes to community wellness. 

FOXY was created as a new way of talking with young people about sexual health, sexuality, and relationships. FOXY has provided sexual health education in the Northwest Territories since 2012. This education helps combat the high rate of sexually transmitted infection in the Northwest Territories and provides young women with knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions regarding sexuality. 

Mr. Speaker, I’m sure all Members are interested in what the FOXY team will do with their well-deserved award. The additional support will help them expand the program into Yukon and Nunavut. FOXY will also provide its sexual health and leadership programs to all genders. This initiative will certainly be a great use of these extra resources. 

Mr. Speaker, healthy, educated people is a goal of this Assembly and of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Department of Health and Social Services is working toward that goal by continuing to deliver sexual health prevention and promotion activities and work with other GNWT departments on initiatives that address underlying factors contributing to the spread of STIs. 

Working with innovative community partners also helps us progress toward our goal, and we will continue to work with FOXY to identify opportunities for enhanced community and youth engagement on sexual health issues. I am proud of FOXY’s achievement and excited about our on-going collaboration. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, in every community visit, when discussing Corrections and Justice issues, we hear that on-the-land programming helps people heal and reconnect to their culture and values. In the Department of Justice, we know this to be true. This type of programming has long been a cornerstone of programming in the NWT. 

In the Assembly last year I talked about work the Department has undertaken to ensure inmates are receiving appropriate cultural and on-the-land programming while in NWT corrections facilities. Finding capable partners with the right kind of cultural knowledge and experience to deliver these programs is essential to their success. 

Our first efforts to identify groups, Elders and individuals who could help us deliver the Wilderness Program for low-risk offenders were met with limited response and we were unable to select any qualified contractors. The Department of Justice, however, remains committed to developing this programming and has been actively engaging communities to help identify potential operators. 

We believe that significant community involvement is essential for an effective Wilderness Program. Over the last year, Corrections Service staff have talked with communities to ensure potential operators of on-the-land programs are aware of our interest and will be able to deliver these specialized corrections-based cultural programs. We are committed to building a Program with significant community involvement. 

Recently, an Expression of Interest was again publicly advertised. We also sent it directly to those who might be interested in partnering with us in this work. I am pleased to advise the responses are encouraging. Over the next several weeks, community partners who may be able to fulfill the Program needs will be invited to come and have an open discussion with Departmental staff. These discussions will ensure both the operators and staff have a strong mutual understanding of the Wilderness Program and associated requirements. 

After these discussions, we hope potential applicants will have increased capacity to successfully respond to a Request for Proposals for the Wilderness Program early in the next fiscal year. Aligning the needs of the inmate population and the interests of the operators and staff is critical for the success of this unique Program. 

Mr. Speaker, in order for inmates to turn their lives around we cannot underestimate the need for strong community partnerships, support of the Corrections service and the willingness of inmates to participate in these on-the-land healing programs. We are working to be supportive and constructive as we build sustainable and effective programs in partnership with our communities. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, all children in the NWT deserve the best possible care, nurturing and support, so that they can develop physically, emotionally, socially, culturally and spiritually. When these supports are in place right from the start, children are more likely to grow up to become healthy productive members of their communities and society. 

The Departments of Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment continue to work in partnership to ensure that there is increased access and participation in early childhood programs, enhanced quality of early childhood services, and improved integration and collaboration at all levels of the early childhood system. Achieving our vision and goals requires an effective, comprehensive, and coordinated approach to improve early childhood developmental outcomes. Today I would like to update you on some of the achievements in our Right from the Start Early Childhood Development Action Plan. 

In December 2014, Education, Culture and Employment launched the Early Childhood Staff Grant Program. This Program supplements the traditionally low wages of the early childhood sector, to help attract new people and encourage them to further their post-secondary training. Making the field more attractive to trained people is critical, as the quality of early childhood programs is directly related to the number of years of training that staff have. To date, we have received more than 140 applications, and the first payments will be made on February 13, 2015. 

Mr. Speaker, we also successfully implemented another key action identified in the Early Childhood Education Action Plan. In January 2015, 10 successful applicants were awarded the first ever Right from the Start Early Childhood Development Scholarship. At $5,000 each, these scholarships will help our northern students to achieve their goals and complete their early childhood development post-secondary training, investments further benefitting our NWT children. 

To support new parents and caregivers as they embark on the important journey of raising children, ECE will give them iPads filled with useful early childhood apps and resources. We know this generation of parents are much more technologically savvy, and we want to provide them with resources that will assist them in raising their children. Distributing the iPads will also give us an important opportunity to introduce new parents to early childhood staff and resources available in their communities. What better way for relationships to develop than learning about fun and relevant resources that benefit modern parents and caregivers as they are raising their children. These iPads are the techno “baby bags” of the future. I look forward to seeing how tradition combines with innovation to continue serving our children and families in the NWT. 

Mr. Speaker, these are but a few of the commitments and innovations emerging out of the Right from the Start Framework and Action Plan, very actively underway. These developing programs and services are streamlining and improving access for our families with young children, and creating an understanding that investing in our youngest children is an investment in the future of the Northwest Territories. 

Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the tourism industry offers opportunities for economic development throughout all regions of the Northwest Territories, and federal funding can support this growing and vibrant industry. 

On February 9, along with myself and Mr. Don Morin, Chair of Northwest Territories Tourism, the federal Minister Responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq announced a contribution of approximately $2.8 million to support tourism development in the Northwest Territories. The contribution includes just over $1.4 million for tourism projects supported by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, and $1.4 million in funding for NWT Tourism. These funds will be spent over the remaining current fiscal year and in 2015/2016. 

The funding dedicated to Industry, Tourism and Investment’s tourism projects will include research, the development of a visitor exit survey, community tourism development, and training activities. 

There will be an emphasis on five communities with emerging tourism opportunities: Lutselk’e, Fort Resolution, Fort Simpson, Deline and Tuktoyaktuk. 

I would like to thank these communities for their vision in pursuing tourism for economic development, the well-being of their residents, and cultural vibrancy. Funding will support baseline research to measure the impacts of these investments, as well a series of initiatives to build community tourism capacity. 

The investment in NWT Tourism will take place over the same time period. This funding will support the implementation of a two-year marketing plan to further promote the territory to target markets in Asia, Europe and North America. Marketing activities include advertising and promotions, attendance at trade shows, market research and the development of a five-year marketing strategy. 

This strategy will respond to new opportunities, such as the emerging market in China and other Asian nations. It will guide the annual marketing plans going forward. The overall goal of these activities is to increase the number of tourists visiting and spending money in the Northwest Territories. 

I am pleased to share that Industry, Tourism and Investment will also be contributing funding to these two initiatives through existing tourism support programs. Our share includes $5.7 million for the ITI tourism projects and $1.4 million for NWT Tourism over two years, bringing the total investment announced by our two governments this week to approximately $10 million. 

Mr. Speaker, the number of tourists discovering our spectacular territory continues to grow every year. Tourism brings around $130 million to the Northwest Territories each year, and employs 2,500 people. To further grow this important sector we need support, and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment welcomes and appreciates the investment of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. 

Once again we would like to thank the federal government for their continued support. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.