Shane Thompson

Colleagues, I would like to share with you some very exciting news about housing in the community of Nahanni Butte.

The Nahanni Butte Dene band merits profound recognition for delivering 17 new housing units from 2023 to 2025, directly uplifting 17 families in this isolated northern community. This year marks further progress:

One new transitional/short-term accommodation unit;

Three additional rooms expanding the general store's capacity in 2024; and,

A completed staff housing project.

Over four years, the band addressed minor and major repairs across 14 existing homes, with ambitious renovation...

Colleagues, today I have the pleasure of recognizing an exceptional young leader from Fort Simpson, Ms. Ava Erasmus, who was awarded the 2025 NWT Youth Volunteer Award today. Ava grew up in our community, participating in the very programs she now helps to deliver. As a child she was involved in speed skating, track and field, and cadets, building the skills, discipline, and community spirit that continueS to guide her today. What makes this award so meaningful is that Ava has chosen to come back from university to give back to the youth of Fort Simpson and the Northwest Territories, and to...

I'd like to thank the two elders for the opening prayer. Colleagues, before we begin, I would like to take a moment to thank the grade 6 students from Ecole William McDonald Middle School who are visiting us and are in the gallery this afternoon. Please join me in thanking these students for being here today.

Today, I am honoured to celebrate the remarkable life of Christine Holman, a woman whose presence touched every life she encountered with warmth, wisdom, and grace. Christine lived fully and loved deeply, leaving a legacy not only in the memories she created but also in the kindness she shared so freely with others.

Born with a generous spirit and boundless curiosity, Christine approached life with a quiet but steady strength. She found joy in simple moments - a morning cup of coffee, a walk through the community, or a conversation that lingered long after the day ended. Her laughter had a way...

Please be seated. Thank you, Lillian Elias, for the opening reflections or prayers. Member from Kam Lake.

Colleagues, on December 12th, 2025, I had the honour of attending the Western Arctic Marine Training Centre's Bridge Watch Rating graduation ceremony in Hay River. This was the second year in a row I've been invited. In true northern way of celebrating the graduates, they had elder Roy Fabian and four youth do an opening pray song.

This remarkable program equips new entrants with essential Transport Canada certifications for bridge watch and deck duties, preparing them for safe, skilled careers at sea. Twelve dedicated students started and successfully completed the intensive 15-week course...

Colleagues, today it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge and express appreciation for the return of two well-respected educators - Ms. Jane Arychuk and Ms. Terry Jaffery - who have stepped forward to serve as interim superintendent and associate superintendent for the Deh Cho Divisional Education Council. Their leadership, experience, and commitment to education in the Northwest Territories are invaluable as the council works to recruit a permanent superintendent.

Ms. Arychuk brings a wealth of experience to this interim role. She began her tenure as interim president of Aurora College in...

Please be seated. Colleagues, before we get into Ministers' statements, I'd like to recognize one young man and then an older gentleman in the House. A young man, I call him dad, Mr. Jack Cooper, s former resident of the Northwest Territories. Unfortunately, he's on his way to attend a service in Hay River, but I'd like to welcome dad or Jack Cooper into the House today. As well as there's this old guy beside him. Just so happens to be my best friend and so all the bad stories that I have on him, he has it on me. So I'd like to thank you both for being here today. And we'll get on to business...

Colleagues, today I am going to recognize the incredible leadership of the Liidlii Kue Regional High School student souncil and the grade 6 class from Liidlii Kue Elementary School. I have witnessed both groups working hard fundraising so students can proudly wear school hoodies and the grade 6 class trip to Edmonton. These efforts not only raise money, but they also build school spirit and give students practical experience in organizing events, managing budgets, and working as a team.

Colleagues, these students are not just focused within the school's walls, but they also spread Christmas...

Please be seated. Thank you, Jonas Lafferty, for the opening prayer and reflections.