Please be seated. I'd like to thank elder Joe Otokiak for the opening prayer.
Colleagues, before we get going any further, it's been brought to my attention somebody very special is having a birthday today, one of our translators Judy *Esamiuk -- I said her name wrong again, I apologize. But we'd like to wish her a very Happy Birthday. I think it's her 29th.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge International Women's Day, which is observed annually on March 8th to celebrate women's social, cultural, and political achievements throughout history and across nations. International Women's Day provides an important opportunity to showcase commitments towards women's equality, raise awareness about issues affecting women, and to highlight initiatives towards gender parity.
The theme of this year's International Women's Day is Accelerate Action. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress full gender parity will not be achieved until 2158; roughly five generations from now. As the Minister responsible for the Status of Women, I am committed to closing this gap much sooner and ensuring meaningful progress across our territory.
This year's theme underscores the need for swift, decisive steps to advance gender equality. It calls for a greater momentum and urgency in dismantling systemic barriers and biases that continue to hold women back.
Mr. Speaker, despite decades of effort, gender inequality remains deeply entrenched. Progress in areas such as economic participation, political representation, and the fight against gender-based violence has been slow. Accelerating Action means moving beyond ineffective approaches and embracing bold, transformative solutions that drive real change.
Our young women and girls have great potential to be our future leaders. To support them, we must ensure they have resources and opportunities to reach their full potential. Investing in education, affordable housing, health care, employment, and childcare, does not just empower women; it strengthens our economy and benefits society as a whole.
In recent years, events like the COVID pandemic and the wildfire evacuation, disproportionately affected women particularly in terms of job loss, homelessness, increased unpaid caregiving burdens, and heightened domestic violence. Accelerate Action signals that urgent and coordinated approaches are necessary to recover lost ground and ensure women are not left behind when events like these happen.
Mr. Speaker, I thank all women across the territory for their invaluable contributions to our communities, our families, and our workplaces; both today and throughout the year. We recognize that women face multiple barriers and gender-based discrimination. These obstacles make it difficult for women to attain equal footing. We must continue to work together to develop and implement strategies to prevent violence against women and girls, promote the development of women in leadership positions, and continue to ensure women and girls are safe in the Northwest Territories. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for the Status of Women. Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
Merci, Monsieur le President. [Translation] Translatin will be inserted for final Hansard -eds. [Translation ends]. Merci, Monsieur le President.
Mr. Speaker, the spotlight is on the North as the circumpolar world takes stage in the geopolitical arena. Manmade climate change is causing Arctic ice to melt rapidly each year opening up shipping routes merchants died trying to forge ages ago and unlocking resources which were once unreachable. Now, rival powers like China and Russia are militarising the region as their posturing becomes even more hostile. As our Arctic seas continue to melt, the open waters beckon them to escalate their challenges to our sovereignty in an effort to establish an even greater foothold in the region.
If those converging factors couldn't get any worse, now Donald Trump has discarded our cooperative relationship and thrown our ability to coordinate our defense of the region into doubt. The United States has long argued already that our sovereign territory in the Arctic is an international waterway, so it's only a matter of time seemingly until the American President decides to cave into Russian pressure and try to secure them a bigger role in the Arctic just as they are doing in Ukraine. With the United States retreating from the free world and western nations are now rearming to face threats alone, it's time for us to do the same.
For too long we have neglected our armed forces and defense infrastructure; however, if the chaos in the global stage caused by the United States has a silver lining it's that we may be finally be developing the political will to take corrective action. Today I was encouraged to learn the federal government is expanding its presence in the Arctic by investing well over $2 billion to establish three new defense hubs across the Arctic. While we could have used these investments years ago, these efforts are better late than never. The time has come to protect Canadian strength in the Arctic and make it clear to the rest of the world our sovereignty is not up for grabs.
Next week Canada will have a new Prime Minister, and I hope to see our Premier make clear to him that one of his first priorities in Canada is protecting the North, securing our sovereignty, and keeping the True North strong and free. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to rise and recognize that this upcoming Saturday, March 8th, is International Women's Day. It is an honour to be the Commonwealth woman parliamentarian for the Northwest Territories, and I'm pleased to note the importance of this day in the legislature.
There's no right way to be a woman. I mark this day by reaffirming my commitment to fight for the safety and equity of all women, girls, and gender-diverse folks. I mark this day by saying that we, and every single Canadian, has so much farther to go in responding to the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. I mark this day with mixed emotions. I have pride in our northern leadership that across the territory is full of strong leaders who are women and gender-diverse. I have pride that northern communities are full of women and gender-diverse folks helping each other flourish every day. But I'm also full of rage that violence perpetuated against women and gender-diverse folks in this territory and country is on the rise. I am annoyed and frustrated that issues that are often thought of as women's issues, such as childcare, are under-resourced.
Words have meaning, Mr. Speaker, but actions speak louder than words. Let all of us in this House recommit to what positive and lasting action looks like for northern women, girls, and gender-diverse folks across our territory and to support that action with sustainable funding and capacity for the organizations on the front lines. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from Monfwi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to echo what my colleague from the Mackenzie Delta said yesterday about the income assistance program. Bmany people in Tlicho region receive income assistance. Almost one quarter of residents in Behchoko rely on it. That's more than 400 people.
Mr. Speaker, we must ask if the government is supporting the people the right way. I know constituents with permanent disabilities who lost income support last year because a family member briefly worked part-time. Income assistance is intended to provide financial assistance to residents to help meet their basic needs so that they are able to participate fully in community life and take part in the opportunities available to them.
Mr. Speaker, we cannot expect to build up our workforce if families who rely on assistance lose that financial security when they work part-time to make ends meet.
Income exemptions under the new regulations will help. The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment said her department provided an additional $5 million last year and launched a new income assistance program for seniors and people with disabilities in July. The department removed requirements to seek and maintain employment. But will this help our youth hoping to retrain and work?
Mr. Speaker, Tlicho people are very hardworking. When we rely totally on the land, we did not wait for the caribou to come to us. I want to motivate our young people to find work. I will have question for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Norman Wells Esso oil field is a unique discovery with a low-cost blend. Refining costs are minimal. Mr. Speaker, this unique discovery has operated within our territory for over a century. To release the potential, the operator and the federal owners released a development expansion in the early 1980s.
Mr. Speaker, the asset, as the operator in industry refers to, has recently moved into two sections being called for an EA or, Mr. Speaker, environmental assessment; one being the oil field operating authority and the second a connection been the gathering system referred to as line 490 replacement.
Mr. Speaker, this regulatory EA process allows for IRs, or information requests, providing responses to deadlines can become challenging for proponents. Mr. Speaker, as an ex-driller during the '80s expansion and now an advocate for responsible development, and somewhat knowledgeable on our modern NWT regulatory systems since the days of development, it's concerning to me and others to see on the registry 350 IRs due by this Monday. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions to the Minister of ECC. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, March 8th, will be International Women's Day, and I stand before you as an Indigenous woman - a mother, a daughter, a granddaughter, a wife, now as a Member of this Legislative Assembly and, most importantly, a grandmother. I am deeply grateful for those remarkable women who broke the trail before me and many women in this House, those who faced countless challenges and paved the way for our future generations. Their strength and resilience inspire me every day.
This year's theme, Accelerate Action, resonates profoundly with us in the Northwest Territories. While we have made significant strides towards gender equality, we must remain vigilant and hold onto our achievements and push forward. The world is changing rapidly, and we have responsibilities to ensure that women and girls in our communities continue to thrive.
In the Northwest Territories, we face unique challenges. It's imperative that we work together to address these issues. Education, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment are vital areas where we must accelerate our efforts. By investing in these areas that support Indigenous women and girls, we can create pathways to success and leadership within our communities. Let us not forget the importance of amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. Every woman's story adds to our collective strength. We must create safe spaces for these stories to be heard, allowing us to learn from one another and foster solidarity.
As we celebrate the achievements of women today, let us commit to making meaningful action that will drive further change. Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for all women and girls in the Northwest Territories and beyond. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last year I stated the need for an ice road from Yellowknife to Lutselk'e in order to take the pressure off the cost of living in the community which faces high prices due to the shipping costs despite Lutselk'e only being a fairly short distance away from us here in the NWT capital. I want to revisit this project today and make another case for it completing in the near future because the political context has changed making the ice road even more necessary to both Lutselk'e and the territory as a whole.
First, the cost of living is still out of control and food insecurity is on the rise. My constituents hear about the potential trade war with the United States and are told prices will go up, and they wonder how the prices at their Co-Op store could go any higher than they are now.
Secondly, the building infrastructure in the North is becoming more vital to the overall security of the Arctic and subarctic. We already have major ice roads projects every year, especially supporting industry projects. The Tibbitt and Contwoyto winter road serving the diamond mines is 400 kilometers long. The Tlicho winter road connecting Whati, Gameti, Wekweeti is 200 kilometers long. The idea that the ice road to Lutselk'e is not possible is simply not true. We just need a political will to make it happen. If ice roads are good enough for the industry, then they are good enough for the small community of Lutselk'e.
Later today, I will be calling on the Minister of Infrastructure to commit to a feasibility study on the Yellowknife to Lutselk'e winter road as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife South.
Mr. Speaker, to complete this week, recognizing some of the achievements from Yellowknife South constituents, I am including today Dr. Ryan Connon who received the Government of Canada Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award in February. Dr. Connon is part of a three-person team, including Dr. Anna Coles and Shawne Kokelj, who, since 2020, have made up the Department of Environment and Climate Change's hydrology team. They work diligently to provide situational updates on river breakup and open water flood risks to the GNWT and to affected communities and residents.
Mr. Speaker, their work is not easy. It requires for them to be continuously monitoring changing water levels and ice conditions via satellite imagery, hydrometric gauges, live camera feeds, and also remote sensed data.
Dr. Connon and team consistently provided reports during the high flood risk to many communities to maintain situational awareness, and they shared their data and information with the GNWT as well as territorial and local emergency management organizations. Their dedication to safeguarding communities at risk of flooding is evident in many long hours. This enabled timely updates to first responders regarding changes in water flow and water levels along with a variety of other factors that could have triggered flash floods or floods.
Thank you to Dr. Connon and the other members of the Department of Environment and Climate Change hydrology team and their expertise, their strategic vision, their commitment to public service, their strong relationships with various emergency partners. All together, they have been instrumental in supporting the preparedness and the response measures for flood risk in the Northwest Territories. And so, Mr. Speaker, Dr. Connon and team are very deserving of their award, and I would like to congratulate them on their hard work. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife South. Members' statements.
Colleagues, last August, unfortunately there was a house fire in the community of Jean Marie River. One of the residents, Mr. Derwin Clille, the plant superintendent for NTPC, attended the scene and discovered an elderly person trapped in the burning house. Without thinking of his own safety, Mr. Clille grabbed a ladder and took it to the window and rescued the elder out of the burning house. This fast action by Mr. Clille saved the elder's life. I can tell you the family and community were very thankful for his fast action.
Once NTPC heard of his heroic actions, they nominated him for the Lifesaving Award from Electricity Canada. Electricity Canada's Lifesaving Awards are granted annually to any on-duty employee of an Electricity Canada member company who was involved in a lifesaving attempt or acted to prevent further harm to anyone who needed immediate help.
This past November, the year's award winners were presented at Electricity Canada's Annual Powering Partnerships summit in Toronto. There were four companies who had thirteen outstanding individuals recognized for their quick response. Mr. Clille was able to attend in person to receive this award. I would like to share with you, the following quote with the announcement: The Lifesaving Award reinforces the electricity sector's commitment to safety and well-being. These employees have used their training to go above and beyond the call of duty in times of crisis in their communities. On behalf of the electricity industry, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the 2024 Lifesaving Award recipients.
Mr. Clille is the plant superintendent in Jean Marie since 2022 where he lives with his wife and three children. I would like to congratulate Derwin for winning this award.
Thank you, colleagues. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, after our public briefing this morning with Aurora College, I want to speak further about the community learning centres because there remains so much misunderstanding and confusion as to what has been happening at the CLCs, what the vision for starting them was in the first place, and then what is the path forward that communities have been trying to sketch out.
The community learning centres are rooted in an initiative started by Frontier College in the 1960s and '70s and was rooted in a philosophy of community development. So that means providing opportunities for all community members to learn and gain skills that are important to them and be empowered in their lives and their self-governance. But over time, as these centres were taken under the wing of Aurora College, the focus narrowed towards upgrading, so focusing on credits people failed to get in high school or things they failed to learn well enough. And it was oriented towards anyone who's available between 9 to 5, so often the unemployed folks.
In some cases, attendance did dwindle and some centres stagnated. But other centres have revitalized themselves through partnerships and have lots of important programs happening that it seems much of the Aurora College leadership, that's based on the campuses, don't seem to be aware of.
In our meeting this morning, an example was offered of a centre in N'dilo and Dettah offering hands-on programs to over a hundred students in trades and various certifications. The response from the college was well, that's a partnership with the Yellowknives Dene so it's not really a college program. But the point is that those are exactly the kinds of partnerships that the CLCs could and should be doing more of to be successful. And that was exactly the recommendation of the What We Heard report that was completed last year for the college and ECE that's recently been published online.
We were told this morning over and over again the world is going digital. But my first reaction was, so why have you gone down and shut down the computer literacy classes at the Literacy Outreach Centre in Yellowknife then?
Saying that the future of learning is online is completely out of touch. It's tone deaf to what is going on now at the community level, the kinds of hands-on learning that communities have been asking for and, frankly, it reveals a lack of imagination and vision.
Through the facilities master plan process, the concept arose for CLCs to become vibrant, community-driven spaces, and hubs for collaboration. I am hopeful they could still become just that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member from the Deh Cho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to talk about the income support program. As it is, it is making our young people dependent even though they are capable of doing a lot. I want to mention that this program is doing good for people with disabilities and for seniors. They need that support. This isn't about them, but about the ones that are capable of working and building a life for themselves but are walking around our communities and couch surfing.
I always told people that we come from strong people, and strong people work. They do something to make themselves have a good life. They do something every day. Like my colleague said, and I agree, we are hardworking. To support our way of life in the North, we need to find ways to get people motivated to take responsibility for their lives. This will help build our economy. This is very important. There is so much to do, and people may need guidance and education to achieve their goals. They will need the support. Mr. Speaker, the sky is the limit, and our people can do and be and have anything they want. They just have to get up and ask for help. Mahsi. I'll have questions for the Minister of ECE. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform this House of the passing of Mr. Ian Legaree, a dedicated public servant, tireless advocate for the North, and champion of youth and community development. Mr. Legaree passed away on January 17, 2025, leaving a legacy of service and a profound impact on countless lives.
Born in Atikokan, Ontario, on July 17, 1959, to Don and Vivien Legaree, Ian's roots reflected Canada's diverse heritage. He met his wife, Shawna Lampi, in Atikokan, and their marriage in 1981 marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership of nearly 44 years. They welcomed three sons: Alexander, Stephen, and Sean.
Mr. Legaree's commitment to the North began in 1984 with a two-year contract that lasted his entire career. From 1989 to 2020, he served as the director of sport, recreation and youth for the Government of the Northwest Territories. He played a pivotal role in numerous projects, including the Arctic Winter Games, the Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games (NWT Program), and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association. His leadership shaped the landscape of sport and recreation in our territory.
His dedication to the Arctic Winter Games was exceptional. Beginning in 1986, he participated in 19 editions of this vital circumpolar celebration, serving in various capacities from mission staff all the way to international director. His contributions to the games are immeasurable, Mr. Speaker.
Beyond his professional life, Mr. Legaree was a passionate volunteer. For over two decades, he coached and officiated swimming, inspiring countless young athletes, including a decade as head coach of the Yellowknife Polar Bear Swim Club. He also generously contributed to the Yellowknife Community Foundation for 30 years, from its inception. Even after retiring from the GNWT, Mr. Legaree continued to serve the territory, playing key roles in emergency response and recovery efforts during the challenging floods and fires of the early 2020s.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Legaree's contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades including the Paul Harris Fellowship, the David Ramsden Career Excellence Award, Premier's Awards, and the World Leisure Organization Cornelius Westland Humanitarian Award.
Mr. Legaree was a man of diverse interests. He was a dedicated family historian, a keen sports enthusiast, and enjoyed traveling with his wife. He also had a passion for collecting interesting rocks and creating rock gardens.
Mr. Legaree leaves to mourn his wife, Shawna; Alexander and his husband Robin; Stephen and his wife Cindy; Sean Legaree; and his grandchild Burke. He is also survived by his siblings Robin Johnson and her husband Brent; Lorene Legaree and her husband Jeff; Kristi Legaree; and Blaine and Terri-Ann Legaree, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents Don and Vivien Legaree, and his niece Meredith Ivall.
Mr. Speaker, the passing of Ian Donald Legaree is a significant loss for the Northwest Territories. He was a true builder of our communities, a dedicated public servant, and a compassionate individual. He will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Mr. Legaree's life will be held on July 17, 2025, at the Legislative Assembly. Donations in his memory may be made to the Ian Legaree Youth Leadership Fund at the Yellowknife Community Foundation.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that this House recognize the extraordinary contributions of Mr. Ian Donald Legaree to our territory and extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Our condolences goes out to the family. I had the pleasure of working with the man; he was amazing. So thank God my Member from Frame Lake did that statement here in the House. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to seek unanimous consent to move item 6, recognition of visitors in the gallery, up to the current motion, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it's my honour to recognize my constituent Shawna Lampi-Legaree and her parents, Richard and Jean Lampi's presence in the House today. And, Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and thank Alexander Legaree for his help with today's eulogy and ensuring his father was appropriately honoured in the House.
Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to acknowledge the Member for Hay River South who helped me obtain a Team NWT pin as a small token of acknowledgement of Mr. Legaree's life's work.
And, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge my constituent Colin Mahon, who is one of our dedicated pages in the House today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Member from Hay River North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Premier, I would also like to acknowledge that Ian’s family is here with us in the House today. I want to welcome them to the House to share in this celebration of his life and accomplishments. And on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I want to extend my sincerest condolences. Thank you.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Range Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Range Lake page Ms. Tyra Ristau. I understand Ms. Ristau’s family may be watching our proceedings today, so she's doing a great job; don't worry. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Kam Lake.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I couldn't go without saying an acknowledgement of Shawna Lampi-Legaree. I've had the honour of knowing her for decades, and it's always a great light to get to see her in person. So thank you.
