Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate Yellowknife's own, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, on her election to the House of Commons and further on her appointment to the Privy Council as Minister for Crown Indigenous Relations.

Rebecca was born and raised in Yellowknife in Chief Drygeese territory in the Akaitcho region. After high school, she completed a diploma in film and video at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology followed by a degree in communication studies from the University of Calgary. In 2018, she was elected as 15th mayor of Yellowknife, following two terms as a city councillor.

Ms. Alty joins a rather exclusive club of northern Ministers and is only the second from the Northwest Territories following in the footsteps of the great Ethel Blondin Andrew who was Minister of State from 2003 to 2006. [Translation] So many people from the North who are now at the most important post in the country.  We would like to thank Prime Minister Carney who is originally from Fort Smith.  He clearly demonstrated his engagement, won the North by naming the Honourable Bucky Bélanger, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, and the Honourable Mandy Gull Masty. [Translation Ends].

Northerners are often overlooked and under-utilized by Ottawa, but these appointments send a clear message that that is going to change. The NWT holds the promise of Canada's future, the Gray's Bay, Slave Geological Province strategic corridor, critical minerals, and our untapped energy potential and natural gas, offshore oil, hydroelectricity, and geothermal resources. We can be the center of North America's strategic defence and ensure Arctic sovereignty for all Canadians and the tradition of Indigenous people who have called this land home since time immemorial.

Mr. Speaker, the new federal Cabinet and its priorities represent a bright future for the Northwest Territories with growth and security for our people. I know that my friend Rebecca Alty will make good on this opportunity and be the voice of the NWT on the national and international stage. Congratulations, Rebecca. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave .

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the first day of our last sitting in February, I told the trans and nonbinary community that I love and support you. As we are about to enter Pride Season, I stand today to say again that you are loved, valued, and deserve safety and equity.

Mr. Speaker, Pride is a protest. Again and again, we protest until safety and equity for everyone is achieved.

On May 3rd, the Premier released a statement with his territorial colleagues that they, quote, "discussed the alarming increase in trans phobic policies based on hate and ignorance being passed internationally, stripping transgender and gender nonconforming people of their fundamental rights to self-expression. All three territories continue to take a strong stance to support the 2SLGPBTQIAA+ community and are committed to ensuring all Northerners feel seen, safe, and supported."

In my role as Regular Member, I have the power of words and influence. And so today, I ask this Cabinet to use their active power to affect strong change and support our 2SLGBTQIAA+ community through real action. This means we must provide safe options for gender affirming health care out of territory. It also means that the GNWT must actively listen to experts in our community, especially the Northern Mosaic Network, to create real and lasting change through meaningful collaboration. I invite all Members to meet with folks outside the Assembly rallying for safe and accessible trans health care. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time.

Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [Translation] Mr. Speaker, but then there are a lot of people that are saying they are destroying a lot of young people and destroying a lot of young people that are suffering due to drugs.  There are a lot of things that had been said, yet not only in my community, but throughout the territories.  A lot of us -- there are a lot of changes to lifestyle due to drugs. [Translation Ends] Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, drug use is out of control in NWT. Mr. Speaker, we must address the drug crisis in our communities. Two weeks ago, the Dene national chief said we are, quote, "at the crossroads in an ongoing drug crisis." Mr. Speaker, I feel we need to recognize that this recent gun and drug related crime really is a crisis.

As a parent and grandparent, I care deeply about the well-being of our people, especially our youth. They are our future leaders who will shape our communities going forward. Mr. Speaker, this drug crisis is tearing people apart. It is heartbreaking to see the toll crack cocaine and fentanyl are taking on our youth.

Two people are facing firearm and drug trafficking charges in the Sahtu. Last month, a 21-year-old received a five-year prison sentence for selling cocaine in Yellowknife. Last week, a 22-year-old was arrested for a murder that happened in the Deh Cho in March. Yesterday, media reported that a 12-year-old was arrested in Mackenzie Delta after a shooting.

Mr. Speaker, our children are using drugs at younger ages; for example, 10 years old, and this will have a terrible impact on their future.

Mr. Speaker, my constituents are calling for actions. They are asking others to report drug dealers and people involved in the drug trade. Residents are beginning to face legal consequences. We need to ensure we have the resources to meet the challenges ahead. Mr. Speaker, addiction is also a disease, and while we must protect our communities we need to show compassion. Mr. Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have heard recently that the amount of time for legal aid clinics and services have been reduced. Our young people are entering the system, and we need to be prepared. I will have question for the Minister of Justice at the appropriate time. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, investing in our Arctic road to resources, Mr. Speaker, it's the highway north of Yellowknife, is an excellent, if not a major significant economic opportunity for the North and Canada. Mr. Speaker, if you look at the NWT's GDP alone, you'd start to wonder in this territory, is it trending that people are quietly quitting? Our GDP is shrinking and things are -- maybe no one's taken the opportunity to inform or tell the Premier.

Mr. Speaker, we're going to need some bold brinkmanship action to get in there, lock down, and get some investment in the North, because as the North starts to shrink, and continues to shrink in the direction it's going, you don't have to start to see the stark difference between when you look east or west, when you see Nunavut and Yukon, as their economies continue to grow year over year because it starts to make you wonder what's happening and where is the call for urgency. Mr. Speaker, frankly, the only growth, really, we see in the Northwest Territories in our GDP is the public administration. And in lay terms, that's for the public to know what that means is basically that means government with more government on top of government, Mr. Speaker. Government's bursting at the seams. It's our best sifter.

Mr. Speaker, but all isn't lost. There's hope on the horizon. Mr. Speaker, recently, Canada has elected a new Prime Minister. Mr. Speaker, that Prime Minister made a particularly interesting statement. I'll say it. He said build big, build bold, and build now, Mr. Speaker. So there's the message I'm sending to our Premier.

So, Mr. Premier, while you're travelling to the First Ministers' junket in two weeks from now and in between the wine, the cheese, and those fancy cute little tiny crackers, take a moment and ask the Prime Minister to help you build big, build bold, build now. We have partners here in the Yellowknife region - the Tlicho government, the Yellowknives - they want to work together to build that road north to the Bathurst port because we could build big, bold, and now, and that will help stimulate this economy.

Mr. Speaker, subjects such as the Arctic road to resources I think would be good, accelerating the Mackenzie Valley Highway is critical, and if Taltson isn't going to work it's time we pull it off the table and say let's run a power line north from Alberta because we have to start making some good choices. So I implore the Premier, do not be a Where's Waldo; be aggressive. Be big, be bold, and do it now because we can't wait any longer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I hope all colleagues is having an enjoyable spring. Mr. Speaker, I took the opportunity as recently as this past week where my wife and I drove through Fort St. John, BC, home to the Site C hydro dam facilities, a stunning and massive structure. This is also one of three facilities on the same Peace River. These are controlled waterways for commercial returns. Mr. Speaker, our journey continued to include sites at the Petitot-Liard River junction. Again, we witnessed another sight of low water conditions.

Mr. Speaker, these two areas are the head watersheds of the Mackenzie River and the Liard. With warmer climate conditions, controlling waterways, downstream residents in my area, of these invested conditions is not only alarming, concerning, but, more importantly, what's in store of our future's generations on sustainability.

Mr. Speaker, I support the MTS staff and the department for taking active measures to support a resupply point at Dooley Crossing; however, challenges remain within the waterways of sailing conditions, decisions are confirmed.

Mr. Speaker, mid summer of 2023, the marine vessel vehicle, Vic Ingram, punctured a hole crossing the 12-mile ridge above Tulita. The reef extremely cautioned -- extreme caution is required when supporting the approved sailing decision. It would be a catastrophic environmental nightmare should a fuel spill occur where remoteness and response plans, personnel, are not readily available and in immediate reach.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, my ultimate and remaining support is higher north and build Mackenzie Valley Highway Wrigley to Norman Wells. We must think strategically as we transition from regulatory assessment funding permitting construction during the remaining term of our Assembly. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North.

Mr. Speaker, the recent Earth Day announcement of $15 million in surprise subsidies to the three operating diamond mines has been bothering me. I certainly don't dispute that the mines employ a lot of Northerners and that Indigenous and northern businesses rely significantly on contracts with the diamond mines. What bothers me is that the subsidies are based on wishful thinking. They're not designed to actually accomplish anything meaningful when it comes to jobs or our economy. We're not getting any guarantees in return for the $15 million besides nice but empty words like "relationships" and "partnerships." They're not even offering best efforts but commercially reasonable efforts to maintain operations. Basically, they'll do what they were going to do anyway. We don't have any independent economic analysis that shows even the probability that this token gesture will result in one more northerner being hired or that a mine will stay open for one day longer than it would have without these subsidies.

$15 million in public funds are pretty small potatoes for those diamond mine operations, but they could mean a lot if this government instead invested that money directly in our people, in housing or education or mental health care or even in energy infrastructure projects to support future economic opportunities. Those are the investments required to build up our economic foundation, not desperately throwing money at the mines that are already on their way out the door in the hope that will slow them down on their way out.

With this so-called crisis so impossible to predict or plan for, global mineral prices famously rise and crash on a regular basis. We've known for many years these mines are reaching the end of their lifecycles, when we should expect falling profits and tighter margins. We can and should be creating transparent policy for what to do in these frequent situations. Should the government always subsidize a mine if it threatens to close? If so, for how long should we subsidize a failing operation? What proof do we need to see that a closure threat is real? Is there a minimum rate of return? How many jobs should be at stake to justify a subsidy? What should be the consequence if a company takes the money and shuts down the very next day? Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and to my colleagues. Finally, let's plan properly and invest in economic development based on sound evidence rather than spending reactively based on fear and wishful thinking. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the NWT, a number of health care professions are regulated under the Health and Social Services Professions Act. Psychologists were regulated under this act in 2022 for example. Meanwhile, counselling and psychotherapy are not yet a regulated profession in the NWT, and I have been approached by practitioners with concerns about the lack of a regulatory body to these professions here.

Anyone in the NWT can currently offer counselling or psychotherapy services without any formal education or training as long as they are not claiming to be a psychologist or social worker. Trained counselling therapists may register with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association where registration with the CCPA is not mandatory; it's voluntary. This is potentially a significant issue with severe impacts on public safety, Mr. Speaker.

Regulation protects the public. A regulatory body ensures that practitioners are held to high standards, promoting safe, ethical and evidence-based practices. When harm does occur currently, there is no avenue to report someone for unethical or dangerous care if they are not a voluntary association or regulatory body member. Unregulated, untrained individuals providing counselling care may worsen things for those already in crisis. Harm can occur due to negligence, malpractice, ethical violations, or incompetence. Regulation helps mitigate these risks by ensuring that only qualified professionals provide care and that harmful practices are addressed. We expect registered nurses and physicians to maintain up-to-date licensing, ensuring their ability to provide safe care. Why should we not hold mental health professions to the same standards? I want to -- or similar standards, Mr. Speaker.

I want to highlight that valuable education and training are not limited to colonial systems, and it is crucial that any regulatory framework developed for the NWT takes this into account. Currently, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario has a policy entitled the Indigenous Pathway Policy which aims to support the registration of appropriately qualified Indigenous practitioners of psychotherapy through consultation and collaboration with Indigenous communities. The CRPO also recognizes that knowledge-keepers, elders, and practitioners of Indigenous traditional healing practices can provide supervision to registrants recognizing that supervision from -- sorry, Mr. Speaker. I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the CRPO also recognizes that knowledge-keepers, elders, and practitioners of Indigenous traditional healing practices can provide supervision to registrants recognizing that supervision from noncolonial educated and trained individuals has value. Similar policies would be essential if regulation were achieved in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'll have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member from the Deh Cho.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to discuss Enterprise being put under administration.

Enterprise is still recovering from the 2023 wildfires which destroyed homes and businesses and displaced most of its residents. Mr. Speaker, there have been no clear plans since the fires. Enterprise lost people on its council in early 2024, and media reported widespread lack of confidence. On May 7, 2025, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs made an order declaring the hamlet of Enterprise be placed under administration due to the governance, financial, and operational challenges.

Mr. Speaker, section 159 of the Territorial Hamlets Act allows the Minister to declare a hamlet subject to administration and appoint a municipal administrator. This administrator can exercise the powers and perform the duties of a council under the Act. As a result, council is deemed to have resigned, and the office remains vacant until a new election is held.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister's orders effectively relieve the mayor and all members of the council of their duties. This measure was considered necessary to stabilize operations, ensure good governance, and address the challenges faced by the community, according to the press release.

Mr. Speaker, residents need to know the next steps. Some residents are still living in Hay River. They want to know when Enterprise will be move-in ready. My constituents are asking what plans are in place for delivering services and programs on behalf of Enterprise. Now that council has been dissolved, when will an election be held? I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my constituents of Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh following the spring federal election with great anticipation, a sediment echoed throughout this Assembly. For some time, there has been serious uncertainty about how outcomes of the federal election could affect our efforts to tackle the many challenges facing our territory, in particular the ongoing housing crisis.

The result is not clear. Mr. Carney and the Liberal party have returned to office promising a new government agency dedicated to building 500,000 new homes a year across the country. While this plan is ambitious, it is not without precedent. For decades, the federal government built homes across Canada and here in the Northwest Territories. Those efforts made real progress until the mid 1990s. Many people in the North and the small communities are still living in those homes today. Unfortunately, the beginning of our modern housing crisis can be tracked back to the moment of federal government transferred housing responsibility to the territory government. The NWT has since fallen behind by hundreds of homes a year or 7,500 in total approximately and simply do not have the resources to keep up.

Public housing wait lists grew, vacancy rates plummet, and older homes slip into disrepair. We are now at a turning point. But this moment is about more than just catching up on the housing shortages. It's about ensuring we never face a crisis like this again, and that won't happen until Indigenous housing is led by Indigenous governments. Only then, truly understand the unique needs of their communities. They have community members ready to design policies, administer programs, and construction to maintain homes. We need to give them the authority and resources to get started. My constituents can't wait any longer for the GNWT to move beyond its failing policies and commit to new Indigenous-led housing consensus.

A strong first step would be to revisit the successful historic initiative by reinstating the old HAP programs:

Homeownership assistance program,

Home improvement program,

Senior assistance home assistance program, and

Emergency repair program.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member's statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. But at this time, with the funding flowing directly to the Indigenous governments, along with funding for public housing and CRC operation and maintenance funds. My communities and I are eager to hear from firm commitments in that direction because this work can't wait any longer. I would have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' statements. Member from Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I want to offer my sincere condolences to all who have lost loved ones over the last few months. Grief is uncomfortable and difficult, especially in trying times.

I rise today to speak about Nunakput, a riding and constituency that elected me to represent and advocate for those that live in the most remote communities in the Northwest Territories. Seeing people travel on the land with the return of spring and warmer weather brings me joy and hope as many families are harvesting geese and catching fish coming home with smiling faces and nice-looking tans. Communities remain resilient as many families continue to face poverty and unaffordability with limited access to health care and education systems.

I think we all have a good idea of what we need, including a locally skilled labour market, an engaged and thriving workforce, improved housing, and more frontline services with vibrant schools and health centres. The work we do, the discussions we have, the questions we ask, our priorities; this is our vision, Mr. Speaker, a better territory than what we started this 20th Assembly with.

Our territory is seeing a surge of illegal activity, including amplified heavy drug activity and health centres overrun with preventative accidents and illnesses. What can we do?

First, we need to speak the truth for our children and our grandchildren. We need healthy families, healthy communities, and healthy parents saying no more. We must be more engaged in our communities, attend events and meetings, ask questions, volunteer, and run for elected office. I continue to trust our Premier, Cabinet, and I trust Regular Members to lead and act in the best interests of this territory. But, again, we need to remind ourselves we need to truly do what's best for this territory. As we begin this session, let's think about it. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Nunakput. Members' statements.

Colleagues, Dr. Earl Leslie Covert passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the age of 86 years. His family, while spread across Canada, has grown to include 13 great-grandchildren who are all under the age of nine years old. While these are the blood relations he left behind, there are dozens of people and families who called him a father, a grandfather, and a friend. He was predeceased by his first wife, Audrey, in 2016.

Doctor Covert was born on June 21st, 1938, in Ottawa, graduating Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, and moved immediately to the Northwest Territories, where he began serving the Lord as a doctor and leader in his church community. The legacy he leaves behind includes bringing hundreds of babies into the world, flying into remote communities to serve both the Lord and the medical field in any capacity he was able. He raised a large family and left behind a church family at Parallel Lethbridge, while not blood, are true family as any man could ask for.

Colleagues, Dr. Covert was a man who touched the lives of many people. He served his communities of Hay River, Coaldale and the Lethbridge area as a doctor for over 50 years. In the many years he served his community, he donated his time, his energy, and his love to anyone he met, serving in the Streets Alive with Foot Friday, the Gideons, and Parallel Lethbridge. He was lovingly known in Parallel as "the doc" where he served for many years as a door greeter and voice of wisdom.

Colleagues, I was fortunate to have him as a family doctor growing up in Hay River. It is not often when you have a doctor who brings you into the world and then has the opportunity to bring your children into this world. This happened with me and my younger sister.

I remember the last time we had a conversation about a potential operation. As we were chatting about various options, I asked him how long he knew me, and he said all your life young man. Then he thought about the question further and said we'll come up with a different plan.

When you look at Dr. Covert's life, there are countless layers of people he has affected on the people which some we still don't fully known, yet what is known is that he has touched so many lives in such a positive way that his passing has left a hole in the hearts of many. His last wish, his final goal, was to see the Lord Jesus Christ praised and the gospel spread to anyone with ears to hear.

I would like to thank his grandson Dallas Covert to help with this part of the Celebration of Life; however, being reflective of the time I would like the rest of this statement be deemed as read and printed in the Hansard. This includes other parts of the obituary written by his grandson, written by his daughter and son-in-law. He will be sadly missed.

I call tell you his hobbies included genealogy research, bird watching, and stamp collecting, where he served in BNAPS from 1972 in various capacities as Secretary of the Society, and Member of the board of governors. He eventually served as Chairman, and President of the organization. He is known internationally for publishing and editing various catalogs and collectors' documents relating back to his joy of stamp collecting.

Doctor Covert is survived by his second wife Jean and her daughter Barbara, his son Lawrence (Monique) and his daughter Cindy (Robin); seven grandchildren: Orrin (Kaio), Dallas (Andrea), Tyrell (Ceara), Nakyta (James), Natasha, Makayla (Spencer), and Porscha (Mike).

A Celebration of Life was held at Parallel Church, 1 mile east of Lethbridge on Hwy 3, on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Kelly Stickel and Pastor Ralph Molyneux officiating. The service was made available by Cornerstone Funeral Home webpage.

Cindy Esau (daughter), Earle Covert, the Collector. To quote the late Philip "Phil Ately", I have never witnessed a person who is more dedicated to acquiring, these funny little scraps of paper, that we call stamps, than my friend "Doc Covert."

Indeed, Doctor "Doc" Earle L. Covert was a true legend in his time. His Zeal for acquiring all things related to the Postal System, no matter how tenuous the connection, was remarkable. Besides the common postage stamps and stationery that you are familiar with, Doc was seeking out post cards, first day covers, illustrated permits, tobacco revenue stamps, post office advertising posters, mailboxes, etc. Nothing seemed to be off limits. He once even considered moving his family into a decommissioned post office.

Doc was very instrumental in popularizing this obscure endeavour. The younger generations seemed to take a keen interest. Clutching their first stamp albums, they would watch Doc striding through the gilded halls of BNAPS or ORAPEX in his quest for an elusive Mark Harmon post card or an inverted error St. Lawrence Seaway 5 cent 1958 stamp. Legions, well maybe not legions but probably quite a few, children got their life journey started this way. He will be missed. How are the dealers going to Survive now?

Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the permission of the Moses family to remember the late Winston Moses, a respected elder and friend to all to the town of Inuvik.

Winston's family said the world got a little brighter when their dad, grandfather, uncle, and friend Winston John Moses was born on April 6th, 1944, in Old Crow, Yukon. In his early years, Winston was raised by his sister Mary Lazarus Charlie and his godparents Ellen and Robert Booth Senior. Winston attended residential school in Old Crow, Aklavik, and then Inuvik. He later attended vocational school in Whitehorse and Fort Smith.

In 1974, while working in Inuvik, Winston met the love his life, Martha Pascal of Fort McPherson. After many weekend visits to Fort McPherson to visit Martha, he brought her home to Old Crow where they married on May 7th, 1975. The young couple moved to Inuvik in 1978 and together raised six children.

Mr. Speaker, one of his children, his son, Alfred Moses, who many in this building will recognize that name and remember who sadly passed away at the age of 45 in 2022, Alfred was elected to the Legislative Assembly here in 2011 and represented the electoral district of Boot Lake until his retirement from politics in 2019.

Winston and Martha enjoyed picking berries, setting snares and going for drives on the highway and enjoyed visiting relatives in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. When Martha could no longer go berry picking or setting snares, he would go out and often come back with full pails of berries or a few rabbits just for her, always taking care of his wife and family like the good man that he was.

Winston was known for walking everywhere with a hello or a good day. And anyone who's been in Inuvik or lives in Inuvik would see Winston walking up and down the hill, never accepting a ride, just waving and saying hello to everyone he crossed paths with. He was a humble man who always had kind words to share. In his spare time, he enjoyed sharing his music skills in guitar or harmonica. He would often perform in talent shows. When he attended the Gwich'in Gathering in Old Crow in 2022, he had entered almost every contest they had and won first place in many of them, including in the jigging contest and his harmonica in the talent show.

The Gwich'in Nation mourns alongside Winston's family as they have lost a respected Gwich'in elder and a knowledge holder who was always so willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn. Winston lived by example, and we've all seen his traditional values in all that he did.

One of his fondest memories was his last trip to Old Crow where he spent time with his family and going to Crow Flats. He was so glad to be home. He mentioned it being his first time back there in almost 50 years. He sat quietly having tea, he shared what he remembered, and appreciated his treasured trip. Mahsi cho to the Tetlichti family for taking good care of him during their revisit.

Mr. Speaker, Winston was special to everyone who knew him. Let us each honour him and all our loved ones who passed before by living the best we can each day, remembering all the teachings and applying them to our daily lives. Let us keep learning and sharing and caring for each other, like Winston did for us, never forget the sacrifices, hard work ethic and strong faith that he carried and lived. His legacy will live on through his family who was always the most important thing in life to him. Thank you for all your work on earth, Winston, and rest in peace in paradise forever more. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. Just beautiful Celebration of Life of a gentleman that was well known across the Northwest Territories. My condolences go out to the family and his friends.

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by the Member for Yellowknife Centre on February 25, 2025, regarding the Senior Envoy to the Government of Canada position.

The Senior Envoy position is one position within the Premier's Office and has been remunerated at the salary range of the principal secretary position which is considered a deputy head III.

As of April 1st, 2025, the salary range of a Deputy Head III position is from $261,474 to $326,842.

Salary ranges for the Government of the Northwest Territories' employees are available publicly on the Department of Finance website.

As of April 1st, 2025, the 100 percent maximum range for the deputy head III position, including benefit entitlements, there is an estimated cost of $440,000 per year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Returns to oral questions. Minister of Health and Social Services.

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by the Member for Range Lake on March 5th, 2025, regarding Coverage Exemptions for Uninsured Medical Procedures. The Member asked if there anything a doctor can do to convince decision-makers that an exception or an appeal is warranted if a procedure is not insured.

There is a robust process in place to assess appeals or requests for exceptions related to services that are not considered an insured service.

From the Member's line of questioning, I gather that the process was initiated through a prior approval request however the outcome of the request did not satisfy the patient.

In accordance with the Medical Care Act and the Medical Care Regulations, the director of medical insurance designates a medical advisor, who is a physician, to review prior approval requests and make recommendations. Depending on the complexity of the case, the file is reviewed by the medical advisor and any additional Department of Health and Social Services staff or other clinicians within the territory and in consultation with the medical specialist or other experts from outside the NWT, as needed.

The review and recommendations of the medical advisor, based on clinical input and aligning with funding of medical services in other jurisdictions across Canada, are reviewed by the director of medical insurance and the decision of the director is final. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Returns to oral questions. Mr. Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by the Member for Yellowknife Centre on March 12th, 2025, regarding the Senior Envoy to the Government of Canada position.

As part of an organizational shift within the Premier's Office, the Senior Envoy position was created to strengthen the Government of the Northwest Territories' federal engagement efforts. This role is designed to foster strong relationships with federal political offices in Ottawa while leveraging the renewed national interest in Canada's North. The Senior Envoy serves as a dedicated resource, ensuring that the GNWT's perspectives are effectively conveyed in federal decision-making processes whenever possible.

The success of this position will, in part, be measured by the level of engagement and resulting outcomes, including advocacy achievements and policy influences. Relationship building is an integral part of this process with progress tracked through the establishment of key connections made. Additionally, performance will also be assessed based on tangible outcomes such as new funding commitments secured and initiatives influenced. Ultimately, these measures reinforce the position's important role in expanding visibility and elevating our government's priorities on the national stage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my constituent Irene Roth who is here today in the House, although I can't see her because I am limited on my vision in the House. Thank you very much for being here and enjoy your Assembly.