Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Mr. Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member spoke about the collective trauma that we all experienced. And I agree, that is something that as a territory we have to come to grips with. The other day I was thinking that, boy, this is the best time of year. It was, you know, early May, it was spring, and I just felt like a punch in the gut because the last few years, you know, they haven't been great. It's been a really tough time. And I acknowledge that. And, you know, to the Member's question about the evacuation, I want to note there was evacuations. There were 12 communities evacuated a total of 14 times. So this is not just a Yellowknife evacuation issue. This was an issue around the Northwest Territories. And obviously things did not go as -- there were many areas where things didn't go well. I've been saying that since I've stood up in this House and ran for Premier. That's one of the reasons I wanted to get into this House and into this role is to address the deficiencies that I saw, that I experienced, during that evacuation. And so that is the work that began on day one when we formed government and with this after-action review, we are going to make sure that we are implementing the recommendations based on the review that we're doing of that report because we want to make sure that what we saw, the deficiencies that happened, don't happen again. And so, you know, this is something that happened in the past years ago, and I'm sorry to those residents who had, you know, terrible experiences. Many of us had bad experiences, Mr. Speaker. We're all coming to terms with it. You know, I was an evacuee. My colleague from Hay River was a first responder. And so, you know, we had completely different experiences. And there's unique experiences across the territory. Some people, it was no big deal for them. Other people, it was devastating for them, and I feel for them, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Premier for that. And please let it be known that I never meant to minimize the fact that there were multiple evacuations. I use evacuation as a singular as to cover the entire year and -- yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, will the Premier make a point that in the GNWT's response to the after-action review to also address that healing needs to occur in the public service to demonstrate that leadership supports them in tangible ways. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I've gone over the recommendations in the review. In time, the GNWT will be putting forward a response. And I do recognize that healing needs to occur. There has been reach-out in the past from, you know, senior management to staff, but there needs to be ongoing support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Final supplementary. Member from Great Slave.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, yeah, I recognize that's a thorny issue. I'm just asking for some tangible ways that the Premier can address that and address specifically to the public service who feel kind of hollow with the responses thus far. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There's no easy fix to this situation. There's some people in the public service who are, you know, emotionally scarred from this. And I hear the stories from across the public service of the work that was done, you know, heroic efforts. You might not have been on the front lines; you might have been in an office; you might have been in a hotel room with three kids and two dogs. It doesn't mean your efforts weren't heroic. So I completely recognize that, and I appreciate the work done by the public service during an unprecedented time. It's clear that we were not prepared for a disaster on the scale of which we've never seen in the Northwest Territories. We don't have a standing army to respond to these things.
What we're doing now is we're taking steps to ensure that we don't put public servants in those positions again. We're making sure that people know what their roles are, that we can all work together in a coordinated fashion as government with community governments and with Indigenous governments to ensure that next time something like this happens, we will be better prepared and everyone will feel more supported. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Premier. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board. So on April 16th, the Minister sent directives to the Public Utilities Board on 11 kinds of policy changes that need to be made to allow for the growth of renewable energy generation in the territory. The Minister stated in a subsequent letter to the government operations committee that it's expected to take five years before the policies are fully in effect, but it's hard to see how we can achieve the goals in our 2030 Energy Strategy if we don't even have policies in place before then.
So my first question, with regard to the first directive around integrated power system planning, which is incredibly fundamental, can the Minister clarify whether it's expected to take five years before the power system planning can even begin or when can we expect to have a plan for an integrated power system? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Minister of Infrastructure.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, yeah, I guess the thing here is we're doing the integrated plan, system plan, to ensure that we have the right mixture of power to meet the demands of our system. The work has already been happening. It's already begun. So, you know, it's not a wait five years. You know, we're planning to have our goal of 2050. So, you know, we're already working on this system. It's not just starting right now. While the plan, the full plan, will take some time to complete, it's not a prerequisite for implementing the other policy directives. The plan will consider the impacts to those directives and support the long-term energy security, affordability, and sustainability of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So as the Minister alluded, you know, work has already begun and, in fact, the GNWT's already commissioned four independent analyses and completed extensive research, so couldn't the Public Utilities Board simply use the existing research to speed up its policy development, or does the PUB have to start all over again with its own research; can the Minister clarify? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The GNWT has commissioned several technical studies. The PUB has directed the use of existing studies also. We're not just putting them on the shelf. So we're using them. The PUB established its own process of implementing each directive. For example, while the GNWT has directed the PUB to establish an independent power producer policy, the exact design will be based on evidence and consultation through the PUB process. So the PUB can commission additional studies, if needed, but it's been using existing ones also. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for Public Utilities Board. Final supplementary. Member from Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I wonder if the Minister could provide us with a revised timeline that's sooner than within five years and perhaps even prioritize some of the directives to be completed sooner, especially the ones communities have been asking for, such as the policy on independent power producers or the overly restrictive cap on community generation of renewable energy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So the structure of our directives allow for the -- for a phrased or prioritized rollout. That said, it's up to the PUB to determine the process and timelines for the implementation. So we're recognizing the strong community interest of these changes, and the PUB is expected to consider that as it sets its priorities. The GNWT's role is to provide direction. The PUB is responsible for executing the way that is informed and align how our utilities operate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for Public Utilities Board. Oral questions. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up on my Member's statement, can the Minister confirm how many -- sorry, my questions are for the Minister of health.
Can the Minister confirm how many NWT residents are currently registered for the new extended health benefits, and can she provide a regional breakdown by income band of all approved applicants, both seniors and non-seniors, so Members can see where there may be pockets of residents that may need additional support to register. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as of the end of April, we have 894 non-senior residents approved. We have 3,671 seniors approved. Of those non-senior -- oh, yes, 461 were formally on the specific -- specified disease condition program. So right now, we have 433 brand new registrants. What I can do is get our enrolment database to record -- I mean, they do record the clients' region so I can share that information with the Member once we have all of that information compiled. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Minister for that. And we'll get into the financial impacts of that maybe another day. But so I understand that seniors are automatically renewed, but other beneficiaries must reapply every year. What reminder systems or supports are in place to ensure that non-senior residents re-register on time so that they do not experience an interruption in their coverage, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate this question, yes, and non-seniors, because there is no income threshold on -- or sorry, seniors, there's no income threshold so those just automatically renew every year. Because the extended health program is based on income, there is an annual CRA that needs to be added to their application. However, I've directed my department to put in clearer processes as this -- you know, we're hearing this, that there's vacancies -- or there's gaps in people that are applying. So we'll take that back, and we'll look at how we can streamline that process better or to ensure that the information is getting out soon enough to NWT residents so that they apply early enough. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Final supplementary. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Minister. And I think that's crucial. It was alarming, the number of people that weren't aware they had to register for the program. So I'm glad to hear that, and we'll keep an eye on that as we move forward.
Mr. Speaker, as part of the work to modernize the medical travel, has the Minister given any consideration to folding the medical travel policy, if possible, into the extended health benefits framework. Is that something that's do-able and something she's considering? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Member has said, we are modernizing the medical travel, and we will be reviewing the extended health benefits in this next few -- like, I think it's one year from the time, so we'll start the review in September. And, yes, the medical travel benefits were applied across the board for those specific disease, but now that's been removed and they have to use the medical travel policy. So there is lots of different pieces going on. But with the review of the medical travel modernization, I believe that this has -- we will -- like, I have flagged this because it has come up to. So we'll continue to work with the department to provide some model options so that we can bring that forward. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Oral questions. Member from Monfwi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we all need an elder in our lives. Sounds like we need one in here. With that in mind, Mr. Speaker, the elders in school program was started in 2013. Can the Minister say how many schools across the territory currently employ an elder for this program? Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don't have a specific number for that program, but we have multiple programs across the territory that create space for elders within our school system. The Member is absolutely right, the power of elders is absolutely undeniable and one that we have the privilege of experiencing in this House. Some of the programs that I'd be happy to talk more about are the elders for Indigenous languages programs, our school-based mental health and wellness program, our community focus from the Indigenous languages secretariat, as well as our school food program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I understand there is an elder in the classroom, in-classroom component. Can the Minister explain whether the elders are teaching as part of this program and how the program works. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, absolutely, elders are always teaching when they are anywhere in our communities. A lot of the programs centre around language revitalization and on the land experiences and cultural experiences for students across the Northwest Territories. And even when elders are in a health and wellness role within the school, they're still teaching at that point. So teaching is a key component in imparting knowledge and experience to our youth. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Final supplementary. Member from Monfwi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has been over a decade since this program was implemented. Can the Minister commit to a formal evaluation of the elders in school program and provide information to the House about its continued funding and any support needed for its further implementation. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd be happy to follow up with the department on that specific program. But over the years, additional programs have come into play that have a created more space for elders in schools. Our school food program is just new this year in 2025. The transition to the school-based mental health and wellness program where elders could be hired, that's brand new as of 2024. So some of these programs are actually quite recent. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm just referring back to my recurring question that I bring up every session on the amendment -- targeted amendments to the waters regs. Mr. Speaker, the last time I asked the Minister of Environment and Climate Change about that, he mentioned that he would have a concrete plan available for Members in the spring. I'm just asking the Minister for an update on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to stand up today and appreciate the Member's thoroughness of returning with the question on a regular basis. I think this is an area that is very integral to the Northwest Territories and our ability to, you know, move things forward in a collaborative manner. The department is still committed to the phased approach for the amendments and the changes to the Waters Act for phase 1 being limited to the targeted amendments, and that work is well underway. And phase 2 being the more comprehensive review which will happen once the amendments are complete. And then we would go back to phase 3 if required depending on the changes to the act itself. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Minister laying out the general plan, but I didn't hear any new information in there. What I was looking for is does the Minister have a timeline for us? Again and again, I've emphasized that I'd like to see this proceed quickly. The whole idea with doing targeted amendments was that that could proceed quickly. Does the Minister have a timeline for us for this process today? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ECC is following the stepped approach outlined in the legislative developmental protocol and that is agreed to with the Intergovernmental Council. There's been several meetings to date. The most recent meeting of the technical working group happened actually earlier this week, and progress is certainly being made.
Now as the Minister of ECC, I can't directly lay out when this is going to be completed. This is a collaborative effort. It involves Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, the water boards, etcetera. So, you know, ensuring that we all have the capacity and the ability to move this forward in a timely manner has certainly been a priority, and we continue to that end. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate the Minister emphasizing the nature of the process, that it's a collaborative one. I would respectfully suggest back that they collaboratively come together and develop a timeline. So can the Minister commit to bringing a timeline back to the Assembly in a reasonable time? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I previously stated, you know, as the Minister, I cannot make a commitment to being able to provide a concrete timeline. I'm certainly happy to go back to the department and have a chat with our folks at the officials level and try and get a more focused projection of when things can be wrapped up on this file. I know we're committed, as well as the Indigenous governments, and the boards are very committed to getting this work done. You know, there are many things that were identified by the land and water boards that we're trying to address; we're working on addressing through this process. You know, clarifying water usage for ice bridges would be an example. That's sort of top of my list, but many areas, and we are certainly committed to expediting this as quickly as we possibly can. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Oral questions. Member from Deh Cho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Health and Social Services explain health promotion campaigns that are in place in my riding and outline how these have been evaluated for effectiveness? Thank you.
