Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. To the motion. Member from the Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I couldn't have said it any better than the previous presenters to a honourable person.
I had the opportunity of meeting and talking and discussing issues there with Tony in the 18th Assembly, and Mr. Speaker, he would humorously say I was a Speaker, I was a Commissioner, I was the MLA, I was the Sergeant-at-Arms, I was the Minister, and I was also told they're not going to hire me anymore because I don't know how to stick to a job. So the conversations we had was very humorous, and I'll never forget that. So it gives me great pleasure to support this motion. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. To the motion. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the words of my colleagues and don't have a huge amount to add here, but I'll just share some of the words that I shared when I heard of Mr. Whitford's passing.
I first met Mr. Whitford when he was working as the Sergeant-at-Arms in the Assembly and I was a young cub scout working as a page. To the pages in the room, this was actually my first job too.
He was a reassuring and warm figure in a pretty intimidating setting, and I've thought fondly of him since. He certainly made immeasurable contributions to our community and territory, and he was a deeply loved and deeply respected figure. And so, you know, similar to the Member for Yellowknife North pointed out the naming policy that Cabinet holds, and I had a look through the policy. It does seem like this suggestion is in line with the policy, and so I'm happy to add my weight behind the suggestion that this be brought forward and, you know, I think Mr. Whitford's legacy is absolutely -- I'm at a bit of a loss for words here, but it's something I think we can all agree, you know, he left a big impact on this territory, and so I think naming a building after him does make a lot of sense. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. To the motion. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand to also give support to this motion. I have known Tony for a long time, being here in Yellowknife since probably around 1977. And I met Tony many times in all coffee shops I can think of and all the times we talked about the good times and we talked about the treaties and his growing up in Fort Smith, and it was really -- he was really an honourable man, and I have great respect for him. And when he passed, you know, we lost an icon of the North that I could think of who gave his life so that he could represent the people in the Northwest Territories. And he's done that. And I know the family very well, and Marc Whitford up there, he's a very good friend of mine too as well, and the family. So imagine getting together with Tony and George Tuccaro and guys like Marc Whitford in the coffee shop; you know, we have memorable times. So I just want to continue to support -- let my colleagues know that I do support this motion for an honourable man. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. To the motion. Member from Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to begin by expressing my deepest respect for the late Tony Whitford. Though I did not have the privilege to know Tony personally, Mr. Whitford personally, I recognize and admire his lifelong dedication to the people of the Northwest Territories. He served this territory as a social worker, as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, as Speaker, as Commissioner, and a tireless community volunteer. Mr. Whitford was a true champion of people and community, and his legacy and contributions will continue to inspire us all.
Mr. Speaker, it is because of that legacy that I understand and appreciate the Members' intent in bringing this motion forward. At the same time, it is important that when we consider the naming of government-owned buildings, we do so in a way that is fair, consistent, and respectful of the process. Our government has established guidelines for naming Government of the Northwest Territories-owned office buildings which set out how these decisions are to be made.
Under these guidelines, Cabinet may approve a public engagement process to solicit potential names that reflect the historical, cultural, and geographic significance of the Northwest Territories. The guidelines also allow for buildings to be named in honour of a deceased person who has made significant contributions to public life and to the well-being of territorial residents. When the GNWT followed a similar process in naming what is now the Liwego'ati Building here in Yellowknife, we invited residents to share their ideas through a public engagement process. Nearly 200 suggestions were received and reviewed by the Northwest Territories Honours Advisory Council which made recommendations to Cabinet using the same criteria outlined in the policy. That process ensured that the decision reflected both by the values of the people and the procedures designed to protect fairness and transparency. These processes and procedures exist to ensure that every naming decision, no matter how meaningful or personal, is guided by fairness, respect, and due process.
Mr. Speaker, Housing NWT is committed to following that same approach. Work will begin very shortly to prepare for a public engagement process to help identify an appropriate name for the new 50th Street affordable housing complex. This process will ensure that residents across the territory have an opportunity to share their ideas and that the final decision reflects both the intent of this motion and principles of fairness and inclusivity to guide our work.
Mr. Speaker, as a typical practice, when a motion provides direction to government, Cabinet will be abstaining from the vote on this motion. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.
To the motion.
Question.
Question has been called. Before we call the vote, Member from Yellowknife Centre, do you wish to close debate?
Yes, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. And thank you for those who spoke. I just want to briefly say a couple small things; I won't take the full 20 minutes. I'll be surprised if I get even to five.
Mr. Speaker, this is a very personal motion for me. It's not about the success of the motion that I need. I don't need that win. But what I think is the territory needs this win. I think Tony's legacy needs this win more than me. And that's what I'm stressing. It's not about me; it's about the passion that every time I think about his shadow walking by, standing in it -- I mean, he was an incredible giant and meant so much to us. And I think about the people he got to know and help. I mean, there's no public organization that has gone without feeling the loss of his impact.
When Cabinet -- I heard that -- respectfully, I heard the housing Minister. I hear you. I hear you. But, and that's why the motion says you have every ability at Cabinet to waive these policies. And I'm serious when I say this. This is not meant to be funny or cheeky or in any way. But I remember the NWT opening up, what should we call the NWT? The most popular name was Bob. And I'm not trying to make a joke of it. It's just how many hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of names might we get in the context of here's a worthy one. And we have the ability as leaders to make these types of decisions. This is not the difference between deciding who gets health care dollars or who gets road money or who gets into housing. This is to honour the name of a building. Okay. So I'm not saying it doesn't have an impact. As a matter of fact, it'll have an impact, a reminder, a symbol in this community about the Whitford family contribution to the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I am going to wrap up by reminding people that, you know, if you are a tugboat or barge operator riding the Mackenzie River, you too could become the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Whether you're turning wrenches as a mechanic in Lutselk'e or Tsiigehtchic or Behchoko, maybe one day maybe one day you'll be a marriage commissioner and on to your way to be a Commissioner. A social worker, a plant operator, a public servant, a marriage commissioner, a notary public, a justice of the peace, and you can end up becoming one of the icons of the Northwest Territories. What I'm saying here, Mr. Speaker, Tony was our diamond in the rough. He came from extraordinary, humble beginnings, and his passion drove him to the highest contribution of public service.
Mr. Speaker, when he was the honorary table officer in my last Assembly before I was on my sabbatical of course, he would come in and sit as the honorary table officer and send me notes and pictures -- respectfully, that is -- and it was funny sending them back. And I could see him smile there because he'd have to help with things and be involved in things. I mean, his contribution to this Assembly is so deep and to our government.
And, Mr. Speaker, he's not the only one who would call me The Hawk, but as I'm walking around and I hear him bellow it out, I'd get the chills down my spine about saying there's Tony, you know, and I hear other people -- I mean, I've been called a lot of things but, I mean -- I mean, respectfully, of course, but nobody said it like him. And to me, I'll miss that. And you know what? I mean, I miss his voice. I miss his presence. And I know everybody here does as well. And for that, I'm grateful for the time and even energy that we were able to put in this consideration. And I do hope Cabinet will deeply think about the opportunity here. We have former Commissioners with buildings named after them, and their legacy pales in comparison, in my humble opinion, to this man that we speak of today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Member for Yellowknife Centre. The Member for Range Lake. The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake. The Member for Monfwi. The Member for Frame Lake. The Member for Great Slave. The Member for Yellowknife North. The Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. The Member for Sahtu.
All those opposed, please stand. All those abstaining, please stand.
The Member for Yellowknife South. The Member for Kam Lake. The Member for Hay River North. The Member for Hay River South. The Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. The Member for Nunakput.
Thank you. Colleagues, all those in favour, nine. Zero opposed. Six abstentions. The motion is carried.
---Carried
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize Minister Lisa Naylor. She's the Minister of transportation and infrastructure for the province of Manitoba -- oh, just about said Alberta. And Ciara Shatturk, also from Manitoba. Thank you very visiting.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to once again make note on the record, in the gallery we have Mr. Marc Whitford who is president of the North Slave Metis. He's also a friend. And he was the -- or I guess technically the still much, much, much younger Whitford of the family. So good to see you. And Mr. Jeremy Bird who happens to be a constituent who lives down the street from me, who's trying not to get noticed.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Hay River North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize President Marc Whitford of the North Slave Metis Alliance. He's been a great partner with the GNWT, and we are continuously strengthening our relationship, and I look forward to continuing that progress over the rest of this term. So welcome. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Hay River North. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife South.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a resident of Yellowknife South, Mr. Marc Whitford who is president of the North Slave Metis Alliance. He and Linda I've known for many, many years. We're almost neighbours. Welcome one more time to the gallery.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife South. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from the Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize the president of the North Slave Metis Alliance Marc Whitford. We have some friendly discussions. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also too want to recognize Marc Whitford, president of the North Slave Metis Alliance. As well, everybody else in the audience that's here, thank you, and welcome. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Range Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It should come as no surprise that I too would like to recognize President Marc Whitford, a good friend and a great contributor to our territory with his leadership of the North Slave Metis Alliance. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.
If we have missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your chambers. Again, I'd like to thank you very much for allowing the 19 of us to represent the people of the Northwest Territories for the humble period of four years. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It's always nice to see people in the gallery as far away as from Manitoba. Welcome.
Me first out of the gate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following up on my Member's statement, my questions are for the Premier. Can the Premier confirm that we have departmental representation at the Arctic security working group that's happening on November 5th and 6th. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. Mr. Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The working group is something that happens every year. Each year it is co-hosted by one of the three territories. This year Yukon is co-hosting. But every year we have departmental representation at this working group. It's a director and manager level working group, and it will be the -- we will be registering our staff here I guess the coming days. So yes, we will have a number of staff on this working group, and we are active participants. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm certainly happy to hear that given the importance of sovereignty and the conversations that are happening around our sovereignty, Mr. Speaker.
Can the Premier speak a little to our engagement strategy as it stands today, initiatives around our engagement strategy on sovereignty with the federal government and the Department of National Defence. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, fortunately, before there was a lot of this discussion about Arctic sovereignty or Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic, we were already working to advance projects that will enhance Canada's sovereignty, things like the Mackenzie Valley Highway, things like the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, and that work remains ongoing. As well, we have at the departmental level my deputy minister is in very regular contact with folks over at DND. As well, there is regular contact with Joint Task Force North. You know, personally, I've met with Minister McGuinty, the Minister of National Defence, and Minister Champagne, the Minister of Finance, and had discussions. The deputy Premier and Minister of Finance I would say has had even more of those discussions and has been working more closely with the federal Department of Finance to advance asks and provide information and insight into the territory to those departments to ensure that they're aware of how we can be partners in the Arctic sovereignty conversation. So big opportunities in this area and a lot of work going on to ensure that we take advantage of those opportunities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Premier. Final supplementary. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
Thank you. I haven't moved. Music to my ears, Mr. Speaker. Infrastructure partnership, sovereignty. And, listen, I know that this Premier's keen to that. I know there's work being done. A lot of the information I get, Mr. Speaker, is from the mayors in my region, mayors in other regions, and from the Indigenous leaders. I wonder can the Premier commit to providing some information to this House -- even a one-pager, Mr. Speaker, I'm not asking to write a full presentation -- around the work that's been going on and continues to go on around Arctic sovereignty, something that I can share with my constituents and with the leadership in my region, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Absolutely, I would be happy to do that, and I know the Member didn't necessarily want a full presentation, but I'm also happy to offer a briefing to standing committee that he chairs on our efforts in this area as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Premier. Oral questions. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Yeah, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when we became MLAs, we took oath of office to uphold section 35 of the Canadian Constitution on treaty rights. So I'm bringing this issue up on education as a treaty right. My question would be to the Premier.
Mr. Speaker, I'm directing these questions to the Premier because addressing the teacher housing shortage requires a whole of government approach. Currently CPI funding provided by MACA cannot be used for staff housing. Would this be changed so that communities have more tools to secure housing for teachers in small communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Mr. Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So based on feedback from community governments, MACA is adjusting the community public infrastructure policy to better address staffing housing challenges, particularly those affecting recruitment. MACA policy restrictions on using the CPI funding for staff housing had been suspended, and communities that have submitted staff housing in their financial reports have not been denied. So that's a yes, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Premier work with ECE to ensure district education authorities have the funding they need to provide housing subsidies and other solutions to attract teachers and offer them affordable and comfortable housing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I am very familiar with this issue. I was the Minister of education for four years, and I heard about the issues around teachers' housing quite often. In fact, I put in the mandate letters for the Ministers of housing, Finance, and ECE to work to ensure market housing is available for teachers in small communities where a lack of housing has been identified as a barrier to teacher retention. So this is not a new subject, but it is one that is -- it takes some effort to get at the heart of.
Work that's been done to date includes putting together a list of all of the market housing available in all communities, supplying those to DECs as well as Indigenous governments, so that they are aware of what is available. Of course, the GNWT isn't really in the business of providing housing to employees anymore outside of the market housing that is available for anyone to rent, and that's in part because there's so many teachers, right, there's so many nurses, there are such great needs that if we -- we can't meet all of those needs, and so there are economic opportunities for development corps or Indigenous governments to create housing in communities where there's a shortage every year of housing. And so we haven't gone into the business of building housing for teachers at this point, but work is going on to that end. For example, like I said, putting together that list of available housing units and the departments of ECE and housing have been having discussions on potential solutions moving forward. So it's not a cheap fix for this issue, but work is going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Premier. Final supplementary. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
