Mr. Speaker, increasing Indigenous representation in the public service has been a goal of the Legislative Assembly for over 30 years. Guided by our commitment to reconciliation, the Government of the Northwest Territories has taken a whole-of-government approach to addressing barriers to recruitment and retention by challenging the status quo, uplifting Indigenous voices, and advancing the implementation of the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework and Action Plan launched in 2021.
Mr. Speaker, over the past four years, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made meaningful progress in implementing the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework Action Plan. Departments have advanced this work through their Indigenous employment plans, which set out concrete measures to increase, develop and maintain Indigenous employees.
Today, I would like to highlight the progress that the Department of Finance and all GNWT departments have made in strengthening Indigenous representation since the launch of the framework and action plan.
Mr. Speaker, we are improving recruitment practices through the launch of the job description review guide to help departments set appropriate positional education, and experience requirements and include Indigenous cultural and social factors in job descriptions.
From September 1, 2022, to December 8, 2025, over 3400 positions have been reviewed for the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework Action Plan compliance by the job evaluation unit within the human resources ensuring job descriptions accurately reflect the minimum education and experience for people to be successful in the positons. The Department of Finance has also launched mandatory training for managers on the staffing process and recruitment programs.
Mr. Speaker, through the launch of mitigating unconscious bias training, we are ensuring Indigenous representation on selection committees within the recruitment process. Indigenous applicants now have the option to request representation on their selection committee, helping to enhance cultural competency, reduce bias and promote cultural safety throughout the hiring process. The department has also launched the establishment of an Indigenous eligibility list for LL pre-qualified Indigenous candidates and allowing applications to be reviewed for future vacancies before positions are opened to competition.
Mr. Speaker, we are strongly focused on supporting Indigenous employees. We have also completed our review of the leadership development program to ensure alignment with the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework. The program now incorporates strengthened Indigenous perspectives through collaboration with northern employers, the Indigenous employee advisory committee, and community partners, supporting the framework's focus on removing barriers and embedding cultural relevance. An on the land learning component further enhances culturally grounded leadership development consistent with the values and goals of the framework. Over the past three years, the Indigenous Development Training Program, Indigenous Career Gateway Program and Building Capacity with Indigenous Governments have been fully subscribed. Additionally, we have created now a career pathways advisor position in 2025 to support Indigenous employees in identifying career pathways and achieving their career goals within the public service.
Mr. Speaker, we are also pleased to announce the official launch of the Indigenous Mentorship Program. This is a nine-month initiative designed to support Indigenous employees through meaningful mentorship relationships with Indigenous mentors. Participants in the pilot cohort will commit approximately two hours per month to the mentor-mentee relationship. While the pilot will include a small cohort of participants, mentorship resources and matching support will be available to all Indigenous employees across the public service. And I was recently pleased to meet one of these teams during a mentee-mentor meeting that fell on a day when the senior mentor had meetings with their Minister here at the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, we are also committed to supporting the health and well-being of our employees. This year the GNWT introduced a new Employee Assistance Program, GreenShield Plus, which has an enhanced focus on Indigenous health and wellness. Through our partnership with Noojimo Health, an Indigenous-owned Canadian organization that provides culturally safe -- supports Indigenous employees and their families have access to virtual mental health services exclusively for Indigenous people. All of these many initiatives and actions also helping us strengthen our own accountability. We have implemented annual performance expectations for deputies that hold them accountable to their annual department Indigenous employment plan targets:
We have launched the GNWT-wide succession planning guide to align with the goal of increasing Indigenous representation in the public service;
An exit interview process is being launched on April 1, 2026; and
The Department of Finance maintains continuous collaboration with the Indigenous employee advisory committee on all human resources initiatives and programs.
Mr. Speaker, this is not an exhaustive list of all the work being done; it is a snapshot of key initiatives. I do want to thank every department and agency for their attention and efforts related to Indigenous recruitment and retention. In many cases, GNWT departments have not only met but exceeded their targets. All departmental Indigenous employment plans are publicly available on the Department of Finance's website, and I encourage everyone to review the progress being made and upcoming actions that our departments are set to achieve. Our shared goal, Mr. Speaker, is to foster a culturally safe and inclusive public service where Indigenous people can pursue and sustain meaningful employment. These values and these efforts benefit not only Indigenous employees, they benefit our current and future employees as a whole but the whole of the public service as a workplace and the people across the Northwest Territories who we serve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Finance. Members' statements. Ministers' statements. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, residents across the Northwest Territories depend on a health and social services system that is steady, responsive, and able to adapt under pressure. In recent years, our system has indeed faced significant pressures, which is a key factor in my decision to appoint a public administrator to lead the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority just over a year ago. His role is to help guide the authority through this period of transition and support the system as it responds to these pressures.
Today, in light of recent concerns raised by Members of this House about the pace and direction of the work being led by the public administrator, I want to provide a clear update on the progress underway, the challenges that have affected some timelines, and the priorities for the year ahead.
A major focus of the public administrator's work plan has been strengthening relationships with communities, regional wellness councils, and partners across the system throughout 2025. He and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority met with residents, practitioners, and community representatives in every region. These conversations continue to identify local challenges, support community-driven solutions, and shape priorities for improving access to care for smaller communities and Indigenous residents.
Mr. Speaker, the work to improve access to care in the Dehcho region is one example of this partnership in action. Staff and community partners are collaborating to enhance local services and support care closer to home. Early results of this work include stronger service delivery for remote communities through increased staff training, a hybrid remote and on-site nurse practitioner model, and select point-of-care testing. Lessons from this work are informing planning in other regions and will support future community-focused service models.
In addition, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority has advanced improvements in primary care operations. Targeted projects are supporting progress in areas such as diabetes care and scheduling for community health nurse appointments. The "52 in 52" initiative continues to encourage frontline staff to identify small but meaningful improvements each week that enhance access to care and improve the patient experience.
Work is also underway to reduce administrative burdens. The health authority has begun testing a new technological tool that helps primary care providers complete their notes more quickly so they can spend more time with patients. Staff have been clear that administrative paperwork is a challenge, and Mika AI Scribe is a practical solution being piloted and evaluated to support them.
The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority has also been focused on building leadership capacity within their own governance structure as they prepare to transition away from a public administrator led model. This includes training, mentorship, and strategic planning sessions. The organizational review completed last year provided recommendations to clarify roles, strengthen decision-making and improving alignment across programs. These findings are guiding changes, using existing resources, in areas such as corrections health services, dietician services, and adult services, with implementation planned for the coming fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, some initiatives have required adjusted timelines. Work on the people strategy progressed well last year; however, it identified issues extending beyond the health authority's mandate and required a government-wide response. As the scope expanded, additional coordination became necessary, and that work continues.
Wildfire activity in 2025 also delayed planned engagement in the Dehcho region, and some reporting tools required additional time to ensure accuracy and consistency of data.
Mr. Speaker, while we have experienced delays in some areas, we understand the importance of reporting on progress. That is why regular progress updates are publicly available, and quarterly work plan updates will continue to be posted on the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority's governance web page. Briefings have been, and will continue to be, provided to Members and to partners like the Northwest Territories Medical Association. Monthly updates are shared with regional wellness council chairs, with staff, and with the public.
A performance indicator dashboard was launched in November 2025 on the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority's website, providing residents with easy access to information on key areas of service delivery.
In addition to public accountability, financial sustainability also remains a priority. The first phase of the budget review was completed in April 2025, and the health authority is working with the healthcare system sustainability unit to address the main drivers of this deficit.
Mr. Speaker, while significant work remains to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our system, it is important to recognize the progress. In 2024-2025, the authority's year-end deficit was reduced by nearly $34 million compared to what had been budgeted. In the current fiscal year, targeted spending reductions have decreased the operations-related deficit by approximately $8 million. These improvements demonstrate meaningful progress in stabilizing the system while maintaining essential services.
Looking ahead, Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority is preparing for another important year of transition. In 2026, our work will focus on improving the medical travel experience, reviewing access to primary care in Yellowknife, strengthening risk management, and simplifying key processes. The public administrator will continue his engagement on health equity and will focus on supporting staff throughout the organizational changes underway. He will also continue working with me to develop options for a future governance model.
Mr. Speaker, the progress made over the past year reflects the dedication of staff, community partners, and leaders across the system. Their efforts have strengthened the foundation for the year ahead and will support a more stable and responsive system for residents. As we move through this transitional year, we will continue to focus on improving access to care, supporting staff, and working closely with communities, Indigenous partners, and Members of this House. Our goal remains clear: To build a system that supports healthy people and healthy communities and that better meets the needs of residents today and into the future. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Ministers' statements. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the successful conclusion of the 60th Annual General Meeting of the Northwest Territories Association of Communities, held February 25th to 28th here in Yellowknife. This milestone gathering brought together mayors, chiefs, and community leaders from across our 33 communities. For six decades, the NWTAC has served as a unified voice for community governments, and this anniversary was both a celebration of that history and a clear look toward the future.
The annual general meeting began with a mayor and chiefs' bootcamp providing dedicated leadership development for newly elected and returning leaders. Professional development sessions, sponsored by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, created opportunities for skill building and collaboration. Interactive sessions throughout the conference allowed delegates to share practical solutions to the challenges facing communities across the North.
This year's theme, Strengthening Our Communities, focused on resilience and sustainable growth. Delegates engaged in important discussions about infrastructure funding gaps, climate change adaptation, emergency preparedness, and community wellness. These conversations reflect the realities our community governments face every day, from protecting critical infrastructure to supporting healthy, safe, and vibrant communities.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to participate in the Cabinet session on Saturday afternoon, informally known as the Bear Pit, which provides an opportunity for direct dialogue between community leaders and Members of the executive council. These conversations strengthen our shared understanding and reinforce our commitment to partnership.
I was also honoured to attend the closing banquet and awards ceremony where we celebrated the exceptional leadership and dedication of individuals and communities across the territory.
The resolutions adopted during this AGM provide clear direction for the year ahead. As Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, I am committed to working alongside the NWTAC and our federal counterparts to ensure community governments have the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.
Mr. Speaker, the strength of the Northwest Territories lies in its communities. I extend my sincere thanks to the NWTAC board of directors, staff, sponsors, and all delegates for organizing a successful and forward-looking 60th Annual General Meeting. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.
Mr. Speaker, the honourable Member for Kam Lake, Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Investment, will be absent from the House today to attend the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada's conference in Toronto, Ontario.
As well, Mr. Speaker, the honourable Member for Thebacha, Minister of Justice, and the honourable Member for Hay River South, the Minister of Infrastructure, will be absent from the House for a portion of today's proceedings to meet with the federal Minister of Public Safety here in Yellowknife. Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, over the last few years in Yellowknife, we've seen security guards pop up everywhere. They're at the mall, the grocery store, apartment buildings, the day shelter, at hotels, and accommodations for medical travel patients.
In the NWT, a security guard is a low-wage job that doesn't necessarily require any particular education or training and like most of our low-wage jobs, they're often filled by recent immigrants, and guards often find themselves interacting with Indigenous residents. They might carry pepper spray, batons, handcuffs, and be directed to make citizens' arrests without necessarily being trained in the law. It sets everyone up, including the guards, for dangerous situations.
Last November, a security guard at the Yellowknife library was seen to hit and shove a man to the ground. The private security firm did its own internal review, but we don't know the results and may never know. Then in January, security guards contracted by Northview threw an Indigenous elder down some stairs. Those guards were fired and are supposed to appear in court today to face assault charges.
Neither of those outcomes represents proper accountability. We need to make sure these kinds of incidents can't happen again. That will require the GNWT to establish legislation to regulate private security, like every other jurisdiction in Canada does aside from Nunavut. Regulation would set standards, limits on weapons that could be used. It would stop someone from, for example, acting as a peace officer in their day job and moonlighting as private security. Citizens could launch complaints to a registrar which could revoke a license for either an individual guard or a security company. In the meantime, a policy can be set to ensure that any security services contracted by the GNWT, or Housing NWT, meet a certain standard including training and direction on the use of force. The contracts should mandate trauma-informed training, cross-cultural awareness and de-escalation techniques. But, ultimately, it's regulation that will help businesses who rely on private security by standardizing the industry and providing recourse for businesses when security firms are not delivering services appropriately. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Speaker, while we might be considered frontier country in the Canadian imagination, we do not want to be an actual wild west where people are running around in uniforms, taking the law into their own hands. And at the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Premier and justice Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Members' Statements. Member from Great Slave.
Thank you. Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Social Development discussed the topic of rent scales and rent control in Committee Report 29-20(1), but due to the complexity and contentiousness of the feedback that they received, chose not to make any recommendations. Instead, they stated that consideration of these topics should fall to any future reviews the GNWT undertakes on the Residential Tenancies Act.
The Minister of Justice has noted publicly that in the 17th Assembly, when rent caps were last discussed under the Act, that the Assembly rejected these measures as not being fit for purpose. As this topic is brought to me by my constituents on a regular basis, and I do have several rental buildings in my riding, I reached out to the Minister directly. He let me know that the department does not intend to make a recommendation on rent caps or control but investigate it further in the 21st with possible amendments to the Act.
One issue I hope that the Minister will be considering in his review, as it is ongoing right now, as it dovetails with public safety legislation, is the safety and state of repair of rental units and complexes. There are numerous concerns with the ongoing state of some rentals in my riding, some reported on recently by local media. I am concerned that there are many buildings in contravention of section 30 of the Act, which outlines landlord obligations to keep units and residential complexes in good repair. I am often copied on emails from frustrated constituents that nothing is being done to solve or address these problems. My office often sends folks with questions to the NWT rental office, but it is not clear what resolution, if any, takes place.
While I agree that public housing rentals should be an asset of Housing NWT that can be maintained and managed publicly, and I am glad that a mixture of units are being slated to include social housing and transitional housing with additional supports, I am concerned that when public housing tenants begin to exit private rentals in greater numbers that the disrepair will multiply and gentrification will take hold. Raising rents and compounding affordability concerns for my constituents will once again lend itself to amplifying calls for rent caps and rent control, which may or may not be the best solution for the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I'll have the questions from the Minister of Justice. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from Mackenzie Delta.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to express my concerns regarding the current shift towards regional sports tryouts and the unintended disadvantage this system creates for many community athletes. While regional tryouts may aim to broaden competition and identify talent across a larger geographic area, they also introduce significant barriers for families and athletes within smaller and remote communities. Travel requirements, associated costs, time commitments, and logistical challenges prevent many deserving athletes from even having the opportunity to participate. As a result, talented and dedicated community players are being excluded, not because of ability but because of circumstances.
Mr. Speaker, community-based tryouts, on the other hand, promote accessibility and comprehensiveness. They allow athletes to compete within their own region without placing additional financial or travel burdens on families. Local evaluations also encourage stronger community engagement, foster athlete development at the grassroots level, and ensure that participation is based on merit rather than access to transportation or financial resources.
Mr. Speaker, there was a time when athletes from the small and remote communities felt the excitement about the Arctic Winter Games tryouts because they were eager to showcase their potential. That is not the case any longer. The athletes feel this is a Yellowknife representation and feel it is not worth it to even put their names forth to represent the NWT. I can recall teams from smaller communities represented Team NWT and brought home medals. For families, attending regional tryouts requires significant expenses including transportation, accommodations, meals, and time away from work. In northern and rural areas especially, these barriers are amplified. The reality is that when participation depends on the ability to travel, equal opportunity no longer exists.
Mr. Speaker, sport should be an avenue for growth, teamwork, and fair competition. Mr. Speaker, I seek the unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, sports should be an avenue for growth, teamwork, and fair competition. A system that unintentionally excludes capable athletes undermines those values. I respectfully urge consideration of a more balanced approach, whether through reinstating community-level tryouts, offering multiple regional locations, or providing financial and travel support to ensure equal access for all athletes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Members' Statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in 2024, the Northwest Territories Ombud issued a special report entitled Ineligible for Public Service Fairness and Rehiring. The report examined the Government of the Northwest Territories' practices of barring certain employees from reapplying to the public service.
The report found that this practice has never been considered through an equal equity lens despite the major consequences that these bans have for Northerners, particularly those in small communities, where the territorial government is one of very few employees. At the time, half of those banned were Indigenous, meaning the practices disproportionately affected Inuit, Métis, and First Nation people. Despite ongoing efforts to open the public service to Indigenous employees, a goal yet to be properly realized, the ombudsman found no mechanism to review such decisions and very little was recorded to justify them.
Many employees were never informed that they had been placed on the list. Some departments could not determine who was on the list, why, or for how long due to inconsistent documentation. Many constituents come to my office disputing decisions that led to their termination.
When workplace suffers from conflict, management always has the advantage, so it's not surprising that almost internal appeals are upheld, leaving employees with few options for recourse. With these decisions determined by internal discretion and shrouded in secrecy, many wonder whether they are ever truly unbanned and this effectively functions as a cross-department territorial blacklist. The ombudsman recommended, in 2024, that these bans are halted until a lawful authorization by the Minister or Public Service Act. Yet, as of last week, people are still being notified that they have been barred from working in the public service for years.
Mr. Speaker, this is another example of territorial government that not only fails to design policies that serve our people but also struggles to hire them to administer their own services. I will have questions for the Minister of Finance later today, whether banning Indigenous people from government employment is consistent with her stated goal for increasing Indigenous representation in public service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' Statements. Member from the Dehcho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi. Today I would like to speak about an urgent and growing concern that touches far too many families across the Northwest Territories: The critical need for accessible and consistent food care services for residents living with diabetes.
Diabetes is lived every day by our elders, our parents, our young people. National data tells us that 3.9 million people in Canada, about 9.7 percent of the population, are living with diagnosed diabetes, and the numbers continue to grow year after year. We also know that diabetes remains a significant chronic health concern here in the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, complications from diabetes, including lower limb amputations, continue to place a heavy burden on people and on the health system. These are not just medical complications; they are life-altering experiences that affect mobility, independence, and well-being.
One of the most serious yet preventable complications is foot disease. Without timely care, nerve damage and poor circulation can lead to infections, ulcers, and, in worst cases, amputations. Regular professional food care can prevent this but many of our smaller and remote communities still don't have reliable access to this essential service.
Mr. Speaker, this is about fairness. It is about dignity. It is about giving our residents the care they need to stay healthy and to stay home in their communities.
Early intervention and regular monitoring are proven to reduce hospitalizations and long-term complications. My constituents need regular diabetic foot care and investing in accessible diabetic foot care today will save lives, reduce future health costs, and support healthier outcomes for families in my riding and in the Northwest Territories. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from the Dehcho. Members' Statements. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our government is severely challenged with timelines related to developing legislation, reviewing it, and bringing it into force. Over the first two years of this Assembly it has become apparent to me that this is a significant systemic problem we need to turn our attention to. I will cite some recent examples to illustrate the point.
The process of development and approval of the Forest Act spanned two assemblies, with the 18th Assembly citing the tremendous strain caused by a pile-up of legislation at the end of their term, and passing the Act onto the 19th Assembly. Despite the process being largely complete when they received it, the 19th Assembly still took four years to redevelop and finally pass the Forest Act in 2023, which I would note has not come into force as of 2026.
Mr. Speaker, it has been seven years since the Public Land Act received assent and regulations bringing it into force are still in development. The Mineral Resources Act was passed in 2019 and, according to the current schedule, regulations bringing it into force will happen in 2027 - eight years since the Act received assent.
While the previous examples are large and complex bills, even smaller, targeted issues require significant timelines. For example, after a number of years of advocacy by various groups, the government agreed to make targeted amendments to the Waters Act to respond in a timely way to the most pressing issues with that outdated piece of legislation. And that process is set to take us close to the end of the term of this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, the extensive timelines I have cited are severely hampering our government's ability to respond to current issues and the needs of stakeholders in a timely manner. When a government is not responsive to the needs of the public and stakeholders, they increasingly lose faith in the institution. People either seek to bypass government process entirely, or they increasingly see the NWT as a place that isn't welcoming to innovation or business.
Mr. Speaker, the theme of this sitting has been meeting the moment. To do so, we have to look within and figure out how we can prioritize public need over process and figure out what can be changed on both sides of this House to improve our legislative timelines. I'll have more to say on this subject later and my first round of questions on this matter later today. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Members' Statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member's statement from February 2025, I spoke about our energy strategy and its primary focus at the time had been solely focused on renewable, but the reality is, Mr. Speaker, we are still heavily dependent on diesel, LNG, and other non-renewable options in our northern regions.
Given the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation's M18 project is now fully funded and well underway, engaging with the significant discovery licence holders in the Beaufort Delta must be a priority for this government. I often spoke in this House about the 2021 MD LNG report that clearly states it's technically and financially feasible to develop and export LNG from the Beaufort Delta. What we need now, Mr. Speaker, is a plan. How are we supporting energy and, just as importantly, looking to lower costs for our residents?
We have spent millions on green energy initiatives. I understand the need to do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but, again, I don't see an overarching plan that integrates those initiatives into our existing, non-renewable energy grids, nor have I seen an analysis of what it means for the residents who are not able to take advantage of green energy. What cost will that be to them, Mr. Speaker?
As I've said before, I fully support a working group solution for my region, working with Indigenous governments, community leaders, and our government to find potential solutions that will attract industry back to the Beaufort Delta, to signal to the federal government that we are open for business and that the North can be an economic engine and a have-territory that can pull our weight on the national economy. As we have said in this House, it's about meeting the moment, Mr. Speaker, and the moment is upon us. Build using the natural resources we have. Let's build it. Let's be the economic engine that can power our territory for many years to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. Members' Statements. Member from Range Lake.
Masi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [Translation] I'm talking about -- I'm talking about the people on behalf of the Tlicho, Wekweeti, Gamèti, and also in Yellowknife as well. And also (audio) North Slave region. We have a lot of people here in Yellowknife [Translation Ends].
Mr. Speaker, the North Slave administrative region has a larger population than all the other regions combined; however, that population is not evenly distributed. More than 21,000 people live in Yellowknife while just over 3,000 live across the four Tlicho communities. No other administrative region in the territory has such a significant population imbalance. That imbalance has real implications.
Yellowknife is an urban centre with concentrated services and infrastructure. The Tlicho communities are rural and face distinct housing pressures, income challenges, social and educational needs. When communities with such different realities are grouped into a region dominated by Yellowknife populations, those differences are overshadowed. As a result, financial and performance reporting for the North Slave region is heavily weighted towards Yellowknife, making it difficult to assess and report on the circumstances of Tlicho communities. Management decisions and regional priorities are also influenced by that same population imbalance.
Mr. Speaker, I have raised this matter before, requesting a separate and distinct Tlicho administrative region. To date, it is unclear to me what is preventing this from moving forward. The issue is clear. The difference between Yellowknife and the Tlicho communities are not in dispute. The desire to establish a separate administrative region has been expressed clearly and consistently. My constituents have asked for it. Tlicho leadership has asked for it. I have asked for it on the floor of this House. Mr. Speaker, what I am asking for is straightforward. The creation of a separate and distinct Tlicho administrative region will require effort and coordination on the part of government. That work may not be simple, but it is necessary to ensure that the needs of Tlicho communities are properly reflected and supported. What is needed now is a clear commitment to move forward so that this work can begin. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Finance. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Electoral Boundaries Commission for producing their final report. It's a relentless task. They had to walk a tightrope, and certainly I admire the work they did. Their mission was very important. It looked at different types of dynamics of population, cultural, community interests, land claims, other types of regional concerns from size of communities, and even including languages, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, if we consider different type of dynamics, that tightrope I mentioned that they had to walk, I mean it would be easy to say we have this many people divided by this many MLAs, and there's the outcome. But it's much, much more complicated than that and hence we get to what's called relative parity, trying to find a path that balances certain interests, whether it's language, community, etcetera, bring them together in a harmonious way. And harmonious doesn't always mean exactly the same amount of people but a representation has to be fair. And that's the key. Not only effective, but to fair and to feel fair.
Our democratic process, the way we do it, is we recognize diversity as a strength, certainly not as something to wield a power but it's a sense of how do we embrace and grow stronger. Our Electoral Boundaries Commission, again, tried their best and I think they rose to the occasion of that demand.
Mr. Speaker, the democratic process, as they point out in their report, is worth the investment. And I would say it would be a mistake to think past it. We could get caught up quickly and say well, there's too many MLAs now or more would be bad, but other regions such as the Yukon and the Nunavut territory have larger legislatures than we do, and they find a way to do it. Mr. Speaker, democracy matters, and we must get there.
If we worked on strict voting fairness, Mr. Speaker, and I am saying just the raw data, if we want to treat every community like Yellowknife, let's just say for example Inuvik and Hay River, they would only have one MLA if you followed the standard deviation. Their populations fit exactly into one riding of Yellowknife. But yet so when we hear people saying Yellowknife's getting too many, I think it's a mistake. I think we have to ask ourselves where can we balance the fairness.
Mr. Speaker, the report of the commission was clear and very articulate. They do not recommend status quo. Status quo is a dangerous, dangerous path to take.
Currently, right now, I am going to say before the House there is recommendations, basically follow their 22, which they unanimously say this is the way to go. I'd say if this House does not find a way to support the final recommendation of the commission, I say all future commission reports are binding, and put it upon the Assembly to take the issue with it to court and let the public pay that way rather than putting it on the citizens, individuals, or communities to rise to those occasions. Mr. Speaker, let the data speak for itself. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements.
Colleagues, today, I realize that I am doing it a little bit late but I am recognizing a tremendous community effort behind the first annual New Year's Eve celebration in Fort Simpson, a truly heartwarming example of what happens when residents come together to create joy and connect for families. This initiative began in mid-October where a group of local mothers met to discuss ways to bring happiness to their children during the holiday season. Their first project was Pumpkin Lane, which gathered over a hundred pumpkins for a family carving night hosted by the Open Doors Society with pumpkins donated by the Union of Northern Workers. This event also included a carving day at the Liidlii Kue Regional High School. A group of volunteers then worked to display and light the pumpkins for three evenings after Halloween bringing magic to the community.
Following that success, the same group met again to plan something special for New Year's Eve. Inspired by Joyce McLeod's event in Fort Providence, and driven by the dedication of Shawna McLeod and Dawn Bell, the idea came to life on December 31st. The day featured family games, prizes, food, and community donations, followed by a chili contest, fireworks, and a drum dance to usher in 2026. At midnight, balloons dropped with $400 inside, adding extra excitement to the celebration. I had the pleasure of participating in several of the family games and got to watch the fireworks. Unfortunately, I did not make it to the balloon drop as the fresh air and excitement tuckered me out.
Colleagues, this event was made possible through extraordinary volunteerism, local business support, and countless hours of preparation. The names of those who contributed have been provided, and I ask that they be deemed as read and included in Hansard.
Fort Simpson's first annual New Year's Eve celebration truly showcased the spirit, generosity, and unity of the community. I'd like to thank everyone for these amazing family activities on New Year's Eve.
Shawna McLeod, Dawn Bell, Nicole Hanna, Jerri Brenton, Amy Fraser, Jackie Whelly, Whitney Tsetso, Danita Allaire, Brendan Whelly, Travis Hanna, Darren Hardisty, Ezra Whelly, Joyce McLeod, Michael Mcleod, Levi hanna, Lennox Hardisty, McKenna Hardisty, Ramona Hardisty-Gillis, Lisa Alikamik, Derek Squirrel, Betty Hardisty, Deneze Nakehk'o, Rylan Hardisty, Kai Nakehk'o, Ava Erasmus, Val Gendron, Cheryl Sibbeston, Cindy Browning and Dayna Burrill.
Fort Simpson Metis, Rowes Construction, Fort Simpson Beverages, Simpson Air, Village of Fort Simpson, Fort Simpson Speedskating Club, Beavertail Jamboree, Toys for the North, Mackenzie Manor, Union of Northern Workers, Open Sky, Bradbury Services, northern Store, Open Doors, Fort Simpson Fire department, NTPC and Thimbles Dene Crafts & Sewing Supplies
I am going to start first because I got a little bit of a long list. First of all, I'd like to recognize Mr. David Jones, the Integrity Commissioner. Welcome back. We look forward to meeting with you. As well, I'd like to recognize some special guests up in our gallery today, the participants, the 2026 Ontario Legislative Assembly intern program participants. Some of you had the opportunity to meet with them, and these are pretty amazing young people that have an opportunity to come here and see our government at work and how consensus government works. So I'd like to recognize them. And I apologize -- I've already apologized to them at lunchtime that I may get their name wrong, and for that I apologize. The people up in the gallery: David Landry, Bianca Morelli, Emily Shi, Keena Cavero. Gee, right on. Geneva Follina, Nora Acrowi. There we go. Ev Ferry, Julia Yukiak-Bukichi, Sheikha Tuntan-Karen. I blew that one, sorry. And Tanzima King. Welcome to our Assembly, and I hope you are enjoying yourself, taking in the sights that our beautiful territories have to offer and learning new ways and better ways of doing things along the way. You're more than welcome here. Thank you.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Great Slave.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too wish to welcome all the Ontario interns. I especially want to wish a warm welcome to Rob Ashton, NDP leadership candidate, and Sara Jayne Dempster, President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour. Thank you for visiting us today and enjoy the proceedings. Thank you.
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member from the Dehcho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize as well the Ontario interns, welcome. And Mr. David Jones, as well as my new CA Julie Landry, and some of my constituents, Jacinda Bonnerouge, Genevieve Canadian, Jacob Koza, and my sister-in-law Marilyn Bonnetrouge. It's her birthday today. Happy Birthday, Marilyn.
Thank you Member from the Dehcho. Happy Birthday, young lady. 21? 22? Oh, 22. Okay. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.
If we missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your gallery. Thanks to you, 19 of us get to represent the people in Northwest Territories for four years, and we're past halfway through. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It's always nice to see people in the gallery.
