Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is entering a pivotal moment. More than ever, Canada is recognizing the North's role in this country's economic future, Arctic sovereignty, security, and supply chains.
On March 12th, the Prime Minister announced a new federal approach to advancing nation-building infrastructure and strengthening Arctic security. As part of that announcement, the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, the Mackenzie Valley Highway, and the Taltson Hydro Expansion project were all referred to the federal major projects office. Access to the major projects office provides the Northwest Territories a powerful coordinating federal partner as these projects continue moving forward.
Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie Valley Highway continues to make steady progress through the Environmental Assessment process. The analytical phase of the environmental process is nearing completion.
As well, in May, the GNWT and Pedzeh K'e First Nation reached agreement on a new preferred corridor for the Deh Cho portion of the project, an important example of collaboration helping to move this work forward and a key milestone in continuing to progress the project. We have also been meeting with the land and water boards to ensure that we find an effective and efficient pathway to advance the whole of this project while maintaining the environmental and social standards this territory expects.
Our team also continues to meet regularly with Indigenous governments from Wrigley through the Sahtu and to Inuvik to ensure their continued engagement in the development of this project.
Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor is also gaining momentum as a strategic nation-building initiative for both the Northwest Territories and Canada.
Earlier this year, the Tlicho government, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the GNWT signed a memorandum of understanding to advance collaborative planning and leadership for the project. Since then, work has progressed on route selection, governance, and regulatory matters. We recognize that other Indigenous governments have traditional interests across this region, and as the project advances, the GNWT will meet its consultation obligations and identify opportunities to support meaningful participation and maximum benefits for the Northwest Territories.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, the Taltson Hydro Expansion project remains one of the most significant opportunities to deliver clean, reliable power to communities and industry. It will expand hydroelectric capacity connecting 11 communities to a unified hydro grid and reduce reliance on imported diesel.
This project is a partnership with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations. And last month, several Indigenous partners signed a letter of intent in support of establishing a commercial vehicle to streamline participation in the Taltson project. At the same time, work continues on project planning, commercial arrangements, regulatory preparations, and progress toward resolving long-standing legacy impacts associated with the existing Taltson facility. After much advocacy by our team and Indigenous governments and MOU partners, the federal government finally has a new mandate to formally engage with each Indigenous partner and find resolution of legacy impacts through a reconciliation-focused approach.
These projects represent more than infrastructure. They are a long-term investment in Arctic sovereignty, economic reconciliation, energy security, climate resilience, and northern prosperity.
Work on these projects advances daily. Our team is engaged in near-daily meetings with community, regional and Indigenous governments, and weekly meetings with assigned supports from the major projects office. In short, the pace of the work on all of these projects has accelerated to meet the moment and the opportunities before us. Our goal remains to transform the Northwest Territories, strengthening our connection to the rest of the country, and position the North as an integrated strategic part of Canada more than ever before. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains. Ministers' statements. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada tabled its report on child and family services in the Northwest Territories.
The report looks at how our child and family services system is doing its job of supporting and protecting children, youth, and families. It also reminds us why independent oversight matters because it helps us see where the system is working, where it is not, and what we need to do better. At the heart of all of this is one priority: Keeping children and youth safe, supporting their well-being, and helping them stay connected to their families, cultures, and communities.
Child and family services is some of the hardest and most important work our government does. The decisions made every day in the system carry very real and very serious consequences. The safety and well-being of children are always on the line.
Before I say more about the report, I want to speak directly to the people who do this work.
The staff working in child and family services show up every day in incredibly high-pressure environments. Many are working through staffing shortages, heavy caseloads, and constant urgency. The work is emotionally demanding, time sensitive, and extremely complex. The stakes could not be higher. I want to be clear that the dedication and effort of child and family services staff are seen and recognized. This report is not about individual workers or a lack of care or commitment. It speaks to system level challenges, the conditions people are working within, not professionalism or intentions of those doing the work.
The findings in this report reflect what we have been hearing for some time from Members of this Legislative Assembly, families, Indigenous governments, caregivers, and front line workers themselves.
The report confirms that progress has been made in recent years. It also makes clear that there are still real challenges that need to be addressed, particularly around consistency, accountability, and capacity within the system. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, it is important to acknowledge that child and family services has already begun a move to a new direction. One example of this is the use of voluntary service agreements, which focus on providing support and assistance to families before a crisis point is reached. These agreements are about helping families stay together safely, strengthening parenting capacity, and maintaining connection, rather than defaulting to family separation. This reflects a broader shift toward prevention, early support, and working alongside families to address challenges before they escalate.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories accepts all four of the auditor general's recommendations. Accepting recommendations matters, but what matters more is what we do with them. This is not about responding to one report and moving on. It is about continuing the work of strengthening a system that children, families, communities, and the staff who work within it must rely on.
This report does not mark the beginning of this work. Improvements have been underway for several years through the child, youth and family services strategic direction and action plan, internal reviews, and efforts to modernize legislation to better align with federal requirements. Many of these efforts have been shaped by the experience and knowledge of the staff working on the front lines.
Work related to the areas identified by the auditor general is already underway. This includes improving consistency in practice and strengthening how information is used to support planning, oversight, and decision-making. We also know that even more work will be needed, including continued partnership with Indigenous governments to support culturally appropriate care, efforts to build a more stable and representative workforce, and careful consideration through legislative and business planning processes.
Mr. Speaker, the auditor general's report will be reviewed alongside work already underway, and it will help guide updates to our action plan. The report will also be carefully considered through the standing committee's review.
We know that past experiences with child and family services, and past reports, have affected the trust many families place in the system. Rebuilding that trust takes time. It requires openness, accountability, and meaningful collaboration; especially with Indigenous governments whose members continue to be disproportionately affected by the child and family services system.
This work calls for persistence, humility, and strong partnerships. It also calls for continued support for the staff who carry the responsibility every day. Our commitment is to strengthen the child and family services system, so it protects children, works more consistently, and respects the cultures and identities of the families it serves. At the centre of this work is a simple but profound responsibility: To make sure children and youth in the Northwest Territories are safe, supported, and able to grow up connected to who they are and where they come from.
That responsibility will continue to guide our decisions. We will continue to report publicly on our progress, being clear about improvements made and honest about where more work is needed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Health and Social Services. Ministers' statements. Deputy Premier.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the honourable Member for Hay River North will be absent from the House today for a personal matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, since 2014 child and family services has been audited no less than three times, repeatedly revealing systemic negligence, cultural erasure, and a staggering indifference to the well-being of NWT children. The findings tabled yesterday expose a brutal reality. 33 percent of urgent maltreatment reports missed screening, 71 percent of high-risk investigations blew past deadlines, and the department missed mandatory monthly contacts 91 percent of the time. Compounding this, 12 percent of foster placements lack criminal checks, two-thirds of Indigenous children lack cultural support plans, while decades-old recommendations remain unresolved.
This is not what I expected from this Minister of Health and Social Services, who yesterday acknowledged her direct responsibility for these deplorable results. In the 19th Assembly, the Minister was a fierce champion for youth, pulling no punches against the system she now presides over. In 2022, the Minister co-authored committee report Lifting Children, Youth, and Families, demanding the GNWT declare the systemic over-representation of Indigenous children a crisis. She condemned the government's slowness to act, called legislative updates "lip service", and accused the system of baking institutional racism into its very core.
So when appointed to Cabinet, she possessed the exact diagnosis and a roadmap for reform. Yet instead of ensuring immediate overhauls, the Minister has transformed into an institutional shield-bearer. Her official response defaulted to the standard platitudes, stating, quote, the GNWT recognizes that child and family services is not yet where it needs to be, while perversely claiming the system has come a long way.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister has failed to solve a single one of the systemic failings she once fought against which are nothing short of a humanitarian disaster. She inherited a house on fire, but after years in charge she is now politically and legally accountable for the fact that the system is still burning down with our most vulnerable children inside the house. Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable, and I will have questions for the Minister later today. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
Mr. Speaker, the release of the child and family services report by the auditor general yesterday is not a mere bureaucratic report. To be entirely clear, it is a damning indictment of a systemic GNWT-sanctioned abandonment. The evidence is clear.
The Department of Health and Social Services, under this Minister, has flagrantly, repeatedly, and dangerously failed to protect the most vulnerable children of the North, again under this Minister's watch.
This is not a policy gap, Mr. Speaker. It's a total catastrophic collapse of statutory duties. It appears nothing less than negligence, and we are long past the time for gentle accountability reminders.
Mr. Speaker, this Minister has been in the driver's seat now 904 days.
Mr. Speaker, let us also note, and let the record reflect, exactly what this institutional rot means in practice. Abuse left to fester, Mr. Speaker. The system deliberately ignored its mandatory 24-hour response window by a third of all cases.
Abandoned and failed investigations. As said earlier an astounding 71 percent of the investigations blew past legal - the legal, Mr. Speaker - 30-day limit and dragging out, in some cases, 158 days, and in the worst cases, Mr. Speaker, 512 days. That is bureaucratic paralysis. Children forgotten and neglected.
Front line workers failed to maintain mandatory monthly contacts, as my colleague said, 91 percent monitored files failed.
Cultural obliteration, Mr. Speaker. This should really hit home. It bothers me deeply. 98 percent of these children are Indigenous, yet authorities flagrantly violated notifying Indigenous government bodies 80 percent of the time, Mr. Speaker.
Infrastructure failures. One-third of child protection workers are dangerously, Mr. Speaker - dangerously - overworked. By their rules, not my rules. Their rules. All under this Minister's watch who, in the last Assembly, dogged this issue repeatedly and quite loyally and respectfully. I admire the work she did. But becoming Minister, it's, what, somebody else's case?
Mr. Speaker, abandoned and failed investigations. As I pointed out -- sorry.
These are exactly the fatal deficiencies that were flagged in 2014, 2018, and yet again in 2026. Like a horrific version of Groundhog's Day, the OAG simply reprinted the same report, the same failed excuses, the same failed problems, slapped a new cover on it, a new date, and now the Minister is waiting for this to all blow over because...
Mr. Speaker, this is no longer a debate over simple incompetency or reckless indifference. It is a coin toss, in my opinion, between misfeasance and nonfeasance. The evidence is undeniable. The Minister has known all along and did nothing. She has known for seven years, 904 days as Minister and a full term as a Regular Member. 11 years of hollow excuses, report after report, false hope, exhausted system. Mr. Speaker, unheard prayers.
In closing, we are long past action plans and committees. Accountability must be enforced. And as my colleague just said, the Minister said yesterday she's responsible. I look forward to hearing what that finally means in this House and to the people of the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Colleagues, I am going to say a couple of things here.
When you're doing a Member's statement, remember you've got to focus on a few things. Do not make allegations against another Member, impute false or hidden motives to another Member, use an abusive or insulting language of a nature likely to create disorder, speaking disrespectfully of its Members. This is a heated, heated issue, and I understand the passion of it, but we need to be respectful in this House. Please remember that. Thank you.
Members' statements. Member from Deh Cho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, hearing the auditor general's report on child and family services was devastating, and it will be an emotional day for many people today. So if you need support, please reach out.
Mr. Speaker, 98 percent of children receiving child and family services in the Northwest Territories are Indigenous. 98 percent. Indigenous families know the weight of government involvement in their children's lives. The history of residential schools reminds us why the system must be held to the highest standards. That's why this report cuts so deep. Once government steps into the life of a child, there can be no excuse for that child being left vulnerable.
A 24-hour assessment exists because a child may be in immediate danger. A 30-day investigation exists because protecting our children is urgent. A monthly check-in exists because once government takes responsibility for a child, they should never feel forgotten.
Mr. Speaker, the report found that 1,500 reports of suspected child maltreatment in each of these past three years. 33 percent of these files were not assessed within 24 hours when investigations were required. 71 percent were not completed within 30 days. One investigation took 512 days. That is a child's life passing by while serious concerns about their safety remain unresolved.
For children placed outside the territory, the monthly contact requirement was missed in all but one file. The list goes on.
Mr. Speaker, this is the third audit. The department was warned in 2014. It was warned again in 2018. Now, here we are again.
I need to know this time will be different, not just as a Member of this House but as a mother. Our children deserve to be protected in practice, not only in policy. 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 the Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Canada and the Northwest Territories strengthen regulatory coordination. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories signed an MOU on regulatory coordination that strengthens collaboration and alignment in their respective regulatory roles in the NWT in partnership with Indigenous governments and organizations during PDAC last March.
Mr. Speaker, the news released quotes working with Indigenous governments and co-management boards to strengthen clarity and consistency in legislation, regulations, guidelines, and policies in areas of shared jurisdiction.
Mr. Speaker, secondary to this GNWT and Canada or regulatory MOU is recently the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board new regional database and major project review tool. This initiative supports improved coordination across regulatory and assessment processes by bringing together the publicly available environment, socio-economic mapping, Sahtu land use planning corridor monitoring and project information into a single platform. Mr. Speaker, it will support stakeholders and proponents as they navigate this large and complex project review.
Mr. Speaker, advancing this regulatory reform approach to the Mackenzie Valley Highway environmental assessment conclusion merging phases 1 and 2 Wrigley to Inuvik by recognizing the engagements, consultations of 2013 to 2018 into an addendum for the July 2026 MVH/DAR addendum. We now have one project, one review. Mr. Speaker, this will improve an efficiency approach rather than duplicate costs and time. Later, I will have questions to the appropriate Minister. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Great Slave.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We speak a great deal in this House about health care fiscal sustainability as costs balloon year over year. I might be wildly mistaken, but treating earlier stages of cancer seems like it would be less burdensome to our health system and health dollars in addition to saving lives. This is why I find it puzzling that while other Canadian jurisdictions heed the call of the Canadian Cancer Society to lower the screening age for breast and colorectal cancer to 40 and 45 respectively, the NWT is lagging behind. Our screening ages for breast and colorectal cancers begin five years later at 45 for breast and 50 for colorectal for the average NWT resident not deemed high risk.
But, Mr. Speaker, younger Canadians are now up to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer than previous generations of the same age. For example, in 2025 approximately 2,000 Canadians under 50 were diagnosed with colorectal cancer despite there being no organized screening programs available to them. This emerging pattern is being observed in many parts of the world. While local data in the NWT may be limited, it's worth considering how broader trends and factors, such as alcohol use, physical inactivity, and reliance on processed foods can influence and increase cancer risk.
Last week, one of my constituents reached out after the CBCs covered HSS's response to decline to lower the screening age from 45 to 40. When she was 40, she could not self-refer to get a mammogram after finding a lump. She had to use the walk-in clinic as she was not attached to a doctor or team. The walk-in doctor immediately wrote her a referral and she was able to receive treatment for what was indeed cancer. In her words, quote, doctor appointments are not easy to get in Yellowknife because our healthcare system is stretched thin. Women in Canada are being diagnosed with breast cancer younger, often at later stages because breast cancer is not yet on their radar. This could save lives, money, and primary care appointments that could be used for other reasons, end quote.
Mr. Speaker, British Columbia, the Yukon, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland all provide self-referral mammograms starting at age 40. This June, Saskatchewan will lower the self-referral age from 43 to 40. Manitoba is planning to expand self-referral eligibility to age 40 by the end of this year. And as of April 1 of next year, people aged 40 and up will be able to self-refer to book a mammogram or ultrasound screening in Alberta. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, let us join the rest of Canada in giving our NWT residents more options for testing and more chances to catch cancer and stop it earlier. I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the Minister of ECE announced engagement on changes to the student financial assistance program to expand coverage to private pilot license training, relieve students from repayment if they've withdrawn from a program, and expand travel benefits to student spouses. While I am generally happy to hear we are broadening the programs that are available through SFA, I couldn't help but notice what I feel is a missing piece in these updated regulations which could close a significant gap in our system and help increase the number of our students accessing post-secondary education.
Mr. Speaker, bridging programs support students in preparing for university by combining academic upgrading and first-year university courses. Many bridging programs are Indigenous-focused and include cultural support to help students transition into student life. The programs create a welcoming space to boost grades, gain confidence, and experience post-secondary life, ensuring strong support and success at every step towards admission to a targeted program, usually within that same institution.
Mr. Speaker, a constituent of mine was recently refused their SFA application for a post-secondary bridging program they were enrolled in, which I was surprised to learn do not currently qualify for SFA loans. Because of this, they were unable to attend the program. This outcome was heartbreaking and is exactly the opposite of what I want happening for young students in the NWT who have identified a positive path to grow into but need a bit of help getting there.
Now, Mr. Speaker, I understand that we can't say yes to everything, and Ministers often cite that we don't have money to expand programs when they share difficult news with us like in this case. But when I learned not long after being told that the program couldn't be expanded that in fact it will be, but not for bridging programs, I was frustrated.
Mr. Speaker, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action Number 7 speaks to closing the gap between education outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. I think that including bridging programs in the amendments to the SFA program, particularly for Indigenous students, would be an important step in this direction for the territorial government and, Mr. Speaker, I call on the Minister to make this change. I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North.
Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to share the statement made last month by YK North Youth Parliamentarian Solomon Young advocating for MRI services in the NWT, which I fully support.
We need changes in our healthcare system, specifically magnetic resonance imaging machines. People here in Yellowknife, all over the NWT and in Nunavut, travel to Edmonton for medical services, specifically for MRI diagnostic services. Sometimes this trip spans days. It disrupts work lives, social lives, as well as people's personal lives for services that could be provided closer to home. For example, just for a 30-minute MRI, lives have to be disrupted for a minimum of two full days and often more. Families' lives all over the NWT have been disrupted more than necessary due to medical travel. Parents have to miss work, kids have to miss school, and the GNWT is paying a lot more than necessary for medical travel when they could buy an MRI machine. It would save a lot of people the pain of having to lose more work than necessary and leave the territory for basic medical care.
My family and I have experienced this multiple times, and it is not a satisfactory experience. On top of all that, there is a personal loss that comes with having to leave the territory, whether it's leaving family or missing events. No one likes it.
The GNWT spends around $35.5 million, according to the GNWT website, on medical travel each year, not including the personal time and money lost from taking time off work instead of just spending around $2 million for an MRI machine in Yellowknife that would last years.
The volume of MRIs performed for NWT patients is not easy to find publicly but if the NWT is anything like the Yukon, then half of all out of territory patients are going for MRIs. With this information, the GNWT can calculate how long it would take to save overall costs after the purchase of an MRI. I suspect it would not take long to recover the cost and then save money overall.
Mr. Speaker, this further proves my point from yesterday that we need to listen to children and youth. In this case, it could really pay off, both in terms of saving money and improving health care for Northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member from Mackenzie Delta.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to express my concern regarding the GNWT UNW casual grievance arbitration award and the eligibility to receive this award. It has been brought to my attention that constituency members who are eligible and who applied for this award were declined due to being unable to provide proper documentation.
Mr. Speaker, prior to 1998, when government offices were being regionalized and moved from communities to regional centres, much or all documentation that may have supported their application were apparently moved to a new location. Efforts to retrieve this information prior to 1998 have proven to be difficult because it no longer exists.
Mr. Speaker, the territorial government is providing this award for a reason, and that reason is to make amends for hiring casuals when any work at that time should have gone to term or intermediate employees available.
Mr. Speaker, this uncertainty around missing documents and employee status has created significant confusion among individuals who did work for our government prior to 1998 as missing or incomplete records now make it extremely difficult for them to confirm or prove their employment status during that time. I will have questions for the Minister of Finance at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from the Mackenzie Delta. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you mentioned at the start of this session about the Youth Parliament that was held here. I was happy to take part in that. I got to be a page and listen to all the youth from each riding give their Members' statements. It was very enlightening and very informed and certainly very impressed with the work that was done throughout that Youth Parliament. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to read into the record, into Hansard, the statement that was given by Mr. Willem Jellema who was the youth representative for Inuvik Boot Lake. And with your indulgence, I will give his statement today.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have problems in our schools. Social promotion negatively affects both the students achieving and not achieving grade level requirements. Social promotion is the practice of moving students up in grade level based on age rather than on academic achievement. The students who are struggling in classes are moved up rather than addressing the reasons why they're not passing. This means that students failing are more likely to fall into a cycle of failing their classes due to the expectation that failing classes has no consequences. Moreover, Mr. Speaker, when students who are passing have other students that are failing in their classes, their teachers are forced to teach students across various grade levels. Because of this wide range of teaching, they cannot focus on those at grade level.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that we should abolish social passing beyond grade 4 by giving standards at an earlier time. Students will be forced to commit to their work, and schools will have to address why a student is failing. We need to do better for the futures of our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you Mr. Jellema.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot lake. Members' statements. Member from Monfwi.
Masi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on March 2nd, 2026, Housing NWT announced expanded debt forgiveness for legacy mortgages. For homeowners still carrying that debt, it sounded like Christmas had come early. But when the gift arrived, it was wrapped in more government paperwork. I would say that is worse than coal.
Mr. Speaker, relief should not be announced like a gift then handed out like a test. What residents received was a letter explaining the new criteria. To qualify, residents had to prove they met the low income threshold or that they had already paid enough against the original principle or the assessed value of the home. But why are residents being asked to prove they qualify for relief when much of the information needed should already be in government's hands? Housing NWT should already know the payment history and government should have access to the assessed property values.
Mr. Speaker, these criteria block the people who need the relief the most. We are talking about elders who speak Indigenous languages as their first language and low-income residents worn down by endless forms and government processes. This approach does not meet our people where they are. It is unacceptable.
Mr. Speaker, this raises a bigger question. Why do these criteria exist at all? These mortgages are not new. Housing NWT stopped issuing them in 2007. That means every legacy mortgage is almost 20 years old or older. If someone has been faithfully paying into one of these homes for nearly 20 years, government should not be asking whether they have paid enough. Given the age and condition of these homes, it should be presumed that residents have already paid at least the assessed value. And if a resident has not been able to keep up with payment, that should be enough to recognize they are low income. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So who are these criteria really screening out? It seems to me they are screening out the people least able to endure another government process. Mr. Speaker, if this is truly about relief, then fully commit to relief, provide blanket forgiveness for legacy mortgages, no strings attached. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Member's statement. Member from Thebacha.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the graduating class of 2026 from Paul William Kaeser High School who celebrated their convocation ceremony last night. This milestone marks years of hard work, perseverance, and commitment by the students. Graduation is not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a moment that reflects the strength of family, community, and the many people who helped guide these young leaders to this important day.
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to each graduate and acknowledge the pride felt through Fort Smith and the Thebacha constituency. The future of our communities depends on the determination, creativity, and resilience of our youth, and this graduating class has much to be proud of.
Mr. Speaker, today's graduates are stepping into a time of growing opportunity in the North. With increased interest and investment in northern development, whether in infrastructure, resource development, renewable energy, tourism, or Indigenous-led initiatives, there are expanding pathways for young people to build meaningful careers close to home. These opportunities offer not only economic growth but also the chance for this generation to shape the future of our territory in ways that reflect our values, cultures, and priorities.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize and thank the parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, school staff, coaches, volunteers, and members of the district education authority, whose support and encouragement helped these students succeed. Their dedication continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of our young people.
To the graduates of 2026, I encourage you to continue pursuing your goals with confidence, whether your path leads to post-secondary education, trades, employment, entrepreneurship, or service to your community. Know that your community believes in you and is proud of your accomplishments. Congratulations once again to the class of 2026, and I wish each of them continued success in the years ahead. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Thebacha. Members' statements.
Colleagues, today I am remembering and honouring Ernie McLeod. Ernie was born on May 20, 1945, in his parents' home in Fort Liard. Over the course of his life, he travelled widely, experiencing many places beyond his birthplace. Despite his time away, Fort Liard always remained close to his heart, and in the end he returned to the community where his life began.
Throughout his life, Ernie was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his community. He operated several businesses over the years, including a taxi service that provided weekly trips for community members to Fort Nelson and back home. He also drove medical patients to and from appointments across British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, ensuring people could access the care they needed. In addition, he was involved in camp operations, catering services, and pilot car services.
Ernie was an active member of the community and had a passion for sports. He played in many softball games in Fort Liard and competed in tournaments throughout BC and the Northwest Territories. He also brought people together through sport by organizing his own softball team, proudly named Liard's
Taxi. Ernie and his team travelled to tournaments across BC and the NWT, building friendships and community spirit along the way.
He also served as president of the Fort Liard Metis. In this role, Ernie attended many meetings to ensure Metis interests were represented and advocated for within the Fort Liard community. His leadership reflected his commitment to supporting and strengthening his people.
This is where I got to know him. He was a very strong advocate for the community. He was always a straight shooter, never afraid to tell you what he believed but at the same time willing to sit down with you to hear your point of view. Sometimes he could surprise you with a very deep interpretation of the conversation and a clear vision of what should be done.
Later in life, he moved to the old folks home, and he always was willing to help his neighbours and make the place a friendly and welcoming environment. He would always welcome me into his apartment for tea or juice to discuss life, politics, or whatever was on his mind. I will miss those conversations in the future.
Ernie will be remembered for his hard work, his generosity, and his deep connection to his home community. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to express their gratitude for all the kindness and generosity bestowed at their time of grief. Your kind thoughts, deeds, and well wishes are deeply appreciated. Ernie will be sadly missed but not forgotten.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to acknowledge YK North constituent Fernanda Martins who has joined us today. She is the senior advocacy coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society in the Northwest Territories. Welcome, Fernanda, and we appreciate your tireless advocacy.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from the Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a constituent resident from Norman Wells, Mr. Barry Hartley. Welcome to the chamber.
