Kate Reid

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, also in the business plan I noted that there's mention of -- and I will read it so you don't have to reference the page number -- improving accessibility of NWT arts program streams, and the business plan noted that the measure was for fewer points of entry within the GNWT. Happily, yes, we've moved everything over from ECE into ITI and now one department rules them all.

So I am curious about the ways that arts overlap with the other functions of the department, as the Minister knows. So I guess my first question would be are there ways that the Minister can...

Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. So just looking at the main estimates for this activity, there -- there doesn't mean to be any -- there doesn't appear to be any substantial growth or reduction. It's staying sort of static. And so with the I would say rather continuous pressing of many members on the desire and need to see more tradespeople in -- being trained in the -- in the NWT, having more opportunities for apprenticeship, etcetera, how does the Minister and this division see itself effectively supporting labour market training and development efforts. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That's all for now.

Yeah, I would love -- thank you, Mr. Chair. I would love to have a little bit more information if the Minister and her department is willing to share. I think it would be interesting to have that data to track the efficacy of having the two streams and understanding where things are best -- the best fit is for residents.

I guess also I would like to clarify in the same sort of category of questions around that program is whether ECE has encountered any challenges or confusion around the eligibility of the new program or if applicants have uncertainty about which program is more appropriate or...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister for that. I know she has a lot of opportunities to speak to various partners, including federal partners, on topics such as these, including the assets of the mines as they reach their closure.

Mr. Speaker, can she tell me if -- especially in Arctic security, Mr. Speaker, can she tell me if there is interest of the Department of National Defence to utilize some of these airfields and airstrips in their future planning? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of ITI.

In 2021, the GNWT participated with many stakeholders, including Indigenous governments, on the Re-Imagining Closure project around mine closure and where ideas of common ground could be found about repurposing assets, among other ideas. Can the Minister tell me the status of conversations between the GNWT and other stakeholders and diamond mines as they close around asset repurposing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So some of the work that's being contemplated with the legislation and the work that is ongoing for future Assemblies, be it the Archives Act or the Heritage Resources Act -- I apologize if that's not the correct title -- that work is being contemplated in existing resources? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So in the business plan, it says summer 2026. Is that still on time? Thank you.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. As the Minister knows, culture and heritage, near and dear to my heart.

In the business plan, there is a piece around planning to include heritage resources in emergency planning and that draft steps to implement planning are expected in summer of 2026. Could the Minister provide a scope of work on that particular item insofar as I assume it's heritage resources contemplated in both institutions as well as perhaps archaeological pieces, but I just would like to seek some clarity around that. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And apologies if I missed that in -- in previous deliberations of Committee of the Whole. So thank you to the Minister for that. Can she provide more details around that agreement? Thank you.