R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And Jay pipe's a good example of the vast resources that we have here in the Northwest Territories. 1.3 million square kilometers, much of it contains a number of diamonds, precious metals, rare Earth elements, critical minerals, timber, wildlife, all sorts of natural resources that the people of the North can benefit from and resources that we should be able to benefit from. And we are doing that by working with industry, working on streamlining our regulations to the extent that we can, understanding we're just one partner in land management in the Northwest...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And so EIA recently took over this file, and so the team is building capacity. I can't really commit the team to, you know, connect people in Yellowknife to services and people in the other 32 communities. That might be a bit much. But that being said, we will work with the population. We are working with the vulnerable population and the NGOs to see how we can best serve their needs and how we can do it in an integrated fashion. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'm sure the Member can appreciate that we've been busy this week. I haven't had a chance to read the report myself. But I know that staff are reviewing it, and staff from EIA did contribute to the report as well. So after that review is done, I look forward to speaking with the department to figure out what the next steps are going forward. Because as I've said many times in this House, the Street Outreach is a valuable service, and when I'm in Yellowknife, I stay downtown and so I see their work on a regular basis, and I very much appreciate it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize our former colleague and current Grand Chief Mr. Jackson Lafferty as well as Major Tony Brushett with the Salvation Army, who is one of those NGO partners that I spoke about earlier today. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Chair, we wish to deal with Tabled Document 193-20(1), 2025-2026 Capital Estimates, to conclude consideration of all departments, and Bill 15. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following three documents: Northwest Territories Coroner Service 2023 Annual Report; NWT RCMP Policing Priorities 2024-2027; and, Territorial Police Service Agreement - RCMP Annual Report (2023-2024). Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The engagement has begun. I believe there's a meeting scheduled with the local business community for November 4th. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have to follow up to see what the plan is. We want to build good relationships and partnerships with the city and with the local NGOs. And so I'm sure at the staff level, those conversations are happening, but I will ensure that those conversations do happen if that's not the case. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for using your prerogative to allow me to introduce to the House the government service officers from around the Northwest Territories who are here in town for training. These are the people at the frontline of integrated service delivery in the Northwest Territories. So we have with us today:

George Morin

Celine Proctor - Fort Good Hope

Patricia Voudrach - Tuktoyaktuk

Connie Villenuve - Jean Marie River

Tina Apples - Gameti

Cassandra Paul-Greenland - Aklavik

Elizabeth Romie - Whati

Irene Kodakin - Deline

Sharon Pekok - Hay River Reserve

Eddy McKay - Fort Resolution

Kimberly...

Mr. Speaker, homelessness is a complex issue that touches all aspects of society and all NWT communities. Every jurisdiction across the country is facing this issue, amplified in recent years by the pandemic, the rising cost of living, illicit drugs, and climate-related emergencies. What causes people to lose their housing and the cascading effect on their lives and the communities where they live are varied. This is why A Way Home, the Government of the Northwest Territories Homelessness Strategy, is a whole-of-government approach that requires partnership and collaboration with all...