Debates of October 28, 2025 (day 69)

Date
October
28
2025
Session
20th Assembly, 1st Session
Day
69
Speaker
Members Present
Hon. Caitlin Cleveland, Mr. Edjericon, Mr. Hawkins, Hon. Lucy Kuptana, Hon. Jay MacDonald, Hon. Vince McKay, Mr. McNeely, Ms. Morgan, Mr. Morse, Ms. Reid, Mr. Rodgers, Hon. Lesa Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Testart, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Mrs. Weyallon Armstrong, Mrs. Yakeleya
Topics
Statements

Member’s Statement 772-20(1): Community Landfills

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker. In many of our communities in Tlicho region and the rest of the NWT, landfills are not adequately engineered to protect people or the environment. They lack basic safeguards such as contaminant liners, designated waste zones, and proper leachate management. In some cases, waste is deposited directly on the land just a short distance from creeks, lakes, or wetlands, with no barriers to protect against runoff or groundwater contaminations.

Mr. Speaker, this is not just a technical oversight. This is a public health risk.

Improperly managed dumps attract wildlife, contaminate our water, and release harmful substances into the air and soil. Without proper signage, fencing, or management, these sites can be unsafe, especially for children, elders, and community members who live nearby or use the land for hunting, fishing, or gathering.

Mr. Speaker, under best practices and under territorial guidelines, a safe landfill must include environmental protections set back from water bodies, popper containment of hazardous materials, seasonal access controls, and long-term monitoring. Mr. Speaker, this is creating a safe community. I will have questions for the Minister of MACA. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.