Debates of February 4, 2026 (day 73)

February
4
2026
Session
20th Assembly, 1st Session
Day
73
Speaker
Shane Thompson
Word PDF
Members Present
Hon. Caitlin Cleveland, Mr. Edjericon, Mr. Hawkins, Hon. Lucy Kuptana, Hon. Jay MacDonald, Hon. Vince McKay, Mr. McNeely, Ms. Morgan, Mr. Morse, Mr. Nerysoo, Ms. Reid, Mr. Rodgers, Hon. Lesa Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Testart, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Mrs. Weyallon Armstrong
Assembly Members
Topics
Member’s Statement 806-20(1): Congratulations to New Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair Erwin Elias
Member’s Statement 807-20(1): Global Political and Economic Situation
Member’s Statement 808-20(1): Mackenzie Valley Highway
Member’s Statement 809-20(1): Northwest Territories Illiteracy Rates
Member’s Statement 810-20(1): Attendance at AME Roundup
Member’s Statement 811-20(1): Importance of Testing for Radon
Member’s Statement 812-20(1): Importance of Day of Recognition for Truth and Reconciliation
Member’s Statement 813-20(1): Northwest Territories Economy
Member’s Statement 814-20(1): Successful Graduate of Indigenous Training Initiative with Canadian Coast Guard
Member’s Statement 815-20(1): Treaty Rights in the Northwest Territories Related to Healthcare
Member’s Statement 816-20(1): Training Programs for Private Security
Member’s Statement 817-20(1): Celebration of Life of Twyla Isaiah
Member’s Statement 818-20(1): National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Minister’s Statement 168-20(1): Sessional Statement
Minister’s Statement 169-20(1): Notice of Budget Address
Question 923-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories
Question 924-20(1): Status of Locksmiths, Security Guards and other Security Occupations Act
Question 925-20(1): Department of National Defence Procurement and Investments in the Northwest Territories and Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway
Question 926-20(1): Construction of Mackenzie Valley Highway
Question 927-20(1): Literacy Rates in the Northwest Territories
Question 928-20(1): Radon Testing, Exposure and Mitigation in the Northwest Territories
Question 929-20(1): Government of the Northwest Territories Actions Against Misinformation and Denialism regarding Residential Schools
Question 930-20(1): Modernization of Medical Travel Policies
Question 931-20(1): Land Transfers to Support Economic Development and Investments
Question 932-20(1): Federal Government Assault-Style Firearm Buyback Program
Question 933-20(1): Investing in Yellowknife Airport Improvements
Question 934-20(1): Addressing Medical Travel Challenges
Question 935-20(1): Fine Option Programs and Community Justice Committees
Question 936-20(1): Fort Liard Community Policing Program
Return to Written Question 21-20(1): Changes to Child and Youth Counselling Services
Tabled Document 441-20(1): Additional Information for Follow-Up to Oral Question 899-20(1): Northwest Territories Cancer Statistics
Tabled Document 442-20(1): Additional Information for Return to Written Question 25-20(1): Senior Envoy (Premier)
Tabled Document 444-20(1): Jurisdictional Scan of Publicly Funded Fertility Programs in Canada
Tabled Document 447-20(1): Locksmiths, Security Guards and Other Security Occupations Act (NWT, 1991)
Statements

Member’s Statement 812-20(1): Importance of Day of Recognition for Truth and Reconciliation

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [Translation] Mr. Speaker, today the thing I want to talk about is regarding British Columbia legislature.  In November, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, they are talking about doing without the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  We celebrate that day, and it's a very important day for us.  [Translation Ends].

Mr. Speaker, although these remarks were made in another jurisdiction, their impact reaches across this country including here in the Northwest Territories where the legacy of residential schools is deeply felt and where reconciliation is an ongoing and essential commitment.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. It is a day dedicated to honouring survivors, remembering the children who did not return home, and advancing public understanding of the history and intergenerational impacts of residential schools. Statements made in the BC legislature denying this history and calling for the repeal of the day are deeply troubling. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not about assigning shame. It is about acknowledging truth; truth documented through thousands of survivors' testimonies, including many from the Northwest Territories. It is about recognizing that the harms of residential schools were real, profound, and lasting.

Mr. Speaker, acknowledging this history does not detract from the achievements Canadians are proud of. Rather, it strengthens our national narrative by ensuring it is honest and complete. Reconciliation is not an accusation. It is a responsibility. It reflects our collective commitment to healing, respect, and a better future for all who share this land.

Mr. Speaker, instead of retreating from this commitment, we must continue to uphold it. Truth is not divisive, and reconciliation is not optional. It is a path forward for our territory and our country. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Premier.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.