Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in his response to my Written Question 22-20(1), the Minister of MACA wrote that the Dog Act is designed to provide flexibility so communities can address dog control and welfare issues in a manner that reflects their specific needs. This includes the authority for communities to adopt tailored local bylaws.
Mr. Speaker, can the Minister elaborate on what resources currently exist or need to be developed so that NWT communities can work collaboratively and share their good work with other communities that have partnered and seen success with Veterinarians Without Borders so they may also update their bylaws to improve animal welfare? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Communities across the Northwest Territories use a range of tools to promote animal welfare, including local bylaws, public education, and partnership with external organizations. The GNWT supports community governments by providing them guidance, developing, and updating animal control bylaws, and help strengthen local capacity. While the Government of Northwest Territories does not deliver veterinary services, communities interested in expanding their animal welfare programming can explore partnerships with organizations like Veterinarians Without Borders and their northern animal health initiatives. Some communities are finding success in these programs other than the ones mentioned by the Member, such as Arctic Paws in Inuvik. The GNWT can assist sharing information and highlight success approaches already underway by other communities. This helps ensure that communities interested in updating their bylaws and are enhancing their animal welfare practices have access to examples, resources, and partnerships needed to support informed decision-making at the local level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
MS. REID: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, and I believe -- and thank you to the Minister for that. I also believe that he's met with representatives from Vets without Borders. And could the Minister explain if any -- he's identified any actions that MACA
Actually, Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that I have not met with the Veterinarians Without Borders. However, when communities express interest, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is prepared to facilitate any connections. Communities are also welcome to reach out to the Veterinarians Without Borders directly at any time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Final supplementary. Member from Great Slave.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My mistake. They're great people to talk to.
Mr. Speaker, I hazard to guess that all bylaw officers in the territory would rather help stray animals than to destroy them. Can the Minister commit to sharing resources to put interest -- and I think he has, but can he commit to pathwaying communities that have changed their bylaws such that communities that want to change their bylaws could then have support to do so with learning from other communities who have? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it goes without saying that any of these bylaw officers would do anything to help these animals in distress, and most community members would. But MACA is prepared to assist by sharing information and connecting interested community governments with organizations such as Vets Without Borders. I will ensure that communities seeking these resources have access to the information and connections they need to explore solutions that best meet the needs for the local circumstances. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife North.
