Mr. Speaker, a strong economy does not happen by accident, especially here in the North. The Government of the Northwest Territories is not sitting and waiting for a miracle. We are focused on steady groundwork and diversification, and our efforts are paying off.
The Northwest Territories economy is more diversified than many see, but we need to continue to grow our diverse sectors. It is powered by people and industries that reach far beyond resource development like film, small business, arts and culture, fishing, emerging innovation sectors and, what I speak of today, tourism.
Last year, we welcomed more than 75,000 visitors who contributed an estimated $155 million in spending. Nearly one in twelve jobs in the NWT are linked to tourism, underscoring the sector's important role in the economy and its potential for further growth. This sector is ripe with opportunities, creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for Northerners across the entire territory.
That is why, Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to provide an update on Tourism 2030, the next five-year plan to grow and evolve the tourism economy. Tourism 2030 will be released in April and is built by Northerners, through extensive engagement across the territory.
The government clearly heard that tourism must grow in a way that delivers real benefits to communities, protects the land, strengthens culture, and ensures visitors leave with experiences they will never forget. Tourism 2030 will be built around five clear priorities:
Building industry capacity;
Enhancing visitor experiences;
Expanding sustainable tourism products;
Strengthening marketing and communications; and,
Making better use of data.
Each priority is supported by concrete actions, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
Mr. Speaker, we have already begun work on capacity building, with continued support for tourism mentorship programs, training funds, and workshops that help operators grow and improve service quality. These efforts reflect Tourism 2030's focus on workforce development so operators and communities can capitalize on new markets and the right types of visitors.
Enhancing visitor experiences is two-fold, requiring investments in community-based tourism and sustainable tourism products. Programs like the community tourism coordinators program help ensure visitors experience the Northwest Territories through authentic stories, local knowledge, and meaningful connections with the people who live here.
Mr. Speaker, for people to travel here, they must first know we are here, ready to welcome them and introduce them to the spectacular Northwest Territories. ITI works closely with Northwest Territories Tourism, marketing and promoting the territory under the highly recognizable Spectacular Northwest Territories brand. At the same time, outreach within the territory will increase through the Value of Tourism campaign, which highlights how tourism supports local jobs, businesses and community vitality.
Finally, to ensure the actions laid out in Tourism 2030 are evidence-based, responsive, and effective, data and research will be better utilized. Embedding data into all decision-making positions the government to track progress, adapt when needed, and remain accountable to residents and industry.
Tourism is good for the economy of the Northwest Territories and brings so much more. It is a way of sharing who we are, where we come from, and how we live on this land. It creates connections between visitors and communities, supports the preservation of culture and traditions, and strengthens pride in the stories and experiences that make the North unique.
Tourism 2030 will provide a clear path forward, shaped by northern voices and grounded in sustainability and culture. It reinforces our commitment to ensuring tourism creates real opportunities for Northerners, from good jobs to new business ventures, and delivers lasting benefits for communities across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, the work is underway, and I look forward to continuing to report on our progress as we continue to build a resilient, inclusive, and world-class tourism sector for the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of ITI. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.
Mr. Speaker, last fall, the auditor general released its report on housing in the Northwest Territories. This was a call to action, and we are answering it. Staff and leadership remain committed to transparency and view the audit findings as an opportunity to improve the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing across the territory.
The audit highlighted opportunities to strengthen our programs and services, our partnerships with the local housing organizations, and our capacity to equitably serve residents. It also reinforced areas that we knew required attention and where, in some cases, improvements were already in progress. Although we are only four months post-audit, I would like to provide an update on the progress we have made to date, and the actions planned or underway across all areas identified in the report.
In alignment with the audit's recommendation, we are improving the monitoring of local housing organizations. We have begun scoping a new monitoring framework and started consultations with LHO managers and district offices. We are updating the LHO administration manual and have implemented monthly touchpoints for staff and LHOs to increase training on policies and procedures. These actions are intended to strengthen transparency, consistency, and fairness in how social housing units are allocated across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, on maintenance and asset management, at Housing NWT we are focused on enhancing processes and accountability. A modernized system of maintenance management has now been implemented across all LHOs, supported by ongoing training and new online reporting tools. We are reviewing and renewing community housing services agreements, and a formalized quarterly reporting process will be implemented this year. Housing NWT has also completed a capacity gap assessment for maintenance activities. These steps will ensure maintenance activities are documented, reported, and acted on regularly and effectively.
The auditor general also identified gaps in our monitoring and evaluation of homeownership programs. We have increased capacity in oversight of our homeownership programs to support the development of a compliance monitoring program that ensures program eligibility and parameters are followed.
Mr. Speaker, on the need to evaluate our homeownership program, I would like to note that this work is being conducted through the government renewal initiative and ensures program evaluations are completed to better measure outcomes and guide future improvements. Housing NWT has reprofiled a position and hired an additional staff member to support program design and evaluation. An evaluation framework for the emergency repair and the social housing maintenance programs will be finalized shortly. Last, but not least, we are determining where to partner with Indigenous governments or other interested governments and organizations to improve the delivery and service of homeownership repair programs.
Mr. Speaker, the auditor general found that Housing NWT had begun to deliver on this government's commitment to deliver an updated housing needs assessment and better understand housing needs in the NWT. We have recently completed the territorial housing needs assessment to identify what housing supports are needed and where.
We recognize that there is more work needs to be done. We are actively exploring options to increase capacity, both within Housing NWT and across all LHOs. We have also acknowledged as a government that housing is a shared responsibility, so we cannot do this work alone. We will continue to advocate for increased federal funding so we have the tools to guarantee equitable access and consistent application of informed criteria. Everyone deserves a safe, healthy place to call home and we have a responsibility to uphold our role in providing that. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister responsible for Housing NWT. Ministers' statements. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all the nominees for the 2025 Northwest Territories Outstanding Volunteer Awards and to celebrate this year's winners.
This year marks 35 years since the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards program was established and 115 remarkable Northerners have been recognized since its inception in 1991. The Outstanding Volunteer Award continue to highlight the extraordinary contributions of volunteers, and the essential role volunteerism plays in communities across the Northwest Territories.
Volunteering is an act of kindness, given freely without expectation of recognition. Volunteers embody the spirit of service: Strengthening community connections, building resilience, and offering support where it is needed most. Through their time, energy, and compassion, they help create a healthier, more vibrant, and thriving territory for all of us.
Mr. Speaker, each year, the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards accept nominations in four categories: Youth, Elder, Individual, and Group. This year, we received 50 nominations from 19 communities.
To all the individuals nominated, I extend my sincere appreciation. Your contributions are truly invaluable, not only to your home communities but also to the entire Northwest Territories. Without your dedication, so many programs and initiatives would not be possible. Your efforts make a real difference, and we are grateful for all you do.
Mr. Speaker, today I had the honour of presenting the 2025 Outstanding Volunteer Awards at the Legislative Assembly, and I would like to recognize this year's recipients.
The Outstanding Youth Award was presented to Ava Erasmus of Fort Simpson for her leadership and dedication to local sports organizations and the Fort Simpson Fire Department.
The Outstanding Individual Award was presented to Brian McShane, who was honoured for his many years of leadership and service with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The Outstanding Elder Award was presented to Gloria Faye Johns of Hay River for her dedication, leadership, and long-standing commitment to many carnivals in the South Slave, as well as for her support of families during difficult times.
The Outstanding Group Award was presented to the Run for Our Lives committee from Yellowknife, which has been recognized for more than 20 years for organizing community events and fundraising to improve cancer care in the North.
Congratulations to all the Award recipients. Your commitment not only fosters positive change but also motivates others to participate and contribute in their own ways. Your actions show that even the smallest contributions can leave a lasting impression on our communities.
I would also like to express my appreciation to everyone who took the time to nominate their fellow residents. Your efforts to acknowledge others' contributions strengthen the generosity and community pride that characterize these individuals and our territory.
Mr. Speaker, as we look ahead, it is especially meaningful that the United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2026 the International Year of Volunteers and Sustainable Development. This designation serves as a global reminder of the vital role volunteers play in shaping a stronger, more resilient world. I encourage everyone to keep the spirit of volunteerism.
Nominations for the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Award are open year-round, and I urge residents to recognize those who consistently go above and beyond in service to others. Let us be inspired by the remarkable example set by this year's recipients and let us continue working together to make our communities stronger, more vibrant, and full of possibility. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, every year, the Canadian Institute for Health Information releases emergency department data from across Canada, covering wait times, diagnoses, and circumstances of patients who leave without being seen. Every participating jurisdiction relies on this data to guide decisions and ensure public accountability because it is essential for planning and reporting. Even though the CIHI's expert panel recommends every jurisdiction participate, health and social services does not and they don't submit even a single emergency department visit, not from Stanton and not from any emergency department in the Northwest Territories. This means the Minister cannot report in national comparable term why patients present to Stanton's emergency department, or under any circumstances why they leave. And without this data, the Northwest Territories cannot take part in national opioid, mental health, or infectious disease surveillance.
While the Minister has stated that the NWT provides data to CIHI as part of their standardized national reporting programs, she has not yet acknowledged that emergency department reporting is entirely absent. Certified health management specialists could solve this problem, yet there are only about ten in the North with no relief positions, and they are excluded from the labour market supplement. Their work is being supported by uncertified staff.
The Minister told this House last October that health and social services' IT is outdated and we can't do anything more. But that is because the vendor has stopped supporting it. Yet when the government found money for an AI note-taking tool, well, hospital inpatient charts are still on paper. The Minister's own primary care framework lists data infrastructure as a precondition for the transformational changes she promises. But transformation starts with reliable data. She cannot track whether care is reaching small communities if the data isn't collected. She cannot report health outcomes to Indigenous governments if the system cannot even code an emergency department visit. And she cannot promote Indigenous data sovereignty over data that doesn't exist.
Mr. Speaker, it's time for this government to invest in reliable data, properly staff our health information management professionals, and ensure every emergency department visit is captured so this government can make better decisions, improve outcomes, and ensure transformation means residents receive the care they need today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker
Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, beginning tomorrow, Curling NWT and the Yellowknife Curling Club will be hosting the 6th annual Rock the Rings Curling Festival. This event is intended to introduce NWT youth to the roaring sport of curling in various under 12, under 15, and under 20 divisions.
Approximately 65 youths from Yellowknife, Hay River, Inuvik, Tsiigehtchic will be curling, bowling, swimming, and having a rocking time, Mr. Speaker. Nearly half the participants will be from my home community of Inuvik. In fact, I've been told that Inuvik has fared quite well at the event over the past couple of years, taking home the majority of the championship banners.
I would also like to recognize two junior curling teams from Inuvik that have represented the NWT at the Canadian under 18 junior curling championships for the past three years.
Team Wainman and Team Wilcom have dominated the under 18 division in the NWT in recent years. In fact, Team Wainman, who are Reese Wainman, Brooke Smith, Emilia Mehring, and Hayden Smith, just went on a historic run at the recent U-18 event in Timmins, Ontario, winning four of their six round robin games and becoming, to my knowledge, only the second team from the NWT to make the playoffs at a Canadian junior national event.
Mr. Speaker, both Team Wainman and Team Wilcom will be representing Inuvik at the NWT upcoming Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse. I would like to thank all the chaperones, volunteers, fundraisers, and parents who make this such a special event in Yellowknife. I encourage everyone to stop by the Yellowknife Curling Club this weekend, say hi, and cheer on our youth athletes.
A special thank you to Coach Nick Saturnino for his continued dedication to Inuvik Curling and Curling NT as its current president. He has led the helm of the Inuvik Curling Club since 2008. He is all things curling, Mr. Speaker, in our community and tirelessly works on everything from ice making, fundraising, and organizing bonspiels and events.
Nick's passion has always been to grow the sport among young people, and the junior curling program in Inuvik now has over 80 youth participating. As coach of Team Wainman, I know he couldn't be prouder of what they've accomplished, what the future holds for this dynamic team, and all our youth curlers in the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. Members' statements. Member from the Great Slave.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Water is our most precious resource, and working together is how we protect it in partnership with Indigenous governments. I want to thank my colleague from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh for raising concerns with Alberta proposing wastewater release from oil sands into the territory's watershed. From the beginning of this Assembly, on my office wall you can find a map of the Mackenzie Basin watershed. Water from northern Alberta, British Columbia, parts of Saskatchewan, and the Yukon all flow through the mighty Dehcho to the Arctic Ocean.
The NWT has one of the most pristine watersheds in the world. This is something that we should be able to celebrate. Instead, I am alarmed by the recent report from the United Nations researchers stating that the world has moved beyond a water crisis and now into a state of global water bankruptcy. This means persistent shortages of water cannot be re-established to baseline capacity. Water extraction and overuse favours powerful actors in industry, while the rest of the world -- disproportionately Indigenous peoples, women, youth, and the low-income global majority -- face catastrophic effects.
Assuming the NWT will continue to enjoy undisturbed, continued natural access to pristine and clean water without the need for proactive intervention is not realistic. Global water bankruptcy presents a real threat to the environment and economy. Outdated agricultural practices have been a major historical driver of global water bankruptcy and closer to home, we face known concerns, with the oil sands, and new concerns including AI data centres that consume massive amounts of freshwater.
Mr. Speaker, ensuring we have access to enough clean drinking water will continue to grow as a concern, as climate change continues to impact huge swings in water quantity through drought and flood. These concerns are dire in other parts of North America, and I want to ensure we are proactive in this space. This doesn't even begin to touch upon the concern that our water infrastructure throughout the territory needs upgrading.
Mr. Speaker, I am thankful that within the framework of the GNWT, there is an executive council policy 53.02, the sustainable development policy, that balances resource development with effective stewardship of our land and water. Sustainable development in the territory cannot occur on a resource that has run dry. Mr. Speaker, I will seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. If we lose access to pristine water quality and run dry on water quantity, we are in a heap of trouble. I know that there are scientists and community-based monitors who keep tabs on both, but in recent years of drought and now inter-jurisdictional threat, Mr. Speaker, we have to proactively ensure we are doing everything we can. As long as the sun rises from east to west, as long as the river flows downstream, as long as this land shall last, these are not simply pretty words; they are a promise. Water is not a commodity; water is life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North.
Mr. Speaker, here in Yellowknife it can be challenging to get a primary care appointment, Sometimes next to impossible. Ultimately, the solution is to recruit and retain more physicians, nurse practitioners, and other providers. There is no getting around that. But in the meantime, there is more we can do to improve people's access to appointments.
At least a quarter of Yellowknife's population has not yet been assigned to a team even though we all received a letter in October 2024 saying everyone would soon be assigned to a team. So if you're not on a team, then you're told to call for a same-day appointment, which are notoriously hard to get. And with same-day appointments, there's no triaging happening so the slots could all get filled with issues that aren't urgent at all.
So we could start by establishing a process for making sure that higher-risk patients with complex needs get assigned to a care team on a priority basis. The Ministers told me that's supposed to be happening in theory, but practitioners tell me that there is no systematic process on the ground, especially if you're only seeing local physicians.
Second, available appointment times are being wasted because of no-shows. We could be sending folks reminder phone calls or texts for every primary care appointment. The dentist can do it. Public health does it. So let's make it standard practice in primary care.
Third, given that we have a lot of locum physicians right now, we should be trying to maximize opportunities for virtual appointments so there's better continuity of care. What if we gave a locum a few hours of remote work hours, say the week after their contract, to follow up with patients on things like test results. And with the locum physicians that come here regularly, we could even try to arrange some virtual clinic days to open up new appointments by videoconference.
Currently, virtual care in the NWT seems to be done on an ad hoc basis here and there, but we need some sort of virtual care strategy. It's not just about having the technology. The bigger missing piece is organizing the people who will agree to be available when and who will coordinate.
Mr. Speaker, while we work on staffing up our primary care teams, let's also tackle the lower-hanging fruit to ensure more people can access the appointments they need. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member from Frame Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker A number of weeks ago in January, GNWT staff hosted the Following the North Star: Reimagining Primary and Community Health Care in the North summit, and MLAs were invited to attend an art exhibit developed by the community culture and innovation team inviting leaders to learn and reimagine health care in the North to better focus on the people it's serving. I appreciated the opportunity to broaden my understanding of Indigenous experiences of health care and to see the vision that is forming around primary healthcare reform: A patient-centered, culturally appropriate and responsive system. I think we can all agree this is what we should be working towards.
When staff asked me for feedback on how I felt following the session, a few things stood out to me. One was that similar to thoughts shared by the Member for Yellowknife North in her statement earlier this sitting that I don't feel our system currently has a strong foundation on which to build the vision we are working towards. I don't want to suggest we aren't headed in the right direction. I really appreciate the work being done. I just want to make sure we are also putting the pieces in place in the right order to ensure that vision can flourish. We need stability in our system to be able to achieve the expansive vision our staff are working to develop.
Another thing that stood out to me in the exhibit was that building midwifery surfaces into our system was included in the vision, which I was happy to see, and makes sense as growing midwifery will clearly be a part of creating a more culturally appropriate and patient-centered system. But that seems to run counter to what I've seen the health department actually doing.
Cuts to midwifery services brought forward by the health Minister were a hotly debated topic in 2023 and raised significant public concern. Since then, I have been advocating for midwifery on behalf of constituents who see this as an essential service and want more access to this support. I am hoping the health Minister will be able to shed some light on this apparent disparity between our vision and actions, Mr. Speaker, and I will reiterate the same point I make every time I speak on this issue. The need for expanded midwifery services in our territory is not going away. The Minister's own staff are advocating for it. So what are we going to do to meet that need? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member from the Dehcho.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. As many of us know, the community of Enterprise has been fighting for its very survival since the 2023 wildfire reduced most of the hamlet to ashes. Families lost homes, businesses disappeared overnight, and a once thriving community was left to pick up the pieces.
In the months and years since, the people of Enterprise have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. They are rebuilding their community with pride and with hope but hope alone cannot power our homes, businesses, or public infrastructure. Today, the urgent restoration of three-phase power is not just a technical requirement; it is a lifeline. Without it, Enterprise cannot truly recover, cannot rebuild with confidence, and cannot secure the economic stability its residents have worked so hard to regain.
Three-phase power is not a luxury. It is a basic requirement for any modern community. Without it, new construction is constrained, economic development is stalled, and essential facilities cannot operate reliably. The hamlet cannot attract investment or support the return of displaced residents if its electrical grid remains insufficient for even modest growth.
Mr. Speaker, restoring the three-phase power is an investment in safety, in economic opportunity, and in reconciliation with a community that has already sacrificed so much. It is a concrete achievable action that will accelerate rebuilding and restore confidence in Enterprise's future.
This government must work collaboratively with the Hamlet of Enterprise, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and federal partners, as well as NAKA, to advance this infrastructure without delay. The residents of Enterprise have waited long enough. They deserve the same reliable electrical service that other communities take for granted.
Mr. Speaker, we need to ensure that Enterprise has the power, literally and figuratively, to rebuild stronger than ever. I will have questions for the Minister of NTPC later. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from the Dehcho. Members' statements. Member from Monfwi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I am going to be talking about medical travel.
Mr. Speaker, residents of the Northwest Territories should be supported during medical emergency wherever those emergencies occur; however, when residents fall ill while outside the territory, they are not eligible for GNWT-approved medical travel. While emergency treatment outside the territory may be covered, the expenses that come with an unexpected illness while traveling are not. Rebooked flights, extended stays, and accommodation near a hospital are often unavoidable when someone cannot safely return home as planned. A resident who is hospitalized may need to remain in another jurisdiction for follow-up care or observation.
Mr. Speaker, they may be unable to travel on their original return date and must change their flight. They may need to stay close to the hospital while waiting for discharge or specialist directions. These costs can quickly reach thousands of dollars.
Mr. Speaker, it is common for residents to travel out of the territory for work, school, family responsibilities, and many other reasons. Travel is simply part of northern life when many services are not available at home. No one plans to become sick while away, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, there are also concerns about access to Larga accommodations. When residents do not have GNWT-approved medical travel, they cannot stay at Larga even if they are receiving necessary care. That means, Mr. Speaker, finding and paying for private accommodations at market rates often on short notice. Mr. Speaker, this is not about special treatment or discretionary travel. It is about ensuring residents are supported when they experience an unexpected medical event. In moments of crisis, people should be able to rely on their government for support. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Northwest Territories is undergoing a profound economic downshift. It's a decline in our mining sector, as we all know. It's long been the foundation of our territorial economy, and it's winding down as we all can see. If you can imagine, it's like the music is no longer playing. It's getting quieter and quieter.
Mr. Speaker, is anyone noticing the music has started to stop? As it downturns, we need to reshape our economy, and I can appreciate the fact that our mining economy is at least a third of our GDP. But think of it as this: Every one of us is affected by loss of jobs. Every one of us is affected by constituents that no longer have contracts and services. This puts pressure on rents. This puts pressure on mortgages. This puts pressure on families, Mr. Speaker.
The impending closure may be a natural life cycle of diamond mines, but it is not a natural life cycle of governments to sit here paralyzed watching this. So imagine for a moment, Mr. Speaker, the band is now finished playing, they're packing up and walking off the stage. They're not coming back for an encore. Not one of these diamond mines is going to do a gotcha moment and say ah well, we were always intending to just see what would happen and we're going to open up this pipe that we always pretended we ignored but we knew was too juicy to leave. That isn't going to be the case, Mr. Speaker.
The story is going to be, when I was young I remember Pine Points. There was a big sign that says the last person to leave, turn off the lights. That sign stood there for years. Mr. Speaker, the diamond industry has now pulled out the big sheet of plywood, someone's buying the paint, and they're trying to decide who's going to paint the sign to say the last person to leave this economy, turn off the lights.
Mr. Speaker, I did welcome the finance Minister's temporary relief on the tax, property tax, some of the carbon tax funds, and etcetera, but none of that has been bridging to new opportunities. It's literally just to keep the lights on.
Mr. Speaker, we cannot tourist our way out of this difficult challenge. If you are a fish, you need to swim. The NWT is a mining resource industry economy, we need to develop, Mr. Speaker. We can't lose that message. Mr. Speaker, it's got to sink in before the music completely stops and the band is completely off the stage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements.
Colleagues, today I have the pleasure of recognizing an exceptional young leader from Fort Simpson, Ms. Ava Erasmus, who was awarded the 2025 NWT Youth Volunteer Award today. Ava grew up in our community, participating in the very programs she now helps to deliver. As a child she was involved in speed skating, track and field, and cadets, building the skills, discipline, and community spirit that continueS to guide her today. What makes this award so meaningful is that Ava has chosen to come back from university to give back to the youth of Fort Simpson and the Northwest Territories, and to invest her time and talent where they are needed most.
Ava is a dedicated coach with the local skating club, teaching both skating skills and speed skating to young athletes. She began helping little children learn to skate when she was only eleven years old, and that genuine desire to support others has only grown stronger. The skaters she works with feel encouraged and supported by her patient, positive approach, and they see in Ava an example of what is possible when you commit to your sport and your community.
Beyond the rink, Ava has served for the past couple of years as a member of the Fort Simpson Volunteer Fire Department, where she participates in regular training and responds to both ambulance and fire calls, often in challenging conditions. She also represented Nahendeh as the Youth Parliamentarian in 2019, demonstrating leadership and an interest in public service at a young age.
During the award ceremories, the director of sport and recreation did a great job articulating what Ava has done. Then when Ava accepted the award, she did a great speech. I have added both of these speeches at the end of this statement and ask them be deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.
Colleagues, I have known this young woman her entire life and continue to be amazed by all that she is able to do. Ava embodies the very best of youth volunteerism, and I ask all Members of this House to join me in congratulating her on receiving the 2025 NWT Youth Volunteer Award. Congratulations, Ava. I know your family and friends are very proud of you.
I would like to introduce you to Ava Erasmus, our 2025 Outstanding Volunteer in the Youth category.
Ava is an outstanding example of youth leadership and community spirit in Fort Simpson. At just 21 years old, she has dedicated countless hours to volunteering in multiple roles. For over two and a half years, Ava has been an active Member of the Fort Simpson Volunteer Fire Department, attending weekly training sessions and responding to both fire and ambulance calls providing critical assistance during emergencies and supporting her fellow volunteers. Beyond this, Ava gives back to local youth as a volunteer coach with the Fort Simpson Speed Skating Club, where she not only leads practices three times a week but also travels with skaters to competitions, organizes fundraisers, and manages social media to celebrate their achievements. Recently, Ava joined the curling club's volunteer board, continuing her commitment to strengthening community programs. Her energy, kindness, and willingness to learn make her a role model for youth and a vital contributor to making Fort Simpson a great place to live. Ava has shown an exceptional commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Congratulations, Ava, and thank you!
I am really honoured to be here today, and I am grateful to receive this award. It means a lot not just to me, but to everyone who's been part of getting me here.
Honestly, I know I wouldn't be up here without the people I volunteer with. The people who show up early, stay late, and keep things moving even when no one sees it. Things get done in our community because people care enough to step in and help. It's really that simple.
Communities don't run on their own. They work because people give their time, their energy, and whatever skills they have to make things a little better. Every hour someone puts in creates something real whether that's a program, a reason for people to come together, or an overall safer community.
I've had the chance to work with people who really care about our community, and they're the reason it's a place we're proud to live in. Volunteering isn't about recognition, it's about showing up and helping create something better for everyone. And if I've learned anything, it's that every small effort adds up to something incredible because of the people behind it.
So even though this award has my name on it, it really belongs to everyone who volunteers, supports, and puts in the time to make our community what it is. Thank you for everything you do.
I would like to recognize the little lady I just finished talking about, Ms. Ava Erasmus. She's an amazing young lady as I said in my Member's statement, but she was a Youth Parliamentarian in 2019, and she told me that at some point in time she will hold the seat for the Nahendeh. So I look forward to that, having her voice here. So welcome to the Assembly, and thank you very much for receiving your award here today.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, March 2nd, 2026, I will move the following motion:
Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Ms. Jennie Vandermeer of Norman Wells be recommended to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for appointment to the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission, effective immediately for a four-year term.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today.
The Member is seeking unanimous consent to consider the motion for which notice was given earlier today. Hearing no nays, Member from Yellowknife Centre.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker,
WHEREAS Section 16.(2) of the Human Rights Act provides that the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission is composed of such members, between three and five in number, as may be appointed by the Commissioner on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly;
AND WHEREAS there is a single vacancy on the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission;
AND WHEREAS Section 17(1) of the Human Rights Act provides that members of the Commission hold office at pleasure or for a term not exceeding four years;
AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly is prepared to make a recommendation to the Commissioner;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Ms. Jennie Vandermeer of Norman Wells be recommended to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for appointment to the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission effective immediately for a four-year term.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Question.
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? All those abstaining? Motion carried.
---Carried
Motions. Member from Range Lake.
