R.J. Simpson: Sessional Statement

October 16, 2025

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, as we come together for this fall sitting of the 20th Legislative Assembly, I want to begin by welcoming all Members back to the House and by thanking the people of the Northwest Territories for their strength, generosity, and optimism about the future of our territory, even in the face of challenges.

The work we do in this House reflects the people we serve. Northerners face adversity with determination and meet change with creativity. Whether it is returning home after evacuations, adapting to new realities in our communities and economy, or finding new ways to support one another, the spirit of the North continues to shine through.

That same resilience and cooperation guide the work of this Legislative Assembly. Every decision we make here is about helping people; about making life more stable, more affordable, and more secure for Northerners and their families.

Since our last sitting, Northerners have once again shown what it means to stand together. From Fort Smith to Fort Providence, from Whatì to Jean Marie River, communities supported one another through another challenging wildfire season. While this year’s season was shorter and less severe than 2023, it still tested our systems and our patience.

I want to thank the firefighters, community emergency teams, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to keep people safe, as well as the residents who helped friends, families, and neighbours through evacuation and return. I also want to acknowledge the communities of Hay River, Yellowknife, and Behchokǫ̀, which opened their doors to evacuees and emergency responders from across the territory. Their generosity and compassion reflect the true spirit of the North.

This season, we also took important steps to put lessons from last year’s emergency reviews into practice; improving coordination, communication, and preparedness so that every community is better supported when disaster strikes.

Mr. Speaker, as we gather for this fall sitting, we do so at an important moment for the territory. We are halfway through our term in office; a time to reflect on how far we have come, and to set our sights on the work still to be done.

Over the past two years, our government has focused on strengthening partnerships, improving housing, and building the foundations of a stronger, more sustainable economy. We have also been working to address the lasting effects of recent challenges, from the social and economic impacts of COVID to the disruption caused by wildfires, floods, and global economic shifts. Through it all, our focus has remained the same: to make life better for Northerners and to build a territory where people and communities can thrive.

As we look to the second half of our term, our focus must remain on delivering tangible results that build trust, stability, and opportunity in every region of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, strong relationships with Indigenous governments are the foundation of good governance in the Northwest Territories. They are built on respect, trust, and the understanding that the future of this territory must be shaped together. This has been, and will continue to be, a central priority for our government.

When I speak about partnership, I am not referring to a single policy or agreement. I am talking about a way of governing that recognizes the role of Indigenous governments as decision-makers and as leaders. Our progress as a territory depends on this relationship being strong, respectful, and enduring.

I am pleased to report that these relationships continue to grow. Just last week, Cabinet joined the Council of Leaders on a mission to Ottawa. Together, we met with federal ministers and senior officials to advance key Northern priorities, including housing, infrastructure, health, energy security, and economic development.

This was the second time the Council of Leaders has appeared together in Ottawa, united in the message that lasting solutions for the North must be built in partnership with Northern governments. Our meetings were productive and demonstrated that when we speak with one voice, we are heard more clearly.

We made it clear to our federal counterparts that investment in the North is an investment in Canada’s future. The roads, energy systems, and housing we are building here strengthen the country’s sovereignty, economic resilience, and climate goals. We also emphasized that our model of collaborative governance; bringing together public and Indigenous governments to solve shared challenges, is one that works.

Mr. Speaker, there are early, positive signals from the new federal government. Ministers were open, curious, and sincere in wanting to understand the realities we face and the solutions we are putting forward. There is a growing recognition that Northern issues are national issues, and that meaningful progress in the Northwest Territories depends on partnership with Indigenous governments, with the GNWT, and with Ottawa.

Those conversations were encouraging, but now the focus must be on turning that momentum into action. The next step is to translate collaboration into concrete results: advancing joint proposals with Indigenous governments, securing federal support for housing and climate-resilient infrastructure, and moving forward on the strategic, nation-building projects that will shape Canada’s future; projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Taltson Hydro Expansion, and the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all members of the Council of Leaders for their continued collaboration and leadership. The strength of the Council lies in the diversity of its voices and the unity of its purpose. We are showing that by working together, we can make meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to Northerners.

Our ongoing work with the Government of Canada will continue to focus on ensuring that the North remains a national priority. These discussions reaffirmed our shared commitment to reconciliation, climate action, and sustainable economic growth. The Council of Leaders’ recent visit to Ottawa showed what true partnership can achieve. It reflected the strength of our relationships at home and the respect those relationships earn for us across the country.

When we work together, we not only move the Northwest Territories forward; we help build a stronger Canada.

Mr. Speaker, this approach is already delivering results. One of the clearest examples is the progress we are making on housing.

No issue affects Northerners more profoundly than housing. A safe and affordable home is what allows families to put down roots, children to learn, and communities to grow. Housing is not just about shelter; it is about stability, dignity, and opportunity. And we are committed to ensuring that every Northerner has a place to call home.

This shared approach is reflected in the partnership we have built with the federal government and Indigenous governments on long-term housing solutions. Through the recently finalized 10-year, $74.2 million Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund agreement, we are investing in the core infrastructure that supports housing growth, including drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste systems. This investment will help communities prepare land for development, increase densification, and meet the growing demand for housing across the territory. It is guided by the principle that housing is a shared responsibility, one that depends on all orders of government working together.

At the same time, our government is doing its part. For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, we have approved a $116 million capital plan, that includes funds carried forward from the previous year.  This is part of a broader $150 million, three-year investment in housing that extends to 2027–28. Through this plan, 215 units will be repaired this fiscal year and 219 new homes will be delivered across the territory, including 98 modular homes and 54 multi-unit buildings over the next three years, with nearly all construction contracts awarded to local and northern companies. In addition, 81 homes have already been completed since the start of this Assembly through investments made under the previous government. This approach supports local economies and ensures that the benefits of housing investments stay in the North.

Mr. Speaker, we know there is still more to do. Too many Northerners continue to live in overcrowded or inadequate housing. But every new home built, every lot developed, and every partnership strengthened brings us closer to our goal of ensuring that every Northerner has a safe and secure place to call home.

Keeping people safe at home is another priority of this government.

Northerners expect accountability, fairness, and action; and our work continues to reflect those values.

We are reviewing the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act to ensure it continues to meet the expectations of Northerners in a digital world. This fall, government will also begin engagement on proposed changes to the Civil Forfeiture Act and the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act. These updates are about protecting privacy and safety, while ensuring that the laws guiding our territory reflect fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Mr. Speaker, we have also taken important steps to strengthen the territory’s emergency management system. After several seasons of major floods and wildfires, we acted on the lessons learned through independent reviews of our emergency response. Those reviews made it clear where we needed to do better; and we are already putting those lessons into practice.

We have updated the NWT Emergency Plan to clarify responsibilities, expanded training for community emergency coordinators, and launched new tools to improve communication and public readiness. We have also introduced surge capacity protocols so that more staff and resources are available when major emergencies happen.

This work is being done in partnership with Indigenous and community governments, whose leadership on the front lines has been essential. Together, we are building an emergency management system that is more responsive, more resilient, and better prepared for the challenges ahead.

But safety is about more than responding to emergencies. It is about prevention and community well-being. That is why we continue to support initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, sport, and recreation across the territory. The Sport and Recreation Funding Framework is helping to create more opportunities for youth and families, while our 911 monitoring framework ensures that residents in every community can rely on timely and effective emergency response when it is needed most.

Building stronger communities also means supporting the health and well-being of the people who live in them. Access to basic health care is essential to that well-being. It is one of the most important responsibilities we share as a government, and one of the areas where residents expect to see steady progress and accountability.

This spring, we released the Public Administrator’s Work Plan; a roadmap to strengthen health and social services in the Northwest Territories. It sets a clear direction to improve access to care, stabilize the health workforce, increase accountability, and streamline how services are delivered. The goal is simple: to make our system more sustainable and responsive, so Northerners can get the care they need, when and where they need it.

We are also taking steps to better understand and improve the patient experience. The 2025 NWT Patient Experience Questionnaire is now open to residents across the territory, gathering feedback that will guide service delivery and quality improvements. At the same time, public health initiatives like flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics, a new HPV self-sampling pilot, and the relaunch of the We Need to Talk About This Stuff mental health awareness campaign are helping Northerners stay healthy and reduce stigma around wellness and recovery.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, we are continuing to invest in health infrastructure and harm reduction. The Our Healthbox initiative now provides anonymous access to health and harm-reduction supplies in four communities making these important resources easier to access for those who need them. Ongoing water testing and remediation work at Yellowknife schools ensures that students have safe drinking water, reflecting our commitment to transparency and public confidence.

Taken together, these efforts are helping to build a health system that is responsive, community-driven, and grounded in trust. Every Northerner deserves quality care close to home, and our government remains committed to making that a reality.

Mr. Speaker, supporting the well-being of Northerners also means investing in education and opportunity. Education is the foundation of empowerment. It gives Northerners the tools to shape their own futures and the strength to carry forward the languages, cultures, and traditions that define who we are.

We continue to make meaningful progress in revitalizing Indigenous languages and strengthening the education system for future generations. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has launched an Indigenous Language Instructor Pilot to train and support new language teachers. We also recently hosted a gathering of Regional Indigenous Language Coordinators and Elders, bringing together language champions from across the territory to share knowledge and guide the new Action Plan for Indigenous Languages that is now in development.

Mr. Speaker, we remain firmly committed to ensuring that every Indigenous child can access the health, education, and social supports they need. We continue to advocate strongly for the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle so that children receive the care and assistance they deserve without delay or dispute. Through partnerships like the Support Assistants Program, we are making classrooms more inclusive and more responsive to the needs of all students.

Looking ahead, we know that the territory’s workforce is changing. With major mine closures on the horizon, we are working closely with Indigenous governments, industry, and training providers to help workers prepare for new opportunities. Our focus is on ensuring that Northerners have the skills to lead in the next generation of jobs; in clean energy, critical minerals, housing construction, and community infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, education and training are about more than learning skills. They are about giving Northerners confidence in their future and the ability to build it here at home.

That same sense of renewal and opportunity is at the heart of our work to strengthen the economy and build the foundation for future growth.

Our economy is at a turning point, Mr. Speaker. As long-standing mines reach the end of their life, we are focused on supporting workers and communities through the transition while preparing for a new era of opportunity in critical minerals, clean energy, and strategic infrastructure. This is a moment of transition, but also one of opportunity; a chance to build an economy that is more diverse, more resilient, and more sustainable for the future.

We are working closely with Indigenous governments, industry partners, and communities to advance projects that promote responsible economic growth, and to develop a coordinated approach to major infrastructure investments; from roads and energy systems to broadband and transportation corridors, that will unlock the full potential of our regions.

The past year has shown real progress. The 2025 barging season was completed successfully, ensuring essential supplies reached northern communities and project sites. Planning is now underway for the winter road resupply, applying lessons learned from previous years to improve safety, reliability, and cost efficiency. These are practical steps that support communities, businesses, and the projects that drive our economy.

Mr. Speaker, our government continues to advocate strongly for federal investment in Northern infrastructure. Projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Taltson Hydro Expansion, and the emerging Arctic Economic and Security Corridor are not only territorial priorities; they are nation-building projects. They will connect communities, reduce the cost of living, strengthen Canada’s sovereignty in the North, and create the foundation for long-term economic growth.

We are also focused on ensuring that Northerners and Northern businesses benefit directly from these investments. Ninety percent of businesses in the Northwest Territories are small businesses, and they help sustain local economies by providing jobs, services, and support that strengthen our communities. By improving procurement processes, reducing regulatory red tape, and supporting local suppliers, we are helping them compete for opportunities and grow.

At the same time, we continue to work with Indigenous governments to advance the shared goal of greater Indigenous participation and ownership in major projects. The North is leading the way in showing how economic reconciliation can create opportunity, build trust, and deliver lasting benefits to communities.

Mr. Speaker, this work, from critical minerals to clean energy to Northern infrastructure represents more than an economic plan. It is a vision for the future of our territory: a future built on partnership, innovation, and self-reliance. The North is ready to play its part in building the strong, secure, and sustainable Canada that we all want to see.

Mr. Speaker, as we enter the second half of this Legislative Assembly, I want to reaffirm this government’s commitment to delivering real results for Northerners. The past two years have brought challenges and change, but also steady progress in areas that matter most; stronger communities, more housing, and better support for people across the territory.

We will keep building homes, strengthening community infrastructure, and improving emergency management. We will keep working to ensure that every resident has access to quality health care, that our youth have opportunities to learn and grow, and that our economy remains strong and sustainable. And we will continue to work with Indigenous governments, community leaders, and Regular Members to move this work forward.

Mr. Speaker, the past few years have reminded us that the challenges facing the Northwest Territories are complex and often unpredictable. But they have also shown the strength and determination of Northerners. Through difficult times, people have supported one another, and governments have worked together to find practical solutions. That collaboration has made us stronger and better prepared for what lies ahead.

Together, we have proven that when we listen to one another, when we respect one another, and when we act together, there is no challenge too great for the people of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all Members of this Legislative Assembly for their continued dedication to the people we serve. I also want to thank the public servants who work every day to deliver services, respond to emergencies, and support our communities. And above all, I want to thank Northerners for their resilience, their compassion, and their belief in this territory.

The work before us is not easy, but it matters. And it is work we will continue to do together; with focus, cooperation, and care.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

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