Mr. Speaker, ensuring the health and well-being of all residents in the Northwest Territories is an essential work of this government.

The NWT is falling behind other jurisdictions when it comes to implementing healthy safeguards to limit smoking. Yukon implemented a smoking ban in public and government housing in 2012, and Nunavut followed suit in 2023. Now, we must align with prevailing health advice and ensure safe, client-focused housing solutions.

There is extensive research on the negative impacts of smoking and second-hand smoke on health and social outcomes. Smoking rates in the Northwest Territories are higher compared to the Canadian average and by introducing this ban, we aim to create healthy living environments for all residents, especially children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions. This initiative aligns with the Department of Health and Social Services' public health concerns around smoking and shows our dedication to fostering safe and healthy communities for Northerners.

During the development of Housing Northwest Territories strategic renewal in the 19th Legislative Assembly, Housing NWT consulted with Indigenous governments, elected representatives, local housing organizations and tenants about smoking in public housing units. There is strong support for measures that protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke and broad support for efforts aimed at reducing smoking overall. It is the GNWT's responsibility to support individuals and families to stay healthy. It is also our responsibility to reduce damage to units and loss of units, as we are currently experiencing a housing crisis.

Today, I am announcing a significant step forward: the implementation of a smoking ban across all Housing NWT-owned and operated units, including market and public housing. Health and social services is working with Housing NWT to share resources and promote smoking cession with Housing NWT tenants. We are here to support tenants as they move towards smoke-free living.

Mr. Speaker, the smoking ban will be implemented in a way that is equitable, fair, and compassionate, with a constructive approach that focuses on education and tenant support. The ban is being approached in all phases and has started with new leases and renewals. The next policy stage will provide existing tenants with a grace period to adjust before the change is fully implemented.

This policy is not just about prohibiting smoking; it is about promoting healthier lifestyles and creating supportive environments for people who wish to quit. The ban will also reduce the risk of smoking-related fires and decrease the costs of cleaning and repairing smoke-damaged units. That means we will be able to put more resources towards other critical housing needs.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that this smoking ban will have a positive and lasting impact on our communities, and that we can create healthy and vibrant living environments for Northerners. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister for Housing NWT. Ministers' statements. Minister for Education, Culture and Employment.

Mr. Speaker, I'm going to begin my statement in Dinjii Zhu' Ginjik. Mr. Speaker, [Translation] as we approach the end of the 2024-2025 school year, I want to congratulate all the students of the Northwest Territories and celebrate their successes.  Whether they are graduating from junior kindergarten, high school, or post-secondary institution like Aurora College or College Nordique, the territory's graduates have so much to be proud of. [Translation Ends].

Mr. Speaker, the junior kindergarten to Grade 12 Performance Measures Report will be published in the coming months, however, I wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate NWT student successes, both data-driven and anecdotal.

School attendance is vital for student success, so I want to recognize Ecole Boreale in Hay River. Out of all regional centres and small community schools, Ecole Boreale had the highest average attendance rate, at 91 percent in the last school year. I would also like to recognize one of your schools, Louie Norwegian School in Jean Marie River, whose attendance increased by over 25 percent last year.

---Applause

Thank you, colleagues. That is absolutely incredible.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to congratulate the 94 students who enrolled in the South Slave's Phoenix School last school year. This is the highest number of Phoenix enrolments since we started tracking. The Phoenix program helps students complete their high school graduation through modularized learning on their own schedule, a flexible approach allowing them to meet their obligations at the same time, like family and work.

At Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic, the school is celebrating the first graduates to complete Grades 10 to 12 at home in the community, while Mangilaluk students in Tuktoyaktuk are enjoying some of the newly renovated school facilities.

At Helen Kalvak School in Ulukhaktok, students took learning outside the classroom on a recent visit to Ottawa and the Canadian Parliament buildings, while students from East Three Secondary visited London, England this past summer.

At Deninu School in Fort Resolution, both graduates have already been accepted into post-secondary programs for next year, including Caleb Simon who will enter the HVAC trades at NAIT, and Hannah Beck who will attend Aurora College.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to acknowledge Yellowknife high school students Stella Fairman and Audrey Debogorski, who recently received the prestigious Loran Scholarship. Their applications stood out against candidates from across Canada, and they were among the 36 winners chosen from 6,000 applicants. Stella and Audrey were chosen not only for their marks but also character, commitment to service, and leadership.

Mr. Speaker, our students' success would not be possible without the support of dedicated and compassionate educators, school staff and education leaders. Among the education leaders who have made a difference in the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of students, was the former Chair of the Tlicho Community Services Agency, the late Ted Blondin.

Mr. Blondin was dedicated to preserving and sharing elders' stories and histories and helped negotiate impact and benefit agreements that provided scholarships, training and employment to the Tlicho people. Mr. Blondin also chaired the Arctic College and the Mine Training Society and was inducted into the Education Hall of Fame in 2015 for significant contribution to student learning by an elder. We will miss Ted Blondin and remember his legacy that will continue to inspire northern education leaders for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to finish today in Dinjii Zhu' Ginjik.

[Translation] Mr. Speaker, as we head into the season of convocations, milestones, and transitions, let us all take the time to congratulate our students and the dedicated individuals who helped them reach these moments, the educators, school staff, volunteers, friends, and family.  Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Translation Ends]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we wind down session and Ministers turn their attention to upcoming meetings in Ottawa, I want to emphasize the biggest gap I continue to see in our economic strategy: northern education and research.

We don't yet have a cohesive economic vision but just looking at our federal engagement strategy, it's clear that our strategy is heavily focused on road and power infrastructure. Those are undeniably important and very expensive projects but, as I've noted in numerous statements in the past, we also need to be looking at investing in our people, fostering research and innovation, and building up our workforce, if we want an economic strategy that will benefit and fully realize the potential of our people. If we want to develop the North, we have to look at what we have to offer the world, Mr. Speaker.

The Northwest Territories could position itself as a unique northern research and innovation hub. We are leaders in Indigenous governance, high-latitude mine development and remediation, Indigenous-led conservation, and permafrost and climate change research, to name just a few. We could be stronger leaders in those sectors and grow others which are completely undeveloped right now if we could just muster the vision and foresight to build up our education and research capacity to fully realize this potential.

Looking at the recent throne speech, the new federal government sees the need for investment in research and innovation also. The Liberals have made promises with significant impacts for universities, including a commitment of $2 billion for student and seniors housing, and to build Canada into the world's leading hub for science and innovation. The Liberals have promised to invest $100 million over four years to attract leading researchers who have had their funding cut by the US government. Wouldn't it be incredible if we had the institution to attract some of those researchers to live in the Northwest Territories?

To build Canada strong, Mr. Speaker, the federal government is working to identify and catalyze projects of national significance. Projects that will connect Canada, that will deepen Canada's ties with the world and create high paying jobs for generations. I strongly believe that one of those projects should be a university in the Northwest Territories. We owe it to the people of this great territory to show them that we believe in the potential they have to offer the world and invest in them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on March 3rd, 2025, I rose to give a statement on building codes, Mr. Speaker, or rather lack of building codes in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, all government buildings, as I understand, do adopt or abide by the National Standards Building Code, and that building code includes the electrical code, the plumbing code, the fire code, the energy code, as well of course as the building standards code. Mr. Speaker, however, all other developments, there is no code whatsoever. And, Mr. Speaker, we're the only jurisdiction in Canada without a building standards code.

At the time, the Minister said the department was certainly willing to do this work. It would have to be done in conjunction with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. As it so happens, Mr. Speaker, now we have a Minister that has both departments under his purview and, certainly, this work should be able to move forward even just a little quicker. I was also told by the Minister in March that there is a working group in place and the next step is to really put in place some recommendations of what it will look like to bring all the different pieces together to have a consolidated framework from the National Building Code and one that can be made in the North and applied for the North and relevant to the North, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister, back in March, had said she was committed to have a plan for a plan without a final date but did commit to say that once we leave this Assembly, the 20th Assembly, we will have our own buildings standards code. Mr. Speaker, I'll have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure later. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Glamour Alley is a recurring burlesque show produced by Tease Van Gams, three veteran performers of Yellowknife's Burlesque scene, who want to make the art form more accessible to performers and audiences alike. Glamour Alley is a collaboration with the Underground, which is Yellowknife's newest music and performance venue, and its artist in residence, Thunder Normz, who hosts regular drag nights. They are doing amazing and important work building and promoting Yellowknife's up and coming drag scene.

Mr. Speaker, Glamour Alley's third show will be happening this Saturday, and I would invite you, but it's sold out. The next show will be July 4th and will feature three out-of-town performers who have sought to perform in our fair city - two of whom have never performed here in Yellowknife. They're coming from Whitehorse, Toronto, and Edmonton.

Burlesque in Yellowknife is becoming a scene and getting national attention from performers and audiences alike. Of course, Tease Van Gams is only adding to and benefiting from all of the hard work the burlesque community has done building this local scene. There's a shout out for Brrrlesque, Boolesque, Parkas and Pasties, and Glam on the Rocks, who built a sustainable following for burlesque in Yellowknife and an impressive pool of talented performers.

This wouldn't be possible without local businesses who support the scene by opening up their venues, and the sell-out audiences who will literally line up for hours to buy tickets. The art of the tease is flourishing and, as a past performer, I couldn't be more proud. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Great Slave. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Education promotion, Mr. Speaker. Labour trades, professions, the shortages continue in all sectors is a huge concern clear across our Canadian country. However, closer to home, the geography, costs of living, the isolated inventory greatly adds to attracting staff in neither the private nor public services sector. Mr. Speaker, trade shortages, we are at the pivotal point drafting and essential planning in addressing the situation as fundamental and critical to our approach and the remaining term of this Assembly.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we have tools in our toolbox. Examples could be the Skills 4 Success, career development staff allow us the opportunity to expand. Drafting an updated recruitment strategy tailored to our graduation community, including in-person engagements, speak with the school graduates directly and provide a handout package identifying the trades demand and career security. I am told that GNWT salary and benefits is very attractive.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to share the Sahtu will see 28 high school graduates this season with a land claim recipient from Fort Good Hope graduating from the nursing college here tomorrow. These exceptional ceremonies is ideal for education, career, trades promotions. Let's design a meaningful campaign. Mahsi.

In closing, this is our last spring sitting and I want to extend my great appreciation to all staff members and my colleagues, the strength behind our various governments; the interpretation staff. May you all have a safe and enjoyable spring. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, summer's clearly here. I think it's 28 degrees outside, and it has been for the last couple of days. And I was enjoying the beautiful summer weather and I thought to myself, for a moment not thinking of anything other than how beautiful it was, and then I thought, oh, there's going to be forest fires. And sure enough, we see smoke rolling in over the capital today, over other parts of the territory as well. And I think many Northerners, and I've seen it on social media, people texting me or talking to me that there's a lot of concern -- or people being reminded of the 2023 wildfire crisis, of the evacuations and, of course, the review that has just happened comes to mind about that, the after-action report.

I think the starkest finding of that report was the loss of trust. And in the report itself, the recognition of loss that they were able to quantify through their reporting is really profound, and their finding of -- TSI's finding of a loss of trust, safety, and security. The events have shaken the fundamental sense of security, leaving many uncertain about safety in their own lands. This loss of faith is a painful burden for a territory that has long found solace and strength in its connection to the land and each other.

Mr. Speaker, public -- from public trust erosion, trust and transparency, to issues with being able to communicate to folks who are going through these crises, all these things have been shown in sharp relief. And that trust has still not been renewed. It's one of the priorities that I hope this Assembly would take up, and I think in a roundabout way that's the work of any government, to ensure their citizens trust them.

But when we look to other professions and professionals and experts who we do trust - doctors, nurses, firefighters, police, people and authority figures who help us out when we need it the most - they're also telling us we need help. And we've seen, you know, two pieces of legislation now coming forward to address those first responders. We see their concerns. We hear their concerns all the time that they're not getting enough support. And all of this is part of the same problem, which is this gap of trust that emerged and that has been building over time and was really broken during that evacuation. We need to do more, and we need to have a real effort to rebuild this, not just a set of responses to a report. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from Monfwi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Monfwi energy. Mr. Speaker. Whati, Behchoko, Gameti, and Wekweeti, still rely heavily on diesel power. This is unsustainable. Mr. Speaker, we need to invest in clean energy like the Whati transmission line and the Lac Le Martre Mini Hydro Project. But, Mr. Speaker, my constituents are asking when will we see progress on these projects? Communities need answers, timelines, and new jobs.

These projects are not just about energy. They will create work and opportunities. Mr. Speaker, with the right approach, we can create local jobs and build capacity in our communities -- I hope they will not whisper anymore over here; it's distracting.

This can only happen if the GNWT is working in true partnership with Indigenous governments.

I recently spoke to a young apprentice from my riding who returned home after post-secondary training full of hope who was enrolled in electrician program. He has the skills. He has the skills he needs, but no local job opportunities in his chosen trade. This young person will have to leave home on June 16th due to lack of options for his apprenticeship. That is a shame.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot allow our youth to be forced to earn a living elsewhere. Investing in clean energy projects and infrastructure here at home means creating good, sustainable jobs for our young people so they can build their futures and remain near their families, language, and culture. This is why timely progress on the Whati transmission line and Lac La Martre Mini Hydro Project is so urgent. Is the GNWT working with the Tlicho government on energy planning? Are we creating opportunities for Tlicho citizens to be part of the outcome?

Mr. Speaker, clean energy must go hand-in-hand with economic development. Our people want to work. They want to build a better future. I will have questions for the Minister of NTPC at the appropriate time. Thank you.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, next Thursday, here at the Legislative Assembly, a completion ceremony will be held for those adult students who have completed programs at the Literacy outreach Centre. Now, there were 39 students enrolled this past winter semester. It will be the 28th year that such a completion ceremony is held, but there's a danger it may be the last.

The Literacy Outreach Centre was a partnership involving Aurora College and Inclusion NWT. Aurora College decided, for reasons that are hard to understand, to shut down the centre as part of its closure of community learning centres across the territory. In our winter sitting, the Minister publicly committed in this House to provide, during the spring sitting, a critical path forward for community learning centres. I am disappointed that path hasn't been determined yet, even though today is the last day of session, and I am disappointed that we haven't spoken much in our committees or in this House about this issue.

It's easy to fall off the radar because adult learning and community-based literacy doesn't neatly fit into any of the government's boxes. When we talk about education, we usually think of the school system, college programs, or official credentials. When we talk about jobs or the economy, we think about mining development or maybe hiring and procurement policies. But we have a lot of adults in this territory who are missing some basic fundamental skills that are necessary for them to be successful in a job or a college program, not to mention being able to be self-sufficient in navigating everyday life, especially with this online world. We're talking about people who need to be fluent in reading and writing in any language, being able to make calculations and estimates with numbers, being comfortable on a computer, and being able to use the internet effectively. Even the younger generation, we often assume that at least they're computer literate, but it's worth remembering that being cell phone literate is not the same as computer literacy. And yet Aurora College's plan to move forward with basic adult education is to switch to online learning. It defies logic, Mr. Speaker.

I understand that more time is needed to find out what specific kinds of training opportunities are needed in each NWT community and to work out details about the best uses of individual buildings that Aurora College has vacated. But we still need to keep refocusing on how are we delivering the fundamentals, in every community, of language literacy, numeracy, and computer literacy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If we had more session days, I would have liked to have used my time or opportunity to talk about NWT Housing and how they could get behind the NUP Renewal Project where they supply 125 residential affordable units to people desperate for affordable housing. They're doing it at a low carbon update, and all it would take is some backing to support their initiative. And by the way, for the record, the deadline is tomorrow to get behind that, for the Minister.

Mr. Speaker, if we had more time, I would like to talk about the health Minister and how she could get behind all Alzheimer's Alberta-NWT, where they're connecting Northerners with solutions on trying to work through their problems at zero cost to this government, virtually that is, but with a little support that relationship would go a long way, but only if I had more time, Mr. Speaker.

If I had more time, Mr. Speaker, we'd be talking about with the health Minister why in goodness sakes are we trying to act like Toronto where we have health permits now required for community barbecues. I mean, my goodness, when we become Toronto, we've got some serious reflection to start considering.

Mr. Speaker, with time ticking away, if I had more time, Mr. Speaker, I'd be talking about Avens and why the government continues to ignore the fact that it's subsidizing an NGO -- or sorry, an NGO is subsidizing the GNWT. Mr. Speaker, this squabble's all over emergency pay. It's not as if they bought cars and new paintings and yadda, yadda, yadda. It's about giving danger pay for people who took care of 57 of our most vulnerable people. But if I had more time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, if I had more time in this session, I'd be talking about the envoy. Boy, I don't get tired of that. You know, the Premier's buddy, appointed to a particular position for $440,000. But we're running out of time, Mr. Speaker, to talk about an employee who has been -- you know, former employee who was then, again, a former employee and continued to be a former employee and then brought back for reasons unknown, Mr. Speaker. But we don't have enough time.

Mr. Speaker, and lastly, if I had more session days, which I would certainly love, I'd like to spend some time, again, talking about housing issues, about the barrier-free need of housing in the NWT. Mr. Speaker, I think the LHOs, the local LHOs, should be the stewards of these. When we're investing millions of dollars, we want the right partners in place who can maintain, manage, and provide safe environments because the last thing we want to do is avoid another bailout or a crisis, especially when we can see one coming. But like I said, Mr. Speaker, if I had more time. Thank you.

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

Mr. Speaker, before we break for the summer, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and congratulate the high school graduates in my Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh riding starting with:

Hannah Beck and Caleb Simon

from Fort Resolution;

Leona Lockhart from Lutselk'e.

And at K'alemi Dene School in N'dilo, I want to recognize

Patricia Black-Quitte

Tadeh Betsina

Owen Charlo-Zoe

Lora Lee Stiopu.

I also want to congratulate the Indigenous high school graduates here at both high schools in Yellowknife, starting with Indigenous graduates from Sir John:

Sara Elizabeth Anderson

April Ansetti

Rhiannon Balmer

Bianca Bates

Keenian Logan Cardinal-Sunshine

Kalley Chorostkowski

Mia Ann Dokum

Kevon Football

Michelle Sarah Therese Gon

Ryan Harris

Asher Hutton

Grayson Klein

Hailey Zoey Kodzin

Mikayla Godze Lafferty

Ty Lewis

Madison Kelly Sabet Liske

Anica Majok-Gordon

Tristan Aden Menacho Martin Crapeau

Harley McKnight

Talya Meserah-Zdyb

Nico Morin

Kenneth Lance Neyelle

Joslyn Raddi

Jayden Rejean

Charles Sayine

Megan Smallwood

Nahze Hedley Spurrell

Jake Steinwand

Rex Turner

Cyrus Lindsay Walton

Deacon Louis Dion Wedawin-Edjericon

Tamara Grimard

And finally, the Indigenous grads from St. Patrick High School:

Denize Drygeese-Neyelle

Dexter Edjericon

Josef Fowler

Phoenix Erasmus

Sam Erasmus

Hannah Lafferty

Nitanis-Kaitlin Laboucan

Keisha Harris

Baptiste Menoza

Rylan Nasken

Yakeleya Ritolowski

Florissa Wetrade

And, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge my wife Elita Edjericon who just completed her Master’s of Education.

Also, I want to end by thanking all the interpreters here today. I want to say mahsi and for their hard work and preservation in promoting the North's official languages. As well, my constituent assistant Taylor Pagotta, Warren Delorme, as well extend a thank you to all of the support staff here who works every day keeping our Assembly running. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, June is the month of graduation in Inuvik. We'll be -- you know, when I get home, I'll be able to partake in the grade 12 graduation at East Three Secondary where we have a large graduating class, so I'd like to congratulate all of those grade 12 graduates.

But we also have our kindergarten graduation which is an amazing time for the littles to be able to celebrate them moving into their primary class. And one of the other graduating classes is the grade 6 graduation. In Inuvik, we have always historically had our elementary school and our high school, so grade 6 graduation has become this elaborate graduation which they well earn because they get to cross through those big double doors and become high school students. In most places, they become middle school students but when in Inuvik, they get to go over to the big school. And I would like to congratulate them all.

I would also like to congratulate our post-secondary students that are coming out of colleges and universities and programs throughout Canada that are returning home and, you know, I encourage, education is the way that we're going to move forward to be stronger in the Northwest Territories and I'd like to put a shout-out to a few of the local graduate nurses that are now coming home to Inuvik. And it's very exciting to see more and more of you coming into the healthcare system.

I'd also like to say to all my colleagues here, you know, enjoy your summer, you know, it's a lot of time to go and spend with constituents, with family. Although we continue to work every day, it seems like that when you're out, make sure you're staying safe, you know. A lot of people will go out on the boat. This is near and dear to my family, is to safe, wear your lifejacket, you know, make sure you're practicing safe practices out on the land, and I look forward to seeing everybody come back here. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member from Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commend the high school graduates of 2025 in the Nunakput riding. These young people have persevered over the last 12 years to complete their high school curriculum. Although this is the end of high school, hopefully this is not the end of their educational journey as it is my hope, and the hope of many, that our people lead in all aspects of our communities, our organizations; whatever they dream to be - including nursing, teaching, local administration, and accounting. We also need tradespeople to build and maintain our homes and infrastructure. We need everyone protecting our people, the land, and water. This is my hope, Mr. Speaker.

I congratulate from Angik School in Paulatuk:

Kassius Green

Misty Wolki-Ruben

Chase Wolki.

From Helen Kalvak Elihakvik School in Ulukhaktok:

Kaia Ehaloak

Alyssia Irish Memogana

Keir Anne Joss

Thomas Kimiksana

Krista Kitekudlak

Alison Kuneluk

Angel Kuptana

Lola Nigiyok

Mary Olifie.

From Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk:

Melinda Elias

Kiara Cockney

Alicia Felix

Isaiah Gruben

Jobey Lundrigan

Mickey Gruben

Sowlaq Kuiksak Raddi

Dominick Kimiksana.

And to add, thank you to the parents, families, and teachers for your support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Nunakput. Members' statements.

Colleagues, it is that time of year where I get to celebrate the grade 12 graduation of students from Liidlii Kue Regional High School in Fort Simpson and Echo Dene School in Fort Liard. It is a time we get honour not just the academic achievements of these remarkable young individuals but also the resilience and determination they have demonstrated throughout their educational journeys. This milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and personal growth, and it is a momentous occasion for the entire community.

Graduation is more than just a ceremony; it is a rite of passage that signifies the transition from adolescence to adulthood. For those students, it represents the countless hours spent studying, the friendships formed, and the challenges overcome. Many have navigated unique cultural landscapes, drawing strength from their heritage while embracing new ideas and experiences. This blend of tradition and innovation is a statement to their character and the diverse backgrounds that enrich our communities.

As they step into the next chapter of their lives, whether pursuing further education, entering the workforce, or exploring new opportunities, these graduates carry with them not only their academic knowledge but also the values instilled by their families and educators. They are equipped to face the world with confidence, creativity, and a sense of responsibility.

Let us celebrate their achievements, support their aspirations, and look forward to the contributions they will make as they embark on their journeys. The future is bright for these graduates, and their potential is limitless.

Today I would like to recognize fifteen students who have completed their elementary, junior, and senior high journey.

To the three students from Echo Dene School and the four students from Liidlii Kue Regional High School, congratulations on completing this journey, a good start on your life's journey. I know there have been some fun and challenging times, but I can tell you that it has prepared you for the next step in your life, whether it is going on to further schooling, trades, travel, or work.

As I have done in the past, I have a few words of encouragement and the list of grads which I will asked to be deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.

To the parents, families, and teachers, thank you for all the support for those graduates. You should be happy and proud of your child today.

In closing, I'd like to wish all the 2025 graduating classes across the NWT all the best and congratulations on a job well done.

Hunter Bertrand- Deneron

Zachary Berreault

Corbin Wilson

Helena Bonnetrouge

Gina Hardisty-Isaiah

Amaria Tanche-Hanna

William Tanche-Hanna

"Find a career that you will love. It is very important because once you do, it is not work. It is something that you wake up wanting to do and it is not work. Please remember not to settle on a career. Like love, find the one that makes you happy."

"Buckle up. Like the school adventure that you went through, there are going to be some good times and not so good times ahead of you. Enjoy each moment as they are all learning opportunities for you and part of life. Please remember it is all right to cry and laugh about things. There is going to be a lot of opportunities to do both."

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."

"You have two ears and one mouth. Please remember it is always wise to listen and understand what you have heard before kicking your mouth into gear."

Members' statements. Member from Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise in this House today to pay tribute to a friend, a respected educator, and a cherished member of our community, Ron Holtorf.

Ron passed away peacefully on March 15th, 2025, at St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Ron was a devoted husband to Danetta, a loving father to Roger, Jolynn, and Richard, and a proud grandfather to Caitlin and Eric. He also leaves behind his sister Elizabeth and many dear friends. He was preceded by his parents, Jack and Helen, and his beloved grandson Christian.

Mr. Speaker, Ron was born in Kenora, Ontario, but it was the Northwest Territories he chose as his home, arriving in 1953. In Fort Smith, he built a life, rooted in love, service, and community. It was there that he met Danetta, and together they shared 51 years of marriage, years filled with laughter, mutual respect, and unwavering support for each other.

Ron was a passionate educator and a lifelong learner. He began his career as a teacher and later took on a leadership role at Aurora College where he eventually retired as president. His impact on northern education was profound, and his commitment to student success touched countless lives. He also served our community with distinction as a town councillor and volunteer. Ron believed deeply in giving back, whether through public service, mentorship, or simply offering a kind word. He had a sharp wit, a generous spirit, and a kind love for the land and the people of the North.

Even after the 2023 evacuation from Fort Smith due to the wildfire, Ron's heart never left the North. Although illness prevented his return, he worked hard to regain his strength at St. Joe's in hopes of coming home, a testament to his strength and resilience.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the many healthcare workers, friends, and family members who stood by Ron through his final journey. In his memory, the family has asked that donations be made to your local food bank, a cause that was close to Ron's heart.

On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my gratitute for the role Ron and Danetta unknowingly played in my own life. My wife Karen first came to Fort Smith with her friend Shannon, a niece of Ron and Danetta name, and it was through that visit that Karen and I met. For that and for so much more, I will always be thankful.

Ron's legacy will live on in the community he helped shape, and in the lives he touched so deeply. We all miss him dearly as a friend, a mentor, and a true Northerner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Thebacha. Our condolences go out to the family and friends.

Mr. Speaker,

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that notwithstanding Rule 2.1, when the House adjourns on Thursday, May 29, 2025, it shall be adjourned until Thursday, October 16, 2025;

AND FURTHER, that any time prior to October 16, 2025, if the Speaker is satisfied after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier or later time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. The motion is in order. To the motion.