N.W.T. MLAs set 4 priorities for their term in office

N.W.T. MLAs say a strong economic foundation, affordable housing, health care access and safe communities will be their priorities for the next four years. 

The priorities were announced in a news release issued Tuesday.

In that news release, caucus chair Shauna Morgan said the priorities "provide an ambitious yet manageable focus."

The priorities are, typically, vague objectives all of the territory's 19 MLAs agree will be the newly elected government's focus over its lifetime. 

The priorities are significantly scaled down from the 22 priorities listed by the previous government in 2019.  

That government was often criticized for trying to take on too much, while accomplishing too little. It also faced significant disasters with COVID, flooding and wildfires. 

The focus on the economy comes a week after Premier R.J. Simpson and Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek announced the government would be looking to save $150 million a year on programs. 

It also comes as the territory faces significant economic challenges with major diamond mines expected to cease operations within this government's term. 

Housing has been an ongoing challenge across the territory with few affordable options in communities across the N.W.T. and many homes falling into disrepair. This was made worse by the repeated natural disasters that destroyed homes in numerous communities. 

Access to health care is an issue across the country, although the territory has been experiencing chronic staff shortages.

These shortages led to the prolonged closure of the obstetrics unit in Yellowknife a couple years ago and other birthing services in Inuvik earlier this year. 

As for community and resident safety, many communities have been dealing with an influx of drugs in recent years.

The RCMP has issued several news releases in the past two weeks detailing drug busts.