Although the GNWT has passed its 2025-26 budget, some MLAs remain unhappy with it.
The GNWT projects to spend about $2.5 billion, according to its main estimates. A March 14 press release on behalf of MLAs Kieron Testart, Robert Hakins and Richard Edjericon notes that all three legislators believe this current assembly is slow to address a number of challenges facing the NWT.
One example includes a major change to the budget: an added $41.6 million to Housing NWT. The GNWT says the funding will improve programs and services for all NWT residents, giving the department a total of $50 million for the upcoming fiscal year.
The trio of MLAs, however, note that the funding in question was a previous commitment from the last round of budget negotiations.
SA国际影视传媒淏y not bringing forward a modest housing plan as they promised last fall, cabinet created their own problem and then solved it,SA国际影视传媒� said Hawkins. SA国际影视传媒淢LAs should be focused on new issues, not fighting old battles.SA国际影视传媒�
The added money comes with some promises from Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana, including a program for addressing housing arrears for Elders and forgiving debts.
Another promise that comes with the next budget is from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. The department says it's working with Indigenous governments, community organizations and MLAs to consider the needs of each community for the future of GNWT community learning centre buildings.
The three disgruntled MLAs voiced their disdain to cutting the Community Learning Centres. Edjericon said the GNWT is overriding the protected treaties of his people without consultation and accommodation.
"This budget not only doesn't go far enough but makes life harder in small communities by shutting down community learning centres and denying Indigenous people of access to high quality education,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
Not all regular MLAs share the sentiment of their three peers. Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Denny Rodgers said he's proud of the work put into the latest territorial budget.
"This process has been and remains a consensus-driven progression where cabinet and regular members work together to make positive changes for all Northwest Territories residents," Rodgers said. "The ability for all members to work together with cabinet to advance this budget highlights the strengths of our consensus system."
Questioning consensus government seems to be high on the agenda for some MLAs lately. The proposed independent caucus SA国际影视传媒� should it grow in size SA国际影视传媒� would basically act as a voting bloc opposing this assembly's cabinet. If the caucus comprises enough members, it could essentially split the assembly in half. However, a number of other regular MLAs have already come out publicly saying they are not interested in joining.
Hawkins also recently alluded to party politics possibly happening behind the scenes in the legislative assembly, to which Premier R.J. Simpson called a point of order.
"Seizing opportunities is made easier through our consensus-style government where we respect and listen to all perspectives and together weigh our options for the best path forward," Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek said of the budget. "I want to thank all members for their dedication and contributions throughout this budget process that have helped shape a 2025-26 budget that, when implemented, will support meaningful progress towards a brighter future for the Northwest Territories."
