Correction: A previous version of this story stated that the passing of the motion mandated the GNWT to adopt a population growth strategy. In fact, the only binding component of the motion is for the GNWT to respond to it within 120 days. SA国际影视传媒 regrets the error.
The Legislative Assembly has formally requested that the GNWT take steps to increase the territorySA国际影视传媒檚 population by 25 per cent over 2018 numbers by 2043, following the adoption of a motion by members of the Assembly.
During the June 3 assembly session, Kam Lake MLA Caitlin Cleveland introduced a motion asking the GNWT to match the projected growth of Canada as a whole SA国际影视传媒� which would push the territorial population from about 45,000 residents in 2018 to approximately 56,200 in 2043. The strategy includes an objective to add 25 per cent more homes as well, or 3,700 new residences.
In explaining the motion, Cleveland cited data from Statistics Canada projecting that while CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 population will rise by 25 per cent over 2018 numbers by 2043, the NWT is only on pace to grow by nine per cent in the same time period. She also cited projections from the NWT Bureau of Statistics predicting 18 of the territorySA国际影视传媒檚 33 communities would see their populations decline between now and 2035.
SA国际影视传媒淚 came to the 19th Assembly with the intent of empowering our North in three key areas: people, land and prosperity,SA国际影视传媒� said Cleveland. SA国际影视传媒淎nd itSA国际影视传媒檚 been important to me to identify what links each of these three elements, how they work together to help us respond to the opportunities pulling us into our future.SA国际影视传媒�
Cleveland cited the high cost of living and a lack of job opportunities as two factors likely driving the exodus of close to 2,000 NWT residents every year.
SA国际影视传媒淭he hollowing out of regional centres and small communities is not reconciliation,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
The motion was adopted by the assembly despite Premier Caroline Cochrane and her entire cabinet abstaining from the vote. The regular MLAs all voted in favour.
One regular member was nonetheless critical of the motion: Frame Lake MLA Kevin OSA国际影视传媒橰eilly took exception to the use of the term SA国际影视传媒済rowth.SA国际影视传媒�
SA国际影视传媒淵ou know, we do live on a finite planet and growth in some parts of the world, we just cannot sustain it any further without getting another planet somewhere,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淏ut I understand that the thrust of this is really about trying to maintain programs and services and sort of critical mass of folks in parts of the Northwest Territories, so I can support it.SA国际影视传媒�
He also said any plan for increasing the population needs to consider the sustainability of the smaller communities.
SA国际影视传媒淲e just canSA国际影视传媒檛 leave it to chance that people are going to stay in small communities, but if we want them to thrive and people to have a good quality of life, we have to plan for that. And I donSA国际影视传媒檛 think weSA国际影视传媒檝e brought it together in a way that is going to ensure that that happens,SA国际影视传媒� said OSA国际影视传媒橰eilly.
