THIS MOMENT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENSHRINE JUSTICE FOR THE PEOPLE, LAND & CLIMATE.

GOOD JOBS, LIVING WAGES & SICK LEAVE FOR ALL

The NWT has the lowest minimum wage of all the territories, at $13.46/hour. No one should be expected to live on this in the North, where the living wage is $23.95/hour. In addition, many don't have access to paid sick leave, compromising their health & others' if they have to show up to work to pay their bills.

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The GNWT must raise the minimum wage to be in line with the living wage, and legislate two weeks of paid sick leave for all.

GUARANTEED LIVEABLE INCOME

Income inequality in the NWT is one of the highest in the country. Too many residents have to deal with paternalistic, bureaucratic income support programs to meet their basic needs.  One of the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry on MMIWG2S, a GLI would establish an income floor below which no one in the NWT would be permitted to fall. In conjunction with other social programs, a GLI would open up new possibilities for those who wish to spend more time caring for loved ones, on the land, growing food, or creating art. 

We call on the GNWT to implement a Guaranteed Liveable Income.

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AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ALL

The NWT is in a housing crisis. Seeing that every person is sheltered in quality housing that meets their needs must be a top priority. Indigenous governments & organizations providing frontline services must be meaningfully consulted & in control of all housing initiatives in their communities. Investing in low-carbon housing is also an opportunity to create local jobs & lower emissions.

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The GNWT must work with Indigenous governments to ensure all residents have access to quality, affordable housing.

UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO INTERNET

Access to free, high-speed Internet is a necessity in normal times, and especially in times of isolation. It is paramount to health, safety and remaining connected in a vast, remote region, yet costs remain high and the speed and quality is low.

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The GNWT must immediately ensure that all people have access to quality, affordable Internet and work to provide a long-term public option.

COMMUNITY HEALING AND WELLNESS

Mental health and addictions touch the lives of many across the NWT. Everyone should have access to quality treatment options without having to leave their home community if they prefer to stay close to home. Programs should be community-led, trauma-informed and range between those based in Indigenous methods and Western ones, including on-the-land healing, cultural programming & counselling. Wellness initiatives, such as public spaces designed to foster connection to land, should be supported.

The GNWT must guarantee all NWT residents access to a range of culturally relevant mental health and addictions treatment options both in and away from their home communities.

GREEN NEW DEAL

As the climate crisis worsens and mines close, now is the time for massive public investments to diversify our economy and slash our emissions. We must fund community-owned renewable energy projects, and create education and training programs that will help the NWT to adapt to climate change while leaving no worker behind. We must invest in other low-carbon sectors like land protection and remediation, Indigenous Guardians programs, early childhood education and care, Elder care and Indigenous language revitalization. Community-driven and Indigenous-led initiatives that meet these goals must be prioritized over all others.

The GNWT must transition away from fossil fuels and transform the economy with a Green New Deal that leaves no worker behind.