Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 16 has had third reading.

---Applause

Before we move on to prorogation, I would like to note that Members and committees of the House still have a very busy schedule ahead of them to attend to in the coming months and in the run-up to the start of the Fifth Session of this Assembly in May. May you show sound judgement in your deliberations on behalf of all northerners. I would like to take this opportunity to send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Speaker of the House, Mr. Delorey, and the Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Groenewegen, as they deal with difficult personal matters.

To everyone here today, I wish you safe travels home to your families. I would also like to acknowledge our Pages and their contributions during this sitting. Students from Diamond Jenness School in Hay River; Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Behchoko; Chief Sunrise Education Centre on the Hay River Reserve; Thomas Simpson School in Fort Simpson; and, Mildred Hall and William McDonald schools here in Yellowknife. All served honourably as Pages during the past month. Pages carry out the important role in the operation of this Assembly and we greatly appreciate their efforts. I would like to particularly thank two of my constituents, David Brinston and Taylor Irvine for their hard work during this session. It was a pleasure to have you in the House.

---Applause

Our thanks also go out to the hard-working staff of the Legislative Assembly and the GNWT, whose efforts are greatly appreciated by those of us who depend on them. At this time, I would like to offer my thanks and best wishes to a number of Assembly staff who will be moving on to new challenges prior to our next sitting: Cheryl Voytilla; Andrew Stewart; Darha Phillpot; and, Moses Hernandez have served this House and all Members with great dedication and skill. On behalf of all Members, I want to wish Cheryl, Andrew, Darha and Moses the very best in their new challenges.

---Applause

Whether they are personal or professional, our contractors who prepare Hansard and prepare our audio visual, catering, security and janitorial services are also to be acknowledged for the vital services they provide. Thank you to all. You have done an outstanding job and we appreciate your hard work a great deal.

---Applause

I would like to thank honourable Members for abiding by the rules of this House during my short, but enjoyable, term as Speaker.

---Laughter

Although the circumstances leading up to my temporary appointment are truly regrettable, I was honoured to serve as your Speaker. I would like to invite all Members to the Speaker's portrait gallery at the rise of the House today to witness the official unveiling of Speaker Whitford's portrait.

Mr. Clerk, will you ascertain if His Honour, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, is prepared to enter the House to give asset to bills and prorogue the Fourth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that Bill 16, Tobacco Control Act, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 16 has had second reading and, accordingly, stands referred to a committee. Item 18, second reading of bills. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that Bill 16, Tobacco Control Act, be read for the second time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill prohibits the smoking of tobacco, subject to certain exceptions, in public buildings, structures and vehicles, and in prescribed places. The bill prohibits the sale and supply of tobacco and tobacco accessories to persons under 18 years of age, and prohibits the sale of tobacco and tobacco accessories by certain means and in certain places. The bill also prohibits advertising and promotion of tobacco and tobacco accessories in some public places, and restricts the means of advertising, promotion and display in places where those activities are permitted. Proprietors of public places where smoking is prohibited must refuse service to persons contravening the prohibition on smoking, and may use reasonable means to remove a person who refuses to stop smoking. The bill provides for inspectors to enforce and administer the act and regulations, and provides for fines for contravention of the act. The bill imposes an automatic prohibition on the sale and storage of tobacco in, and the delivery of tobacco to, a place or premises in circumstances where the owner or occupant has repeatedly contravened one or more provisions relating to the sale of tobacco. The bill makes consequential amendments to the Tobacco Tax Act in respect of a dealer who is subject to an automatic prohibition under the Tobacco Control Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 16 has had first reading. Item 17, first reading of Bills. The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. There is a motion on the floor. The motion is in order.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that Bill 16, Tobacco Control Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause