Ooh, it's going to be one of those sessions. First of all I must apologize for my voice. I was supporting the NWT athletes in the Canada Winter Games with great vigour.
---Applause
But I saved enough for this afternoon. ...(English not provided)
It is my privilege and pleasure to be with you today, particularly as we celebrate Commonwealth Day. I am sure that you have all seen the Union Jack flying outside of the Legislative Assembly building today honouring Queen Elizabeth II, head of the Commonwealth. Today's Commonwealth is an association of some 53 countries. It is made up of nearly two billion citizens, which is about 30 percent of the world's population drawn from the broadest ranges of faiths, races, cultures and traditions.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has sent a special message to the people of the Commonwealth today and I would like to share a small part of that message with you today. Her Majesty says:
"In today's difficult and sometimes divided world, I believe that it is more important than ever to keep trying to respect and understand each other better. Each and every one of us has hopes, needs and priorities. Each of us is an individual, with ties of emotion and bonds of obligation - to culture, religion, community, country and beyond. In short, each of us is special.
The more we see others in this way, the more we can understand them and their points of view. In what we think and say and do, let us as individuals actively seek out the views of others; let us make the best use of what our beliefs and history teaches us; let us have open minds and hearts; and let us, like the Commonwealth, find our diversity a cause for celebration and a source of strength and unity."
Wise and inspiring words, I say, from our much-loved head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and words that I believe are particularly relevant to us today as we go about the important work of the people of the Northwest Territories.
Members, I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a former Member of this Legislative Assembly, Mr. Vince Steen. I had the pleasure of serving as an MLA with Mr. Steen during the 14th Assembly. Mr. Steen was a dedicated and a reliable Member and an honourable and intelligent man. He was true to his community, to his friends and, most importantly, to his family. He contributed significantly to the discussions of the day in this House, but never missed an opportunity to pepper those discussions with traditional wisdom and community relevance. I offer our sincere condolences to Mr. Steen's family and to his friends. We will miss him and we will remember him fondly.
Now, as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to assent to the following bills:
- • Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Education Act;
- • Bill 19, An Act to Amend the Archives Act;
- • Bill 21, Appropriations Act, 2007-2008;
- • Bill 22, Supplementary Appropriations Act No. 3, 2006-2007.
Prior to prorogating this Fifth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly, I would like to advise you that the Sixth Session of the 15th Assembly will convene on Tuesday, March 13th, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. sharp.
Now, as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I hereby prorogue the Fifth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mahsi.
---Applause
---PROROGATION
