Thank you, Members.
Members, the processes today will be conducted in the following manner: For the nominations for Speaker and Executive Council, at the appropriate time I will ask all Members who wish to allow their names to stand for either Speaker or the Executive Council to rise in their place. If only one person is nominated, that person is acclaimed; or, in the case of Executive Council, if only two people from one region are nominated, they are acclaimed. If an election is required, the names of the candidates, their speeches, and names on the ballot will be shared in alphabetical order.
For the purposes of voting, a ballot box has been placed in front of the clerk's table and two voting booths are placed on either side of the Speaker's chair. Members will be asked to approach the clerk's table to receive a ballot and proceed to vote at the voting stations. Please note that you will be asked to get your ballot and vote at the voting station on your respective sides of the chamber.
For the results, Members, you have agreed that once you have voted, Members will leave the chamber, the ballot box will be brought to the clerk's table where ballots will be counted by the clerk and deputy clerks. The results will then be certified by the law clerk. Once results are determined, the bells will be rung to bring you back into the chamber. The voting process will continue in the same manner until one candidate for each position receives the required number of votes as you have agreed to. Once each position has received the required number of votes, I will announce the successful candidates.
Also, I ask Members to please be mindful of the time limits that have been set and agreed to. Before we begin, I would like to turn Members' attention to a new addition to the chamber specifically for the proceedings today. The podium before you, where the ballot box is located, was made in the NWT. As you can see, it features the Northwest Territories' Coat of Arms on the front and there is a sealskin at the place at the top to finish it off in true NWT fashion.
This piece actually predates the 12th Legislative Assembly. Prior to the construction of this historic building, this podium travelled with Members throughout the territory and was used for special occasions such as signing ceremonies and Members being sworn into the Executive and as MLAs. Members such as Nellie Cournoyea signed and were sworn in at this table as well as Governor General Hnatyshyn signed the NWT visitor book at this table. Today is indeed a special occasion. As your clerk, I am proud to be able to have this back in the Legislative Assembly.