Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am particularly pleased today to have moved this motion concerning the appointment of the Northwest Territories' first languages commissioner. With the appointment of the languages commissioner, one of the last steps necessary to fully implement the Official Languages Act of the NWT have been taken. As I stated when I introduced this legislation to the House, I feel it was one of the most important pieces of legislation that I could take to this House.
The languages commissioner will be assisted in her work by the requirement to get advice from representatives of each official languages group in the Territories. The languages commissioner is also charged with the responsibility to investigate any complaints that a government institution does not recognize the status of an official language, is not complying with provisions or regulations of the act, or is not complying with the spirit or intent of the act.
The languages commissioner has to report annually to the Legislative Assembly relating to the conduct of the office of the languages commissioner and to assist in the 10 year review of the provisions and operation to the act.
I may say, knowing the work of Ms. Harnum, I know the love of her life is language, no matter from which cultural background. I feel that we have found in Ms. Harnum the talents, fairness and degree of authority that is required by our languages commissioner. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support this motion.