Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Helen Maksagak of Cambridge Bay on her appointment as Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Ms. Maksagak was sworn into office last night during a special ceremony in her home community. Over 200 attended the community-organized event.
Our new Deputy Commissioner is highly respected for her active participation on several boards and her service to the public. She has been a member of the social assistance appeals committee, the housing association, and the drug and alcohol board of directors, and numerous community support groups. Ms. Maksagak will be visiting Yellowknife within the next few days to familiarize herself with her duties, and we will get a chance to meet her then.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take the opportunity to express the appreciation of cabinet and the Legislative Assembly for the services provided by the former Deputy Commissioner, Ann Hanson of Iqaluit. Thank you.
---Applause