Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as Members may be aware, Mr. Dwight Noseworthy, after four years as deputy minister for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and chairman of the Northwest Territories Development Corporation, has left the Government of the Northwest Territories to pursue other interests. Mr. Noseworthy brought considerable expertise to both of these positions, and I am sure that Members join me in wishing him all the best in his future pursuits.
Mr. Speaker, there will be a public competition for the position of deputy minister of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. However, in the meantime, Mr. Alan Vaughan as agreed to act as deputy minister until the position is permanently filled.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that cabinet has appointed Mr. Alan Vaughan to the position of president of the Northwest Territories Development Corporation. Mr. Vaughan brings several years of experience in the field of northern economic development, and I am confident that he will successfully lead the development corporation management team.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, over the coming weeks, I will be writing to Members requesting their suggestions for the chairman of the board of the Northwest Territories Development Corporation. In addition, I will be soliciting recommendations for new board members, as five of the current eight public members have terms of office that expire this year. Until such time as a chairman is selected, the vice-chairman will chair board meetings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.