I want to welcome Members back for the reconvening of the Sixth Session. I trust that you've all had an enjoyable summer and were able to spend some valuable time with your families. I want to thank the Members for the amount of work you have done during the past several months on our standing committees which have met in communities all across the north.

I was honoured to welcome Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness Prince Philip to this chamber on August 21st. It was my understanding that their visit to Yellowknife, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit was well received and much appreciated by northerners. Her Majesty has advised me that her visit to the territories, only the second time she has been here, was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Members, as you know, this is the final day of service for our Commissioner, Mr. Norris, who has served the people of the north faithfully for the past 5 years. I hope you will join me in wishing him, his wife Margaret and their family, all the very best in the coming years.

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At this time, I would like to recognize the acting Commissioner, Mrs. Helen Maksagak, in the Speaker's gallery.

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She is accompanied by her husband, Mr. Maksagak. Welcome to our Assembly. I hope Members will join me in expressing gratitude to a former staff member. After five years of service as our Clerk Assistant, Rhoda Perkison, has decided to return with her family to her original home in Baker Lake. We wish her well and thank her for her years of service.

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Members will note that they have a new Sergeant-at-Arms, Robert Atkinson. He has taken over for Martin Vickers, who we thank for the service he provided since we moved to our new building.

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I am pleased to advise Members that I, along with the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, officially launched the Legislative Assembly's education program last month. As part of our responsibility to involve all sectors of society in our unique form of government, this education program will be taught in grades six, seven and eight in all schools of the Northwest Territories.

Members are aware that for the first time, this session is being aired live on northern television. I hope this will allow viewers yet another opportunity to see how their elected representatives carry out business on their behalf.

I want to conclude my remarks by paying tribute to the many noted elders who passed away during the past several months. Without naming any of them specifically, I am sure Members and others will appreciate the legacy of wisdom they have left behind.

There is still a great deal to accomplish as we move into the final year of the life of the 12th Assembly and I wish for all Members an enjoyable and productive Assembly. Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' Statements. Madam Premier.