This is page numbers 1 - 15 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 1st Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was years.

Members Present

Mr. Antoine, Mr. Arlooktoo, Mr. Barnabas, Mr. Dent, Mr. Enuaraq, Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Evaloarjuk, Hon. Sam Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Henry, Mr. Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Miltenberger, Mr. Morin, Mr. Ng, Mr. Ningark, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Ootes, Mr. Picco, Mr. Rabesca, Mr. Roland, Mr. Steen, Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Todd

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 1

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

I would like to call upon Captain Al Hoeft to lead us in prayer, followed by the drum prayer by the Dettah Drummers. During the drum prayer, Mrs. Louise Evaloarjuk will light the kudlik. Captain Hoeft.

---Prayer

---Drum Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 1

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Please be seated. It is my duty to inform the House that the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Helen Maksagak, is not prepared to address the Assembly until a Speaker has been elected. I would now call for a motion to elect the Speaker. The honourable Member for Baffin Central.

Motion 1-13(1): Election Of Speaker, Carried
Item 2: Election Of Speaker

Page 1

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

Mr. Clerk, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River, that Mr. Sam Gargan of the electoral district of Deh Cho do take the Chair of this House as Speaker.

Motion 1-13(1): Election Of Speaker, Carried
Item 2: Election Of Speaker

Page 1

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Thank you. Are there any further nominations? Being that there are no further nominations, I therefore declare that the honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan, has been elected Speaker of the House.

---Carried

I would request the mover and the seconder of the motion to escort the Speaker to the Chair.

---Applause

Item 3: Remarks By Speaker
Item 3: Remarks By Speaker

Page 1

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Speaker's Opening Remarks

Item 3: Remarks By Speaker
Item 3: Remarks By Speaker

Page 1

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Honourable Members of the 13th Legislative Assembly, let me begin by thanking you all for the confidence and trust you have placed in me in selecting me to act as your Speaker. As we all have made a commitment to represent our constituents to the best of our ability, I will now give you my commitment to ensure that the rights and privileges of all Members are upheld so that you are able to fulfil your duties. It is my responsibility as Speaker to see that everyone can speak freely, without constraint, within the rules of this House. I can assure you that I will rule fairly and impartially in accordance with the principles of the bureaucracy and the rules and practises of this Legislative Assembly.

On this opening day of the 13th and last Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, I am mindful of the challenges we will face over the next four years. Many of these challenges have been faced by the Members of previous assemblies. Many are new and formidable as the North moves rapidly towards division in 1999. However, with great challenges comes great risk. The pressures and pitfalls along the road to success and the realization of our aspirations are many. You have all been chosen by your constituents to represent their interests in this House, and they have great expectations of you. You no doubt have great expectations of yourselves and each other as well.

As a somewhat experienced Member and dean of this House, I can assure you that you will face some very trying times in the near future. You may find some difficulty in striking that allusive balance between your work and your family. The stress and anxiety that comes with pursuing such a balance can often seem overwhelming. In meeting this particular challenge, we must remember to treat each other with respect and compassion, always. The demand on our time and our energy will severely test our commitment to move forward for a common agenda for the benefit of all northerners. Our constituents, in placing us here, believe we will not fail that task. Their patience and understanding are also crucial elements which affect our ability to effectively deal with the pressures and often conflicting demands placed on Members of this Legislative Assembly, the trust that we will continue to enjoy the support of our constituents as we work to fulfil our expectations for the people and of ourselves in a spirit of mutual respect, openness and honesty.

As I speak of commitment and expectations, it brings to mind a code of conduct developed and adopted by the 12th Assembly to guide Members' actions and to remind all Members that they represent and speak for many people. As Members of the 13th Legislative Assembly, our actions and conduct, both within and outside this House, reflect upon ourselves, our colleagues and our constituents. The code of conduct places the responsibility for sound judgement on the shoulders of each Member individually. Personal conflict involves personal choice. As these choices are made, there must be a clear understanding of the consequence. Your commitment to conduct yourself appropriately will also serve as your commitment to upholding the code of conduct. Collectively you have the responsibility for ensuring that, with respect to the application of the code, all Members are treated equally and fairly.

You and I are fortunate to be here as the chosen representative of our constituents. It is an honour that is bestowed on very few people. As we have accepted the responsibility to work to make a better life for the people in our communities, we must decide, each in our own way, whether we will merely make decisions on their behalf or provide the kind of leadership that goes beyond words to give our people and our children hope for a better future.

As I address you here today, I realize that these are only words. The true commitment will be reflected and realized in our actions. As we begin our journey together, we must be mindful that the foundation upon which we build our successes is our commitment to work together for the common good of our people.

As I look around the Chamber, I know you will all represent your people fairly, honestly and to the best of your ability with integrity, sound personal judgement and a commitment to conduct yourself in a manner that justifies the trust placed in you all. Mahsi cho, qujannamiik.

---Applause

Mr. Clerk, will you ascertain if Her Honour, the Commissioner, is prepared to enter the Chamber and address the Legislative Assembly?

Item 4: Entry Of Commissioner And Playing Of O Canada
Item 4: Entry Of Commissioner And Playing Of O Canada

Page 1

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

---O Canada

Item 5: Opening Address By Commissioner
Item 5: Opening Address By Commissioner

Page 1

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Commissioner's Opening Remarks

Item 5: Opening Address By Commissioner
Item 5: Opening Address By Commissioner

Page 2

Commissioner Maksagak

Mr. Speaker, honoured guests, Members of the Legislature, I am pleased to welcome you to the opening session of the 13th Assembly.

First of all, Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate you on being returned to this important position.

I also want to congratulate the Premier-elect, those of you elected to serve as Ministers of the government and other Members of this House, all of whom were elected to represent the interests of the people during this particularly important phase of our constitutional history.

The people have put their trust in this Assembly. They have given you the responsibility because they believe your leadership and your record of hard work are needed to make the decisions that are necessary today and those that will be required as we move towards division of the Northwest Territories.

There will be many frustrations and demands during your term of office. But, I am sure that you will also have considerable satisfaction as you help to guide the North towards increasing levels of responsible government.

Mr. Speaker, our thoughts should also include those Members of the previous Assembly who did not get re-elected. I am sure this Legislature will join me, on behalf of residents of the Northwest Territories, in recognizing their years of dedicated effort and service.

I particularly want to recognize the contributions made by long-serving Members Ludy Pudluk, Nellie Cournoyea, Dennis Patterson, Mike Ballantyne, Brian Lewis and John Pollard. All of them decided to retire at the close of the 12th Assembly. They had a combined total of 80 years of experience with this Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, as the term of the 13th Assembly begins, it is appropriate to note that the challenges facing the Northwest Territories are significant. And the amount of time to meet these challenges is extremely tight. If anything, the next few years will test the effectiveness of consensus government.

The people who elected this Legislative Assembly want certainty and an action plan. They want long-standing problems solved. And while constitutional matters are extremely important, they don't want government to lose sight of the need to make sure there is help and assistance provided to residents who need it the most.

Obviously, priorities will have to be established because there is not enough money to do everything. Getting the job done will need the cooperation of all residents and organizations in the Northwest Territories, not just the 24 Members of this Legislature.

Because of this, it is time for everyone to think about their positions and to seek some common ground on the many issues that are facing us today.

It is time to demonstrate that the Territories is united in common purpose and that institutions and organizations trust each other and have the ability and a strong desire to work together.

Mr. Speaker, I want to urge all residents to have a great deal of understanding about the financial circumstances and the difficult social and economic agenda facing the new Legislative Assembly.

Tough decisions will have to be made. And they won't always be popular with everyone.

There is no other way to make sure that basic social programs are maintained, that job opportunities are available in areas where they are needed the most, and that the transition to two new territories 40 months from now proceeds in an orderly fashion.

Members sitting in the House today need no reminder about what lies ahead. Last week, they sat through five days of briefings on the various issues they will be facing during their terms of office.

They know the severe impact federal reductions have had on our operating budgets over the past fours years and the legislated requirement to return to a balanced budget. They also know the health and social problems of the Northwest Territories and that our population is much younger than any other jurisdiction in Canada.

And Members know that the population is growing at a rate that is more than two-and-a-half times the national average and that demands for schools, housing, health services, municipal infrastructure, employment and welfare assistance are all growing as fast and, in some cases, faster.

They also understand that the recent Quebec referendum is bringing significant pressure for a change in the division of responsibilities between Ottawa and the provinces and territories, and that federal attempts to reduce its deficit are continuing to put pressure on the territorial government to fund areas traditionally supported by Ottawa.

Mr. Speaker, it is against this backdrop that Members begin the work of the 13th Assembly.

Fortunately, the Northwest Territories has always been a place for new ideas and new ways of getting things done. It also offers exciting economic opportunities in the non-renewable resource sector, particularly if the Territories gains control over their management and a share in the revenues they generate.

Mr. Speaker, all of us want a better future; a Territories with a greater degree of self-sufficiency and self-determination and a Legislative Assembly that leads by example and makes sure that choices and opportunities for a meaningful life are available to all residents.

As we begin the First Session of the 13th Assembly, it is my belief that a stronger, more confident Northwest Territories is well within reach if everyone is prepared to work for it. Along the way, all of us must accept the fact that there will be differences on various issues but that decisions must be made for the long-range future of the Northwest Territories, not for the short-term gain.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, getting the job done will require strong leadership, a common purpose and a willingness to make hard choices. We must plan and manage better to do what matters most. And all of us will have to revise our expectations that government has the capacity to meet the needs of everyone.

Mr. Speaker, as Commissioner, I want to offer you and this Legislature my full support as you continue the tradition of consensus and representative government and work towards social, economic and constitutional reforms.

I also want you to know that I will continue to do my best to be a worthy ambassador and to serve our Legislative Assembly and the people of the Northwest Territories to the best of my abilities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I now declare open the First Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.

---Applause

Item 5: Opening Address By Commissioner
Item 5: Opening Address By Commissioner

Page 3

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The House will come back to order. Good afternoon to the Members and to people in the gallery. The task ahead for the next four years is going to be quite difficult, so I would like to ask the people in the gallery to give applause to the newly-elected Members for encouragement.

---Applause

We are on item 6, Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Item 5: Opening Address By Commissioner
Item 5: Opening Address By Commissioner

Page 3

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to waive Rule 36(a) to permit Members' statements for today to not exceed five minutes.

Item 5: Opening Address By Commissioner
Item 5: Opening Address By Commissioner

Page 3

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. The Member for Yellowknife Centre is seeking unanimous consent. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Proceed, Mr. Ootes.

Responsible Leadership For The Nwt
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 3

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for this opportunity to speak today. First of all, I want to express my gratitude for the privilege given to me to be able to serve in this, the 13th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. I also want to congratulate the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Morin, on his election as Premier, and I wish to congratulate those who were elected yesterday to be our representatives on the Executive Council.

We are a historic group, the last leaders of the Northwest Territories as it exists today. In four years' time, some Members of this joint body of individuals will become responsible for the political leadership of Nunavut in the East, and the other Members will become responsible for the political leadership of the new territory in the West.

I am, personally, very pleased with the leadership that we have chosen and I am impressed with the capability of the individuals. We have the leadership and experience of Mr. Morin; the administrative skills of Mr. Todd; the capable abilities of Mr. Ng; and the wisdom, strength and forthrightness of Mr. Kakfwi; and, we have the freshness of new ideas in the new Members of Cabinet: Mrs. Thompson; Mr. Arlooktoo; Mr. Dent; and, Mr. Antoine.

We all have big responsibilities to fulfil and the challenges are tremendous. We have spoken together over the last few days about the heavy workload facing our Premier and the Ministers, the demands on their time and the stress on their jobs. It is important, therefore, for those of us not on Cabinet, to offer our time and to offer to share the workload, and it's time for us to all dig in. We want to be part of the team; that is what consensus is all about: It is about teamwork. The success of consensus government will be measured in the years to come by how well we all participated in the decision-making process.

We will face momentous changes in the next four years. Let us make solid and sound footprints in new snow -- if I may be permitted to borrow a phrase from the Nunavut Implementation Commission's report -- so that in four years we will have achieved responsible division of the NWT and created two new territories to the complete satisfaction of all northerners; that our young people can see a bright and healthy future with lots of job opportunities; that our communities and people are more successfully empowering themselves to find solutions to their drastic economic and social problems; that we have a balanced budget and put our financial house in order; and, demonstrated to our residents that we, too, have been financially responsible by having reduced our own salaries and benefits.

Northerners are looking to us for direction and example. Let us be healthy and responsible leaders, especially for our young people. Being a great role model is our collective responsibility. This is what I will do for my leaders, the people who were elected by us yesterday and the day before. If I am asked, I will help you make collective decisions so that your duties...and we can make the decisions not in isolation when it comes to major and difficult decisions. I will promise to be available, I will live by the code of conduct and I will work hard. Thank you.

---Applause

Responsible Leadership For The Nwt
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 4

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 6, Members' statements. Are there any further Members' statements? Mr. Arlooktoo.

Congratulating Cabinet And Supporting Premier
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 4

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to say a few words of appreciation for the support and confidence that was given to me by the Members of this House in electing me to Cabinet yesterday. I realize now that I will be a part of the government, and I will work hard to be fair and equal and to have an open-door policy. But I will keep in mind, always, that I was elected here by the people of Baffin South, and I commit to them my promise that I will still work hard for them and that I will be open to them when they want to come to me to express their concerns.

Mr. Speaker, in listening to your comments this afternoon, I want to say that I appreciate very much the leadership you're showing, and your words about conduct were very wise. I promise also that I will try to live by them as much as possible.

We do have some tough choices ahead, especially having to do with keeping our financial house in order. I hope I'll be up to the task and I'll be looking forward to the advice and support of other MLAs.

I want to again commit my support and loyalty to Mr. Morin on his leadership. I received a lot of calls yesterday asking if he would do well. I did say to everyone who asked me that I know he will be fair, that he will treat everyone equally and that he will make an excellent Premier. I also said that I would work for him to the best of my ability.

With that, thank you very much for your words this afternoon. I look forward to working with everyone. Thank you.

---Applause

Congratulating Cabinet And Supporting Premier
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 4

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. The Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Seamus Henry.

Economy Of The NWT And Congratulating Cabinet
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 4

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, until the Irish language is recognized as an official language in the Legislature, I will be addressing this House in English.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few moments to thank everyone who ran for Cabinet and Leader, and congratulate those who got elected.

It is with pride and, I admit, some apprehension that I begin the challenge of representing my constituents in Yellowknife South, the people of Yellowknife and the people of the Northwest Territories.

First, I'd like to thank my wife and family for their support during the campaign. They will inevitably have to make more sacrifices over the next four years. I'd like to thank the constituents who have placed a great trust in me during the election process. On behalf of my constituents and all MLAs, we owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Tony Whitford who served the people of Yellowknife so loyally in the last Assembly.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, this Assembly my continue to send a strong message to potential investors that the North is open for business. And to northerners, the opportunities are here, let's get the training so we can take full advantage of the work and resultant independence that those jobs will bring.

Mr. Speaker, because of the serious financial situation, we know that we cannot rely on government to meet the growing job demands of our children. Private business must fill this gap. Our Premier spoke of some tough challenges that we will have to face over the next four years. My constituents will be looking to the government for leadership and wisdom in dealing with those issues.

With respect to the deficit, I support the government in bringing forward a balanced budget. Also, a comprehensive and long-term plan should contain attainable goals to reflect our vision and principles, and commit to maintaining important services such as education. This plan should be debated and form the basis for the budget over the next four years.

Mr. Speaker, I also support the creation of Nunavut; however, I know an issue like this can be divisive in more ways than one. If we get the process wrong, we can spend the next four years wrangling over the resources. I would urge the government to set up a separate process and accounting for division so that we can get on with the business of government.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, as a business person, I know how hard it will be to balance the books. Hard decisions will need to be made. The next four years will take teamwork by groups with widely diverse interests but who share a common vision to build a territory our children will be proud. We have to be passionate about what we believe in but we cannot lose our heads in the process.

I would like to welcome all MLAs and their families to our capital. We, in Yellowknife, want you to enjoy our community, and I will do all in my power to make Yellowknife a place you enjoy coming to and staying in. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Economy Of The NWT And Congratulating Cabinet
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 5

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Aivilik, Manitok Thompson.

Appreciation To Family And Constituents
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 5

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a brief statement today thanking all those people who supported me in my goal to be a Member of Cabinet. I would like to thank all of my constituents who supported my decision and all the Members of the Assembly who gave careful consideration of my qualifications.

I would like the Members to know that I have a strong and supportive family. My husband of 17 years, Tom, and my sons Trevor, 13, and Randy, who is 7, were fully supportive of my decision to stand for a position on Cabinet. As a family, we all discussed the pros and cons of having a wife and a mother on Cabinet. I am young -- well, relatively young -- energetic, hard working and, as most of you have discovered, I am an open and honest communicator. As one of two women in the Assembly and an aboriginal woman, I believe I can bring a vital and important perspective to Cabinet discussions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Appreciation To Family And Constituents
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 5

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. The Member for Iqaluit, Mr. Picco.

Appreciation To Constituents
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 5

Edward Picco Iqaluit

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank everybody in Iqaluit who voted me in to this Legislative Assembly. (Translation ends)

...Cabinet, Speaker and Premier and I look forward to working with the Executive and all Members of this, the 13th and last Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Thank you. Qujannamiik.

---Applause

Appreciation To Constituents
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 5

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Picco. The Member for Baffin Central, Mr. Enuaraq.

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would like to congratulate you as the Speaker. I would like to congratulate the Honourable Don Morin as the Premier. I would like to congratulate all Cabinet Ministers and Members. We will be working together as a team.

I would like to state that I learned quite a bit from our orientation and it will help me a lot.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to say, as you all know, that there was an incident in the community...Geoff Churchill is the teacher who died recently in a tragic accident on the land. I wish to express my condolences to his family, his students and many friends in Clyde River.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to express my deep gratitude to my wife Elisapee; my sons Norman and Andrew; and, my daughters -- there are four of them, sometimes I forget their names -- Valery, Donna, Pia and Janet, for the strong support and the understanding they have given to me.

I would also like to welcome the public here. We will be working here together as a team for the next four years and I am very grateful for this.

Lastly, I would like to say I am looking at a bright future, this is the way I would like to see it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Erasmus.

Economy Of The NWT And Congratulating Cabinet
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 5

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your election as Speaker. I would also like to congratulate the new Premier, the Member for Tu Nedhe, Don Morin, and also the newly-elected Executive Council.

I would like to thank all the people in Yellowknife North who voted for me, and thank the campaign workers who worked on my campaign for doing a good job. I would also like to thank my wife and my family who have stood behind me during some tough times and who continue to stand behind me.

I would also like the gallery and the new government here to recognize Mike Ballantyne's work in the last 12 years in this Assembly.

---Applause

I would like to inform the people from Yellowknife North that this new government has committed to working in a spirit of cooperation and in working together. I would also like to inform them that I am a team player, and that I will be working hard on the committees that I am selected for. At the same time, I will be supporting the Executive Council. However, the Executive Council must be accountable, they must be open to constructive criticism and, indeed, to opposition at times if that opposition is warranted.

Federal government cutbacks and division are forcing us into a deficit in these coming years. I am committed to deficit reduction; however, the deficit reduction should not be on the backs of those who can least afford it. Social programs have to be available and protected for those people who need them. We also have to create new jobs. New jobs means supporting development, but that development must be orderly. That development must protect the environment and respect land claims and treaty entitlements. At the same time, we must also be committed to education and training. We need education and training to get people off social assistance. Those people can fill current jobs as people vacate them, and they can fill new jobs. That's one good way of getting away from the deficit: getting people who are currently on social assistance into jobs.

But we don't only need a healthy economy, we also need healthy people and healthy communities. So I am also committed to supporting initiatives like community wellness programs, family counselling, marriage counselling, alcohol and drug rehabilitation centres, and alcohol and drug programs.

We all know that division will occur. I'm committed to supporting the creation of Nunavut. I'm also committed to creating a new western constitution. That constitution should be based on mutual respect. It should include the inherent right to self-determination which gives communities and regions true authority, not delegated authority.

Aboriginal and treaty rights must be protected. At the same time, the rights and interests of the non-aboriginal people must be protected. I'm also committed to working closer with the communities, and committed to having more cooperation with the aboriginal governments. That's truly what consensus government is all about.

Our Cabinet Members have spoken about an open-door policy, and having lots of access and respecting everybody's views. While we saw lots of access during the last couple of days when they were campaigning for Cabinet positions, let's hope it continues. Thank you.

---Applause

Economy Of The NWT And Congratulating Cabinet
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 6

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. The Member for Amittuq, Mr. Evaloarjuk.

Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank, first of all, the people who put me back into the House as their Member for the Assembly. Had it not been for them, I would not be able to stand here today.

Back in 1975 until 1978, I participated as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, and it's very good to see my old colleagues from yester years and I am glad to be here again.

I would also like to thank my family; my wife, in particular. For the last 27 years, beginning in 1968, I have been travelling extensively. I reviewed this and there were times when I was away from home for as long as three months and we had small children at the time. Many of my children are adults, and it was for them and my wife that I did this work, and I appreciate the support they've given me.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. The Member for High Arctic, Mr. Barnabas.

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I want to congratulate you on your election, as well as passing my congratulations to our new Premier, Don Morin, and all the new Members of Cabinet selected yesterday. I look forward to working with all of you as MLAs.

I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the people of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay who voted for me. I would like to assure all the residents of the High Arctic constituency that I will do my very best to represent everyone. I am very much looking forward to working hard as your MLA on the important issues which were raised during the campaign.

I also look forward to visiting the communities in my constituency as soon as possible and talk about the important work ahead of us. I also want to express my special thanks to my wife, Susanna, for her support during the campaign and for being with me during orientation and swearing-in recently. I also want to thank my children: Robert, Marie, Paingut and my other daughter Lynn. I would also like to thank my father, my mother, my in-laws, Tommy and Bertha, and all my relatives in Arctic Bay. I also want to thank my hard working campaign manager and official agent, Daniel Aola, for the good job he did.

Mr. Speaker, I also wish to give my personal thanks to the former Dean of this House, Mr. Ludy Pudluk, Dora, his wife; and their family, for 21 years of devoted service to this House and for being an inspiration to me. I have learned a great deal from him. In his farewell speech to this Assembly on June 14, 1995, Mr. Pudluk gave some wise advice which I would like to repeat today.

"Mr. Speaker, I have noticed when they are first elected Members can be good friends and help support each other. However, I have seen, more than once, after they spend time as legislators, they become enemies. People are not electing us to become enemies. They are electing us to work together. We are expected by our people to work together, help each other and develop the North, not to make enemies."

Mr. Speaker, this is very good advice for me from the previous Member for High Arctic and the longest-serving Member in this House. Mr. Pudluk was a Member of this House for a long time and I will try to follow, which I think we should all try to follow.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Hay River, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the honourable Member for Yellowknife for arriving today and asking for an extension on Members' statements because I don't feel I have had enough air time yet this week.

---Laughter

I would like to take this opportunity, first of all, to congratulate the Speaker, our new Premier and the Cabinet Members. I would also like to say thank you to the people of Enterprise, the corridor and Hay River for entrusting in me this role that I have come here to fulfil. I would like to thank my colleagues in the House for the friendship they have shown and their supportiveness and kindness during this first week we have been together. I would like to thank the Clerk and his staff for all their guidance and assistance to the new Members since we have arrived. I would like to thank my family: my sons, Jordan and Jeffrey; my beautiful daughter, Jillian; and, my husband, Rick, for his support and faith in me. I would also like to thank the honourable Member for Hay River, John Pollard, who served in the preceding eight years in this House.

---Applause

Lastly, I would like to thank my father, who is not here today but I am sure he would love to be. He has given me confidence in that he gave me what we, as parents, need to give our children and that is our approval and our love. That is what has enabled me to do some of the things I have done. When I was a child when I would go to him and say "I can't," he would make me say I can if I try. I think that is what we all need to say here as we endeavour to serve the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Kivallivik, Mr. O'Brien.

Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, wish to congratulate Mr. Morin on his election to Premier and also yourself, Mr. Speaker, as well as all the new Ministers we elected yesterday. I wish to give a special thanks to my family and friends for all their support during the campaign and, most importantly, to the people of Kivallivik.

My election and my victory was somewhat bittersweet. In the middle of my campaign, my biggest supporter passed away, my father. I would like to say thank you to him for his support. I know he's watching over me.

In closing, a special thanks to my children, Jaren and Kelsey for all their support, and my apologies for being away so much during the campaign. Matna, mahsi.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Congratulations on your election. Congratulations also to the Premier and Cabinet. At this time, I'd like to thank my constituents for electing me to this position. It's an honour and I will serve them well.

At this time, I would also like to recognize a former MLA, Mr. Richard Nerysoo, who has served 16 years to the people of the Mackenzie Delta.

---Applause

I would like to thank him for that. I would also like to recognize the other leaders in the communities who serve on hamlet councils, settlement councils, bands, Metis locals and in the other activities that go on within our small communities. Thanks to the people who serve at the present time and the people who have served in the past.

We have some big issues in front of us over the next four years and I'm glad to see that the people we have here have endorsed the idea of working cooperatively and working with regard to the issues that are facing us. The main issues that we have in front of us are the question about division, the constitutional development process that is happening in the West and also the outstanding question of aboriginal claims that have not been settled and those that have.

The biggest issue we have to face is the deficit. I would like to say that it's going to be a challenge to deal with the deficit, but we also have to keep in mind the have and have-not communities. From the statistics that we've looked at, it would seem that the biggest impact will be on smaller aboriginal communities that do not have an economic base with regard to an industry such as oil, gas or minerals. The biggest impact that we've seen, especially in the aboriginal communities, is with regard to the fur question.

We have to somehow stimulate the economy so that everybody benefits, not just in the larger centres, but also in the smaller communities by looking at things such as economic opportunities in the non-renewable resources; looking at using natural products such as caribou meat, fish, forestry products and also look at the tourism potential that we have in the North.

One thing that I would like to make the House aware of at this time is that from the Gwich'in perspective, we are also facing an international problem that you may not be aware of; that's the question about the 10-02 lands in Alaska. We have, for thousands of years, depended on the Porcupine Caribou herd, whose calving grounds are in the Arctic National Refuge in Alaska. The Gwich'in have been fighting this battle for a number of years and it's presently in the hands of the President of the United States. That is an issue that is close to our hearts and has to be resolved for the protection of the Gwich'in culture and lifestyle.

I would like to thank my colleagues who have supported the initiatives that we are working on. I see that there will be a change in this government and a change with regard to how we do business. I look forward to working along with you over the next four years. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, congratulations again on your election as the Speaker. I would also like to congratulate the Honourable Don Morin on his election as Premier-elect and extend congratulations to the other Members of the new Cabinet.

Mr. Speaker, before we get down to the challenging business of looking after the affairs of northerners, I would like to take a couple of minutes to acknowledge a number of people. First of all, I would like to publicly thank the constituents of Yellowknife Frame Lake for their overwhelming vote of approval in returning me to office. I knocked on nearly every door in the constituency and met more than 1000 people during the campaign and I was pleased that many took the time to discuss their concerns with me. There are some strong opinions among my constituents on a variety of issues and I want to assure all of them that I will do my best to make sure that their views don't go unheeded during this Assembly.

I would also like to offer congratulations to you, Mr. Speaker, and to the rest of my fellow Members for the individual election victories that you were able to celebrate. We all know that there's a great diversity among our constituents and across the North as a whole. Social, cultural and educational diversity; our challenge is to find unity within that diversity.

I would like to express my thanks to all of you for the confidence you've shown me in giving me the honour and privilege to serve on Cabinet. It's clear that people in the Northwest Territories expect a change in the way decisions are made. We now face the challenge of defining a new way of managing the government. I've been pleased to hear a lot of comments by Members in the past week or so about cooperation and working collectively. It's what residents of the North expect and what we must deliver. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to promise the Member for Yellowknife North that my office door will always be open to him and to the other Members in the House.

Mr. Speaker, most of all I'd like to thank my wife, Eileen. Not only has she been a constant source of encouragement and advice, she's provided unwavering support throughout the last four years. My young son, Tyler, also deserves some recognition for his patience and understanding about just how busy his dad has been.

Mr. Speaker, the road ahead of us is undoubtedly going to be a bumpy one. We face numerous challenges, some of which we're already aware of, some of which haven't yet become apparent. I want to assure the people of my constituency of Yellowknife Frame Lake and all residents of the Northwest Territories that I will do my best to provide leadership, honesty and integrity and meet those challenges head on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate you on being elected the Speaker. You have been in the position before, you are not new to this position and we rely on your direction. Congratulations on your position.

Congratulations to the Government Leader, Don Morin, on his appointment. It's hard to say congratulations in Slavey, so I'll say it in English. You also know the business of the House because you've been here before. I would like to congratulate the ones who have been Ministers before and the new Ministers as well.

We have already promised each other that from now on we will work together. I would like to thank my constituency: Nahanni Butte; Trout Lake; Jean Marie River; Wrigley; and, Fort Simpson. I would like to thank all the people who elected me and have allowed me to return to this position. (Translation ends)

saying that I had zero votes and I was leading by a little dotted line. After a while somebody in the crowd suggested that we should take a vote in the room and phone it in. Winning by acclamation, Mr. Speaker, was a gift from my constituents. It means to me that I have to work just as hard in this Assembly as I did in the last, or even better, and I am committed to that. It is a great mandate. For that, I would like to thank everybody in my constituency.

The biggest thank you and recognition is to my family: my wife, Celine, for her strength and support; to my daughter, Melaw; and my sons, Denezeh, Sachey and Tumbah; as well as to my father and my extended family. Mahsi.

I would like to thank the Members of this Assembly for the confidence that they showed by electing me to this Cabinet. I will continue to follow the teachings of my elders into the position by being fair and open and listening to everyone, as I have learned as a leader in the communities. One of the things that I've learned, Mr. Speaker, is that as a community leader, you develop a lot of patience by listening to people. This, I will try to do in this Assembly.

To the incumbents who did not succeed in coming back here, I would like to thank you all for the last four years that I have worked with you. I have to say that you have contributed to the people in the North. For that, I would like to thank you.

(Translation) I would also like to thank all the people in the communities. We are elected to be sitting here for the next four years, and I promise to work to the best of my ability with all of you. There was one elder who had written who told me at one time, if you work on something there are a lot of things that you're not going to agree with but, if you work hard on it and work well with the people, everything will come out in the end.

Right now, I would like to promise you again that I will work to the best of my ability for the next four years. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to take this opportunity to thank those people in Nunakput who have chosen me to represent them in this House. I wish to thank my family for their continued support as well.

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your election as Speaker; Mr. Morin as Premier; and all those elected to the Executive Council.

On behalf of the people of Nunakput, I wish to thank Nellie Cournoyea for the many years she has dedicated to the riding of Nunakput.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Steen. The Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my colleagues. First of all, I would like to congratulate the Honourable Don Morin for being chosen as leader of this government, and you, Mr. Speaker, as being Speaker for the next three years and a half, and all those candidates who were successful in being selected for the Executive Council of this government, and all those people who ran and were not successful. I know you will all put all your effort into making this government a better government and the system a better place for all the people of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, I have never done this publicly before, but I would like to thank my natural mother who passed away when I was too young to get to know her. I would like to thank her. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my father who passed away -- my natural father -- when I was six years old. I never really got to know either of them. I know they are up there somewhere where there are no restraints.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my wife, Celine, for her support during the past six years when I have served as a Member of the NWT Legislature; my children; my stepfather who is now up there sitting in the public gallery. He taught me three basic principles of life: He told me to know when to hold back. He also told me to know when to go forward. He also told me when to retreat. I live by those three principles that he taught me.

Mr. Speaker, whenever there was a time for collaboration and cooperation between the family, between the people of this particular jurisdiction, the time is now. Mr. Speaker, whenever there was a time to seek wisdom from the elders, from the public, the time is now.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to quote some quotations from a very famous man by the name of John F. Kennedy, when he first became President. Whenever there was a time to quote something like that, I think the time is now. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." I think we should remember that in these difficult times. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. The Member for North Slave, Mr. Rabesca.

James Rabesca North Slave

Mr. Speaker...(English not provided)...opening remarks. I would like to thank the people of the North Slave riding to elect me back here again after being absent for the last 20 years. I served in the Legislature back in 1970 to 1975. When I first ran back then, I guess I promised them that I would be speaking my own native language to make my opening remarks. I did that back then when we never used

interpreters at that time, but I was fortunate enough to speak my own native language just for brief moments at that time.

Now I would like to do that again, and these are just my own written comments that I would like to make regarding congratulating the new Premier and the outgoing Premier who served for many years and who had a good relationship with the Dogrib people within my constituency. Certainly, like the rest of my colleagues, I would like to congratulate Sam on being re-elected to the Speaker's Chair again, and also the new Cabinet Ministers being selected to this Assembly. I was fortunate enough to be one of the Members to be able to elect the Premier. How I voted was because the people within my riding wanted me to vote for a particular person that they wanted to be voted in. Including the Cabinet Ministers, I think I did the very same thing too because I promised them that I would be able to vote for the Cabinet Ministers of their choice. I don't think they got them all in there, but I think they got the majority of people who they wanted on the Cabinet. I think they all got voted in.

Now I would like to make that brief remark in my own native language.

(Translation) I wish to thank the four Dogrib communities for having elected me as their MLA for the next three and a half years. Today, we are to express our interest in various committees. I am very much interested in sitting on the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development. I would have the opportunity to focus on economic development programs and services. We are interested in delivering and initiating our own economic development programs in all four of our communities. This would enable us to exercise independence financially in the long term.

We have interest in renewable resource programs. Forest fires and their effect on our land and animals have become serious issues for us because it affects our ability to hunt and trap. We would like to find ways to reduce forest fires in our area.

I am also interested in sitting on the Standing Committee on Infrastructure. I am interested in examining policies, administration and expenditures in the departments, and reviewing the performance of the departments. We want to ensure that departments are delivering the programs and services equitably across the Northwest Territories, that expenditures do not exceed costs allocated, and that a deficit does not accompany division of the Territories.

I have a high interest in who is getting hired, not only in the North, but in my area. I don't know two people who got hired from outside the Territories who have retired in my Dogrib area.

I'm interested in safety in the workplace. Transportation is another concern we have. The road between Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife has taken many lives over the years. Mining is an area of concern for our people. There is much discussion about benefit packages and the affirmative action hiring policy, but then BHP does not expect that an aboriginal person can be a senior manager within a period of 10 years.

I'm interested in sitting on the Standing Committee on Government Operations. I'm interested in those issues that have a broad impact, government wide. I'm interested in the budget and fiscal framework of all departments and other related public boards and agencies. I'm interested and want to be part of the operation that ensures that this government abides by the Deficit Elimination Act. This act is supposed to come into force April 1, 1996, and the budget is supposed to remain balanced for three years. I don't want this government to force a deficit on the two new governments when division takes place.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Roland.

Appreciation To Family And Constituents
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 10

Floyd Roland

Floyd Roland Inuvik

Mr. Speaker, honourable Members, Premier, Cabinet Members, I would like to say thank you, first and foremost, to the good Lord above. He has put me in a place of trust within my community and respect amongst my family. I would like to thank my family who stood by me during the election process and continue to do so today, and my supporters who worked very hard during the campaign to put me where I'm standing now. I would especially like to thank the people of Inuvik for their support in sending me to this historical occasion.

As I went on with my campaign, I knew that the years coming up would be difficult for everyone. I told them I stood for people of every colour and nationality. It didn't matter where you came from, what language you spoke or the colour of your skin. At the time I was running I mentioned that it was time for us, as government leaders, to lead by example. We are in a day and a time when we cannot play games anymore. We have many peoples' lives at stake, in our hands. Our direction over the next number of years can make or break us as two territories or as one.

We've heard of deficit. I know we cannot take that deficit to two territories but neither can we take it as one. We've got some hard decisions and hard tasks ahead but I believe with the people here, as they've mentioned earlier and over the past week, by working together we can make the possibility of having good things and not only bad.

I would like to say that I think that we, as group of people who represent the people of the NWT, can do a job and do it well by working together. As I said during my campaign, a strong family leads to strong community. Each and every one of us here is a member of a new family, and by working together we can make our community of the NWT a good place to live. Thank you.

---Applause

Appreciation To Family And Constituents
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 10

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also wish to congratulate you. I know that you'll provide exemplary

leadership as a role model to the youth of the Northwest Territories. I wish you well in your job. I want to thank my wife, Marie, and my children, Kyla, Daylyn and Keenan for their support over the last eight years. I hope that with good work and cooperation they'll continue to support me for the next three and a half years.

I wish to thank the people of the Sahtu for their very strong support in the campaign and on the election night. I want to thank the many volunteers and workers who contributed to my campaign. I hope that Santa puts something in their stockings on Christmas night. I want to thank my agent, Gerry Loomis -- who's in the gallery today -- for his commitment, work and support through the campaign. Also with us today is Mr. Peter Guther, the campaign manager for Norman Wells. I must say it was one of the miracles of the campaign that for six and a half weeks, without let up, these two rival hotel owners got along and did a great job. I wanted to thank them in front of everybody today.

I want to thank, of course, my office staff, my executive assistant, Lynda Sorensen, who's also in the gallery today, and my secretary, Hilda Camirand, for their work and dedication over the last few years. I hope they continue to stay and work with me for the next three and a half exciting years serving the Members of this Legislature.

I want to thank my colleagues here today for their confidence and support in electing me again for another term as a Minister. I want to also congratulate, once again, for the record, our new Premier, Don Morin. I'm very pleased that he has been elected and has chosen to dedicate himself to this formidable job for the next three and a half years. I know that he will do an excellent job for all of us.

I want to acknowledge, as well, the support of my mother, Georgina Kakfwi, who's 75 and still very active out on the land doing her role as a traditional mother. She's been a great comfort and support to me the last few years while I've been serving in public life. I want to thank her today. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable colleagues. I would like to congratulate you first, Mr. Speaker, on your elevation to your role, and note to the House and to the people in the Northwest Territories that your world-class collection of cowboy boots will do a lot to add colour and flair to the position of Speaker.

---Laughter

---Applause

My congratulations, also, to the Premier and the elected Cabinet Members. You're a stalwart lot, and I think with the 24 of us working together, as my honourable colleague from Inuvik indicated, as a team and as a family, that we can prove to everybody that consensus government can in fact work and is alive and well in the Northwest Territories. I don't think there should be any doubt if anybody has a problem from outside the boundaries of the Northwest Territories that they should know who to call, and that's the Premier, Mr. Don Morin. There is no doubt; he's the man.

I would like to briefly thank my family as well, and my many supporters in the riding of Thebacha and the people of Thebacha for their support. Well, nearly all of them.

---Laughter

---Applause

We have an interesting challenge ahead of us and I do look forward to working with all, not only with the people here duly elected, but the people of the Northwest Territories and the many groups that we're going to need to help us deal with the issues.

I think we have all the pieces in place. The last week has been a good one for me. I came here with a very negative point of view about whether we could make a consensus government work and that we were going to be stuck with a very negative, adversarial-type of government. I am reassured and I am grateful to you all for the good work that we have done and are going to do. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also wish to add my congratulations to you on your re-election as Speaker, and also to the Honourable Mr. Morin on his election as Premier, and to the other Cabinet Members. I would also like to thank all the candidates who put forward their names forward for these positions, because I think it's important to recognize that they gave us all an opportunity to make our selection for our representatives.

I would also like to thank the constituents, at this time, from Coppermine, Cambridge Bay, Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet for their decisive mandate that they gave me once again. It's an honour that I won't take lightly, and I'll work diligently to meet their expectations.

I also wish to acknowledge, once again, and thank my family, particularly my wife, Susie, for their support, encouragement and understanding over the past two and a half years. As many of us who have been around a little bit and for those Members who will be around for a bit, you'll quickly find out that the workload and travel requirements as a Member doesn't exactly fit well with family life and family commitments.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Members of this House for their confidence in choosing me as one of their Executive Council Members. I will commit to carrying out my duties to the best of my ability for the benefit of all residents, and I look forward to working with all Members of this House over the next three and a half years. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Ng. Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Keewatin Central, Mr. Todd.

Congratulating Cabinet And Thanking Constituents
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 12

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Similar to my colleagues, I would like to express my congratulations on your election to the Speaker's position. I would like to take the time today to express my appreciation, as others have done, to my constituents in Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet for the overwhelming support that they've provided me in my recent election. In particular, I want to thank my campaign team who worked very, very hard.

I also want to thank all the Members of this House for the confidence, particularly this week, and support in my election to the Cabinet. That meant a great deal to me.

To the new Premier, the Honourable Donnie Morin, I want to assure him of my loyalty and full support. Perhaps to the outgoing Premier, I want to express a very special thank you for all the confidence and support she showed in me in the last four years.

---Applause

This is truly a lady who will surely be missed. Thank you very much.

---Applause

Congratulating Cabinet And Thanking Constituents
Item 6: Members' Statements

Page 12

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Todd. I also understand that today is your birthday, so happy birthday.

---Applause

Mr. Todd is now in the category of old age.

---Laughter

Item 6, Members' statements. The Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Morin.

---Applause

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to congratulate you as well on your position of Speaker. I'm sure you'll serve as a role model for all our youth. I would like to congratulate all those Members who ran for Cabinet. It takes a lot of nerve and a lot of energy to put your name forward and stand there and give your speeches. I would like to congratulate the Members of Cabinet who managed to get on Cabinet. But let me reassure all the other Members that there's lots of work to do and there's enough work to do to share it.

I would like to thank my family; my wife, Gladys, for all her support over the years. I encourage my mother, who is also in the gallery, Beatrice, not to give any more interviews.

---Laughter

---Applause

That's in jest; she knows I love her very much.

I would like to thank the constituents of Tu Nedhe. I would like to thank the people of Fort Resolution and Lutsel K'e for their support on October 16th. I would like to thank my campaign workers. We couldn't beat the previous term's percentage we had gotten, I think it was in 1991, it was 88.3 per cent. That was the highest vote margin in the Northwest Territories. We couldn't hit that this time, but it still makes John Todd the second-best in the North today, so that's good enough for me.

I would just like to say to my constituents that I will continually be there for them, I will always visit them in their homes. That's where we have our best time, is sitting there and visiting and having tea. I'm there to hear their concerns, I'll be there to take their advice, and I'll be there to listen to them and work for them. So I'll be there for the people of Tu Nedhe, for the elders, for the youth, and I will also be there for all the people in the Northwest Territories and the Members of this Legislative Assembly.

In the last week and a half it has been very enjoyable to come to work every day. It has been very enjoyable to see all 23 smiling faces and all 23 people, including myself, willing to work together. We can accomplish many good things as long as we are willing to work together. All I've heard for one solid week is we want to work together. We have an open-door policy in this government, let me assure you. And I would like to assure my good friend, Roy Erasmus, from Yellowknife North, if you ever see that door closing the least little bit, let me know and I'll make sure it opens again.

We had our first Cabinet meeting yesterday around two o'clock. We made one major decision: As everybody knows, the Cabinet is on this side of the building and the ordinary Members are on that side. There was a door in between, so I got our good friend, David Hamilton, to remove that door and put it in storage. Hopefully, we don't have to put it back up. Mahsi cho, thank you very much.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Item 6, Members' statements. Are there any further Members' statements? Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Morin.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 12

Don Morin Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my wife, Gladys, in the gallery; my mother, Beatrice; and, my sister, Vera. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 12

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Welcome to the Assembly. Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Antoine.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize three of my children: my son, Denezeh; my daughter, Melaw; and my son, Sachey. My nephew, Joe Bailey, was there; and his young girl, Toni Lynn. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mrs. Thompson.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my husband, Tom. I would also like to recognize Fred Turner and his wife, and a real friend of mine, Becky Kudloo. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ningark.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize my stepfather, Patrick, and my lovely wife, Celine. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ootes.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the former Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Brian Lewis, and thank him for the dedicated years that he spent in this House; that's one person.

I would like to also recognize several of my constituents who were great supporters: June Greenlaw and Wendy Colpitts; and a real precious person to me -- I'm not sure if she's still in the gallery, but someone who is very dear to me and is my biggest support -- my lovely wife, Margaret. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Barnabas.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

Levi Barnabas High Arctic

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Manitok mentioned, I would like to recognize again, my sister for supporting me in today's formal session. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Rabesca.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

James Rabesca North Slave

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a famous person from our community who we are very proud of. He has served us as a mayor, and I think I have been a deputy mayor under him since last December or whatever. I would like to recognize the Deputy Commissioner, Dan Marion, in the gallery.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

Mark Evaloarjuk Amittuq

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my wife, who also lit the kudlik at the opening, and my son, whom I'm not sure is present in the gallery; my adopted son, Lionel. My wife had a bit of a problem lighting the kudlik but it's still lit. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Erasmus.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

Roy Erasmus Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my wife, Leonie, and my good friend, Peter Liske, who came back to town just in time to work on my campaign.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Kakfwi.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

Stephen Kakfwi

Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to recognize the owner of the Mackenzie Valley Hotel in Norman Wells and the owner of Norman Wells Transportation, Mr. Gerry Loomis; and also Peter Guther, the owner of Yamouri Inn, also in Norman Wells.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Henry.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my wife, Linda; my daughter, Marie; and, my son, Clayton. I'm going at this blind; I can't see where they're at. I would also like to recognize Mr. Tony Whitford, the MLA who represented Yellowknife South in the previous government.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 7, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a number of my constituents who are here today: Mr. Glen Falloy; Mr. Robert Dean; Mr. Malay Das; Mr. Doug Barber, the owner of United Group which was responsible for manufacturing a tremendous amount of this furniture that we enjoy here in the Legislature; also my campaign manager, Pat Thomas, a long-time educator and vice-president of the NWT Teachers' Association; and Joyce Stewart, a prominent Hay River businesswoman and the daughter of the late Honourable Don Stewart who served this House as Speaker for many, many years. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 7, recognitions of visitors in the gallery. Mr. O'Brien.

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 13

Kevin O'Brien Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize all those people who haven't been recognized.

---Laughter

---Applause

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 14

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Are there any further recognitions of visitors in the gallery? I just want to recognize the mayor of the city of Yellowknife, Mr. Dave Lovell...

---Applause

...and the Deputy Commissioner, Don Marion.

We're about half-way through our agenda, so we'll take a break now. I would invite the people in the gallery and the Members to go into the great hall for the Commissioner's reception. We'll call back at the ringing of the bells.

---SHORT RECESS

Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Item 7: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Page 14

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

We're on item 8, oral questions. Item 9, written questions. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, tabling of documents. Item 12, notices of motion. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, November 24, 1995, I'll move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Iqaluit, that this Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories that the following Members be appointed to the Executive Council, Cabinet: Mr. Antoine, the Member for Nahendeh; Mr. Arlooktoo, the Member for Baffin South; Mr. Dent the Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake; Mr. Kakfwi, the Member for Sahtu; Mr. Ng, the Member for Kitikmeot; Mrs. Thompson, the Member for Aivilik; Mr. Todd, the Member for Keewatin Central.

And further, confirm that the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Morin, has been chosen to be Premier by the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 12, notices of motion. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to give notice that on Friday, November 24, 1995, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that Mrs. Jane Groenewegen, Mr. David Krutko, Mr. John Ningark and Mr. Edward Picco be appointed to the Striking Committee of this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be seeking unanimous consent to deal with this motion today. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 12, notices of motion. Item 13, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 14, motions. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Item 14: Motions
Item 14: Motions

November 21st, 1995

Page 14

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll be seeking unanimous consent, Mr. Speaker, to deal with my motion.

Item 14: Motions
Item 14: Motions

Page 14

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The honourable Member for Hay River is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS section 55(1) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act requires that there shall be an Executive Council of the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS Members of the Executive Council are appointed by the Commissioner on the recommendation of this Assembly;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Iqaluit, that this Assembly recommends to the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories that the following Members be appointed to the Executive Council, Cabinet: Mr. Antoine, the Member for Nahendeh; Mr. Arlooktoo, the Member for Baffin South; Mr. Dent, the Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake; Mr. Kakfwi, the Member for Sahtu; Mr. Ng, the Member for Kitikmeot; Mrs. Thompson, the Member for Aivilik; Mr. Todd, the Member for Keewatin Central;

AND FURTHER, confirm that the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Morin, has been chosen to be Premier by the Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The motion is in order. To the motion.

An Hon. Member

Question.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Your motion is carried.

---Carried

Item 14, motions. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to proceed with the motion I gave notice to regarding appointments to the striking committee.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Baffin South is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS it is required by Rule 85 that the Assembly shall appoint a Striking Committee of four Members to report and recommend with all convenient speed, Members to comprise the standing committees;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that Mrs. Jane Groenewegen, Mr. David Krutko, Mr. John Ningark and Mr. Edward Picco be appointed to the Striking Committee of this Assembly.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Arlooktoo. Your motion is in order. To the motion.

An Hon. Member

Question.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Item 14, motions. Item 15, first reading of bills. Item 16, second of reading of bills. I would like to remind the Members that at 4:15 p.m., in this Chamber, the Members of the new Cabinet will be sworn in. Mr. Clerk, item 17, orders of the day.

Item 17: Orders Of The Day
Item 17: Orders Of The Day

Page 15

Clerk Of The House Mr. David Hamilton

Mr. Speaker, there are meetings for the Ordinary Members' Caucus with the Striking Committee Members at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Orders of the day for Thursday, November 23, 1995:

1. Prayer

2. Ministers' Statements

3. Members' Statements

4. Returns to Oral Questions

5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

6. Oral Questions

7. Written Questions

8. Returns to Written Questions

9. Replies to Opening Address

10. Petitions

11. Reports of Standing and Special Committees

12. Tabling of Documents

13. Notices of Motion

14. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills

15. Motions

16. First Reading of Bills

17. Second Reading of Bills

18. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

19. Report of Committee of the Whole

20. Third Reading of Bills

21. Orders of the Day

Item 17: Orders Of The Day
Item 17: Orders Of The Day

Page 15

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until Thursday, November 23, 1995, at 1:30 p.m.

---ADJOURNMENT