Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was pleased to learn today, Mr. Speaker, that Mr. Dan Marion, the mayor of Rae Edzo, has been appointed as the new Deputy Commissioner
---Applause
...filling the vacancy left when Helen Maksagak became Commissioner. As one of my constituents, I've known Mr. Marion for many years. He is a hard-working individual who has done his best to promote the community of Rae-Edzo and the entire Dogrib region. Dan believes strongly in the ability of northerners to work together for a better future. He also has great respect for the values and traditions of aboriginal people of the Dogrib area.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Marion began public life in the Northwest Territories in 1970 when he was elected to the town council of Fort Norman. He has spent the last 25 years involved as a politician in Fort Norman and Rae-Edzo. He has also served as a board member for the Rae-Edzo Dene Band Development Corporation and the Northwest Territories Development Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Marion has many contacts across the Northwest Territories. Through his past work as a member of the executive of the Northwest Territories Association of Municipalities, he has worked with leaders from many of our communities. I am sure they will be pleased with his appointment and will lend their support to him in his new role. I am sure, Mr. Speaker, that Mr. Marion and our Commissioner, Ms. Maksagak, will prove to be a dynamic team representing the Northwest Territories in a way in which all of us can be proud of. I invite all Members to join with me in congratulating Mr. Dan Marion on his appointment as the new Deputy Commissioner. Mahsi.
---Applause