Thank you, Mr. Roland. Good afternoon. Welcome back to the continuation of the Sixth Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly. If you are like me, you have no doubt been busy since we last met in the House. I hope you had enough time with your family, friends and constituents during the short break. I also expect you are ready for the busy time ahead of us as we work to wrap up the business of the 13th and last Assembly of the Northwest Territories. I feel I must remind Members that there is much to do in a very short time frame and we have a number of legislative initiatives that must be dealt with in that time. This may mean standing down some of the normal processes for review. I hope Members will remember my opening comments of the September sitting. When it comes to the operation of the House, I intend to be strict with the rules. When we were elected, we accepted the challenge to create a legacy for future generations of both territories that will be created on April 1, 1999. It is a challenge I know we will meet with mutual respect and cooperation.
Before we begin, I ask all Members and the public to join me in sending our prayers to the Member for Amittuq, Mark Evaloarjuk and his family. Mr. Evaloarjuk is in the hospital in Ottawa and I know you will join me in wishing him a speedy recovery. I hope he will be able to join us in the near future. Once again, welcome to the continuation of the Sixth Session of the 13th Assembly.
I also wish to advise the House that I have received the following messages from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.
Dear Mr. Speaker:
I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, the passage of Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 1998/99 during the Sixth Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.
Yours truly, Helen Maksagak, Commissioner.
Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.