Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Good afternoon and welcome to the reconvening of the Seventh Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly. I hope that all of you have had enough time with your family, friends and constituents since we last gathered. For our Members from the east, I know that for some of you, the election in Nunavut has brought new political challenges and for others, it has opened the door to new opportunities outside of the political arena. I am sure that you will agree that it has been an honour serving this Legislature and I am going to miss all of your valuable participation in the future.
I note the presence in the gallery today of the Premier elect for Nunavut, Mr. Okalik, and welcome him to the Legislative Assembly where I am sure we will show him only our good side today. We are in the final stretch to the historic date of April 1, 1999 when the Northwest Territories will divide and two new jurisdictions in Canada will be created. There is still a lot of work to be done between now and then. With only 15 days left, there are still many significant issues to consider and legislative initiatives to deal with.
So, I remind Members that I intend to be strict with the rules of the House so that we are able to move with the business of the Assembly as efficiently as we can. I ask Members to continue to be aware of their commitment to serve the people of their constituencies, indeed the whole NWT, in their deliberations with mutual respect and good intentions.
Welcome to the reconvening of the Seventh Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.
Before we get on to the orders of the day, I wish to inform the House that I have received two letters dated March 11, 1999 which is in accordance with section 76.05 of the Nunavut Act from the Acting Interim Commissioner of Nunavut. I would like to read the following letters received.
Dear Speaker:
The formal creation of Nunavut is now less then a month away. As we continue our preparation for this historic event, this bill amends several statutes that will be duplicated for Nunavut.
As required by section 76.05 of the Nunavut Act, it is with pleasure that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of the bill entitled Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act, 1999, during the Seventh Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.
Yours truly,
Joe Adla Kunuk
Acting Interim Commissioner of Nunavut.
The second letter, again signed by the Interim Commissioner.
Dear Mr. Speaker:
The formal creation of Nunavut is now less than one month away. As we continue our preparations for this historic event, this bill reflects the determination of all parties to ensure uninterrupted service to the people of Nunavut in the critical area of electrical power generation and delivery.
As required by section 76.05 of the Nunavut Act, it is with pleasure that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of the bill entitled Nunavut Power Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, during the Seventh Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.
Yours truly,
Joe Adla Kunuk
Acting Interim Commissioner of Nunavut
There is also a third letter that was written by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. I would like to advise the House that I have received the following message from Her Honour, 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 the Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 5, 1998-99, and the Interim Appropriation Act, 1999-2000, during the Seventh Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.
Yours truly,
Helen Maksagak
Commissioner
Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.