Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Good afternoon. I welcome all of you back to the House and I hope that you have had the opportunity to spend some time with your families and visit your constituencies during the break. I also hope that your travels were safe and that you found everyone in good health.

I would also like to welcome the Pages, staff and members of the public to the House today to hear the first budget address for the new Northwest Territories, as we know it now.

As we have all noticed Spring is just around the corner and it promises a summer of sunshine, open water and new possibilities. So Spring is the best season to present a new budget because it is the beginning of a new direction for all of us. As we begin this new direction, I would like to remind Members that we are working for all of the people out there who are on the land, in the communities, in the towns and in the city. In this House we are representing more than just our personal interests. We are elected to represent the views of our constituents regardless of colour, culture or creed and without prejudice or judgment.

As the Speaker, I remind Members that I will continue to be strict with the rules of the operation of the House. I also remind Members that we are to treat each other with respect and dignity.

But, before we begin, I ask all Members and the public to join me in offering our prayers to the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. David Hamilton, whose father passed away this weekend. Mr. Hamilton, we offer our thoughts to you, your mother and your family. Our prayers are with you as you travel tomorrow.

On that note, I would like to begin. I have received correspondence from the Deputy Commissioner. I wish to advise the House that I have received the following messages:

Dear Mr. Speaker,

I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of Appropriation Act, 1999-2000, during the seventh session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.

Yours truly,

Dan Marion

Deputy Commissioner

Orders of the day. Item 2, budget address. Mr. Dent.