Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to inform Members that the chair of the NWT Power Corporation will be resigning to take on a new and important role in southern Canada. I learned yesterday that Mr. Pierre Alvarez has accepted the position of president with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. As a result, he and his family will be relocating to Calgary in the near future. Mr. Alvarez was first appointed as a director and chair of the Power Corporation in 1995. Many Northerners also know Mr. Alvarez through his work over the years with various boards and agencies, through private business, through earlier roles with the Department of Executive and the Department of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources or in his capacity as a director of the NWT Scouts Council.
Probably one of his most significant lasting contributions to the corporation is the development of a strong senior management team. I should mention that shortly after appointing Mr. Alvarez as chair, I asked him to also take on the responsibilities of chief executive officer. This dual role meant considerable additional responsibility. His leadership and emphasis on staff development meant that soon he was able to remove himself from the day-to-day operation of the corporation. He took the same approach with the other senior management positions, promoting development of staff to take on more responsibility. As a result, today we have an experienced and competent senior management team. This means we can count on stability and strong leadership under even the most difficult challenges.
Finally, I would like to mention one of Mr. Alvarez's significant contributions during his career with the Government of the Northwest Territories. He was key in planning and preparing for this government's transition to two new territories. His leadership and direction helped to ensure that programs and services for residents continued uninterrupted during this time of historic change to the map of Canada. Mr. Alvarez should be proud of his lasting contributions to the North. I hope all Members join me in congratulating him and in wishing him and his family all the best as they begin their new life in Calgary. Thank you.
--Applause