Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories to congratulate Mr. Nick Sibbeston on his recent appointment to the Senate of Canada.
--Applause
The appointment of Mr. Sibbeston as the first Senator from the new Northwest Territories is an important and historic step in the political evolution of our Territory.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Sibbeston has a long and enviable record of public service to the people of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Sibbeston was born and raised in Fort Simpson. A long-time advocate of education, he became the first aboriginal resident of the Northwest Territories to receive his law degree.
Mr. Sibbeston served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Nahendeh from 1970 to 1974 and again from 1979 to 1991. During his time in the Legislative Assembly, he served as a Cabinet Minister for six years and as the Government Leader for two. Since leaving territorial politics, Mr. Sibbeston has worked as a justice specialist for the GNWT and as the public administrator overseeing the creation of the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Board.
Mr. Speaker, in appointing Mr. Sibbeston, the Prime Minister has selected a person with a great deal of experience and personal integrity. There is no doubt that he is well suited to serve the people of the Northwest Territories in the Upper Chamber.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Mr. Sibbeston for the support and sage advice that he has provided me over the past eight years that I served in this House. I ask all Members to join me in congratulating Mr. Sibbeston on this important appointment. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause.