Bonjour, madames et monsieurs, et bienvenue a les Assemblée du Territories Nord-Oust. Honourable colleagues, I wish to express my gratitude for the confidence you have demonstrated by choosing me as your Speaker.
It is with a great deal of pride and humility that I accept the honour of being your Speaker for this, the 14th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.
My first obligation is to give you my commitment. My commitment to ensure the rights and privileges of all Members will be upheld, and that you are each able to discharge your duties. The most important and fundamental right is the freedom of speech in your debates, and freedom from interference in carrying out your duties.
I assure you I will do my best to ensure those fundamental rights are upheld, as well as all of the other rules and procedures this House has adopted. At this time, I would like to acknowledge the efforts and steady hand of my predecessor, Mr. Sam Gargan, who has set a high standard for me to follow.
I am sure you will all join me in extending our thanks to Mr. Gargan for the 16 years of dedicated efforts and services he has given his constituents, and particularly for the admirable performance of his duties as Speaker within these Chambers.
-- Applause
On a personal note, I would like to take this time to thank the constituents of Kam Lake who were the first to place their trust in me by electing me and who even now, I am confident, will support me in my new responsibilities. I want to assure them my accepting the position of Speaker will in no way diminish my efforts to serve each and every one of them to the best of my ability.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the people most important to all of us, our families. Our wives, husbands, partners and children. We must all strive to strike that elusive balance between our work and our families.
To my wife Elaine, and our three sons, Warren, Blair and Ian, and to my mother Emilie, I am thankful from the bottom of my heart. Without their guidance and support I could not have accomplished what I have and continue to have in my political career. I would not be sitting here before you today.
On the first sitting day of the 14th Legislative Assembly, I wish to ask all Members to pause and reflect on the tasks before us. We are a new and vibrant Territory entering a new century and a new millennium. We are fortunate to be here as the chosen representatives of our constituents. It is an honour that is bestowed on so few people.
As a Legislature, we are facing many critical decisions in the days and years ahead. Like all decisions made in this House, getting to those decisions sometimes leads us into adversarial situations. However, we must remember to always treat each other with respect, dignity, compassion and understanding.
On your behalf, I would like to thank Bishop Croteau for being our Chaplain today. It is always a pleasure to have you with us.
I would also like to acknowledge the fine performance of the Dettah Drummers and the St. Patrick's Choir, led by Ms. Hunter. It was also a treat to have the Inuvialuit Drummers from the Delta perform on the Chamber floor. This is a first for us, and an inspiration for us all to celebrate our new Assembly in the new millennium. Thank you to all.
In conclusion, my ability to preside over this House ultimately rests in your hands. I will continue to be inspired by the trust and confidence you have placed on me today. Thank you very much.
-- Applause
Mr. Clerk, will you ascertain if his Honour, the Commissioner, is prepared to enter the Chamber and address the Legislative Assembly?
-- Singing of National Anthem