Good afternoon, Members, and welcome back. I wish to advise the House that I have received the following message from 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. 4, 1999-2000, and the Interim Appropriation Act, 2000-2001 during the Second Session of the 14th Legislative Assembly.
Yours truly, Dan Marion, Commissioner."
Members of the Assembly, before beginning the continuation of the Second Session this afternoon, I would like to take a moment on behalf of the Members of this House to offer condolences to the wife and family of Mr. Ipeelee Kilabuk, who passed away earlier this month after suffering a heart attack. I know many of my colleagues in the House today probably did not personally know Mr. Kilabuk when he was a Member of this House. However, I had the pleasure of serving with him as a Member of the 11th Assembly. I am sure that Mr. Kakfwi, who also served with Mr. Kilabuk in the 11th Assembly, shares fond memories of this gentleman.
Mr. Kilabuk was first elected in March 1975 as the Member for Central Baffin in the 8th Legislative Assembly and was re-elected to the 9th Legislature in a by-election in September, 1980.
As I said, I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Kilabuk as a Member of the 11th Assembly. I must say that it was indeed a pleasant experience. Despite a language barrier, Mr. Kilabuk was always quick with a smile and very easy to communicate with. He always had a kind word for everyone and was truly a pleasure to serve with whether it be in the House or on a committee.
Among his many other contributions to public life, Ipeelee was a founding member of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada in 1971. As a statesman and gentleman, he was a true representative of the Inuit people, a gentleman who never had an unkind word for any one and treated everyone with respect and compassion.
Once again, I offer condolences and our deepest sympathy to the Kilabuk family on behalf of the Members of this House and all people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.
Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.