I would like to take this opportunity, colleagues, to recognize the delegation of 12 Russian visitors who are in the Northwest Territories as part of the Institution Building for Northern Russian Indigenous Peoples' Project. These visitors are from three areas of Russia: the Taimyr, the Yamal-Nenets, and Khanty-Mansisk. They are part of a training program that aims to strengthen the economic capacity of selected Russian regional governments by sharing practical Canadian experience with economic development programs and services.

Also traveling with the delegation is:

• • Ms. Diana Merlini, who is with the Canadian International Development Agency, which is funding the project;
• • Ms. Thembi Kamanga-Silundika, who is with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, which has partnered with the Government of the Northwest Territories on the project; and
• • the two very essential and able interpreters, who I have had the chance to meet, Ms. Ann Mollon and Ms. Irene Saharov.

I would like to welcome you to our Legislative Assembly. Please make them welcome.

-- Applause

I may note that a couple of the members have been here before in 1991 and back again, so welcome to our Assembly and nice to see you.

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.