Bonjour, Madames et Monsieurs. Bienvenue a l'Assembly aujordhui. Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to this first Session of the new year, 2001. I would like to wish everybody a happy Valentine's Day.

Recently, I was in Ottawa to observe the selection of the new Speaker for the House of Commons. On behalf of this House, I would like to take this opportunity to extend best wishes to Peter Milliken, a former Deputy Speaker to the House of Commons, on his recent election as the Speaker of the House of Commons.

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 Appropriation Act, 2001-2002; and Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 2000-2001 during the Third Session of the 14th Legislative Assembly.

Yours truly,

Glenna F. Hansen

Commissioner"

Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Finance, Mr. Handley.