Mr. Speaker, in my opening remarks to this Legislature at the start of this session, I briefly thanked the members of the Government of the Northwest Territories public service for a job well done. The third week of June is designated Public Service Week and so, today, I would like to elaborate on the important work that is done by our public service and to thank all Government of the Northwest Territories employees for their effort and dedication.

Our government employs approximately 4,000 people. Many of these employees have chosen to make their careers with our government and they have been with us for a long time. The work that our employees do, in service to all residents of the Northwest Territories, is what allows us as legislators to achieve the goals and reach the objectives that we establish for government. Our employees work hard to implement the direction we provide and to meet the needs of the people that we all serve.

This government is dynamic and responsive to the rapid changes and advances taking place in the North. Our employees have handled a great deal of change already, such as division of the Northwest Territories, and they have handled it with patience and professionalism. We will be facing more change in the years to come as self-government initiatives are implemented, as oil, gas and minerals and hydro are developed, and as the Northwest Territories reaches its full potential as a self-sufficient, vibrant and prosperous territory. I have every confidence that our able public service will be there to provide a continued high level of service as we move forward.

As Premier, my travels provided me the opportunity many times to meet and talk with public servants throughout the Northwest Territories, representing all departments, agencies and professions. We are continually impressed by the dedication with which our employees serve the public and the quality of the work they do.

We live in very exciting times and our future is bright. Bright futures favour talented, hard-working people. Our staff have more career choices than ever before. Other employers can offer them exciting northern employment opportunities as well. Our challenge is to retain our staff and provide them with workplaces that are supportive, and managers and supervisors who appreciate their contributions.

Although we presently have no formal process to recognize and honour our staff, we have today assembled a representative group of employees who exemplify the best qualities and achievements in our public service. This group includes three lifelong career employees who will be retiring this year; individuals who have been recognized nationally and internationally for achievements within their professions; and employees who have demonstrated through their excellent work an exemplary attitude and commitment to their jobs and their communities. In alphabetical order, these employees are:

• • Rosalie Adams, Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Board, Inuvik;
• • Dr. Chuck Arnold, Education, Culture and Employment, Yellowknife;
• • Gord Bohnet, Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Rae-Edzo;
• • Violet Edgi, Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Board, Fort Good Hope;
• • Bessie Erasmus, Municipal and Community Affairs, Rae-Edzo;
• • Doug Howard, Transportation, Yellowknife;
• • George Mandeville, Public Works And Services, Yellowknife;
• • Bob McLeod, Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Yellowknife;
• • Kayhan Nadji, Public Works and Services, Yellowknife;
• • Andy Norwegian, Deh Cho Divisional Education Council, Fort Simpson;
• • Bob Sanderson, Financial Management Board Secretariat, Fort Smith;
• • Faye Stark, Deh Cho Health and Social Services Board, Fort Providence;
• • Julian Tomlinson, Aurora College, Inuvik;
• • Lew Voytilla, Financial Management Board Secretariat, Yellowknife;
• • John Wilderspin, Transportation, Norman Wells; and
• • Ray Young, South Slave Divisional Education Council, Hay River.

To all of you, congratulations on your respective achievements, and thank you for a job well done. Mahsi.

-- Applause