Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Premier, I would like to welcome everyone back to the Legislature.
I would like to reflect upon the first half of our term to review what we have done and where we are going.
Mr. Speaker, in January, 2000, all Members of this Legislature met in Fort Providence and decided upon a plan of action. That plan, called Towards a Better Tomorrow, is based on what our constituents wanted us to do.
This government took this vision and translated it into six priorities which guide the strategies and policies we have been developing.
Early on, our government realized that implementing our agenda and achieving our potential would depend upon the investments we were prepared to make.
The investment decisions took some courage because of our fiscal situation, but we knew it was right and would produce results.
Mr. Speaker, our constituents expected that we would work in partnership amongst ourselves and collaborate with our counterparts in other governments and organizations.
Our constituents also asked that we give them an open and accountable government.
Our memories from the previous government and division have given us a much better appreciation of public debt, government deficits and the need for governments to live within their means.
So, Mr. Speaker, where are we after the first two years of our four-year term?
Since January, 2000, we have taken our balanced agenda and built solid foundations to support the six priorities of our vision.
We remain committed to implementing this strong agenda, which has been refined based on input from Members and our constituents.
We remain committed to the need for investment not only to take advantage of economic opportunities, but to continue improving the quality of life for all constituents.
We continue to work in partnership amongst ourselves and are committed to making this partnership more effective during the remainder of our mandate.
We also remain committed to collaborating with other governments and non-government organizations who are also working to improve the lifestyles of our constituents.
In closing, I would characterize the themes to guide us during our last two years of our term as:
- • A balanced agenda and fiscally responsible budget;
- • Working in partnership and collaboration;
- • Continuing to invest in the NWT and its residents; and
- • Recognizing our fiscal capacity.
I also want to close by thanking our colleagues on the Accountability and Oversight Committee and standing committees for the constructive approach taken in reviewing main estimates, legislation and public policy issues.
We have achieved several objectives in our collective vision and will continue to work to complete the agenda we set up in January 2000 in Fort Providence. I believe we are all up to the challenges ahead. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause