Thank you. Mr. Bell. Please be seated. Good afternoon.
As the Speaker, and on behalf of all Members, I am pleased to recognize today March 11, 2002, as Commonwealth Day, which has as its theme this year Celebrating Diversity. In a moment, I will read a message from Her Majesty the Queen commemorating this important occasion, but first I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a number of other important anniversaries that came to pass over this past weekend.
Yesterday marked the 27th anniversary of the first fully-elected Assembly of the Northwest Territories.
-- Applause
Prior to the election held on March 10th, 1975, the Northwest Territories was under the direction of the then Commissioner, Mr. Stuart M. Hodgson, with the council consisting of 10 elected Members representing the whole Northwest Territories, three appointed Members and the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Parker.
The first session of the first fully-elected Legislative Assembly was held on May 1st of that same year and saw the election of the first Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. David H. Searle, the only Member representing Yellowknife. Mr. Searle was the first of my predecessors to take the reins from then Commissioner, Stuart Hodgson, and assume the chair as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
In passing the torch to the 15 newly-elected Members, Mr. Hodgson stated the following:
I am sure none of us are under any illusions that this is going to be clear sailing from here on for the rest of the journey. We have a long way to go with a new ship and like any similar situation a lot of it is trial and error. It will take some time to get used to it, but if all those involved dedicate themselves to the principle and make it work and give full support to the new council structure, then I believe that territorial residents will be assured that this is indeed a forward step along the path to responsible government.
I think Mr. Hodgson's words are as fitting today as they were some 27 years ago as we move our Territory forward into uncharted waters.
In addition to the first fully-elected Assembly being held on March 10th, 1975, March 10th, 1983, also marks the first day of Mr. David Hamilton's distinguished 19-year career as Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
-- Applause
Congratulations, Mr. Hamilton, for your continued dedication to sound parliamentary procedure and doing your part in keeping our ship sailing smoothly.
I would also like to note that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is once again organizing an event for youth in London today. I am happy to announce that the NWT's representative to this year's Commonwealth Day event is Mr. Stephen Dunbar. Mr. Dunbar, as you know, is no stranger to this Assembly as he worked here as a constituency assistant last summer. He is currently studying at a university in England. Today, Mr. Dunbar will attend discussions on the Commonwealth, attend an observance at Westminster Abbey attended by Her Majesty the Queen and tour the United Kingdom Houses of Parliament. I know that Mr. Dunbar will represent our Territory well and will learn a great deal today.
And now, a message from Her Majesty the Queen entitled, Celebrating Diversity.
Over the last 50 years the Commonwealth has undergone a remarkable transformation from an association defined by its history into the modern, multicultural organization we know today. Across those years, it has been the privilege of many of us to witness that evolution; to see at first hand the contributions made by the Commonwealth's leaders, as evident in Australia last week; and to share in the enthusiasm and warmth of its peoples.
Today the Commonwealth is a meeting place for north and south, east and west. It is built on diversity, which is why this year's theme, Celebrating Diversity, goes to the heart of the association.
Politically, the Commonwealth sees its diversity as a strength. That was certainly true of its invaluable contribution to the ending of apartheid in South Africa. The practical assistance it was able to offer in such a crucial area reflects the kaleidoscope of its membership and its expertise. As a result, the Commonwealth was able to work with all the different communities of what is now proudly called, the rainbow nation. Bridging social and political divides has also been a feature of the Commonwealth's continuing work in seeking to encourage democracy, good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
In all this, we recognize that promoting diversity is not just tolerating difference. Living together as neighbours needs more than that. The true celebration of diversity involves reaching out, recognizing and embracing difference, and in so doing enriching our lives. It requires respect for others and a readiness to learn from them; recognizing that we have duties as well as rights; and seeking to leave the world a better place than the one we inherited.
As each of the last 50 years has passed, so too has our appreciation of the contribution made by the Commonwealth, an association of peoples as much as it is of governments, bound together by ideals as well as interests. If the Commonwealth is to remain a force for good, we must ensure that those ideals are carried forward by the millions of young people across the world who are its future, so that they too can celebrate and build on the diversity of this unique organization.
That is signed by Elizabeth R. March 11th, 2002.
-- Applause
Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Steen.