It is a pleasure to welcome you back to the Third Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. To our visitors in the gallery and to those of you following along on the Yellowknife CAT channel or later tonight on APTN, I offer you a very warm welcome. It has been an eventful summer and early fall. A recent announcement regarding the Mackenzie Valley pipeline and the federal government's Throne speech have given us much food for thought. This ensures that lively dialogue will ensue. To assist the Members in maintaining their normal levels of decorum, I welcome our new Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Brian Thagard.
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Mr. Thagard brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Brian has served this Legislature in other critical capacities for a number of years. Now his responsibilities have been expanded to include the safety and security of the Chamber. I know his intimate knowledge of Assembly operations will be of benefit to Members and all whom we serve.
I bid a fond farewell to Ms. Nicole Latour-Theede, who served us so well in this post for the past few years. Ms. Latour-Theede brought a sense of pride to this position that befits the office. Her contributions will be sorely missed. On behalf of all Members, many thanks, Nicole.
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Some people have said that the only constant in this Assembly is change. In that light, I would also like to welcome Mr. Darrin Ouellette, our newest table officer.
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Darrin joins this Assembly from the Department of Transportation through the GNWT's Management Assignment Program. This Legislative Assembly is pleased to support Darrin in his pursuits. We trust he will benefit from his time here at the Legislative Assembly. He will be assisting Mr. Mercer during that period of time that Mr. Andrew Stewart is away from our service pursuing further educational opportunities. Good luck in your studies, Andrew.
At this time, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of Louise Pargeter and Lieutenant Chris Saunders who have recently had their lives cut short in their line of duty. They will be sorely missed by their communities and their country. I understand Mr. Pokiak will be seeking your indulgence to observe a moment of silence for the four missing hunters from Tuktoyaktuk. At that time, I encourage you to also turn your thoughts and prayers to Ms. Pargeter and Lieutenant Saunders and their families.
In the gallery today, I am pleased to recognize the Consul General for the United States of America, Mr. Naim Ahmed.
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It is also my personal distinct pleasure to take notice of the attendance in the gallery of former Speaker, Mr. Tony Whitford. Welcome, Tony.
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It is always a pleasure to see you here. Next to Tony is Senator Nick Sibbeston in the gallery.
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Speaking of familiar faces, greetings to Mr. David Hamilton, long-time Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and our current Chief Electoral Officer for the Northwest Territories.
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Welcome back, David. We miss your smiling face. With Mr. Hamilton today is Mr. Glen McLean, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, whom I am also pleased to welcome to this House.
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We also have other distinguished guests in the gallery who I welcome and who will get personal recognition later on.
Welcome to our Pages. I know Mr. Thagard will be keeping a watchful eye on your efforts. Thank you for joining us here today.
Expressions of thanks also go out to the teachers of our northern schools for doing a fine job. If these young people are any indication, they are doing that.
I would also like Members to note that I have received written communication from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Glenna Hansen. It is dated October 5, 2004, and reads: "Dear Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 2004-2005, and Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 4, 2003-2004, during the Third Session of the Legislative Assembly."