Please be seated. Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories I am pleased to assent to the following bills: Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Legal Profession Act; Bill 8, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2004; Bill 9, Write-off of Debts and Assets Act, 2004-2005; Bill 10, Forgiveness of Debts Act, 2004-2005; Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Education Act; Bill 13, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 2, 2004-2005; and, Bill 14, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 4, 2003-2004.

During the summer I was pleased to travel with Premier Handley to the Tlicho gathering in Gameti. It was very empowering to see the people of the Tlicho carry on the traditional use of their land and to see women and children participating in traditional activities. Thank you for hosting such an inspirational gathering.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Dempster Highway, connecting the people of the Beaufort-Delta to their neighbours in the Yukon. This road has provided access for visitors to this beautiful region of the Northwest Territories and has allowed for some of the necessities of life to be brought into our Beaufort-Delta communities. The Dempster Highway is an integral part of our lives in this region, and I was delighted to celebrate the 25th anniversary with the Members of this House and the communities this summer.

Two strong northern women who have made a positive difference to the people of the Northwest Territories have been recognized with national awards. I am talking about our Member of Parliament, the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, and Ms. Nellie Cournoyea, president of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. Ms. Blondin-Andrew was the recipient of the Circle of Honour Esquao Award in May this year. Just this week, Ms. Cournoyea was named Canadian Energy Person of the Year by the Energy Council of Canada. My congratulations to you both.

As we look around this Chamber and see the colourful poppy wreath, let us take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices our defence personnel continue to make to ensure the world is a safer place, not only for Canadians but for all citizens of the world. Without their selflessness and heroism, we would not be able to be here undertaking our work in the name of democracy and freedom, and we thank them most deeply.

I also want to acknowledge all of our frontline workers who find themselves in challenging situations in the course of their duties. I would particularly like to remember Yellowknife Parole Officer Louise Pargeter who tragically was killed in the course of her work, and I send my deepest condolences to her family.

I would also like to remember Frank Steen, his son Paul, and Ronald Rufus and his son Kyle who left their home on a hunting trip this summer and have not returned. I send my thoughts and prayers to the families of the four lost hunters, and to the whole community of Tuktoyaktuk.

In closing, as this is the last time we will be together in the Assembly prior to Christmas, and even though it may seem a little early, I am pleased to be the first to wish Members, their families and constituents the very best for a joyous Christmas season and a healthy and happy New Year. May God bless and keep you safe in your travels. Mahsi.

---Applause