Thank you, honourable colleagues. Good afternoon. I wish to express my gratitude for the confidence you have demonstrated in choosing me as your Speaker. It has been with a great deal of pride that I accept the honour of being the new Speaker for the 15th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.

I want to direct my first comments to my constituents in Hay River North and all the people of Hay River. I want them to know that I did not accept the nomination for Speaker without considerable thought. The role of the Speaker is one which I feel carries great importance in our system of consensus government. I have great respect for the institution of the Legislative Assembly and the work that is done in this Chamber. I want to assure my constituents, however, that my accepting the position of Speaker in no way diminishes my efforts to serve each and every one of them to the very best of my ability. The way that I do that may change within the confines of this Chamber, but my dedication to them is stronger than ever.

To the Members of this House, my first obligation is to give you my commitment to ensure that the rights and privileges of all Members will be upheld and to ensure you are each able to carry out your duties.

The most important and fundamental right is the freedom of speech in your debate and freedom from interference in carrying out your duties. I can assure you that I will do my best to ensure that these rights are upheld, as well as all other rules and procedures that this House has adopted.

At this time, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of my predecessor, Mr. David Krutko, who has set a very high standard for me to follow. I am sure you will all join me in extending our thanks to Mr. Krutko for the dedicated effort and service he gave to his constituents, and particularly for the admirable performance of his speakership duties within this Chamber.

---Applause

Last but not least I would like to acknowledge the support I have received and continue to receive from my family, without which I certainly would not be here today.

As a legislature, we will continue to face many critical decisions in the days and years ahead. While we may not always agree on these decisions, we must remember to always treat each other with respect, dignity, compassion and understanding. In conclusion, my ability to preside over this House ultimately rests in your hands. I will continue to work hard to maintain the trust and confidence that you have placed in me today.

My door is always open and I look forward to working with each of you on both sides of the House for the remainder of the 15th Legislative Assembly.

I would like to draw your attention to the flags hanging behind me here today. This year, the House is not scheduled to be in session on National Aboriginal Day, June 21st or Canada Day, July 1st. As such, I have decided to fly the flags commemorating both of these important days for the remainder of this sitting. I know the Premier will have some words to say later this week regarding National Aboriginal Day. As Speaker of this House, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Members and all Northerners a safe and happy Aboriginal Day and Canada Day. Please take some time to celebrate the many great things about being Canadian.

I would like to recognize two persons in the gallery: the Chief Electoral Officer of the Northwest Territories, the former Clerk of this House, Mr. David Hamilton.

---Applause

And the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer for the Northwest Territories, Mr. Glen McLean.

---Applause

We will now proceed to orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.