Good afternoon, Members, and welcome back to the Chamber for the continuation of the Fourth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly and to the capital from your busy summer schedules in your constituencies. Hopefully you were each able to fit in a bit of quality time with your loved ones over the past few months.

On behalf of all Members here in the House, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest colleague, the Member for Monfwi, Mr. Jackson Lafferty.

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Also on behalf of all Members, I must also extend the Assembly's congratulations to the Tlicho people who this summer saw their dream become a reality with the election of their first ever Tlicho Government.

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I look forward, as the Tlicho people do, to a promising and prosperous future and to working cooperatively towards a better life for all northern people.

Before we get down to the business of the House, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all Members to congratulate the Honourable Margaret Thom on her appointment as Deputy Commissioner for the Northwest Territories.

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Ms. Thom has had a distinguished history of service to the public and volunteerism and I know that she will serve our people well as Deputy Commissioner.

Colleagues, I would also like to acknowledge our Pages who will be serving us in the House this week. They are from Yellowknife, Lutselk'e and Whati.

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Finally, Members, before we begin, I know some of you have experienced the loss of constituents and family and friends over the past few months and I would like to pass on the condolences of the House to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones.

Thank you, Members. Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge the presence of a former Member of the House, Mr. Leon Lafferty.

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Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.