Please be seated. Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber for another session. Welcome also to our distinguished guests and visitors who have joined us in the gallery today for the opening of the Fifth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank, on behalf of all Members, individuals who have contributed to making the opening of the Fifth Session a memorable one. In particular, I would like to thank the Honourable Anthony Whitford, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, for opening our session. A special thank you to the Sir John Franklin High School Choir for the singing of O Canada; the Hay River Handbell Choir for their unique performance, and the very talented Nahendeh Fiddlers from Fort Simpson and Wrigley for their performances over the lunch hour and our Honourary Reverend Peter Chynoweth today who lead us in prayer.
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Colleagues, on Friday, May 26th, the Legislative Assembly hosted a National Day of Healing and Reconciliation event in conjunction with the Dene Nation and the NWT Status of Women's Council. The Assembly recognizes this day as the result of a motion moved by the Member for Sahtu, Mr. Norman Yakeleya, during the last session. The event was a great success and I would like to thank Mr. Yakeleya for his initiative and drive.
This week, we will be served by Pages from Yellowknife and they will become eye witnesses on how we do our work on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories. I hope that they enjoy their experience and I am confident that they will do a great job for us.
I would like to draw your attention to the visitors' gallery and I would like to recognize some special guests. First of all, the Legislative Assembly Conflict of Interest
Commissioner and Ethics Councillor to the Public Service, Mr. Gerald Gerrand, is with us.
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Also, Justice Ted Richard who is a former Member of this House.
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And Katherine Peterson, a former Law Clerk to the Assembly.
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Thank you for joining us. Later today, at the rise of the House or at break, I would ask you to join us at a reception in the Great Hall for some refreshments and more entertainment by the Hay River Handbell Choir and the Nahendeh Fiddlers.
The Fourth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly ended on March 2nd. I know that since that time all Members have been very busy attending various functions, doing committee work and getting caught up on constituency issues. Although this session is scheduled to be a reasonably short one, I look forward to some very lively debate and a very productive session as you address the issues and concerns of the residents you are here to represent. I ask only that you do so respecting each other and respecting the dignity of this House. Thank you for your attention, colleagues.
Orders of the day. Ministers' statements. The honourable Deputy Premier, Mr. Floyd Roland.