Please be seated. Thank you for that wonderful rendition of our National Anthem.

Monsieur le president, messieurs et Mesdames les deputes, Mesdames et messieurs, et amis.

It is once again a pleasure and honour for me to be in your presence and I am pleased to welcome you to the First Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly of the

Northwest Territories.

Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of RCMP Constable Christopher Worden on behalf of all people of the Northwest Territories.

There is a special bond between the people of the NWT and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The force had its origins in the North-West Mounted Police, created in 1873, to police what was then a much larger Northwest Territories.

Since that time, members of what is now the RCMP have served the people of the NWT with bravery, dedication and distinction. While the geographical boundaries of the NWT have changed since 1873, the RCMP force’s commitment to public service have never wavered. That tradition carried on in Constable Worden, who served most of his career among us.

The tragic loss of Constable Worden on October 6th in Hay

River has touched all citizens of the Northwest Territories and we grieve his loss.

Now I would like to offer my congratulations to the returning Members, three of whom were acclaimed, and to the newly elected Members.

I would also like to welcome the guests in the public gallery today and those who are watching these proceedings on television.

I would like to congratulate Paul Delorey on his acclamation as Speaker. The Members of this Assembly will be well served by the good judgement and experience you bring to this vital position. I have held that position myself and know that it is sometimes very challenging and also very rewarding and enjoyable. I wish you the best and have every confidence you will be successful as you return in your role as Speaker.

Each of the Members of this Assembly has the responsibility to represent their constituents and to ensure that our government does its best to serve all the people of the Northwest Territories.

We are very fortunate to see today the results of a democratic election to choose our own MLAs. It is only very recently that residents of the NWT have been able to choose people from among themselves to govern the NWT. This would not have happened even two generations ago, because the Government of Canada selected people to sit on the “Council of the Northwest Territories." These federal appointees lived in the South and most of them rarely visited the North and could not possibly get to know our people.

When the government was first moved to the NWT a mere 40 years ago, the people of the NWT did not have the opportunity to vote for all its leaders.

It was 1975 before northerners elected all the Members of the NWT Council. Even then, federal appointees were still in the majority on the Executive Committee, the body that eventually became today’s Cabinet.

Elected Members did not hold a majority on the Executive Committee until 1979. It was 1986 before the elected Government Leader took over the chair, and representatives chosen by residents in open elections became responsible for governing on behalf of the people of the NWT.

Our style of government -- consensus government -- is widely admired for its uniqueness and workability.

Residents of the NWT inherited consensus government in part from our aboriginal traditions that allowed many people to have a voice in making important decisions, ensuring the government will work cooperatively for the benefit of all NWT peoples.

Members of this House will face many challenges during their four-year term. My good wishes are extended to all Members and I am confident that all of you will serve the people of the Northwest Territories to the very best of your abilities.

Mr. Speaker, before declaring open this First Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly, I would like to invite all

Members and visitors in the gallery to a reception in the Great Hall when the House adjourns and I invite everyone to stay for the swearing in of the Executive Council at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon.

As Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I am proud to declare open the First Session of the 16th Legislative

Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, merci, quanami, mahsi cho.