Members, I would like to take a moment to thank the Pages who have assisted us this past week.
---Applause
We have had students from St. Patrick’s High School and Sir John Franklin High School here in Yellowknife. Having our young people here in the Chamber and taking part in the work of the Assembly offers a visible connection to the youth and the future of our territory and our institution, and we appreciate their presence and the work that they do for us.
On a rather pressing matter, I would also like to take this opportunity to remind Members of the necessity to meet the reporting requirements of Elections NWT. I would hate to see any empty seats when we return to the House in February.
---Laughter
Although I may be premature, I would also like to publicly wish each and every one of you the very best of the holiday season. I know that your schedules are full. Committee meetings continue during the next week and on through the holidays; however, Cabinet will continue to meet their duties and we will all be very busy with constituency work, but we will not sit together again in this House until February of 2008. I will, therefore, take this opportunity to extend my very best wishes to you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year.
I know we can all get up in the volume and the importance of the work that we do and I offer this advice to all of you: Ensure that you carve out some time to spend with your family and friends over the coming holiday season. I look forward to returning to our work in the New Year.
With that, Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Anthony J. Whitford, is prepared to enter the Chamber and prorogue the First Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly.