Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I just want to use my Member's statement to send my congratulations to the newly elected chief of the Deninu K'ue First Nations, Mr. Bill Norn. He was elected yesterday...
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...by residents of Deninu K'ue.
Many here may know Bill Norn. He has been active in community politics over the past 10 or 15 years, and I look forward to working with Bill on many community issues of importance and developing better working relationships with some potential partners in industry on economic development projects that are currently being negotiated in the Fort Res area so that communities, specifically the First Nations and Deninu K'ue, can become primary beneficiaries of employment and economic opportunities as they arise.
Mr. Speaker, I will continue to provide my full support for any initiatives that the Deninu K'ue First Nations wish to pursue, be it First Nations governance, economic development or capacity building, so that the community can realize some tangible benefits over the near future. I'm confident that this new leadership can be more positive and proactive in all these areas.
I'd also like to welcome a new face to the DKFN council, Mr. Philip Beaulieu; Peppy, as we all know him. He's also been elected as a new councilman. I look forward to working with him also.
Two other seats were filled by the incumbent, Raymond Simon, and our ex-chief Robert Sayine also took up the vacant counsellor's seat. His many years of service as chief of the Deninu K'ue First Nations will not soon be forgotten. Robert, you know, we were all very appreciative of your commitment to improving the lives of our First Nations people in Deninu K'ue and in Akaitcho and the NWT, specifically in the community as a whole while you were a chief. On behalf of all my constituents in Fort Resolution, I want to say mahsi cho, Robert, and enjoy the
not-so-hot seat on council as counsellor today. Thank you, mahsi.
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