Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber for the continuation of the sixth and final session of the 15th Legislative Assembly.
Speaker's Opening Comments
I know you are all eager to get started in this, our next to last sitting, but I would like to take a few moments to acknowledge some special events in our Legislature since we last met.
I was very pleased last week to hold the 8th Annual Youth Parliament of the Northwest Territories. Nineteen high school students from each electoral district in the Northwest Territories participated and received a first-hand look at the workings of our unique style of government. As I had announced earlier, the theme for this year's Parliament focussed on enhancing the role of women in politics, and I am proud to announce that 16 of the 19 youth parliamentarians were young women.
---Applause
I applaud all 19 members of this year's Youth Parliament for a job well done. I was fortunate to be in the gallery for the sitting of the Youth Parliament and witness the performance, and I am confident that maybe we'll see some of them representing future governments of the Northwest Territories.
In continuing the theme of women in politics, it was also my pleasure last week to welcome the Outreach Program of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, Canadian Region. We were very fortunate that this meeting coincided with our Youth Parliament and it was a great pleasure to have such capable, experienced politicians including our very own Ms. Lee and Mrs. Groenewegen address the young parliamentarians.
Sadly, colleagues, we have seen the loss of several great leaders and prominent northerners in the last few weeks. We join with their families and communities to mourn the passing of respected elder and former Member of this House, Mr. Pauloosie Paniloo; former Member of Parliament, Robert -- better known as "Bud" -- Orange; respected elder Harry Simpson of Gameti; Robert Blake of Fort McPherson; Phillip Goulet of Ndilo; Garret Ruben of Paulatuk; and Winnie Carpenter of Sachs Harbour. All were noted for their many contributions to their communities and to the North. I extend my condolences, and those of this House, to the families and the communities of all of these men and women. They were leaders who will be missed by their people.
Also, our condolences go out to all residents of the Northwest Territories who have had the misfortune of losing loved ones since our last sitting.
Now, colleagues, to the business at hand. As my representative from Hay River North in Youth Parliament so politely put it: Let's move on.
I look forward to a very productive session and remind you all of the standards that we have set for the dignity and respect of this House.
Orders of the day. Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.