Please be seated.
Monsieur le président, messieurs et mesdames les députés, mesdames et messieurs, et amis. It is once again a pleasure and honour for me to welcome you to the second session of the 16th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. I do hope it is not too late to wish you all a Happy New Year and the very best wishes for the month ahead.
In the past few months the North has seen the passing of several of its residents — far, far too many. We are saddened and offer the families and friends our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences. The deaths of our youths are always especially sad and leave a hole in our future. The deaths of our elders leave a hole in our past. Their lifetimes of value, wisdom and contributions have made us stronger and prosperous, and their legacies will not be forgotten.
I wish to mention just a few names of our elders who have passed: Agnes Williams, Cy Cummings, James Burke, Laurie Hobart, Irvin Norn, Mary
Pope, James McPherson, Ernest Michel,
Freda Denayah and Andrew Tetso. And lastly, although not from the Northwest Territories but from Nunavut, Willie Laserich, who was well loved and respected across the North, especially here in the west, for his medevacs, his air services and his many search and rescue missions.
But as people who have worked to shape our territories leave us, younger generations take their place. An important part of the growth and development of our youth is their participation in such events as the Arctic Winter Games. In just over a month the N.W.T. will be hosting the 20th Arctic Winter Games. I look forward to meeting and greeting not only the 2008 athletes and their coaches, but also the officials of the day who were responsible for the creation of the first Arctic Winter Games some 40 years ago.
Although the Games are taking place in Yellowknife, the Arctic Winter Games Host Society has worked tirelessly to involve all N.W.T. communities and people of all ages in the planning, promotion and hosting of the Games. From the youth of most N.W.T. communities acting as ambassadors to welcome and to assist our visitors, to the number of seniors who have modelled game-wear in a fashion show, there have been lots and lots of ways for people to be involved. I encourage you all to join in the spirit of the Arctic Winter Games 2008, enjoy the competition, enjoy the cultural performances and support everyone who has contributed to the Games’ success over the years.
Members, I look forward to visiting with you in your constituencies as the opportunities arise, as I have in the past. It is always an honour and a personal pleasure to meet our Northern peoples in their home communities and at special events.
And now, during this session, the Government of the Northwest Territories will be introducing the following bills for consideration by this House: Interim Appropriation Act, 2008–2009, and Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2007–2008. The government considers these bills
essential to the good conduct of government business, and as such, I recommend their passage.
As Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I now declare open the second session of the 16th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, merci, quanami and mahsi cho.