Good afternoon, colleagues.
I would like to extend my thanks on behalf of all Members to the Hon. Anthony W.J. Whitford, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, for opening this second session of the 16th Legislative Assembly, and to Doris Rogers and the Most Reverend Murray Chatlain, Bishop of the Dioceses of Mackenzie-Fort Smith,
for assisting us today.
Our appreciation is also extended to our guests and visitors who have joined us here in the gallery today.
I would also like to take this opportunity, belatedly but most sincerely, to send my very best wishes to my colleagues in the House and to all the residents in the N.W.T. for a peaceful and healthy new year.
We are starting the year with much work to do and very busy schedules. I wish to commend all the Members, who I know have been working very hard to familiarize themselves with and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend the condolences of the House to those who have lost loved ones in recent weeks. They will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with their friends, families and communities.
As we begin today, may I remind everyone that we are here to make decisions and discuss issues that affect all who live in the N.W.T. We do our best when we treat each other with respect and dignity. I will do my best to assist each of you to achieve this goal. The Rules of the House are your rules, and I will apply them fairly.
Thank you for your attention, colleagues. With that, item 3, Ministers’ statements.