Commissioner Whitford’s appearances in our Chamber are always a pleasure, and we look forward to the next two years.

As we get down to the business at hand, I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm the uniquely northern system of consensus government that we have here in the North.

Consensus government does not mean that we must all agree at all times, but consensus government is the approach we take to our disagreements and our willingness to listen, debate, and keep an open mind. To compromise, when doing so, serves the greater good.

I would ask all Members to be mindful of the rules and procedures you have chosen to govern our proceedings. I will be diligent in applying and enforcing our rules, and my only goal is to make our deliberations as orderly and productive as possible.

May you show sound judgment in all of your deliberations and maintain an atmosphere of dignity and respect for all.

Now it is my duty to advise the House that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, and it reads:

Dear Mr. Speaker:

I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly the passage of Appropriation Act 2008–2009; Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 4, 2007–2008; and Supplementary Appropriation

Act, No. 1, 2008–2009,

during the second session of the 16th Legislative Assembly.

Yours truly, Anthony W. J. Whitford Commissioner

Thank you, colleagues.

Item 2, Budget Address. The Hon. Premier, Mr. Roland.