Item 18, first reading of bills. Item 19, second reading of bills. Item 20, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters. Item 21, report of Committee of the Whole. Item 22, third reading of bills.
Colleagues, before the Commissioner enters the Chamber to assent to bills, I would like to draw the
attention of all Members to the presence of Mr. Myles Moreside in the Visitors’ Gallery. He’s easy to spot up there.
Applause.
He is surrounded by his many friends and colleagues here in the Assembly. I understand there are also some exchange students in the gallery as well.
As Members know, Mr. Moreside will retire from public service at the end of this month after 25 years of loyal and dedicated service. Today marks the last sitting day of his long and distinguished career. I think it is appropriate that we take just a moment, for the record, to express our gratitude to Mr. Moreside.
I should begin by saying that I have a vested interest in interrupting the House proceedings today for this important occasion. I’ve heard that Mr. Moreside intends to write a book about his many unique experiences within the halls of this institution.
I hope that any kind words I have for him today will be met with similar kindness to me as he puts pen to paper in the weeks and months ahead.
Laughter.
Myles joined the public service of the Northwest Territories in 1983 as a revenue and taxation analyst with the Department of Finance. He finally saw the light and accepted a position with the Legislative Assembly in 1987. Back in those days, the House staff was much smaller than it is now, and they were located in the Yellowknife Inn. Myles’s first job title with the House was Chief of Finance and Administration. That title didn’t last long, as some of the aboriginal Members took offence to having to refer to a member of their staff as “Chief.”
Laughter.
I have had the good fortune to know Myles since my election as a Member in 1999, and the even better fortune to have had him as my Director of Corporate Services during my two terms as Speaker and Chair of the Board of Management.
As Members know, the board often has to fit its meetings around the busy schedules of the House and its committees. Often our meetings take place at the rise of the House and run through the dinner hour. For years I have been curious as to why Myles never ate a meal with the rest of the board and the staff when we were working. It wasn’t until a few days ago that I learned the reason why.
Years ago, while appearing before a committee, a Member asked a question that was, let’s say, not overly intelligent. Myles was just about to swallow a
mouthful of food when the question was asked, and it caused him to nearly choke in the middle of the meeting. Ever since he has refrained from eating at meetings, just in case a similar intelligent question was asked.
Laughter.
Colleagues, in all seriousness, it is a great privilege for me to express the gratitude of all Members and, indeed, this entire institution for Mr. Moreside’s many years of dedicated and fine service. I know that many of you have known Myles and worked with him for far longer than I have.
It is interesting to note that he has selected February 29 as his last day of work here. This is indeed a leap year, and we don’t often get to enjoy an additional day in February. However, just as leap years are rare occasions, so are employees with the dedication and commitment of Mr. Myles Moreside.
Myles, on behalf of the Members and staff of the Legislative Assembly and, indeed, the people of the Northwest Territories, I thank you for your service and wish you and Kim and your children and grandson all the enjoyment you deserve in the next exciting stage of your life.
Applause.
I would like to ask all Members and staff to join me in the Members’ Lounge for an informal reception to celebrate both the completion of this sitting and the celebration of an outstanding career.
Myles, just in case you’re thinking about not attending, just remember who signs your record of employment.
Laughter.
Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Hon. Anthony J. Whitford, is prepared to enter the House to assent to bills?