Good afternoon, colleagues. I would like to extend my thanks on behalf of all Members to the Honourable Anthony W.J. Whitford, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, for opening this Fourth Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly.
I would also like to extend the Assembly’s thanks to Ms. Teale MacIntosh for her lovely rendition of O Canada and to Reverend Ron McLean, rector for the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, for assisting us today.
The appreciation of the House is also extended to our guests and visitors who have joined us in the gallery.
Members, please join me in welcoming our Pages for the next two sitting days: the Junior Canadian Rangers. The Junior Canadian Ranger Program offers a variety of skill developing activities to promote traditional cultures and lifestyles to youth
living in remote and isolated communities. With us here today are: Joseph Omilgoituk of Aklavik, Nadine Elleze of Fort Providence, Myranda Calumet of Fort Resolution, Issiac Elanik of Sachs Harbour, Kyle Wolki of Sachs Harbour, Allison Bernarde of Tulita, Bryan Kimiksana of Ulukhaktok, and Samantha Kataoyak of Ulukhaktok, Frederick Simpson of Whati. The Ranger supervisors are: Ranger Kim Lucas of Sachs Harbour, Ranger Jamie Kimiksana of Ulukhaktok, and Ranger Lucy Fabien of Fort Resolution. The Canadian Ranger Patrol Group staff: Captain Sharon Low, Lieutenant Diane Porter, Warrant Officer Teddy Hughson, Warrant Officer Glenn Whitten, Warrant Officer Danny Ring, and Sergeant Rob Stevens. Welcome to you all. It is an honour to have you with us here today, and especially to your Junior Canadian Rangers to have as Pages. I apologize if I have pronounced your names not as your mother would pronounce them.
Colleagues, you may have noticed that we are just past the midpoint of the 16th Legislative Assembly.
It is a time to reflect on what we have accomplished in the last two years and a time to determine what we wish to accomplish during the next two years. Surely I am not the only one to have noticed the swift passage of time, and before we know it, the Members of the 17th Legislative Assembly of the
Northwest Territories will be assuming the seats that we sit in today.
Colleagues, I would also like to extend the sympathy of the House to the family and communities among us who have lost loved ones since we last met. The North has lost several respected elders, and while we mourn their passing, we celebrate the wisdom and knowledge that they have left behind.
Colleagues, we have met many times outside of this Chamber during our summer recess. Caucus has met over several days to determine and discuss our various roles within consensus government. That work was, I hope, enlightening, and I trust that as we come together in this Chamber, we will all bring new commitment to our unique processes and procedures. I ask you all to enter into this session with respect for the House, for your colleagues and for your responsibilities to the people of the Northwest Territories. I will, as always, do my utmost to assist you in achieving your goals and applying your rules as fairly and as consistently as possible.
Thank you, colleagues. We will return to orders of the day. Item 3, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.