Colleagues, before we begin, I would like to welcome you back to the Chamber today as we resume the Third Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly. A special
welcome to all the guests in the gallery today and, for your information, we have two interpreters in the House today. South Slavey is on channel two and North Slavey is on channel three.
Colleagues, I trust that you have all enjoyed the winter recess and the opportunity to enjoy some well-earned time with family, friends and constituents. I hope that you returned today filled with energy and a renewed dedication for the work that we do for the people of the Northwest Territories. These are challenging times everywhere and I expect that your commitment will be tested as this House deals with issues that affect all Northerners.
I also expect that you will approach the session with the usual respect and consideration for your colleagues and for the institution that we serve. Let this Assembly be known for the quality of our debate, the respect Members show for each other and the dedication to the public good.
Before we begin, I would like to take this opportunity to mark the passing of a respected elder and former Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. I extend the condolences of this House to the family and friends of Helen M. Maksagak. Ms. Maksagak played a significant role in the history of the Northwest Territories and our neighbour Nunavut. She held the office of the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories from 1995 to 1999, the first woman and the first Inuit to do so. Ms. Maksagak then went on to become the first Commissioner of Nunavut. Ms. Maksagak was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada for her contribution to the history of both territories.
I would also like to extend the condolences to the House to all those families, friends and
communities that have lost loved ones since we last met. We are a very large Territory and a small interconnected population and we all share such losses. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Colleagues, it is now 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 of the Northwest Territories the passage of: Appropriation Act, (Operations Expenditures), 2009-2010, An Act to Amend the Appropriation Act, (Infrastructure Expenditures) 2009-2010, Supplementary Appropriation Act, (Infrastructure Expenditures) No. 1, 2009-2010, and Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2008-2009 during the Third Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly. Yours truly, Anthony W. J. Whitford, Commissioner.”
Thank you, colleagues. With that, we will proceed to orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Lee.