Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Commissioner’s Land Act, has had third reading.
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Before we prorogue this Third Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly, I would like to thank each of you for your contributions and bring to your attention the work that was completed during this session.
A session is one of the fundamental time periods into which a Parliament is divided, and usually consists of a number of sittings separated by periods of adjournment and ending with prorogation. Our Third Session began way back in the fall of 2008, resumed in February 2009 and again just a week or so ago, on May 27th , lasting a total of 35 days. During those 35 days, Ministers made over 80 statements, Members made over 360 statements…
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Over 400 questions were asked and answered. Members realize that this actually means more than 1,600 questions were actually asked. And I also understand that the term “answered” has several interpretations.
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Twenty-four motions were debated in the House, standing committees presented eight reports, Members presented eight petitions, and 19 pieces of legislation were debated and were passed or will be passed into law, including five appropriation bills.
Our friends in the media tend to focus on the more sensational aspects of what happens in this Chamber, but these statistics represent the real and valuable work that we do on behalf of our constituents.
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I must commend Members for the attention you have shown and the judgment you have exercised in dealing with the matters that come before this House.
As we all know, the work of a Member does not end when this House adjourns. However, I urge you all to make the time to spend with family and friends and to enjoy our beautiful northern summer.
I would suggest that you begin with a celebration of National Aboriginal Day on June 21st . In 2001, Members of the 14th Legislative Assembly passed the National Aboriginal Day Act, making the NWT the first jurisdiction in Canada to recognize this day as a formal statutory holiday.
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This is our opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding achievements and to celebrate the diverse cultures of our Dene, Metis and Inuvialuit residents. This special date was chosen to coincide with the summer solstice, a culturally significant date for many Northerners.
Canada Day is also a time of great celebration in our Territory and I hope Members will take the opportunity to reflect on our special northern heritage and on our great country. We have so much to be proud and thankful for.
I would also like to add a word of caution as you go about enjoying our beautiful summer weather. I encourage everyone, whether you are driving our highways, boating, hiking, biking or just enjoying the outdoors, to do so safely. Please keep in mind not only your own safety, but also the safety of others.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Pages we have had in the House during this final sitting, and, further, to extend the appreciation of the Assembly to all the Pages who have assisted us during this session. It is inspiring to have these young people here with us in the Chamber, and I hope that we, in turn, inspire them to someday return, maybe to sit in our seats.
I know that the work of government continues and that Members will be gathering throughout the summer to continue the work of the Assembly. But we will not be sitting again in this Chamber until we begin the Fourth Session of the 16th Assembly in October. I wish you safe travels until then and look forward to seeing you back in this House with a renewed commitment and dedication to the people of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Clerk, will you ascertain if the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Anthony W.J. Whitford, is prepared to enter the Chamber to assent to bills and to prorogue the Third Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly.