Thank you very much. Please be seated.

It is once again a pleasure and an honour for me to be in this House. I’m pleased to welcome you to the First Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly of the

Northwest Territories.

I would like to offer my congratulations to the returning Members, three of whom were acclaimed, and to the newly elected Members of this Legislative Assembly.

I would like to welcome all guests to the public gallery and those who are watching the proceedings on television.

I’d like to congratulate Mr. Jacobson on his election as Speaker. The Members of this Assembly will be well served by the good judgment and experience you bring to this vital position. I wish you the best and have every confidence you will be successful in your role as Speaker.

Members of this House will face many challenges during their four-year terms. My good wishes are extended to all Members and I’m confident that each of you will serve your constituents and the people of the Northwest Territories to the very best of your abilities.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the spouses and family members for the love and support you provide these Members. That is so important in the work that they will do for the people of the Northwest Territories.

I will offer you this, as I recall the very good work of the late Jack Layton: “Inspire to serve, and serve to inspire.”

I’d like to offer my warm congratulations to Gerry Kisoun of Inuvik who, on Monday, was appointed by the federal Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, the Honourable John Duncan, as our new 14th Deputy Commissioner of

the Northwest Territories.

---Applause

At this time I would like to acknowledge and thank Margaret Thom of Fort Providence, who served for

the past six years as Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.

---Applause

We are looking forward to joining the rest of Canada in celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, in 2012.

Mr. Speaker, before declaring open the First Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly, I’d like to

invite all Members and visitors in the public gallery to a reception in the Great Hall when the House adjourns, and I invite everyone to stay for the swearing in of the Executive Council at three o’clock this afternoon.

As Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I now declare open the First Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, merci beaucoup, mahsi cho, quanani, koana.

---Applause