Colleagues, this has been a very busy and eventful sitting of our Assembly. You have considered and debated 12 pieces of legislation including three appropriation bills. You have debated 10 motions. Ministers and committees have met together at over 20 meetings on a variety of issues and there have been four public hearings related to legislation. Not included in this tally are the daily meetings of all committees and Cabinet as well as the ongoing work we carry out for our constituents.
The Fifth Session of this Assembly also prorogued during our sitting and began the Sixth and final session on March 7, 2011. Colleagues, for the first time an honorary presiding officer was seated at our table.
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During our spring recess I know that committees are planning travels to review legislation and the work of government will continue, but I hope that you can take some time with your families and your communities during this beautiful time of year.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Pages who we have had in this House during this lengthy session. We have had students from Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Inuvik, Kakisa, Tsiigehtchic, Hay River, Trout Lake, Fort Resolution and Sachs Harbour.
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To each and every one of you, I extend the thanks of this House for your diligence and enthusiasm. Your role is important to the smooth operation of our Chamber and assists us in the work that we do here.
I would like to thank the interpreters present during this session: Jim Hope, Margaret Mackenzie, William Firth, David Black, Sarah Cleary and Mary Rose Blackduck.
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Colleagues, there are several other integral parts of our operation that aren’t always front and centre. Our contractors assist us in a variety of ways and I would like to recognize and thank them today.
Firstly from PIDO, for sitting through dozens of meetings and operating the controls day after day in the Chamber and ensuring that our words are recorded for posterity, Mr. Rick Poltaruk who is in the recording booth today.
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Mr. Dave Sveinsson, also from PIDO operations, operates the camera when the House is in session. I am not sure if you can turn a camera on yourself in the AV room, Dave, but I thank both of you.
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Appreciation is also extended to our Hansard contractors, Ms. Janet Schreder and Ms. Michele Vanthull, all for allowing us to see our words on the page, often with mixed feelings.
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In the gallery, we also have Mr. Ray Jahner from SecureCheck. Our thanks to you and your excellent staff for the work you do, not only with regards to the security of our Assembly but also as a hospitable point of contact for our visitors to our Legislature.
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Also in the gallery this afternoon is Putte Nielsen. I’m sure Members join me in extending our appreciation to Putte and her staff for the excellent catering service that we have all enjoyed particularly during this session.
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However, Putte, I must inform you that you’re also responsible for the surge in gym memberships and diet books.
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Finally, I would like to thank Thien Nuyhn for the janitorial work that the staff perform every day. Thien and his staff do a great job during the day, every evening and in the early morning after a snowfall to ensure our building is clean and safe.
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The contributions of each and every one of you assist all Members of this Assembly in so many ways. In the busy life of a Legislature, we do not often take the time to say thank you and I wish to publicly extend the thanks of this House to each and every one and your staff today.
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Colleagues, as we depart, I wish you and your families a happy Easter and safe travels as you go about your work this spring. I look forward to meeting you once again in the Chamber in May.
Colleagues, March 4th to the 20th is the Rendezvous Francophone, also known as French Language Week. I will now ask our Clerk to read the orders of the day in French. Madam Clerk, orders of the day.