I’d like to remind you to turn your cell phones off.
Good afternoon, colleagues, It’s my pleasure to welcome you back to the Chamber today as we continue the Third Session of the 17th Legislative
Assembly.
I know our summer season in the North is very busy, as we try to take advantage of the long days and warm temperatures. Colleagues, I hope you were able to attend the Diamond Jubilee ceremonies taking place throughout the territory this past summer. I just came back the other day myself, and Minister Ramsay, from Paulatuk. We gave Edward Ruben his Diamond Jubilee Medal for what he’s done for the people of Paulatuk in my riding.
I also hope that you found time to enjoy spending time with your family and friends, and that you’re returning refreshed and eager to tackle the work that has to be done here in the Legislative Assembly for the people of the Northwest Territories.
On behalf of the Legislative Assembly, I’d like to congratulate all men and women who put their names forward in municipal elections that took place earlier this week. As MLAs we all know the time and personal commitment in running for office. I applaud everyone who was out there campaigning.
We look forward to working with the mayors, councils and other committees in communities. I especially want to thank those who aren’t returning, for their years of service to the people that they represented and the people across the Northwest Territories.
I’d like to advise you that some changes have taken place in the Legislative Assembly. First, the building of the 16th Legislative Assembly e-Petitions Pilot
Project that this Assembly adopted in a motion during the last sitting and a permanent on-line e-petition site is up and running.
Petitions, whether paper or electronic, are a valuable way for all NWT residents to take an active part in their government. I welcome the opportunity the e-petition site provides for those residing in remote and isolated communities. The e-petition site can be found on the Assembly website. I invite all residents to check it out.
Work also took place this last summer to upgrade the audio/visual system in our committee rooms. This will allow the Assembly not only to record but also film public committee meetings now. These committee meetings will be rebroadcast throughout the territory. This is a great opportunity to provide more accountability and transparency to all NWT residents so they can stay tuned to watch the Legislative Assembly TV and the opportunity to see even more of their favourite MLAs.
This past summer Minister Lafferty says he was at the right place at the right time. His quick thinking averted what could have been an absolute tragedy in the life of a northern family. Please join me in commending Minister Lafferty in his actions and wishing a speedy recovery to Mr. Robin Imbeault. Minister Lafferty, good job on your life-saving.
---Applause
I couldn’t agree more when Minister Lafferty said, “We cared for this individual because he was part of us; he’s a part of the North.”
On a sadder note, colleagues, I’d like to send condolences to all communities in the NWT who lost their loved ones since last we met.
In the Nunakput riding our communities are close knit, and we all lose loved ones and the loss is felt by all. I’d like to take the time to give my heartfelt condolences and prayers to Brian Klengenberg, Tony Klengenberg and Shane Goeson on the passing of their mother Agnes Goeson; Sandra Mangelana-John and Earl John on the passing of their son, Gavin Mangelana; Denise Taylor and Desmond Norman on the passing of their baby, Kelson Norman-Taylor; Charles Pokiak, Robbie Pascal, James Lumsden, Marilyn Lumsden and Sheila Lumsden on the passing of their mother, Mabel Pokiak Lumsden. Mabel became the first Aboriginal person in Canada to become a registered nurse. Upon completion of her nurse
training, Mabel worked at the Inuvik General Hospital as well as different locations, including Tuktoyaktuk; husband David Bustable and daughters Sandra Lucas and Lesa Dutka on the passing of his wife and their mother, Emily Elias; Chris Gruben and Sara McNabb on the passing of their baby, Helena Gruben; Nellie Gruben, Roger Gruben, Gayle Gruben, Lloyd Gruben, Robert Gruben, Patrick Gruben, Paula Hein and Desmond Gruben on the passing of their mother, Helen Gruben. Helen was respected in the community of Tuk, the Beaufort-Delta and beyond. She has served the Anglican Church for more than 50 years with much grace and strength; and, Lena Illisiak, Audrey Green, Marilyn Illisiak, Steve Illisiak, Joe Illisiak, Molly Ruben, Jean Ruben and Dwayne Illisiak on the passing of their mother, Annie Illisiak. Annie was well respected by the children and people of Paulatuk through her tradition, language and culture.
When our elders go to be with God, they take a piece of our history, values, stories and knowledge with them. May we allow our elders to live on through us.
It is that time of year when the ice is starting to freeze in the Northwest Territories and I would like to take this time to remind parents, grandparents and guardians to talk to your children about safety.
Colleagues, it is now my duty to advise the House that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. 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 (Infrastructure Expenditures) 2013-2014; Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2012-2013; Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2012-2013, during the Third Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
Yours truly, George Tuccaro, Commissioner.
Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod.