Good morning, colleagues. Before we get started today, I’d like to start by saying the Beaufort-Delta has had a very difficult time in the past week and a half. I’d like to give condolences to our former Premier, Nellie Cournoyea; Gayle, Hershel, Lillian, Weddel and Dale Hvatum on the loss of their mother, Maggie Hvatum, who passed away.
I’d like to give condolences to Kathy Paul’s children of Aklavik, Savannah and Lance Paul.
Adam Ruben of Paulatuk, condolences to his sister Mary Ruben-Green and brothers Charlie and Alex Ruben.
Natalie Simpson of Aklavik, condolences to mother Liz Simpson and sisters Kathy Conley, Louise McLeod and Cora Simpson.
And one of my good friends growing up, the loss of a good friend, Stanford Harry of Inuvik, condolences to his partner Clara Day and to his family.
To the family of Winnie Elanik of Aklavik, condolences to Margaret and Marjorie Elanik, Sadie Whitbread, Frank, Archie, Tom and Sandy Elanik, Sally Kasook and Beverly Elanik. Sorry for the loss of your mother.
Paulousie Ittungna of Inuvik, condolences to Brenda Samson and Kyle Ittungna. Paulou had just graduated from SHSS in Inuvik and went back to upgrade to an academic level to enter university, where he wanted to play volleyball with hopes of joining Team Canada. He was the captain of the volleyball team at SHSS. The community of Inuvik, especially the youth, have shown much strength and will attend the volleyball tournament in Yellowknife this weekend in Paulou’s honour. He was kind and an exceptional athlete with great ambitions. Paulou was respected and loved by all his peers and elders alike. He will be sadly missed, not only in the community of Inuvik but here in Yellowknife as well. He has a lot of friends all over the territory.
Across the North we lose loved ones in the Beaufort-Delta and we all feel sorrow. It’s not easy, but we may find comfort and strength in each other. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who lost loved ones in the territory over the past two weeks. Our thoughts and prayers are with you from the Legislative Assembly.
Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Ramsay.