Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back as we reconvene the Fourth Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
Two thousand thirteen and 2014 will be an exceptionally busy year for all government and the Legislative Assembly. With great assurance, I can say that all Members are engaged in a significant amount of work while the House recessed. A majority of the work was geared towards committees and constituent duties. In the midst of all the activities, I hope Members found an opportunity to spend time with their families and loved ones.
It was an honour this month to host the 12th Youth
Parliament. I was honoured to meet all 19 youth members, and I can tell you, colleagues, that the future of the Northwest Territories does look bright. The youth took your seats in the Chamber, and with poise and confidence made Members’ statements, Ministers’ statements and debated four very interesting motions.
These young people also enjoyed recreational time networking with other youth from the North and increasing their knowledge of this vast territory. Thank you to the students for showcasing leadership skills and making this program a success. Thank you to their parents and teachers for providing support, and to our public affairs staff for delivering an interesting Youth Parliament 2013.
Members, today I would like to honour the memory of a woman who was an inspiration to many. On Tuesday, April 30th , Canada lost an inspirational
female athlete and a sporting trailblazer. Shirley Firth-Larsson passed away in her home in Yellowknife with her family. She was 59.
As you know, Shirley grew up in Aklavik and Inuvik as a member of the Gwich’in First Nation. Shirley, together with her sister Sharon, was the first Aboriginal woman to be a fourth-time Olympian and a member of Canada’s National Ski Team representing Northwest Territories and Canada in cross-country skiing in the Olympics from 1972 to
1984. They received multiple national and territorial awards and were inducted into several halls of fame.
Marcel Aubut, president of the Canadian Olympic Committee, paid this tribute: “Olympian Shirley Firth-Larsson lived an inspiring life, filled to the brim with accomplishments the likes of which many athletes can only dream. As a 29-time national champion and four-time member of the Canadian Olympic Team, she proudly represented Canada and the North, serving as a shining example of excellence to Aboriginal women everywhere. Her contribution to sport and to Canada will not be forgotten.”
After retiring from competition, Shirley and her family spent 23 years in France and returned to the Northwest Territories in 2005.
The North has lost an amazing person. She will be missed by many people. Shirley has left behind a legacy for all NWT athletes, residents, and all of Canada. She is a role model that will be remembered for her dedication to sport, supporting a healthy lifestyle. Shirley was a strong advocate for women and mothers and believed in the importance of pursuing education no matter your situation or age, but also that anyone can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
Shirley was not only my executive assistant but was a good friend. It was an absolute honour to work with her.
Members, please join me in sending sincere condolences to the family of Shirley Firth-Larsson. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my personal condolences and condolences across the Northwest Territories to families who lost loved ones in the past few months since we’ve been here.
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: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2013-2014, and Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2013-2014, during the
Fourth Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
Yours truly, George L. Tuccaro, Commissioner.
Thank you, colleagues. I know you are eager to tackle the work at hand, so let’s begin. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod.