Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back as we reconvene the Fourth Session of the 17th Assembly.

It has been an exciting and very busy summer and fall for all of you as we prepare for the implementation of our Devolution Agreement currently in place with the Government of Canada.

In addition, our committees have been considering legislation and travelling throughout our territory to hear from NWT residents and bring their thoughts and concerns back to the House.

I would also like to take note that we’re at the halfway point of the 17th Legislative Assembly, a

time for reflection and renewed commitment to the people of the Northwest Territories.

This session will also be a time for celebration as the Assembly marks the 20th anniversary of our

current home. In 1990 the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories made the decision to proceed with the construction of a permanent Legislative Assembly building. This fall is the 20th anniversary of the occupancy of the building and its official dedication by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Colleagues, we are recognized by many jurisdictions for our distinctive form of government. I think we are also recognized for our distinctive and beautiful legislative home. I look forward to celebrating this building and all it signifies with the people of the Northwest Territories.

The doors of the Legislative Assembly, including the Chamber and the Caucus room, will be open to the public on Friday, November 1st , beginning at

4:30 p.m. and I extend an invitation to everyone to join us in celebrating our special occasion. We are considered a young Assembly by many, but our history is vibrant and lives with us every day, not only as our Legislative Assembly processes but in this building.

This session will also see the unveiling of the new Legislative Assembly website. The website was designed to highlight the work that we do here, and

to improve easy access, accountability and transparency.

The site is still being finalized. Stay tuned for the announcement when it’s up and running, hopefully within the next few weeks. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our former Principal Clerk of Committees, Ms. Jennifer Knowlan, and public affairs and communications advisor, Danielle Mager, for all their hard work on this project.

On a more sombre note, it is with sincere condolences that I recognize with prayers and strength the families of the late Walter Elias for his wife, Maureen Elias, and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Fiona Lennie for her mother and father, Margaret and Floyd Lennie, and her brothers and sisters; Mr. Robert Avik of Tuk for his common-law, Amanda Panaktolak, and their children; Lucy Kudlak for her mother and father, Martha and Frank Kudlak, and her children; Andy Carpenter Jr. for his mother and father, Kelly Stewart and Andy Carpenter Sr.; and Edward Ruben for his wife, Mabel Ruben, and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Today I’m going to read Edward’s eulogy. Edward Angusinauk Ruben was born May 1, 1917, to Angik and Sadie Sukayaluk Ruben. He was the third-oldest son and took the responsibility of caring and providing for his parents and younger brothers and sisters. Those early years were a struggle but also happy times. Times were hard, travelling great distances on foot or with dog teams, hunting and fishing, getting ready for the winter. Happy times also as he spent time with his dad, getting to know the land and happy just learning things from his dad. He enjoyed listening to his dad tell stories at this time and getting to know his dad’s relatives through his stories.

He met and married Frances Nauyak Green, the adopted daughter of Johnny and Jessie Green, where he raised six children but lost a baby boy to illness. He lost his young wife to birthing complications in 1953. With the help of his parents and Jessie Green, he was able to continue to keep his family together.

In the early years he was employed as a cook on the mission boat, Lady of Lourdes, where he would travel to Aklavik and Tuk with the missionaries. In 1954 he began working for the DEW Line in Cape

Parry as a janitor. He took pride in his job, never once complaining of his position. He never had a formal education but he would be heard telling his grandchildren to get an education. During his time on the DEW Line, he had many friends who highly respected and liked him.

During the later ‘50s he met Mabel Jacobson, a young girl from Tuk, who he married in Cape Parry in 1959. With her, they bore 10 children. In 1966 he transferred to Cambridge Bay and remained there with his family until 1973. That same year his eldest son, James, joined him. After 20 years on the DEW Line, he finally retired and moved back to Paulatuk. He was happy to be back home amongst his brothers and sisters, happy to be hunting and trapping again and travelling out on the land. He had respect for the land where he was raised, and throughout his life he would raise his concerns and voice his strong opinions about the government wanting to make changes to his people’s way of life. He was not one to remain still for long. He would keep himself busy in any way. In the 1970s he became involved with the COPE organization and traveled around to various communities with the group. Edward lived a full, rich life, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was well respected. He lived through and witnessed many changes throughout his life, yet he remained true to his upbringing, keeping close to his heart what he was taught from his parents. He was a religious man and it would please him greatly when his family would gather together to say the rosary. Family was very important to him and he would often remind his children to stay together as a family and pray together.

He was the family stronghold and tried his best to keep his children rooted. He had a gentle manner and wisdom. His dedication will be greatly missed by the many people that he touched across the North and whoever visited him. There was more to Edward than his simple words, and in the hearts of many, they will realize this.

Rest safely in the arms of the many in heaven who have waited for your coming.

To all in the Northwest Territories who have lost loved ones, to friends and colleagues in the Yukon, as well, who have lost loved ones, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

As we turn our attention, colleagues, to the work at hand, I ask that you continue to treat each other and this institution with dignity and respect. I will continue to guide this House and its actions according to the rules that the Assembly has agreed upon and the trust you have placed in me.

I would like to advise the House that I have received the following correspondence from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories:

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), 2014-2015; Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2013-2014; and Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2013-2014, during the Fourth Session of the 17th Legislative

Assembly. Yours truly, George L. Tuccaro, Commissioner.

Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod.