Good afternoon, colleagues. On behalf of all Members, I would like to thank Commissioner Tuccaro for opening the Fourth Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly. Also on
behalf of all Members, thank you to Kimberly Galbaransingh for a beautiful version of O Canada, and to pastor Ryan Peters from the Yellowknife Vineyard Church for leading us in prayer.
This House extends its welcome to everyone who has joined us today. I would like to take this opportunity to belatedly, but most sincerely, wish my colleagues, our guests in the Chamber today, and all Northwest Territories residents a peaceful and healthy New Year.
We have some special guests in the gallery I would like to acknowledge, a group of young men and women participating in the Ontario Legislature Internship Program. Members will be seeing them
in the Assembly this week as they learn about the North and consensus government. A warm welcome to you all. Please rise.
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I would like to welcome former Member, Minister, and former Speaker Mr. David Krutko to the House today.
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And His Worship, Mayor of Tuktoyaktuk, Mr. Mervin Gruben. Welcome.
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I’d never forget my presiding table officer, captain, former Speaker, Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Tony Whitford.
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I would like to take this opportunity to publicly extend the condolences of the House on the passing of Mr. Gordon Robertson, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories from 1953 to 1963. It was under the hand of Mr. Robertson that the seeds were sown that eventually led to the establishment of Nunavut in 1999. I echo the words of many others in highlighting Mr. Robertson’s dedication and love of Canada, particularly as it relates to the North.
Many of our communities have also lost loved ones since we last met, and when we lose loved ones in our communities, we all feel the loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Dusty Carothers, who lived in Tuk for years. He was a mechanic and helped so many people. He’ll be missed by the staff of EGT. He was a good friend.
Charlie Ruben of Paulatuk passed away. Condolences to his family and his daughters.
For my aunt, Emily Taylor, who passed away two weeks ago, to Linda, William, Bertha, Darrel, Ronnie, Mary Anne, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ten days ago we lost a good friend, Bob Heath from Inuvik, who passed away in Antarctica. I will be making remarks and condolences to his family here in the House tomorrow.
To all the families who lost loved ones, may you find strength and comfort in one another, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
And finally, colleagues, I would like to remind you all of the decision made by this Assembly last November regarding the use of tablet computers in the Chamber during formal session.
The motion adopted by this House permitted the use of tablet computers during all proceedings in the Chamber, with some limited exceptions. Tablets may not be used during the prayer, at any time when the Commissioner is in the Chamber, during the Speaker’s opening or closing remarks or
rulings, during votes, or at any other time as designated by the Speaker.
This motion expanded the use of tablet computers in the 17th Assembly as a standard tool for all
Members. Members may now refer to a tablet in place of paper speaking notes.
As noted in the report of the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures, tablet use has resulted in a reduction in the amount of paper used in this Assembly and has made retrieving information more convenient for all Members. Documents equal to several binders of paper can now be stored on one device.
Of course, colleagues, I cannot stress enough that all electronic devices in the Chamber must be on silent mode and must not disrupt the proceedings of this Assembly.
In November the House also agreed that the use of tablet computers is subject to the overriding discretion of the Speaker, to ensure order and decorum in the Chamber.
Please be assured that I take this direction very seriously and will continue to safeguard the dignity and decorum of this Chamber. I do this so that all Members can carry out their work in the most respectful and efficient manner possible.
I will close here, colleagues, since I know you are eager to begin your work. But first, to mark the opening of the Fourth Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly, I invite everyone to join the Commissioner and Members for a short reception in the Great Hall.
We will resume in 15 minutes. Thank you.
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