Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to welcome everybody back to the Assembly. It’s been a busy summer throughout the North, and with the record fire season this year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of ENR, the firefighters on the front, all the workers put together that helped protect this territory.

We had over 385 fires and three million hectares of forest destroyed. These people have been working hard for the public of the Northwest Territories, and I know the public appreciates them, especially in areas such as Kakisa and Reid Lake where the fires were right close to the facilities.

Other departments throughout the government need to be thanked as well: the Department of MACA for some of the services that they provide, as well as the Department of Transportation. I know some of the motor vehicle guys were on the lines for long hours controlling traffic, closing the roads. They were not popular at times, but I would like to thank them for their hard work.

As well, I’d also like to thank the departments. I think the departments all had to learn how to deal with certain situations, communications, getting out to the public.

While we’re speaking of fires, I’d like to congratulate Vince McKay of the Hay River Fire Department for receiving a Volunteer Firefighter’s Award this past week. Thank you.