Please let me begin by welcoming everyone to the opening of the Second Session of the 18th Legislative Assembly. I would like to thank the choir, Falcon Voices, from Ecole Sir John Franklin High School for your beautiful rendition of our national anthem. I'd just like to say thank you to the Elder for the wise words, and also for the prayer of the day. I extend a special welcome back to the Chamber, my colleagues. I know it has been a busy time since our election. You have spent many hours together working on the mandate which will guide the 18th Assembly. I sense your energy and resolve as you work together on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories. I look forward to working with each and every one of you for the next four years.
On a sadder note, colleagues, I wish to join with the voices of many, many other Northerners in sending the condolences of this House to the family of the late Stuart Hodgson. Mr. Hodgson served as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories from 1967 to 1979. He will always be remembered for the special connections that he had to the North and will always be an integral part of our history. I invite everyone to join me tomorrow, Friday, February 19 at 3:00 p.m. in the Great Hall, for a memorial service to honour the remarkable life of Stuart Hodgson. Mr. Hodgson’s son, Eugene, and grandson, Evan, will be in attendance as well. A reception will follow.
Before we begin today, colleagues, I wish to assure you that there will always be room in the Chamber for lively debate, for differences of opinion, and for thoughtful comments and questions. This is all part of informed and careful decision-making. However, I trust you will carry out this work always conscious of the dignity and decorum of the institution we all serve. Mahsi, colleagues. Orders of the day. Item 3, Ministers’ statements. Item 4, Members’ statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.