Please be seated. Colleagues, I would like to extend the appreciation of the House to the Deputy Commissioner, Gerald W. Kisoun. It was a pleasure having you in the House here today. On behalf of all Members, I would also like to thank all the Pages who have contributed to this sitting. Having young people in our Chamber is a wonderful reminder of the reasons why we are here today, and, colleagues, I would also like to say thank you to the interpreters we have had working with us during these last five weeks. As our words go out to our communities, it is very satisfying to know that parts of our proceedings are being heard in our own languages. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of all of our interpreters. I extend the thanks of this House to:
● Mary Rose Sundberg (Tlicho)
● Sarah Cleary (North Slavey)
● David Black (French services)
● Tom Unka (Chipewyan)
● Eleanor Bran (South Slavey)
● Annie Goose (Inuinnaqtun)
● Lilian Elias (Inuvialuqtun)
In addition, I would like to thank the elders Francis Williah and also Moise Rabesca for offering prayers during our sitting. Members, colleagues, I would also like to recognize the work that you have all undertaken during these past weeks. Together, you have debated and adopted the first budget of the 18thLegislative Assembly. I commend Members for the attention you have shown and the judgment you have exercised as you carried out your work.
Colleagues, earlier today in this Chamber we inducted four prominent Northerners into the Order of NWT. Nellie Cournoyea, Jan Stirling, Tony Whitford, and Marie Wilson are individuals who have, through their public and private lives, made an outstanding contribution to our territory. They inspire us all and remind us that we are part of the shared community in the North, a community that we must all work to preserve, protect, and promote. I'd like to congratulate on behalf of the Assembly here to this year's inductees.
As we leave the Chamber today, many of you will be travelling; travelling back to your homes, to your communities, your families and your constituents. I hope you all take the time to enjoy this brief and beautiful summer season. This Friday, Northerners will join all Canadians to celebrate our great country. I know that Canada Day celebrations will be taking place across the North, and I hope that Members will have an opportunity to take part. We are truly fortunate to live in such a great country as Canada. June is also graduation season and I would also like to extend congratulations all the northern graduates in the Northwest Territories. We wish each and every one of you the very best as you begin this new chapter in your lives. We are very proud of you.
Colleagues, enjoy the summer recess and travel safely until we all meet again.
Colleagues, today is the last day in this Chamber for one of our table officers, Gail Bennett. Gail has served this institution, our Legislative Assembly, its Members and committees, faithfully and with great professionalism for more than ten years. Tomorrow is the first day of the next exciting stage in her life: retirement. Please join me in thanking Gail for her fine service to the Legislative Assembly and wishing her well in her well-earned retirement. Congratulations, Gail. We will miss you.
---Applause
Masi, colleagues. Madam Clerk, orders of the day.