Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome back, colleagues, and I also would like to welcome our two pages, Tia Gully and Jordan Lafferty, from Colville Lake, and their chaperone, Barbara Blancho, also from Colville Lake. Welcome to the House, and as mentioned in the opening prayer, the youth of our community is fully supported by the Assembly with reference in the mandate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Since our last adjournment in November of 2016, I have had the opportunity to visit each community in the Sahtu region. I spoke to a number of leaders and constituent individuals and listened to the challenges they are faced with, especially our youth. Our sincere condolences to all the families that lost their loved ones in the past year; our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I also would like to applaud Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Glen Abernethy, and Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Alfred Moses, for taking the time to go to the community of Fort Good Hope on January 12th and present in person an inspirational presentation to the school, students, teachers, the leadership and the general public.

Mr. Speaker, knowing the fiscal challenges we are faced with, I look forward to working collaboratively with all departments and to the implementation of our diversified plan. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.