Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Many issues related to the economy, environment, and climate change are longstanding, namely the need for sustainable energy sources, diversifying our economy, and strengthening transportation corridors. Mandate commitments in these areas should be given high priority and specific outcomes targeted for completion within the next two years. Improvements are being made in the development of northern arts and tourism, but the closure of the Northern Frontier Visitors' Centre, with its decades of experience and 4.5-star rating on Trip Advisor, is a grievous loss.

The NWT must move quickly to seize opportunities in fishery, forestry, and agriculture, improve the labour market, and enhance its readiness at all levels for mining, oil and gas, and major transportation projects. The long-awaited Agriculture Strategy has been released and the government is clear in its support for community gardens. Funding needs to be specifically allocated for the implementation of this and other strategies. Actions to promote harvesting and distribution of country foods have yet to be implemented, and the development of strategies on the use of oil and gas resources and northern manufactured products is lagging. Support for entrepreneurs and small business is essential to promoting economic growth and diversification. Frontline services must be streamlined and red tape reduced.

The bold decision to purchase and operate the marine assets of the former Northern Transportation Company preserves a vital service for many communities from Hay River to the Beaufort Delta. Freight service on the Mackenzie River is important to many sectors of our economy and community well-being. Committees are closely scrutinizing the rebirth and ongoing development of this business, under the GNWT flag as Marine Transportation Services. The impacts of climate change have significant and noticeable effects in the NWT. Communities, wildlife co-management boards, industry, and government are all grappling with changes, and the NWT needs to respond proactively. Progress on both a new energy strategy and climate change strategic framework has been very slow, and the government has been reluctant to adopt a carbon-pricing model. These are examples of overarching strategies targeted for completion within the mandate of the 18th Legislative Assembly that must speak to as many aspects of northern life as possible. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to turn it over to my honourable colleague from Nahendeh.