Members, on behalf of the Assembly, I would like to thank our elder, Sarah Cleary from Yellowknife, for joining us today and leading us in prayer. I would like to thank her for that. Masi cho. I am pleased to welcome you all back to the House to resume the third session of the 18th Legislative Assembly. I also want to welcome our visitors to our gallery, as well. Colleagues, I know that you have already met together in committees last month, but this is the first time in 2018 that we have come together in the Chamber. I wish to extend my best wishes to all of you and all of the residents of the Northwest Territories for a happy and healthy 2018.
On behalf of this House, I would also like to express my sincere condolences to all of those we have lost, the loved ones we have lost over the years, over 2017, since we last got together. I would also like to welcome all of the Pages that we will have with us throughout our sitting here. We have students from across the Northwest Territories. It is always a pleasure to share this Chamber with the future leaders of our territory.
As we begin the budget session, I would like to acknowledge on behalf of the Legislative Assembly the tireless efforts of the government employees, the officials, the Ministers, Assembly staff, MLAs, and standing committee members in contributing to the budget development process. I know the months since we last met have been very busy for all of you.
I look forward to our session over the next few weeks. I also look forward to hearing good debates on issues that are important to all people of the Northwest Territories and to having a good discussion that leads to positive, informed decisions. It is through our choices and our actions that we all have the ability to influence our futures and take steps to create a meaningful and prosperous future for our people and also for our land.
As we turn our minds to the hard work ahead of us, I ask that you conduct yourselves, each and every one of you, within the rules that we have set for this House and, through your words, continue to show your respect for each other, this House, and also for our unique form of consensus-style government.
Now it is my duty to advise this House that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. It reads:
Dear Mr. Speaker,
I wish to advise you that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of:
• Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2018-2019;
• Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2017-2018; and
• Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2017-2018
during the third session of the 18th Assembly.
Yours truly,
Margaret M. Thom, Commissioner
Masi, colleagues. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The Honourable Premier.