Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my wife, Judy. I appreciate all the support over the last number of years. It makes it a lot easier. I think someone pointed out that they really have to look after the home front while we are down here and has done a great job. I am looking forward to spending a lot more time at home. I would also like to recognize a couple of the residents of Inuvik. I think here with the returning officers is Mr. Chris Garven. Good to see you here, Chris. Mr. Mitchell McQuarrie, welcome to the gallery. I failed to thank my constituency assistant in Inuvik before, who has been with my office for nine years, Sharleagh, and thank her for the service she had had. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, very much for our friendship over the last 14, 15 years. I hope it continues. Thank you.

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize three people in the gallery who have been who have been incredibly important to me over the last three years as both an MLA and as a Minister. First, I would like to recognize Cathy Olsen, who is not only a constituent of the Great Slave riding but has been one of the most amazing constituency assistants I have ever had. She has helped me keep my office in order and make sure that I am responding and working for the residents of the Great Slave riding on a daily basis.

I would also like to recognize from my ministerial office Ramie Ireland, who is, in my mind, probably the greatest executive assistant that I have ever had and has been a gem and an amazing person, has kept my office in order. As well as Susan Laramee, who has been a special advisor for me for the last four years. I often say she is the one who makes sure I make it where I need to be when I need to be and remember which speaking notes I am supposed to be talking from.

I would like to recognize these three amazing people in the gallery and thank them for all their incredibly hard work. I am going to miss them. I am going to miss seeing them every day. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, I am incredibly excited to be putting down my phone so I don't have to take calls 24 hours a day, and I will be able to spend some incredible, uninterrupted time with my beautiful wife, Carolyn, and my amazing 16-year-old son, John Russel Smith Abernethy. Thank you.

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know you are going to get mad at me, but I want to take a moment more, probably. I want to start by recognizing the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories. I am not going to read off their names, but I want to say that this organization has stuck behind me 100 percent for the last four years with no lateral violence, with no backhand. They have been behind me as an Indigenous woman. I sincerely thank you for what you do for Indigenous women. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize in the House my sister-in-law, Karen Cochrane, who is here, married to my brother. Welcome, Karen. My nephew Garrett is here, as well.

Mr. Speaker, a little bit emotional, the most important woman in my whole life is here today. My mother is here in the House, Ms. Shirley Cochrane. She has never stepped foot in this Assembly before. I apologize, Mom. Over the last four years, I have only been able to see her two or three times because of the job. I love you to the world. Even though I don't see you, you are the most important thing in my life. Thank you for being here. Thank you for having me. I owe everything to you, Mom. Thank you.

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Mr. Chris Gargen, joining us here today from the constituency of Inuvik Boot Lake. I would also like to recognize, as I mentioned earlier, Sheila Kotchilea, who has been a very strong supporter, not only for my office, but for all Members and providing information to Members of the Legislative Assembly. I know she is going to continue to do great work. Ronna Sharegan, she has been a really great job. I know that you are going to have a good future in this House. As well as, of course, Judy McLeod, Hilda Camirand.

Just for the record, Mr. Speaker, this is my last day in the House. I would like to recognize a very special constituent who has done a lot of hard work for our territory, the NWT, nationally, internationally, regionally, local. That special constituent is, I am not going to say his middle name, Robert C. McLeod. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize today in the House Marny Twigge and Heather Coakwell for their continued work with NWT Elections and the coming up elections. I would like to welcome Mrs. Trentor to the House today, as well. Nice to see you, Mrs. Trentor.

I didn't do any closing Minister's or Member's statement, but I want to take one second to thank everybody for the last four years. I think, most importantly for me, I want to thank the Premier. This has been a tough four years, and he's been a mentor to me, and he's done us an honour serving us for the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Premier.

---Applause

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bison normally come into the community. I was actually on a constituency tour with the Member a couple of winters ago, and there were actually bison right in the community. We work closely with the community of Fort Liard and Nahanni Butte to try to address this issue. In Liard, when bison come into the community, we try to herd them out by the local renewable resource officer, and we are considering a similar program in Nahanni Butte.

If bison do not leave and pose a public threat, they are removed by ENR or a community member with a bison tag. If the bison are removed, the meat is shared within the community for dry meat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Can the Minister advise: has the department's staff reached out to the leadership in both of these communities moving forward to try to address this issue?