On behalf of all Members of this House, I would like to thank Commissioner Thom for opening the 2nd session of the 19th Legislative Assembly. It is always an honour to have you join us in this House. I would also like to thank Ms. Lillian Elias for leading us in the prayer, and Brie O'Keefe for singing our national anthem today.
Colleagues, I am pleased to welcome you to the opening of the 2nd session of the 19th Legislative Assembly. Since we last met in this House, I know we have all been busy in our constituencies, with our committees, and with the ongoing work of the government. I hope that you were also able to find time to connect with family and friends and to energize yourselves for the hard work ahead of us.
Although the days may be long and we will not always see eye-to-eye, I am looking forward to this session. The debates, discussions, and decisions that take place in this House have a direct impact on all people throughout this territory.
As Members of this Legislative Assembly, I know that you will all continue to work diligently to make informed decisions. These decisions, the choices that we make as legislators, allow us to improve the lives of our residents and create a prosperous future for our people.
Colleagues, while in this House, I ask that you conduct yourselves with the utmost respect for one another, this House, our rules, and our unique form of consensus government. As Speaker, I will do my best to demonstrate a positive example of the level of decorum and respect that I expect from each of you.
I also want to recognize a milestone for the Legislative Assembly. During this sitting we will be providing interpretation into all official languages. Our official languages are vital to the culture and history of this territory, and I am proud of the efforts we have undertaken to make better use of our languages. I want to take a moment to thank our interpreters and the staff who have worked to make this possible.
Before we begin, I want to extend the condolences of the House to all Members, constituents, and families throughout the territory who have experienced the loss of loved ones since this House last sat. Thank you.
We'll start with our orders of the day. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Ministers' Statements
Minister's Statement 1-19(2):
2019 Novel Coronavirus Update