Colleagues, pursuant to Motion 6-19(2), I hereby give notice that I will recall this House to sit on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. After consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly, I am satisfied that the public interest requires that the House meet earlier than the scheduled resumption of the House on March 24, 2020.
In light of the growing concern surrounding COVID-19, I believe it is in the public interest for Members of this House to consider and adopt an interim appropriation bill to approve routine government expenditures for the first three months of the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Sessions of the Legislative Assembly require the support of substantial Cabinet and public service resources and the suspension of our current sitting will free up these resources to focus on preparing for and responding to the potential spread of COVID-19 to the Northwest Territories.
Colleagues, the adoption of an interim budget is normal in the fiscal year following an election. The consideration and adoption of an interim appropriation bill will provide the spending authority for government departments and agencies to continue normal operations during the first quarter. This will not preclude further consideration of the main estimates that are currently before this House. Consideration of those estimates will resume when the Legislative Assembly reconvenes in May. Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.