Members, I begin this day with the sharing of sad news. The honourable David Searle, the first elected Speaker of this Legislative Assembly, passed away on March 1, 2021. He was 85 years old. Mr. Searle was born in Edmonton but moved to Yellowknife when he was a child and always considered himself a Northerner at heart.
Mr. Searle worked at the Cominco Gold Mine before attending the University of Alberta and serving in the Royal Canadian Army Reserve. Mr. Searle received his law degree at the University of Alberta in 1961 and returned north. He started what was to become the largest law firm in the Northwest Territories, de Weerdt Searle. Mr. Searle practiced law in the NWT for 20 years and was the founding president of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories.
At the same time, Mr. Searle was elected to this Assembly in 1967 and served as a Member for 12 years. He became our first elected Speaker on May 1, 1975. As our first elected Speaker, Mr. Searle was instrumental in bringing a representative, fully elected Government to the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Searle's legacy in the North reaches far beyond this Assembly. He was a key figure in business, playing a critical role in the creation of the diamond industry in the Northwest Territories. As a scout leader, Mr. Searle was a leader and mentor to many young children. He was the first president of Scouts Canada in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Searle's accomplishments are many, but none may be greater than the moral and ethical principles he imparted in his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Celia Stock; daughter, Kristi; and stepsons Edouard and Nicolas. A proud grandfather, he will be missed by his eight grandchildren.
On behalf of current and former Members of this Assembly, I offer our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Mr. Searle's family and friends. The flags at the Legislative Assembly are at half mast and a condolence book will available in the Great Hall for Members wishing to pass their condolences on to the family.
Members, it is fitting that, today, as we reflect on the great history of this Assembly, that we are also marking 30 years of service by Brian Thagard, our Sergeant-at Arms. Mr. Thagard joined the Legislative Assembly as facilities manager on March 4, 1991. He was appointed Sergeant-at-Arms in October 2004.
As Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Thagard is responsible for the Legislative Assembly, its grounds, and for the protection of Members in this Chamber. A constant and calm presence, Mr. Thagard continues to serve this Assembly with great pride and dedication. I ask all Members to join me in acknowledging his 30 years of service. Mahsi.
---Applause
Item 2, Ministers statements. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.