Good afternoon, colleagues. We are reconvening today, after another delayed start date due to COVID-19 outbreaks. We last convened in this Chamber on December 9, 2021. I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season and a good start to 2022.
I know with restrictions that were in place, many of us were not able to have large family gatherings like we are used to having during the holidays. I would like to thank everyone for continuing to do our part in protecting our communities, our children, and our elders.
On January 20th, pursuant to Motion 48-19(2) and in the public interest, I announced the winter sitting would be rescheduled. This decision was made after careful consideration and discussions with the Executive Council and all Members of the Legislative Assembly. The changes to the schedule will reduce travel between the capital and small communities. To make up some of the time lost, pursuant to Motion 119(2), I order that the Assembly shall sit on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 10 a.m. and Monday, March 7, 2022, at 1:30 p.m.
COVID continues to be a problem and a very real threat in some of our communities as situations can change very quickly. Fortunately, it seems that the cases are on the decline throughout the territory. It is my hope that as we continue to follow the public health orders as they evolve with the virus, that we will be able to return to normal when it is safe to do so.
Members, please join me in welcoming our new colleague, the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, Mr. Richard Edjericon, to the Chamber today.
The Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, Mr. Richard Edjericon, was declared member-elect on February 10th with the official swearing-in ceremony held earlier today. Unfortunately, the Legislative Assembly building remains closed to the public but our capacity allowed for friends and family to be present for this exciting event.
The Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, Mr. Richard Edjericon, is a descendant of Chief Oliver Edjericon who signed Treaty 8 on July 28, 1900, in Fort Resolution. The Member has held many positions:
- Former chairman for the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board;
- Former Head Chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation;
- Chief Executive Officer of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation; and,
- Chairman of the GNWT Apprenticeship Board.
Now, as always, I would like to take this time to remind Members to conduct themselves in keeping with the rules of this Assembly. With just under two years left in the 19th Assembly, we need to continue to show respect for one another, for this institution and, most importantly, for those who elected us.
Treat each other with dignity and take pride in the work that we do here. We are here to serve as representatives for the people that elected us and put their trust in us. It is an honour for us all to be here on behalf of our constituents and residents of the Northwest Territories.
Although the Assembly remains closed to the public, media are welcome in the gallery. We continue to broadcast and live stream our proceedings to ensure the public has the opportunity to see and understand the work being done on their behalf.
Now, colleagues, it is my duty to advise the House that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. It reads:
Dear Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, the passage of Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2022-2023; Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2021-2022; and, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2021-2022 during the second session of the 19th Legislative Assembly. Yours truly, Margaret M. Thom, Commissioner.
Thank you, colleagues.