I guess I'm supposed to recognize former Members in the House here; I'd like to recognize Cabinet Minister -- former Minister Paulie Chinna from the Sahtu, and my favorite MLA from Hay River South, presently, Mr. Rocky Simpson. So welcome to our Chamber.

Thank you, Members, for the trust you have afforded me as your Speaker. So far in our preliminary meetings as the 20th Assembly, I can tell this group is thoughtful, solution orientated, and most of all motivated to make this territory the best it can be be. It will be my honour to serve as Speaker for the 20th Assembly of the Northwest Territories.

I want to those watching to know that while most well-known role of Speaker is to uphold the rules of decorum of the House, there is a lot more going on behind the scenes. As Speaker, I will also chair the Board of Management, which makes decisions and policies for the Legislative Assembly. I will also be responsible for educating residents about what it is that we do here, and I am energized to do this because I believe in this institution. Most importantly, I will continue to advocate for my constituents back home. My priority will always be the needs of my constituents. It is where I come, it is my home, and I will make their needs are met. Colleagues, I promise to do everything in my power to be a Speaker that enables in-depth debate of ideas and legislation, a Speaker that enforces the rules that allow us to exercise our freedom of speech while respecting privilege, order and decorum, and a Speaker that carries myself with the same tact and resect that I expect from each of us in the Chamber.

As you know, today we start a new generation of doing things differently. We started off with a prayer using our traditional language and this will be continued every of our session. I will be talking to each Member to see if we have elders that we would like to bring in to come in and do opening prayer to make this a more inclusive Assembly for people in this House.

Mr. Clerk, would you please ascertain if the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Margaret Thom, is prepared to enter the Chamber and open the first session of the 20th Legislative Assembly.