Good afternoon. Colleagues, please join me in thanking elder and former Commissioner George Tuccaro for the opening words and blessing today. Thank you. I'd also like to thank the YK Dene Drummers for joining us today. We often call the Legislative Assembly the place of the people and it is wonderful to see our cultures and people represented so strongly here today.
Before we continue, I would like to ask you to join me for a moment of silence in the memory of Mr. Anthony Wilfred James Whitford, or Tony to most of us, who passed away last month.
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Mr. Whitford was a former Member of this Legislative Assembly, a former Minister, a former Speaker, a former Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. He was a former sergeant-at-arms and an honourary clerk at the table. Tony's interest in, love for, and knowledge of this Legislative Assembly was second to none. He frequented the Assembly to take in our proceedings, and we all looked forward to seeing him and hearing his stories and laughter. The joy and honour he felt when joining us as an honourary clerk at the table was evident. This place meant a lot to him. Colleagues, I assure you that he also meant a lot to this institution.
My words could never do justice to the lasting impact that Tony had on this institution and all of us who have had the pleasure of sharing it with him. More importantly than any of the official roles and responsibilities he held, Tony was an advocate for the people of this territory and a friend to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. On behalf of this institution, I extend our deepest sympathy to Tony's family and many friends.
Colleagues, an official memorial for Mr. Whitford will be held at the Legislative Assembly at 2 P.M. Saturday, October 19th. Overflow seating and a live stream of the ceremony will be available at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.
Colleagues, I have received the following correspondence from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the honourable Gerald W. Kisoun.
It states: Mr. Speaker: I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, the passage of Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), 2025-2026; Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 2, 2024-2025; and, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditure), No. 1, 2024-2025; during the first session of the 20th Legislative Assembly. Yours truly, Gerald W. Kisoun.
Before we begin, I would take a moment to remind all Members of my expectations as we debate and deliberate in this Chamber. We can and must be agreeable even when we do not agree. Difficult conversations should not be disrespectful conversations. In this Chamber I expect thoughtful, meaningful, and honest debate. I expect our rules to be followed, and I expect each of us to show respect for one another, this institution and the people we represent. I also want to remind Members to speak slowly and clearly for our interpreters. It is an honour for us to have these interpreters here for us, using, preserving, and growing our languages. And I did go around, and I did promise we will try and keep it nice and slow for them. As well, I would like to thank our pages for being here today. This young generation helping us here thank you for your time and attention.
Colleagues, as the old saying says,
let's get down to business now. Ministers' statements. Minister from Municipal and Community Affairs.