[Translation] I am very happy that I'm here today. So I'd like to thank you with all my heart and that all of you are here today. I'm very happy to see each one of you, that I'd like to be very thankful for. And just prior to Christmas, that was when I was present here, and from then on I haven't seen each one of you and so I'm hoping that everybody will be okay and that's including our family, our friends, and whoever you are here to represent throughout the region. And I'm hoping that everybody will have a very good holiday.
And the new MLAs here, I'd like to thank each one of you. And it is very important that here that we're able to use our language that I'm very thankful for. Mahsi. [Translation ends]
And most importantly to see you all again. Last time I was here was before the holidays, so I hope you all have an enjoyable time with family, friends, and your constituents.
Our government must be applauded for gifting us to speak our Indigenous languages in this great House. Mahsi.
Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly, good afternoon. It is always a pleasure to be in this House with you who serve the people of the Northwest Territories. I want to recognize all your hard work on behalf of the residents of the NWT. I would also like to congratulate you on establishing the priorities for the 20th Legislative Assembly. These priorities are a good basis for moving the Northwest Territories forward and addressing our many needs and opportunities.
February has been a very busy and productive month not only for this Legislative Assembly but also for many others. Along with February being hard month, Black History Month, February is also Indigenous Language Month. As Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I am proud to speak my language in this House.
Maintaining and revitalizing Indigenous languages is central to the identity of Indigenous people, the preservation of our cultures, world view, and expression of self-determination. I believe that if you do not speak your Indigenous language, there are ways to showcase your Indigenous pride through traditional dress, footwear, and participating in cultural events and ceremonies.
Unfortunately, in late January there was a tragic plane crash near Fort Smith. It is with profound sense of grief that I offer my condolences to all those affected by the tragic loss of lives. I will continue to pray for all of you in the days, weeks, and months to come. I would also like to express my heartfelt and sincere best wishes for the ongoing recovery and healing of the crash survivor.
As Northerners, there is little we cannot achieve when we come together. Although I am deeply saddened, I am proud of the people of Fort Smith and all Northerners who are sharing in their grief and providing support in many ways. My prayers and blessings are with you all.
This will be my last address to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. I am deeply grateful for this government and the past government to have welcomed me in this role as Commissioner. It has been a great honour to serve and support you in your very, very important roles.
---Applause
So as my final act in this legislature as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to ascend to the following bills:
- Bill 1: An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act;
- Bill 4: Interim Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2024-2025;
- Bill 5: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2023-2024; and,
- Bill 6: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2023-2024.
Mahsi cho. I wish you all well. I wish you all the best. Thank you. Merci beaucoup. Mahsi cho. Quyananni. Kwana.