Colleagues, I'd like to thank the Deputy Commissioner, the Honourable Abigail Crook, for being here today to provide assent to our legislation. It was an honour to have her join us in this Chamber.
Colleagues, before I adjourn today's sitting, I want to take the opportunity to say a few words. I promise to keep them short, maybe, because I know we all have places to be and people to see.
First and foremost, I want to say thanks to each of you for a productive sitting. There were some long days and some long evenings, but you were able to accomplish the work before the House. This is no small accomplishment, and you should be proud of what you have achieved. We've seen estimates considered and approved, committees have delivered reports, motions have been debated, and important legislation has been passed on or introduced and referred to standing committees. I know you have not always seen eye to eye, but I am pleased that you were able to remain respectful towards one another and even during difficult discussions. Our residents expect to see and hear respectful debates in this Chamber, and I thank you for living up to their expectations.
I'd also like to congratulate you for the passage of the first full budget of this Assembly. During my first term in office, I was a Regular Member. And during my second term, I was a Member of Executive Council, so I have seen the budget process from both sides. I know the learning curves can be steep and that it takes a lot of work, communication, and compromise to get through a budget. I know that everybody may not be completely happy with the end result. As my former colleague, the Minister of Finance said, not everybody's going to be happy. That means you've done a good job. So thank you very much. You got it right, folks.
Communication and compromise are the keys to effective consensus government. I can tell you as being the Speaker, I had the opportunity to meet with the finance Minister and the Premier to discuss my concerns on the budgets, and I have to say thank you for that opportunity.
I'd like to thank both Cabinet and the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight for continuing on what consensus government is about. Congratulations on a job well done. This is true consensus government, what you guys did and achieved.
Colleagues, I want to thank the pages who joined us for this sitting. It is refreshing and inspiring to see the youth in this Chamber. They are our future. And colleagues, let me tell you, we will have a bright future in their hands. Thank you very much to them all, and please give them a round of applause.
---Applause
Finally, with great personal importance to me, I want to thank our interpreters. As an institution, we strive to honour, respect, and strengthen the languages of the territories. The hard work and dedication to our interpreters make it possible for us to do so. So, again, thank you very much, and I think we need to give them a big around of applause.
---Applause
Colleagues, this House is not scheduled to sit again until this autumn, but I know that we will all be busy with the ongoing work of the government and committees. Although our work will continue and keep us busy, I encourage you to enjoy those days ahead with families and friends. It is their support that makes it possible for us to do our job. I encourage you to spend some time with those closest to you, let them know how much you appreciate their support and assistance.
Colleagues, our summer is short, but our days are long. I hope each of you have the time to get out and enjoy all that spectacular territory has to offer, the Midnight Sun, the land, the water we call our home, and the warmth and welcoming people. We have world-class festivals, beautiful campgrounds, and some of the most stunning landscapes on earth. Please get out and enjoy all our territory has to offer. I look forward to seeing all of you back in Chambers in October for our next sitting.
Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.
Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.