Thank you, Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member from Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commend the high school graduates of 2025 in the Nunakput riding. These young people have persevered over the last 12 years to complete their high school curriculum. Although this is the end of high school, hopefully this is not the end of their educational journey as it is my hope, and the hope of many, that our people lead in all aspects of our communities, our organizations; whatever they dream to be - including nursing, teaching, local administration, and accounting. We also need tradespeople to build and maintain our homes and infrastructure. We need everyone protecting our people, the land, and water. This is my hope, Mr. Speaker.

I congratulate from Angik School in Paulatuk:

• Kassius Green
• Misty Wolki-Ruben
• Chase Wolki.

From Helen Kalvak Elihakvik School in Ulukhaktok:

• Kaia Ehaloak
• Alyssia Irish Memogana
• Keir Anne Joss
• Thomas Kimiksana
• Krista Kitekudlak
• Alison Kuneluk
• Angel Kuptana
• Lola Nigiyok
• Mary Olifie.

From Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk:

• Melinda Elias
• Kiara Cockney
• Alicia Felix
• Isaiah Gruben
• Jobey Lundrigan
• Mickey Gruben
• Sowlaq Kuiksak Raddi
• Dominick Kimiksana.

And to add, thank you to the parents, families, and teachers for your support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Nunakput. Members' statements.

Colleagues, it is that time of year where I get to celebrate the grade 12 graduation of students from Liidlii Kue Regional High School in Fort Simpson and Echo Dene School in Fort Liard. It is a time we get honour not just the academic achievements of these remarkable young individuals but also the resilience and determination they have demonstrated throughout their educational journeys. This milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and personal growth, and it is a momentous occasion for the entire community.

Graduation is more than just a ceremony; it is a rite of passage that signifies the transition from adolescence to adulthood. For those students, it represents the countless hours spent studying, the friendships formed, and the challenges overcome. Many have navigated unique cultural landscapes, drawing strength from their heritage while embracing new ideas and experiences. This blend of tradition and innovation is a statement to their character and the diverse backgrounds that enrich our communities.

As they step into the next chapter of their lives, whether pursuing further education, entering the workforce, or exploring new opportunities, these graduates carry with them not only their academic knowledge but also the values instilled by their families and educators. They are equipped to face the world with confidence, creativity, and a sense of responsibility.

Let us celebrate their achievements, support their aspirations, and look forward to the contributions they will make as they embark on their journeys. The future is bright for these graduates, and their potential is limitless.

Today I would like to recognize fifteen students who have completed their elementary, junior, and senior high journey.

To the three students from Echo Dene School and the four students from Liidlii Kue Regional High School, congratulations on completing this journey, a good start on your life's journey. I know there have been some fun and challenging times, but I can tell you that it has prepared you for the next step in your life, whether it is going on to further schooling, trades, travel, or work.

As I have done in the past, I have a few words of encouragement and the list of grads which I will asked to be deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.

To the parents, families, and teachers, thank you for all the support for those graduates. You should be happy and proud of your child today.

In closing, I'd like to wish all the 2025 graduating classes across the NWT all the best and congratulations on a job well done.

Echo Dene Students

• Hunter Bertrand- Deneron
• Zachary Berreault
• Corbin Wilson

Liidlii Kue Regional High School Students

• Helena Bonnetrouge
• Gina Hardisty-Isaiah
• Amaria Tanche-Hanna
• William Tanche-Hanna

Encouragement

"Find a career that you will love. It is very important because once you do, it is not work. It is something that you wake up wanting to do and it is not work. Please remember not to settle on a career. Like love, find the one that makes you happy."

"Buckle up. Like the school adventure that you went through, there are going to be some good times and not so good times ahead of you. Enjoy each moment as they are all learning opportunities for you and part of life. Please remember it is all right to cry and laugh about things. There is going to be a lot of opportunities to do both."

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."

"You have two ears and one mouth. Please remember it is always wise to listen and understand what you have heard before kicking your mouth into gear."

Members' statements. Member from Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise in this House today to pay tribute to a friend, a respected educator, and a cherished member of our community, Ron Holtorf.

Ron passed away peacefully on March 15th, 2025, at St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Ron was a devoted husband to Danetta, a loving father to Roger, Jolynn, and Richard, and a proud grandfather to Caitlin and Eric. He also leaves behind his sister Elizabeth and many dear friends. He was preceded by his parents, Jack and Helen, and his beloved grandson Christian.

Mr. Speaker, Ron was born in Kenora, Ontario, but it was the Northwest Territories he chose as his home, arriving in 1953. In Fort Smith, he built a life, rooted in love, service, and community. It was there that he met Danetta, and together they shared 51 years of marriage, years filled with laughter, mutual respect, and unwavering support for each other.

Ron was a passionate educator and a lifelong learner. He began his career as a teacher and later took on a leadership role at Aurora College where he eventually retired as president. His impact on northern education was profound, and his commitment to student success touched countless lives. He also served our community with distinction as a town councillor and volunteer. Ron believed deeply in giving back, whether through public service, mentorship, or simply offering a kind word. He had a sharp wit, a generous spirit, and a kind love for the land and the people of the North.

Even after the 2023 evacuation from Fort Smith due to the wildfire, Ron's heart never left the North. Although illness prevented his return, he worked hard to regain his strength at St. Joe's in hopes of coming home, a testament to his strength and resilience.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the many healthcare workers, friends, and family members who stood by Ron through his final journey. In his memory, the family has asked that donations be made to your local food bank, a cause that was close to Ron's heart.

On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my gratitute for the role Ron and Danetta unknowingly played in my own life. My wife Karen first came to Fort Smith with her friend Shannon, a niece of Ron and Danetta name, and it was through that visit that Karen and I met. For that and for so much more, I will always be thankful.

Ron's legacy will live on in the community he helped shape, and in the lives he touched so deeply. We all miss him dearly as a friend, a mentor, and a true Northerner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Thebacha. Our condolences go out to the family and friends.

Members' statements. Motions. Member from Yellowknife North.

Mr. Speaker,

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that notwithstanding Rule 2.1, when the House adjourns on Thursday, May 29, 2025, it shall be adjourned until Thursday, October 16, 2025;

AND FURTHER, that any time prior to October 16, 2025, if the Speaker is satisfied after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier or later time during the adjournment, the Speaker may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question has been called. All those in favour? Opposed? Abstentions? Motion carried.

---Carried

Motions. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ever so briefly, I want to recognize and acknowledge all the incredible interpreters we have here. I would certainly say to some degree they are all my favourites; however, Mr. Speaker, I have one favorite who is just a little more favorite, and that happens to be Ms. Sarah Cleary. She's here, and she interprets Dene Kede, and I'm certainly grateful to call her a friend as well a constituent, and I appreciate the hard work she does here every day we sit. Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm happy today to recognize Inuvik Boot Lake constituency assistant, Ms. Sheila Nasogaluak here today. Her advocacy and certainly her passion and hard work for our constituents is invaluable for the work that we do up there, and I would not be able to do my job without her. Thank you.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, [Translation] INSERT* [Translation Ends] masi. That's it. I'm done.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to take the time to recognize two of our pages that have been with us and working hard all week that are Yellowknife North constituents. We have Solomon Young and Ace Wickens, who are both from William MacDonald School. So thank you and thanks to all the pages for all of your help and patience with us this week. Mahsi.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife North. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to also thank the pages for the tremendous work they've done this week, and I'd like to recognize the pages from PWK High School in Fort Smith, Elli MacDonald-Jaque, Kyla MacDonald-Schwartzenberger, Paisley Jones, and their chaperon Jana Jaque.

I'd also like to recognize Agatha [indiscernible]*, or Aggie as she's known. My MSA will be leaving this week, it's her last week, on to a new adventure, and I just wanted to thank her for all the tremendous work that she's done for me and everyone in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Thebacha. Colleagues, it's recognition of visitors in the gallery. Please focus on that, thank you.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize a visitor in the gallery who is right behind me; it's Christian Bittrolff. He's the president of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 2890. Thank you for being here today, Christian.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we have missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your chambers. I hope you are enjoying the proceedings. It is always nice to see people in the gallery and allowing us to be representatives for you here representing the people.

Acknowledgements. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Oral questions. Member from Yellowknife Centre.