Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

Mr. Speaker, colleagues, and most importantly, Northerners today, Mr. Speaker, as always of course, our system of consensus government at times can be a source of pride and on occasion we look to the parliamentary traditions and Indigenous values to guide us as we get to our outcome. While the Assembly operates with sometimes good consensus and sometimes less good consensus, we do our best to get there without an adversarial way but, unfortunately, winner takes all sometimes is the end result.

Right now, we use first-past-the-post system to elect MLAs to this chamber, despite the fact that the majority may not even be voting for those particular folks. In our territory we do appreciate, unlike other areas, the collective values of our voices, the voices of our people. We spend a lot of time trying to do that. I wouldn't imply other jurisdictions don't but I would say we spend an important amount of time to do this. And, Mr. Speaker, even the CEO of elections, with respect to voting, has consistently advocated for better ways to vote so we get people involved, modernize our system. That's why I am advocating again to adopt the preferential ballot system. It's time we make some technical changes. But we wouldn't be making changes to the House. We would just be making changes to how you get to the House, Mr. Speaker.

The fundamental values of democracy are decided by this 19 people, these folks. But it's time to bring into the conversation the people at the dinner tables, the coffee shops, you know, on the streets, wherever we go, even the hockey pits where people or parents are sitting there watching their kids play hockey.

Mr. Speaker, holding a public plebiscite, we could hold a non-binding plebiscite. We could have the courage to ask the people what do they really think. Imagine that, getting out there, getting direct democracy. Yukon held a plebiscite. 56 percent of the people voted for change. The party in power said thanks, but no thanks. But at least, I have to admire, they risked asking the question. And to us, I'd say be bold. Don't fear the fact that we might get their opinion. Be excited that they share it with us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Member for Thebacha.

Mr. Speaker, as we come to the close of what has truly been a marathon sitting of this Assembly, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude.

First and foremost, I want to thank my wife and my family. Like the families of every Member in this House, they make the real sacrifice so that we can be here doing the work for the people of the Northwest Territories. Time away from home is never easy and their patience, understanding, and encouragement make it possible for me to serve the residents of Thebacha and all Northerners. I know every Member here shares the same appreciation for the support of their loved ones.

I also need to thank the constituents of Thebacha and my constituency assistant Sarah Morris who is back in Fort Smith holding down the fort.

I would also like to recognize and thank all Members of the Legislative Assembly. While we may not always agree on every issue, we all come here with the same purpose: to do our best for the people we represent. The long hours, the debates, the committee work, the difficult decisions are all part of that responsibility, and I respect the dedication that each Member brings to this chamber.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the public service and to the staff of the Legislative Assembly. Much of the work that keeps this institution functioning happens behind the scenes. Your professionalism, participation, and commitment ensures that Members are able to do our jobs effectively.

I would also like to take this time to make a special thank you to our interpreters. Your work is essential to this Assembly. You help ensure that our proceedings are accessible and respectful of the many languages of the Northwest Territories, and your dedication during these long days and late evenings has not gone unnoticed.

Mr. Speaker, sessions like this remind us that governing is truly a team effort, from Members to staff to interpreters to the families who support us at home. It takes all of us working together.

Before I conclude, I would like to highlight an exciting weekend happening back home in Fort Smith. The community is gathering for the annual winter carnival, the Wood Buffalo Frolicks. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is always a wonderful event that brings residents together to celebrate the season, enjoy outdoor activities, and strengthen the strong sense of community that Fort Smith is known for. At the same time, the Joel Tetso Memorial Hockey Tournament will also be taking place. This tournament not only brings great hockey to the community but also honours the memory of Joel Tetso and continues to bring people together through sport, friendship, and community spirit. To every participating volunteer who organized these events, I wish you a safe and successful weekend. Mr. Speaker, with that, again, I'd like to thank everyone in this House. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Thebacha. I am being a little sentimental today. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, International Women's Day, we honour the strength, courage, and spirit of women everywhere. As an Indigenous woman, and as many Indigenous women, we grew up learning that we are the strongest when we help each other. Our elders teach us when we give our time, our support, and our kindness, we gain something important in return.

This year's theme, Give to Gain, is a reminder of that lesson. To the young women and the girls across the Northwest Territories, you matter. You carry the strength of your families, your ancestors. You carry languages, stories, traditions, that are powerful and important. Your dreams and goals are worth following. When you give encouragement to a young woman, you help build her confidence. When you share what you know, you help your community grow. When you take care of yourself, you show others that they can take care of themselves too. These are always ways of giving and each one helps us gain pride, courage, and stronger connection to who you are.

Today, we honour women who came before us: our mothers, our grandmothers, our aunties, knowledge-keepers, and community leaders. They faced many challenges, but they kept going. Their strength lives inside of all of us.

I'd also like to thank my own grandmother Esther Semmler, my great-grandmothers Agnes Semmler and Winnie Cockney, and many other strong women in my community that were able to give me the support that I needed, teach me the lessons that I needed to learn, and help me mold into the person that I am today.

As you move forward, remember this: You are capable, you are worthy, and you have a place in this world. Keep learning, keep trying, keep supporting one another. When you rise, our whole North rises with you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Inuvik Twin Lakes.

Colleagues, today, I want to celebrate the incredible journey of athletes from the Nahendeh riding as they prepare to represent our community, region and territories at the Arctic Winter Games. This event is more than an international competition - it is a celebration of who we are as Northerners: strong, resilient, and proud of where we come from.

For athletes from outside the big centres, the games offer not only the thrill of sport but the opportunity to represent our community, region, and territory on a truly global stage.

Each athlete standing before us carries a story of dedication and heart. Their path began at home on the frozen syne, in the gyms, and in the community rinks where dreams first took shape. Their hours of practice, their sacrifices, and their determination reflects the spirit that binds us all together. I look at how they carry with them the spirit of where they came from - the after-supper practices, the teamwork built in gyms, and the support of neighbours who cheer from the stands. Their dedication reminds us that every great accomplishment begins at home with communities that believe in our youth and invest in their dreams.

As they step onto the international stage, they do not stand alone. They carry with them the support, hope, and pride of every single one of us.

The Arctic Winter Games are about more than medals and athletic excellence. They are about connection and fostering friendships - a rare chance for young people from across the circumpolar world to meet, learn, and share their cultures. The friendships built there reminds us that we are part of something much larger - a northern family defined by unity, respect, and perseverance.

To Mia Hardisty, Gombee Joses, Ember Sibbeston, Payton Bennett, Blake Speed and Taagacho Jose, believe in yourselves. Trust in your training, your teammates, and the people who helped you get here. Compete with courage, lift others up, and embrace every moment of this incredible experience. You remind us that everything is possible when we come together as a community that believes in our youth.

On behalf of everybody here, congratulations on reaching this milestone. Your efforts remind us that when one of us succeeds, our whole community shines a little brighter.

I would be remiss if I do not recognize two Team NWT coaches from Fort Simpson: Shannon Cazon, one of the Dene games coaches, and Val Gendron, one of the speed skating coaches. Thank you for helping our youth.

Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the smallest Yellowknife North constituent in the gallery today, but I suspect could be the mightiest, Emmy Maximovich*, and her parents who are with us today. Thank you for coming and listening to us. We're happy to have you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize a page from Range Lake, Isaac Strader, who was with us for the marathon day yesterday. He's also great with a fidget spinner. Thank you so much for all the work you do, helping support your democracy and being a young leader in your community.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement, I forgot to include the Chipewyan translator, Dennis Drygeese. I'd just like to recognize him. And I'd like to recognize all the visitors here today. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Recognition of visitors in Gallery. If we've missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to your chambers. Oh no, I didn't see people -- sorry, Member from Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge and recognize all the interpreters here, Jonas and Maro Rose Sundberg as well, for their hard work in keeping our language alive. Thank you.

Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize all the interpreters who did a great job throughout the session period and, especially yesterday, went above and beyond their duties. I'd like to specifically point out Eleanor and her sister Karen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from the Mackenzie Delta. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Frame Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd just like to join my colleagues in a chorus of thank-yous in support and recognition of our interpreters and the wonderful work that they do. I particularly appreciate the prayers that they share with us every morning. It really helps ground me, and it helps me set up for what are often very difficult days. So I want to thank them. And also, you know, the various support staff in the building that we always need to acknowledge at the end of this long session. They truly are the engine that keeps this thing running, and I deeply appreciate their work. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from the Dehcho.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too rise and want to acknowledge and recognize our interpreters, MaryJane Cazon and Sarah Gargan from Providence, and for keeping our language alive. Mahsi. Thank you.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too will join my colleagues in recognizing the hard work our staff does behind the scenes here, the interpreters behind the glass and the clerks, the staff on the first floor, second floor. Thank you, everybody, and enjoy the spring, coming months.

Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Great Slave.