Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document: Government of the Northwest Territories Summary of Commitments to Enhance the 2026-2027 Main Estimates. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister of Finance. Tabling of documents. Member from Mackenzie Delta.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the Plain Language Summary for Bill 46, Prevention of Proceedings that Hamper Expression on Matters of Public Interest Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the Statement of Consistency for Bill 46, Prevention of Proceedings that Hamper Expression on Matters of Public Interest Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Tabling of documents. Member from Yellowknife Centre.

No, Mr. Speaker. I was raising --

(audio) North.

Thank you. Tabling of documents.

I wish to table the Summary of Members' Absences for the Period of October 15th, 2025, through February 3rd, 2026.

Tabling of documents. Member from the Sahtu.

Mr. Speaker, can we go back to the recognition of visitors in the gallery, please.

Member from the Sahtu is asking unanimous consent for recognition of visitors in the gallery. Seeing no nays, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've been honoured to be joined by a delegation today from the Tlego'hli Got'ine government. I am not quite sure all who's in the building but I will recognize the list I have here. I see President Sherry Hodgson; vice-president Heidi Hodgson; treasurer secretary Jackie MacDonald; director Laurel MacDonald; director Lisa MacDonald; chief negotiator, a former MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew; elder and community advisor Margaret MacDonald; legal counsel David Rolf; and, advisor Paul Tan. I am excited to welcome them to the Assembly for a celebration on their self-government agreement Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the Premier for that announcement. I too would like to share my pleasure in recognizing the delegation from the Tlego'hli Got'ine government, starting with Sherry Hodgson, the President of the organization; Heidi Hodgson, the vice-president; Jackie MacDonald, Treasurer Secretary; Laurel MacDonald, director; Lisa MacDonald, director; Ethel Blondin-Andrew, chief negotiator; Margaret MacDonald, elder and community advisor; and legal counsel David Rolf; and, advisor Paul Tan. Welcome to the Assembly and welcome to the celebration on the self-government status.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize the Tlego'hli Got'ine government that are here, and also former MP Ethel Blondin. It's good to see her here. Welcome. And also I would like to recognize Bertha Kavik, one of the translators here as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member in the -- Premier recognized this exciting moment, and we're looking forward. We'll try to get everything done by 2 o'clock so we can have your celebration so something that you well deserve. So welcome to our Assembly.

Tabling of documents. Notices of motion. Motions. Notices of motion for the first reading of bills. Oh sorry, A little bit too quick there. Trying to get done by two. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I suspect we'll all welcome this motion.

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that notwithstanding Rule 2.1, when the House adjourns on Friday, March 6, 2026, it shall be adjourned until Wednesday, May 27, 2026;

AND FURTHER, that any time prior to May 27, 2026, 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. Motions. Oh sorry, Motion's in order. To the motion.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? All those abstaining? Motion carried.

---Carried

Now I can go Motions. Notices of motion for the first reading of bills. First reading of bills. Second Reading of bills. Member from Mackenzie Delta.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker,.

I move, seconded by the honourable Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, that Bill 46, Prevention of Proceedings that Hamper Expression on Matters of Public Interest Act, be read for a second time.

I am pleased to introduce the second reading of Bill 46, Prevention of Proceedings that Hamper Expression on Matters of Public Interest Act. This is a bill to encourage people to express themselves on matters of public interest and to promote free and open debate on those matters. Another word for this type of legislation is anti-SLAPP legislation. A SLAPP is a strategic lawsuit against public participation. SLAPPs are lawsuits used to delay or silence individuals who speak out on matters of public interest.

The bill offers protection to people being sued in court for expressing themselves on matters of public interest. The purpose is to protect innocent people from being bullied or gagged by lawsuits just for speaking their mind. This type of legislation exists in many jurisdictions across Canada. This House adopted a motion to develop this type of legislation back in the 18th Assembly.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this important and long overdue bill through the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from the Mackenzie Delta. To the motion.