Joe Handley

Mr. Speaker, any decision requires a lot of consultation and discussion. I think over the last days since our government was elected, we've had a lot of discussions and I think a lot of topics were dealt with. We certainly want to continue with that kind of consultation. In arriving at a decision, then we will work very closely with committee. We will bring the information we have, we will listen to what the concerns are and then we will proceed. In the end, a decision has to be made and I think that in the end, it will fall to us as a government to make that final decision after the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d also like to recognize two constituents. First of all, Major Karen Hoeft with the Salvation Army and a constituent; also Pierre LeBlanc with Canadian Diamond Consultants and one of my constituents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the passing of Dennie Lennie of Inuvik. Dennie was a highly respected northerner, a person who contributed to the development of the Northwest Territories in many ways.

Dennie was an active member of the NWT business community as the owner of Arctic Esso in Inuvik.

Dennie was very active in the Inuvialuit organizations where he served in a variety of capacities. For the past 10 years, Dennie served as chair and chief executive officer of the Inuvialuit Development Corporation, one of the most successful aboriginal business corporations in Canada. He...

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, December 15, 2003, I will move that Bill 1, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2003-2004, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have an emergency statement.

This morning in Ottawa, the Honourable Paul Martin officially took the reins as the 21st Prime Minister of Canada.

On behalf of the 15th Legislative Assembly and the people of the Northwest Territories, I would like to publicly congratulate the Prime Minister as he assumes his new responsibilities.

With the appointment of his new Cabinet this morning, Prime Minister Martin has provided a new outlook and fresh approach that I believe will be reflected in a new and vibrant relationship between the Northwest Territories and Ottawa.

I was pleased...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to first recognize my wife Theresa. I hope she continues to recognize me.

---Laughter

I would also like to recognize Mayor Gordon Van Tighem from the city of Yellowknife and also all the deputy ministers who are sitting here nervously today.

---Laughter

Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize all the other people who work behind the scenes who keep our government functioning well, particularly board members and board chairpersons. I see Andy Wong from the Workers’ Compensation Board; Reanna Erasmus, a constituent and chairperson of the Yellowknife school...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, want to congratulate you on your election as Speaker. The words that you spoke today, the directions that you’ve given us will be taken very seriously and we certainly look forward to working under your guidance. I’d also like to welcome all the returning Members and a special welcome and congratulations to the new Members of this House.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all the people of Weledeh for their unanimous support for me to represent them for another four years, at least. I want to have a special thank you to my campaign committee and all of the...