Richard Edjericon

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over recent years, many have stood up in the House to warn that our territorial financial outlook was worsening yet the government of the day just keep kicking the problem down the road so that hard choices will fall onto someone else's shoulders. Now it sounds like we can't ignore our finances any longer.

I understand that there's talk about cuts coming on the horizon. Like every northern family, the government must come to terms with reality and live within its means. My people understand that our territory can't keep spending more than we take in every year, but the...

Thank you. There is a motion on the floor to report progress. The motion is in order and nondebatable. All those in favour? Motion passed. Okay, the motion is carried.

Carried

I will now rise and report progress.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the grand chief of the Tlicho region, Mr. Jackson Lafferty. Mahsi and welcome.

And an old friend of mine, Tony Whitford. I seen him at Tim Hortons coffee shop. It's always good to see you.

And former colleague as well, Rocky Simpson Senior. Mahsi.

And the mayor from Inuvik as well, Clarence wood. Thank you.

I seek unanimous consent.

Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Her passing hits Fort Resolution very hard. Her colleagues together all fondly recall how much brighter she made her workplace every day. Her family will never forget her big hugs, warm greetings, her laughter and joyful smile. She was an inspiration for all that knew her. The memories of her incredibly caring personality will live on forever. She will be deeply missed, and I wish all the best for her family and friends as they grieve her loss. May she rest in peace. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, today as we begin our sessions, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the victims of the devastating plane crash that took the lives of six extraordinary people last month in Fort Smith. They were taken from their loved ones too soon, in a sudden accident that has shaken the Northwest Territories to its very core. That flight to Diavik was carrying some of the North's best and brightest. Many on board had their whole lives ahead of them. They all had so much love to give, and they were not ready to say goodbye. Their passing impacts everyone across the North in many...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Rocky Sr. and his wife Bette Lyons. And also want to recognize William Greenland. He's also in the healing and trauma field. I want to say welcome. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to say congratulations to you as Speaker. In the early days we used to play hockey when we were young and good looking, now we're just good looking.

Also I want to say congratulations to the newly elected Premier R.J. Simpson, and Minister Wawzonek, Minister Cleveland, Minister Kuptana, Minister Semmler, and Minister MacDonald. And I want to say congratulations to all my colleagues, MLAs. I look forward to working with you.

I would like to thank all my constituents, my family, my friends, to represent you as the Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh MLA for the 20th...

Out of respect for Jackie, I think I'll let him go.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Premier. 1978, when the satellite came down, it was a year later that another Russian satellite that came down I can't remember where it was in I think it was in South America, in and around that area. You know, and it happened not just once but twice. And it's I think we need to you know, the Prime Minister of Canada really needs to take ownership of this and listen to what the people are saying here in the Northwest Territories. Listen to what my constituents are saying here in our riding. And, you know, it's the evidence are there. The proof is...