Shane Thompson

Colleagues, Asger "Red" Pedersen was a respected leader, public servant, and former Speaker of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly passed away on May 30, 2025. He was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, November 19, 1935. He came to the Canadian Arctic in 1953 with the Hudson's Bay Company and went on to dedicate his life to the people and communities of the North.

Mr. Pedersen was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1983, representing the Kitikmeot West constituency during the 10th and 11th Assemblies. He served as a Member of the Executive Council, holding numerous portfolios...

Yes, please.

Please be seated. Colleagues, before we get going, I'd like to welcome the students from NJ McPherson, the grade 5 glass. So we're going to be on our best behaviour, right, colleagues, for our amazing students. So welcome to our Assembly.

Colleagues, on March 16th, 2025, Reginald Bellefontaine, also known as Reg, passed away in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Reg was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, known for his boundless generosity and his knack for turning life into an adventure. A master of laughter and magic, Reg had an extraordinary ability to bring joy to those around him, whether through his memorable treasure hunts for his children and grandchildren, his quick wit, or the countless projects he took on.

Reg moved to Fort Simpson in 1996 with his wife Lois who was a nurse at the Fort Simpson Health Centre for...

I'd like to thank Suzie Napayok for the opening, guiding words. Colleagues, I'd like to draw our attention to the presence of Daryl Dolynny in the gallery, a Member of the 17th Legislative Assembly. Welcome back to our Assembly.

Colleagues, Betty Ann was born on February 2nd, 1968, the daughter of Jo and Alice Villenueve, in Fort Simpson. She was a sister to four siblings and mother to Skyler, Steven and Cheyenne. Betty Ann spent her life in Fort Simpson, close to her family and those she grew up with.

When she was young, she was known to be close with her father Jo and a bit of a daddy's girl. Often, Jo was the only one who could get Betty Ann to do anything, and it was through him that Betty Ann learned to love dancing, as they would often be dancing and jigging together. Sometimes her brother Jo would join them. It...

Please be seated. Colleagues, before we get going with my opening remarks, I would like to thank D'Arcy Jay Moses for the vest he made for me. It took a little time but I got this beautiful vest, and I can still smell the moose hide. So I greatly appreciate his work, and I thank him very much.

Today's speech is probably not what you want to hear, but it's going to happen anyway.

Good afternoon. I'd like to thank the Dene Drummers for the opening song today. Colleagues, welcome back to the House. Also, I'd like to thank elder Shirley Elias for opening this session with a prayer. Thank you.

I'm...

Colleagues, Hilary Yvonne Norwegian was born on October 22nd, 1990, to Wanda Norwegian and Harold Sanguez. She was the eldest daughter of the family. She passed away suddenly on February 12th, 2025. She grew up in Jean Marie River where she attended school and was a very happy child and a favourite among many in the community. She was living in Fort Simpson with her partner when she passed away.

I had the pleasure of knowing this young lady in the community. She always had a smile on her face and was willing to help whenever she could. I could say she was a very hard worker. She liked to do a...

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...

Colleagues, you just heard me give a statement about a friend of mine. He's up here in the -- sorry, I'm getting a little emotional here. I'd like to recognize Colin MacPherson as well as my friends and colleagues Damon Crosmann, Alicia Korol, Alison Brown, Conan Donahue, as well as the deputy minister Gary Brennan and, you know, my former MSA but he was also the executive director of the recreation and parks. Welcome to our Assembly.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Hay River South.