Shane Thompson

Good afternoon. Colleagues, I am prepared to deliver my ruling on the Point of Order raised by the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh on February 10, 2026. I have reviewed the unedited Hansard for the exchange in question, and I do not agree that this constitutes a Point of Order.

I would first like to recognize that the Member felt personally impugned or that their relationship with an Indigenous leader had been called into question. However, there has been no unparliamentary language, no clear allegations against another Member, and no charges of false or hidden motives.

I recognize that there is a...

Colleagues, over the past year, you have heard some of the challenges the Fort Simpson District Education Authority has been going through. I can tell you, I have spoke with and advocated along side of them to help improved the education system in the community. These seven elected representatives of the community are parents, aunts and uncles of the students in the school system. Today I would like to recognize and celebrate them - a team that stands strong in its believe, dedication, and resolve to create lasting change in education for the community of Fort Simpson.

In every community...

Good afternoon. Colleagues, before we begin today, I want to take a moment to extend the condolences of this House, as well as my personal condolences, to those impacted by the tragic and horrendous events that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, BC, yesterday. Our hearts are with the residents of Tumbler Ridge at this time, and we will hold you all in our prayers. The flags at the Assembly will be at half-mast for the week to show respect and condolences for all of the families and community members impacted by this terrible event.

Colleagues, please join me in a moment of silence for all those who...

Colleagues, today, my Member's statement brings great news. Sometimes in life, you find yourself in the right place at the right time.

Last summer in Yellowknife, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Kenneth Peter Judge, visiting from Monaco. As we discussed his work, businesses, and personal life, I learned he was part of the legendary Australia II crew that ended America's 132-year winning streak in the 1983 America's Cup, a historic sailing triumph. Despite his achievements and honours like the Order of Australia, Ken came across as refreshingly down-to-earth. Our conversation turned to Clean...

Please be seated. Before we get into it, I'd just like to wish my twin daughters a happy birthday. So they turn 29 for some time, the addition, but I will just leave it at that. So happy birthday, my girls, Deborah and Nancy. I'd like to thank Ms. Cleary for the opening prayer and reflection.

Colleagues, it is with great regret that I advise the House of the passing of Dolphus Henry (Duffy) Cazon. Today, it is not to mourn his passing but to celebrate a life full of joy, generosity, and simple pleasures that touched us all.

Born on July 30, 1953, in Fort Simpson to Baptiste and Marie Alphonsine Cazon, Duffy was one of 17 children who grew up embracing the land alongside his siblings -- running, laughing, and learning the rhythms of our northern home. From his young days, Duffy's love for music lit up the room. He'd practice that accordion with such passion and later in life nothing...

Please be seated. Thank you, Joe Otokiak, for the prayer and reflections today.

Colleagues, when we started this sitting, I reminded you that we expect to hear respectful words and see respectful behaviour in this chamber. We have had three sitting days since I made those comments in my opening remarks and, honestly, I am disappointed.

When we are in this House, I don't want to hear heckling and jeering. I don't want to see eyes rolling or angry looks being directed at one another. I don't want to see and hear Members of this Assembly talking over one another or ignoring one another. This...

Colleagues, today, with great sadness, difficulty, and with a heavy heart, yet profound gratitude, to celebrate the extraordinary life of Cathy Kotchea Gonet. We are saying goodbye to an extraordinary woman - whose spirit, talent, compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication wove her deeply into the fabric of Fort Liard, Deh Cho region, and beyond. I know she touched countless lives within the community, region and the NWT.

Cathy's connection to traditional art was the heartbeat of her spirit. As the manager of the Acho Dene Native Craft Store, she poured her passion into getting art and...

Colleagues, I want to share a personal story from Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Five of my seven children were home in Fort Simpson for the week before Christmas. My daughter Jenny asked if we could all go out for lunch at the Pandaville. After a few questions, I agreed, and fifteen of us invaded the restaurant. After a wonderful meal and conversation, two plates of fortune cookies arrived. I opened mine first. It said something about a small, sweet thing that would steal my heart soon. I didn't think much of it. Then Grace opened hers and started to cry. She shared it with me: Get ready to...

Well, I just did my Member's statement. I have my youngest daughter and her family here, the three youngest grandchildren, Rhett, Roy or Billy, depending on what he wants to be called, Aurelia who is known as Hammy, and Ezra, who are the youngest grandchildren but will be replaced in June to be the next. So welcome to the Assembly. And my son-in-law Brendan. Thank you very much for attending, and I'll get to watch hockey this weekend with them. So welcome to the Assembly.

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