Richard Edjericon

I now call Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of committee? Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the finance Minister. Well, the biggest thing that I'm a little worried about is austerity, and I brought this up in the last Assembly. And when the Minister of the day had mentioned that this issue would be brought to the next Assembly to look at, so here we are today. So I'm just want to raise this because it's a concern. You know, will

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Minister of Finance. I think the biggest thing I keep thinking about is the overall deficit of this government. And looking back at the budget books, we're about $1.6 billion and one of the things we don't talk about is balancing the overall budget. So the question to the Minister is prioritizing balancing the budgets of this new government, can you tell me how would you approach on that? Thank you.

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.