Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to creating prosperity for all our citizens and we recognize that residents of rural and remote communities have unique needs. We recognize that it can be difficult to communicate with government departments when people do not know who to contact or if they are not able to access on-line services.

INUVIK (May 9, 2014) – Premier Bob McLeod and NWT Association of Communities (NWTAC) President Tina Gargan will join with community leaders from across the Northwest Territories at the 48^th Annual General Meeting of the NWTAC in Inuvik today to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of Canadians during the 12-year military mission in Afghanistan.

YELLOWKNIFE (April 1, 2014) – The transfer of responsibilities for public land, water and resources in the NWT is now complete.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 27, 2014) – The Executive Council of the Northwest Territories has designated Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay as the Regulator of onshore oil and gas activities in the Northwest Territories outside of federal areas and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region effective April 1, 2014.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to review with Members the history, intent and features of the Ministerial Travel Reports.

The Ministerial Travel Report summarizes each trip undertaken by a Minister with respect to his or her particular portfolios. The Reports itemizes the destination, purpose, dates, method of travel and the total costs of any Ministerial travel over $250.00 charged to the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Today we remember a targeted attack on women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. This was a horrific act of violence, and we must all work together to ensure that this never happens again. We are all responsible for making our homes and communities safer by protecting victims and their children, holding violent people accountable for their actions, and providing opportunities for change.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 6, 2013) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) confirmed today that 120 employees of the federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) have accepted offers of employment with the GNWT to provide the experience and knowledge required to administer public land and resources after devolution. The jobs will begin on April 1, 2014.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 3, 2013) -- Premier Bob McLeod welcomed the introduction of Bill C-15 today, which includes legislative amendments needed to implement devolution. The Premier was in the House of Commons to witness the introduction of the bill by the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.

YELLOWKNIFE (November 15, 2013) – The Government of the Northwest Territories is joining the Government of Canada and other provinces and territories in responding to the typhoon-devastated Philippines by stepping up to help the island nation in its efforts to care for survivors.

To assist with humanitarian relief efforts, the Government of the NWT will contribute $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross.

(November 4, 2013) - Please be seated.

Speaker Jacobson, Premier McLeod, Members of the Legislative Assembly, ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to be here today to open the Fifth Session of the 17^th Legislative Assembly.