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Thank you Speaker Lafferty and good afternoon, everyone.

As Executive Assistant to former Commissioner John H. Parker for many years, and having worked with the Government of the Northwest Territories under Commissioner Hodgson’s leadership, I am honoured to have been asked to share with you this afternoon -- Mr. Parker’s tribute for Stuart M. Hodgson, our first resident Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Parker’s message is as follows:

Good Afternoon. I want to thank you all for being here today to honour Stuart Hodgson, a man who dedicated much of his life to the people of the North.  The effects of his dedication extend far past the time he spent here and it is my honour to talk about his legacy.

I would like to acknowledge Mr. Hodgson’s son Eugene, and grandson, Evan, who are both in attendance today to celebrate his life with us. As a father and Grandfather myself I see the sacrifices family members make in order to support the work and vision of those who have chosen a life of public service.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 18, 2016) – Premier Bob McLeod tabled the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) proposed mandate in the Legislative Assembly this afternoon. The mandate sets out 130 commitments the GNWT is proposing for advancing the priorities all Members of the 18^th Legislative Assembly (MLAs) agreed on in December.

Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly, honoured guests, people of the Northwest Territories…

It is with great joy and optimism that I welcome you back today into the Legislature.  The tasks at hand may seem insurmountable and daunting at times.  However, through your cooperation and commitment, there can be success and achievement. 

YELLOWKNIFE (February 15, 2016) – The Government of the Northwest Territories will hold a public memorial service to celebrate the life of former Commissioner Stuart Hodgson on February 19 at 3:00 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife. A reception hosted by Commissioner George Tuccaro will follow.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 8, 2016) – Premier Bob McLeod announced today that Cabinet has initiated the process for working with Members of the 18^th Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to determine prudent and responsible solutions to the financial challenges identified by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). The announcement follows meetings between Minister of Finance Robert C.

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Thank you for that introduction, Deb, and good evening everyone.

I would like to begin tonight by acknowledging that this conference is taking place on the traditional lands of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tseil-Waututh First Nations.

The mining industry has played a significant role in the economic prosperity of the Northwest Territories and there are a number of individuals present this evening that have contributed greatly the industry’s success in our territory and deserve recognition tonight.

YELLOWKNIFE (January 25, 2016) – Premier of the Northwest Territories and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) Bob McLeod will attend the 2016 Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver, BC this week. The Premier will promote the importance of the resource development industry to the Northwest Territories economy, highlighting the need for continued infrastructure investment and completion of a made-in-the-North regulatory regime that facilitates responsible development in line with NWT priorities and values.

YELLOWKNIFE (January 21, 2016) – Premier Bob McLeod welcomes the findings of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board’s report highlighting the need for infrastructure investment that would contribute not only to resource development and economic growth, but support social development.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 22, 2015) – Premier Bob McLeod issued the following statement on announced reductions by Finance Canada to Government of Canada transfer payments to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) for the 2016-17 fiscal year: