Mr. Speaker, later this week I will be participating in the meeting of First Ministers in Vancouver where I will have the opportunity to collaborate on areas of priority to residents of the Northwest Territories, including the economy and climate change.
Mr. Speaker, advancing, finalizing and implementing land, resources and self-government agreements is one of the key priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly and one of my personal priorities.
(YELLOWKNIFE – February 23, 2016) Premier Bob McLeod named Ms. Kelly Kaylo as acting Deputy Minister of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) today. Ms. Kaylo replaces Mr. Peter Vician, who is retiring from the Government of the Northwest Territories after 34 years of service. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has undertaken an executive search process to identify a permanent replacement for Mr. Vician.
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Thank you for the invitation to join you today.
Like you, I am looking forward to hearing from Nicole (guest speaker) – and so will not take up much of your time today.
I did, however, want to take the opportunity today to congratulate President Rene and your new Board; and to confirm - to all of you - our commitment, as government, to maintaining the valued relationship we have with this Chamber.
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Speaker Lafferty, Commissioner Tucaroo, Former Commissioner Whitford, Premier McLeod, Ministers, Members of the NWT Legislative Assembly, fellow Northerners.
Thank-you very much on behalf of the entire Hodgson family back in BC for this wonderful memorial tribute to my dad and for inviting my son Evan and I to attend.
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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 18th 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.
