Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I had the opportunity to recognize award recipients within the Government of the Northwest Territories and their collaborative partners from outside the public service with the Premier’s Awards for Excellence and Collaboration in a ceremony in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly. 

These innovative, engaged staff are essential in providing the best possible service to the people of the Northwest Territories, and I am pleased to announce the recipients of the 2015 Premier’s Awards. 

Award for Excellence – Individuals:

YELLOWKNIFE (June 2, 2015) – The Northwest Territories diamond industry took the stage at the industry’s premiere trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada this past weekend.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Members back to the continuation of the Fifth Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly. We have been working together for almost four years now on our vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories.
We have made progress on that vision in our time together, and I thank Members for their support and guidance on the many projects and initiatives we have successfully introduced.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to advise Members of the passing of Mr. George Braden this past Monday in Ottawa.

Mr. Braden was a long time Northerner who graduated from Sir John Franklin Territorial High School before studying political science at the University of Alberta and Dalhousie University.

YELLOWKNIFE (May 27, 2015) – Premier Bob McLeod offered his condolences to Ms. Lise Beaudry-Braden and the family and friends of Mr. George Braden today on news of his passing.

Yellowknife (May 26, 2015) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) supports the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s (NTPC) decision to submit a proposal in the upcoming competitive process for the Hay River electrical utility franchise.

YELLOWKNIFE (May 12, 2015) – The Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG), composed of provincial and territorial Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs and National Aboriginal Organization (NAO) Leaders, met in Yellowknife today to review progress and explore future opportunities to be advanced in the priority areas of education, economic development, housing, ending violence against Aboriginal women and girls, disaster mitigation and emergency management in Aboriginal communities.

YELLOWKNIFE (May 11, 2015) –  Premier Bob McLeod and President James Wilson signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Capacity Building between the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC).

YELLOWKNIFE (May 8, 2015) – Premier Bob McLeod today announced that Ms. Bronwyn Watters has been named as the new Deputy Minister of Human Resources.

Ms. Watters is a longtime Northerner with a 35-year career in public service. She is a former Deputy Minister of Justice and has previously held senior positions in Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services.

YELLOWKNIFE (May 7, 2015) – NWT Premier Bob McLeod would like to congratulate Alberta Premier-designate Rachel Notley on her win this week in the provincial elections.