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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.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to provide Members with more background on our fiscal situation.

As Members heard, on February 16, 2016, the federal Finance Minister announced a partial restoration of $24 million in annual Territorial Formula Financing funding lost through the unintended consequences of the data methodology revisions.

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. 

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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 (October 20, 2015) – On behalf of the residents of the Northwest Territories, I would like to congratulate Prime Minister designate Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada on their election victory last night. We are confident that Mr. Trudeau’s background and many travels in the North will help him bring a good understanding of the issues that matter to Northerners as he forms his government and begins to implement his vision for our country.

Mr. Speaker, the high cost of living has been identified as a significant concern for Northwest Territories residents.  The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to addressing the many factors that contribute to this challenge, including the high cost of food in many communities.

Mr. Speaker, technology could be a game-changer for Inuvik’s economy. Due to its northern location and the frequent passes of satellites, Inuvik is becoming an attractive area for technological investment.

Mr. Speaker, the cost of energy is one of the leading contributors to the high cost of living in the Northwest Territories. Wherever possible, our government has been seeking opportunities to pass savings to our residents, and today I can report that the ongoing low wholesale price for heating fuel and gasoline has made it possible for the Department of Public Works and Services to pass on savings to residents in two of our smaller communities.