Mr. Speaker, improving procurement services is helping the Government of the Northwest Territories achieve this Assembly’s goal of more effective and efficient government. By strengthening our procurement practices we are making sure that local businesses can benefit from government contracting opportunities and that our high standards of fiscal responsibility are maintained.

On April 1^st, the Procurement Shared Services Centre in the Department of Public Works and Services began operating government-wide in order to better support these goals.

Mr. Speaker, a skilled workforce is a prerequisite for growing a strong, diversified economy in this territory and our government is doing its part by supporting training and certification programs. This year marks the 50th anniversary of apprenticeship training and certification in the Northwest Territories. Since 1964 more than 2600 apprentices have been trained and certified as journeypersons in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, with viable markets, a healthy stock of freshwater fish, and growing interest, we are working with our partners and the fishers on Great Slave Lake to breathe new life into the Northwest Territories fishing industry. Today, I am pleased to share with Members some of the steps we are taking to encourage the resurgence of the NWT fishing industry.

Mr. Speaker, November 6-12, 2014 is National Seniors’ Safety Week and it is a good opportunity to remember the important role that Seniors and Elders play in our communities.

Elders are the heart of our communities, providing guidance, care for children, and serving as volunteers. But as they age, Seniors often require a greater level of support than others.

The Government has taken several steps to restructure our system so that it is responsive, comfortable and efficient when it comes to meeting the needs of Seniors. 

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Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I would like to thank Councilor Cecilia Beaulieu from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation for her welcoming remarks. On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I would like to also welcome you here this evening to discuss the energy opportunities and challenges facing the Northwest Territories today.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is committed to supporting the development of an educated, skilled and trained northern workforce. As stated in the Economic Outlook 2014-15 report, we have an incredible future with a potential for more than 4.5 billion dollars in new investment in the NWT planned over the next several years. With these investments come many new jobs and opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to tell you about “Building a Northern Evidence-Based Approach to Crime Prevention”, a new pan-territorial research initiative that the Northwest Territories Department of Justice is participating in with Yukon and Nunavut.

Mr. Speaker, as we head into this year’s heating season, I would like to take this opportunity to update Members on the energy conservation work that the Department of Public Works and Services has been doing.

Mr. Speaker, wild fur from the NWT, branded and sold under our Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Label, is world-renowned for its high quality and obtains top prices at auction. Our trappers are experts in proper fur handling and preparation and have earned a reputation as some of the best in their trade.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advise this House that the government has listened to the feedback we have received to date from Members about Junior Kindergarten.

In an effort to respond to what Members have told us, while at the same time not wanting to disrupt parents and schools that are in the midst of delivering Junior Kindergarten we have made the following decision.