YELLOWKNIFE (June 11, 2014) – I was deeply saddened today to learn of the loss of Robert Alexie Jr., President of the Gwich’in Tribal Council.

President Alexie was a strong leader who helped shape the political landscape of Northwest Territories through his important work on the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement and the NWT Devolution Agreement. His support of devolution was extremely valuable in helping us achieve that important milestone.

Mr. Speaker, one of the aims of devolution was giving Northwest Territories residents the powers and authorities they need to turn Northern potential into prosperity for themselves and the country.

Mr. Speaker, our work on Education Renewal and Innovation is well underway, with more feedback, information and support coming forward as we share our work with Northern stakeholders and experts in the field.

Mr. Speaker, the long-term health of our land, water and environment is critically important to Northerners. Devolution has given the Government and Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories new powers for managing the land and its resources sustainably and responsibly. The new Department of Lands has been established to help fulfill our new responsibilities and meet the expectations of Northerners. I am pleased to speak to Members today about the work that the new Department has been doing since April 1^st.

As Members of this House are aware the Government of the Northwest Territories will host the 32^nd Annual Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women on June 19 and 20, 2014 in Dettah. I look forward to co-chairing this important meeting with the Honourable Kellie Leitch, the Federal Minister for the Status of Women.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart, shock and sadness that I speak to you today about the tragedy that occurred last evening in Moncton, New Brunswick. As you have probably heard on the news, three RCMP officers lost their lives in the line of duty in a way that makes no sense to any of us.

Mr. Speaker, last week I informed the Assembly that officials from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment would be meeting with officials from the two Yellowknife Education Authorities to compare financial numbers about Junior Kindergarten. I would like to advise the Assembly of the results of those meetings, because I think they confirmed that there is a lot of incorrect information floating around about Junior Kindergarten.

Mr. Speaker, June 15^th to 21^th is National Public Service Week. This year’s theme is “Proudly Serving Canadians”. National Public Service Week provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the contribution and accomplishments of public service employees across Canada, and especially here in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, two years ago, the 17^th Legislative Assembly made supporting sustainable, vibrant, safe communities one of its goals. Today, I wish to advise Members on Municipal and Community Affairs’ efforts to help achieve that important goal. I am referring to efforts that are underway to help ensure the safety and security of Northwest Territories residents by assisting with community emergency preparedness.

Mr. Speaker, healthy educated people are a priority for this Assembly and our government continues to investigate ways to support our children’s development and give them the right start in life.