Mr. Speaker, as of April 1^st we are finally going to have legislative authority over water, excluding the offshore, in our Territory.

This is major step forward for the people of the Northwest Territories as water binds us together. We share with all NWT residents the desire to safeguard our water resources for current and future generations.

New responsibilities assumed by Environment and Natural Resources under the new NWT Waters Act will enable us to do this.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak today on the Department of Lands’ role in the new Regulatory Regime in the Northwest Territories post-Devolution. The NWT Devolution of Lands and Resources Agreement will bring significant changes to the Northwest Territories. The Department of Lands has a key role in ensuring that the sustainable use of public land reflects the priorities and values of Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes that our future prosperity is heavily dependent on the responsible development of our abundant natural resources. On April 1, 2014, our government will be assuming new responsibilities for the administration of public lands, resources and rights in respect of waters.

Mr. Speaker, culture and language support our identity and help strengthen the common goals of NWT communities. I am pleased to announce that, through the work of the Department of Human Resources, the Government of the Northwest Territories is now able to offer Certificates of Recognition to our employees in each of the 11 Official Languages of the Northwest Territories. Certificates of Recognition are presented to employees who have shown dedication and commitment to the public service and include both long service and retirement.

Mr. Speaker, in the Northwest Territories addiction to drugs or alcohol is the number one issue facing many northern inmates. The Department of Justice is taking steps to enhance addictions programs through the Corrections Service.

Mr. Speaker, our government is in the final stages of entering into a Memorandum of Agreement with our federal counterparts that will see Northerners servicing RCMP assets in the Northwest Territories.

In the past, the federal government’s southern contractor arranged services for the operations, maintenance and minor renovation of RCMP houses, detachments and other assets. There are 112 RCMP facilities in 24 communities. With the contract due for renewal, we saw the opportunity for a more economical alternative.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak on the topic of child and family services. The 16^th Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Social Programs undertook a comprehensive review of the Child and Family Services Act, highlighting the importance of this area and the need for fundamental change in how we do business.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment wishes to recognize the dedication and service of the educators who have contributed to the well-being, support and education of our students.

The Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association was founded 60 years ago, with just 60 teachers, including those from the Western and Eastern Arctic, eventually becoming a member of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation. As we proudly recognize this anniversary, the NWTTA now represents more than 800 teachers in 49 schools, demonstrating tremendous growth in the territory.

Mr. Speaker, later today at the appropriate time, I will table Northern Lands, Northern Leadership: The Government of the Northwest Territories Land Use and Sustainability Framework. Completion of this document is a significant achievement and a major step in this government’s final preparations to assume new responsibilities for public lands, water and resources on April 1^st.

Good evening everyone, tonight we are celebrating the success of our Hay River business community – a community that sees challenges as opportunities and creatively and willingly responds to change. These strengths are the key to a successful business. Ladies and gentleman, this event is always one of my favourites and I'm happy to have a chance to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship here with you this evening.