Mr. Speaker, the 17^th Legislative Assembly identified the need to enhance addictions treatment programs as a key priority. Our government is committed to making sure that NWT residents have the tools and support they need to overcome their addictions challenges.

Addictions is linked to poverty and to educational achievement. Addictions can affect parents’ ability to care for their children and meet their needs. Their impact goes well beyond the individual. Families, communities and even our economy can be affected.

"I am very pleased to announce that for the second year in a row the Government of the Northwest Territories has been chosen as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. This award is presented by Canada’s Top Employers at Mediacorp Canada Inc., which manages the competition in partnership with the Globe and Mail, and recognizes employers across Canada with exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness practices.

Mr. Speaker, last month I accompanied Premier Bob McLeod and Mr. Robert Hawkins, Member for Yellowknife Centre, along with delegates from our Territory’s business community on a trade mission to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The business representatives from the Northwest Territories were Mr. Robin Goad, President of Fortune Minerals; Ms. Verda Law, Yellowknife Tours; Mr. Deepak Kumar, Deepak International; Mr. Fernando Alvarez, President of Jacques Cartier Clothier; and Mr. Mark Downey, CEO of Fur Harvesters Auction Ltd.

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to this Assembly’s goal of helping our residents become healthy, educated people free from poverty. A strong territory needs a strong society and all residents of the NWT should have the chance to enjoy the benefits of living in a prosperous, well-governed territory and to participate fully in a healthy, just society.

Last June, I was pleased to table the Anti-Poverty Strategic Framework: Building on the Strengths of Northerners. This important document represents input from key stakeholders and was an important first step.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand to address Members today on the incredible achievements of three northern Olympians.

I am, of course, referring to Biathlete Brendan Green of Hay River; Speed Skater Michael Gilday of Yellowknife and Cross Country Skier Jesse Cockney, who was born in Yellowknife and now lives in Canmore, Alberta.

Mr. Speaker, this Assembly’s vision of healthy, educated people contributing to a strong and prosperous Northern society starts in early childhood. The Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services have worked collaboratively to craft a renewed Early Childhood Development Action Plan based on best practices, national and international research, and the wisdom of our Elders.

This Action Plan is the companion document to the Early Childhood Development Framework tabled in May 2013, and we will be tabling it later today.

Mr. Speaker, the first five years of a child’s life are critical to creating a foundation for their healthy physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. Supporting child-care programs is one of the priorities of this Legislative Assembly. The Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services worked in partnership and developed the Early Childhood Development Action Plan. It will provide accessible quality early childhood and parental programs and services for all Northwest Territories families.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to review with Members the history, intent and features of the Ministerial Travel Reports.

The Ministerial Travel Report summarizes each trip undertaken by a Minister with respect to his or her particular portfolios. The Reports itemizes the destination, purpose, dates, method of travel and the total costs of any Ministerial travel over $250.00 charged to the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome Members back to the continuation of the Fifth Session of the 17^th Legislative Assembly.

This is our final sitting before the transfer of responsibility for public land, water and resources from the Government of Canada on April 1, 2014. The next time we meet, the Legislative Assembly and its Members will have substantial new powers to make decisions on behalf of the people who elected us.

Good afternoon, I’d like to welcome you all to today’s devolution information session on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories. With me today are Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay and Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Michael Miltenberger. We are all pleased at the interest the Northwest Territories is receiving and are glad that you could join us here today.

You, probably better than most, know what kind of potential the Northwest Territories has.