This is a great loss to Canada. Premier Lougheed was a great man and role model to many throughout our country. He was a visionary who believed that by working together, all Canadians could succeed. His tireless commitment to ensuring that Albertans would be the primary beneficiaries of the development of their own resources has been a model for me personally as Premier of the NWT as we negotiate a final devolution agreement that will give our own people control over and benefits from resource development.

I am pleased to be here in Beijing to speak to the Canada China Business Council about investment opportunities in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

The Northwest Territories economy has been built on luxury items – furs, gold and now diamonds. From the earliest days, our trappers provided beautiful, thick furs to buyers all over the world. They still do that. Wild fur from the Northwest Territories is of excellent quality and always in high demand at fur auctions. That makes us an ideal source of fur to supply China’s world leading fur garment industry.

September 5, 2012

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I am honoured to be here today to speak at the Expressions of Reconciliation Ceremony.  I stand before you as the minister of the Northwest Territories government department dedicated to educating the young people of the North.

I am aware that there is an historic connection between the department I am responsible for, and many of the events and experiences that are being shared around these circles this week.

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Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.  It is a pleasure to be here today at the Inuvik Petroleum Show.  I want to echo Premier McLeod’s comments on the fantastic job that Mayor Rodgers, Council members and the staff of the Town of Inuvik have done putting on this event. Thank you for extending to us, once again, that warm Inuvik hospitality we have come to expect at this important event.

June 14, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, this Assembly is committed to sustainable, vibrant, safe communities and to taking action against family violence.  Homes should be places where strong individuals and families support and love each other.  All people have the right to live free from the fear of violence in their own homes and communities.

June 14, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I rise to update Members on the status of the recent flooding in Nahanni Butte and the incredible efforts of many individuals and organizations who are working together to help ensure the safety of residents.

As is the nature of most emergencies, this event caught us by surprise. Water in the Liard River basin reached heights not seen in many years, and in fact, it may turn out to be a record year.

June 14, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to speak today about the successful negotiation of three new agreements with the bargaining units that represent our employees.

June 14, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment before we all leave for the summer to reflect on our accomplishments as a Legislative Assembly over the past few weeks.

This has been the first, extended working Session of the 17^th Assembly.  It has been a long Session, especially at this time of the year, but we have done some important work together.