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.

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.

Mr. Speaker, concluding land, resources and self-government agreements is an essential element of the political evolution of the Northwest Territories and the foundation for our future economic and political stability.

Mr. Speaker, the development of the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy was an important step in setting the stage for the pending devolution of responsibilities for lands and resources to the GNWT.