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.

Honourable members, thank you for the invitation to address the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. I am pleased to be here on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories to speak to you about Bill C-15, the Northwest Territories Devolution Act.

Devolution of responsibility for public lands, resources and water has been a priority for the people and Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories for many years.

Good morning and thanks for meeting with us today.  We have just come from Beijing and I have to say, I’m really pleased to see so much fur and fur trim on the high-end garments we have been seeing on the streets of China during our visit.  The heart of fashion really does beat strong here.

I would like to open our roundtable discussion here today by giving you a bit of information about tourism in Canada and the Northwest Territories.

Canada is a huge country with many diverse regions offering great tourism opportunities for Chinese people. Wherever you are in Canada, our vast wilderness and major cities alike offer the traveler the chance to explore, discover and experience something new every time. Whether you are interested in arts and culture, fine dining or outdoor adventure, Canada has got it.

Thank you to Consul General Rick Savone and the members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, for hosting us today. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year!

It is my pleasure to be here in Shanghai to speak on behalf of the Northwest Territories during our Trade Mission to China. Events like these provide us with an opportunity to continue to expand our networks and deepen our productive relationships in an effort to develop trade and investment opportunities between Canada and China.