(February 27, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to confirm that the Government of the Northwest Territories’ new Reservist leave policy allows public service employees to take unpaid time off to serve with the Canada Reserve Force, part of the Canadian Forces.

(February 27, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, tourism is a vital industry here in the Northwest Territories. It is our largest renewable industry and attracted close to 70,000 visitors and over $100 million in new spending last year. Of all sectors, tourism presents the greatest likelihood of creating economic opportunities in each region – especially in the smaller communities. 

Because the importance – and the potential – of our tourism industry, it is critical that we develop effective plans to market the NWT’s outstanding range of tourism products.  

(February 27, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, today is the official Anti-Bullying Day, a day celebrated during the last Wednesday of February of each year. I am pleased we are wearing pink carnations today, marking a day of protest against bullying. This action was started by two brave young men in Nova Scotia, David Shepherd and Travis Price, who gave away 50 pink shirts after a grade 9 student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 26, 2013) – A new traditional games championship hosted by the Aboriginal Sport Circle and sponsored by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) and Sport Canada begins this Friday, March 1st in Yellowknife.

(February 25, 2013) - Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I'll try to keep my remarks brief. After all, it's said that most speakers need no introduction. What they need is a conclusion. This event is always one of my favourites and I’m happy to see everyone is enjoying the spirit of entrepreneurism to the fullest here this evening!

(February 25, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, oil and gas development has the potential to grow and diversify the Northwest Territories economy, a key priority of this Government.  Nowhere has this reality been more apparent than in the Sahtu Region. Today I would like to give this Assembly an update on the activity in the Sahtu over the past few months and the plans for moving forward.

(February 25, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on plans for supported housing for seniors. One of the priorities of the NWT Housing Corporation’s strategic plan, Building for the Future, was to develop infrastructure based on community needs including approaches to support housing for seniors and aging in place.

(February 25, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, last week, we learned of the tragic loss of two truck drivers and serious injuries to a third person as a result of a collision between two commercial vehicles. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families and friends of those who perished and to the survivor who is now recovering from the injuries sustained in the collision. This is a tragedy that has had a devastating effect on the families and loved ones involved.   Our condolences go out to those affected by this terrible event.

(February 25, 2013) - Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a distinct honour for me to be here tonight among this exceptional community of northerners as part of this premiere signature event - and to celebrate everything that is so exciting about the Northern business community.

(February 22, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, it is a priority of this government that children get the best possible start in life so they can reach their full potential. It is important that we continue investment in Early Childhood Development as this is an investment in the future of our children.

In January of this year, in partnership with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, we hosted a roundtable to identify priorities for a renewed Early Childhood Development framework. I am pleased to report that the roundtable was a success.