Mr. Speaker, the anthrax outbreak this summer in the Mackenzie Bison Range was the largest we have experienced in Northern Canada. 

At least one-third of the Mackenzie wood bison herd was lost and included bulls, cows and calves.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment continues improving its programming to ensure adult learners have the tools they require for fulfilled, prosperous lives.

The Department has been developing a process for adults to receive their high school diploma, called the Adult Recognition Model, or ARM. Through ARM, adults enrolled in Adult Literacy and Basic Education programs may receive high school credits for a combination of academic course work and knowledge or skills they have gained through life experience.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, the Town of Hay River celebrated the opening of a new, federally certified egg-grading station for the Northwest Territories. 

The event marked a new era for egg production in the NWT.  The new state-of-the-art facility is the final piece of the puzzle that the NWT needed to get back into the Regulated Egg Marketing Industry.

Mr. Speaker, this is a significant day for the Northwest Territories. Today, for the first time at any northern correctional facility, Commissioner Marie Wilson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is at the North Slave Correctional Centre to acknowledge residential school experiences, impacts and consequences.

Over the next several days, inmates can give individual statements to contribute to the historical records the Commission is gathering on the legacy of residential schools.

Congratulations to you all and thank you for the invitation to join you today.  It is a pleasure to be here in Hay River and to have a role in this event.  

Today we celebrate the opening of a new, federally-certified egg-grading station for the Northwest Territories. The GNWT, through its Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment here in Hay River is proud to have played a part in this project providing support and contributions totalling $100,000 under the Commercial Harvesting, Processing and Marketing of Fish and Meat Strategic Initiative.

Thank you for the invitation to join you again  and for this opportunity to say a few words.  It is something I am always happy and honoured  to do.

Greetings, also, on behalf of Premier Bob McLeod and my colleagues on the Executive Council.

Mr. Speaker, today is National Be a Fan Day, and you will note many of the Members wearing red laces in support of Special Olympics NWT.

National Be a Fan Day raises awareness of the Special Olympics and their dedication to providing communities with sporting opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability. In addition, National Be a Fan Day highlights the role of volunteers and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Mr. Speaker, the traditional economy is an important source of income for many Northwest Territories residents and one of the sectors that this government supports as part of our goal of a diversified economy.  Today I would like to share some good news about our Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs Program.  

Mr. Speaker, smoking rates in the NWT are double the national average.  In 2009, 36% of NWT residents 15 and older smoked, compared to 17% nationally. Smoking contributes to chronic diseases affecting the heart and lungs, and also causes cancer.