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.

June 14, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, on June 21^st, we will celebrate National Aboriginal Day.  This is an opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal people’s outstanding contributions to the history, languages, arts and cultures of our Territory and Canada.

June 14, 2012 - The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) proudly sponsors the annual Mine Rescue Competition in celebration of Mining Week, held in June each year.  This year, the Mine Rescue Competition is June 15 and 16.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of the 2012 Premier’s Awards.  The Premier’s Awards for Excellence and the Premier’s Collaboration Award are presented annually to individuals and teams for their outstanding service to the Government of the Northwest Territories.  As well, I am pleased to confirm the second Dave Ramsden Career Achievement Award was presented.

June 13, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment wishes to congratulate all the graduates from high schools, Aurora College and apprenticeship programs.

Aurora College saw 140 graduates this spring – 43 from Thebacha Campus, 53 from the North Slave Campus and 44 from the Aurora Campus.  Graduates received certificates, diplomas and degrees in programs like Environment and Natural Resource Technology, Education, Nursing, Business Administration and Social Work.

June 12, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the discovery of diamonds at Lac De Gras in 1991 marked the beginning of a new economic era for the Northwest Territories.  Since then, the mining industry has become the backbone of our economy, creating over 2,600 direct jobs and an annual economic impact of over $750 million.  However, we have not had a comprehensive plan in place to ensure we make the most of our mineral resources. Today I would like to talk to you about this government’s plan to create a mineral development strategy.

June 12, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is committed to continually improving our education systems, including curricula.

June 12, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, June 10 to 16, 2012 has been designated National Public Service Week.  This week provides the opportunity for Canadians to celebrate the work, accomplishments and contributions of public service employees. This year’s theme is “Celebrating our Commitments!”

June 12, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time today I will table our action plan, “A Shared Path Towards Wellness - Mental Health and Addictions, 2012 – 2015.”