David Krutko

Does the committee agree that consideration of Committee Report 2-16(2) is concluded?

Bill as a whole?

Bill 6 as a whole approved.

Mr. Speaker, June 21 is a special day to all Northerners, aboriginal people in the NWT and across Canada. The Northwest Territories is the first jurisdiction in Canada to make June 21 a statutory holiday in recognition of National Aboriginal Day. It’s a day that’s there to recognize our First Nations peoples and the significant role they played in the history of Canada and the Northwest Territories and how the First Nations people of the land welcomed the newcomers to Canada and the Northwest Territories. The unique culture and history we have within the Northwest Territories is because of our...

Mr. Hawkins.

Sergeant-at-Arms, could you escort the witnesses in, please. For the record, Mr. Minister, could you introduce your witnesses, please.

Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. At this time, I’d like to ask the Minister responsible for the bill if he will be bringing any witnesses. Mr. Lafferty?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I too would like to thank this government for the apology and, more importantly, hearing it from the Prime Minister of Canada. Again, you cannot replace the lives of the young individuals who have lost their lives, either at these residential schools or by way of problems that originate from a lot of these experiences. We’re still seeing it in today’s society. I think people can’t state, Oh well; we can compensate somebody. You can never replace a language, a culture, a way of life.

Again, we talk about a society in the Northwest Territories, and you look at other nations...

Mr. Abernethy.

At this time I’ll ask the Minister responsible for the bill if he has any opening comments. Mr. Lafferty.