Frederick Blake Jr.

Colleagues, before we begin today, seeing this is our last day, I have a statement or two.

I would just like to start off by saying it was a pleasure and honour to serve with you all in the 19th Assembly. You know, we had a huge turnover and, you know, there's no shortage of challenges we faced in Assembly but at the end of the day, we worked through it together and here we are. I'll touch on that a bit more later.

I would like to start off by thanking the people of the Mackenzie Delta. You know, in 2011, even up until August, I wasn't even planning to run as MLA. It was until two former...

Members, before we start today, I would like to make an announcement regarding the Legislative Assembly's scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2014 and has been awarded to 17 northern recipients. Many of you will remember Haylee Carlson who worked at the Legislative Assembly for over 16 years. Haylee passed away from breast cancer in February 2020, and we wanted to find a way to acknowledge the impact she had on the staff and Members alike.

Haylee was instrumental in the creation of this scholarship which has helped so many students pursue their dreams of furthering their education...

Colleagues, before we start, I'd like to draw your attention to the gallery and welcome Mr. Daryl Dolynny. Welcome back. Daryl was a Member for Range Lake in the 17th Assembly, part of the Fab Five at the time. Good to see you again.

Personal explanation, Madam Premier.

Good afternoon, colleagues. Please join me in thanking the Yellowknives Dene First Nation drummers for opening our sitting today.

Applause

Colleagues, it was a long difficult summer. Many residents were displaced for weeks. Wildfires breached community boundaries. People lost their homes and businesses.

Frontline responders worked for weeks fighting back wildfires right on the doorstep of our communities. I want to thank everyone who worked to protect our territory this summer and continue this important work as we meet here today.

Natural disasters take a toll on all of us, physically...

Members, by the order of the Commissioner of the Legislative Assembly, this sitting outside the capital in Inuvik. I thank mayor Clarence Wood and the town of Inuvik for the use of their chambers.

The Assembly last sat outside of Yellowknife in 1989 in Norman Wells. Under Rule 10.1, this sitting is a hybrid one. Members are here in person and virtually and is due to the state of emergency in the Northwest Territories. All Members are concerned for residents displaced by wildfires. Many Members are displaced themselves. Like you, we fear for the safety of your homes, businesses, and communities...

Minister of Justice.

Colleagues, before we begin, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize an important visitor to the gallery today. As you can see, our table officers are wearing something a bit different than their normal barrister's robes.

Ms. Ann FirthJones, who is originally from Fort McPherson created these Gwich'instyle parkie covers representative of the Mackenzie Delta. These garments are a reflection of the Legislative Assembly's shared commitment to diversity and reconciliation.

It's important for me, as a Speaker of this House, to work towards changing the status quo and to incorporate our...

Colleagues, before we continue with our business before the House, I'd like to recognize Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty who is with us today. He was first elected in the 15th Legislative Assembly in July of 2005, reelected in the 16th and 17th Assemblies, where he served as Deputy Premier; Minister of Education, Culture and Employment; Minister responsible for Official Languages; and, Minister responsible for Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission. He was acclaimed in the 18th Legislative Assembly and was elected by many of us as Speaker. Thank you for all you have done with the House here...

Colleagues, before we begin today, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize some visitors to our proceedings today. I am pleased to welcome Ms. Martin's grade 6 class from Weledeh Catholic School. It's great to see students here learning about consensus government so please be on your best behaviour. Just kidding. Thank you, and please enjoy the proceedings today. Thank you.

Good afternoon, colleagues. Please join me in thanking elder Lillian Elias in leading us in prayer today.

Before we begin, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the wildfires and flooding impacting our communities across the territory. If you or your community has been impacted by the fires south of the lake, or by the flooding in my riding, please know that our thoughts are with you all. If you are impacted, I encourage you to work with local emergency officials.

I want to personally thank the leaders and staff, people who have been working tirelessly to help the affected residents. If you...