Henry Zoe

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I did have an opportunity to meet with the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. There was concern raised by a group of people south of the lake in regards to the bidding process. The policy that the international committee has does not really comply to the needs of the people that want to put a bid forward. I did raise that concern with the Arctic Winter Games Corporation International Committee and I’ve asked them to see the possibility of amending the policy so that other members across the Territories can have a fair chance of bidding for the 2008 Arctic...

My recollection is way back in 1970 when the Arctic Winter Games were first introduced it was with Commissioner Hodgson, the Governor of Alaska and the Premier of Yukon who originated these games. In terms of your other question on the international committee, the international committee is a separate corporation that was set up so that it’s an arms-length away from all governments. We wanted them to undertake these games so that it’s all fairly done in all regions in the three, when it was initially started, Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories. Now, in that each jurisdiction appoints two...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated, I did raise that issue with the international committee. I’ve ultimately suggested to them that this was a big concern for some residents in certain regions of the Territories that want to put forward their bid. I asked to see the possibility. As you know, 2008 is quite a ways away from now and I’ve already had an opportunity also to talk to the people from south of the lake regarding my discussions that I had with the international committee. We are waiting for a formal response from them and I’ve made a commitment to the people south of the lake that...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report to Members that the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has been able to assist the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council in the development of new community governance structures which will be established as part of the Tlicho Final Agreement. Municipal and Community Affairs is committed to assisting and supporting Dogrib Treaty 11's elected leaders and appointed officials in preparing for the implementation of this important agreement.

Since the Tlicho people ratified the Tlicho Final Agreement, a strong partnership has developed between...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to inform Members about our Northwest Territories Team for the 2004 Arctic Winter Games, which are being hosted by the regional municipality of Wood Buffalo in Fort McMurray, Alberta, from February 28 to March 6, 2004.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has been an active participant in the Arctic Winter Games since their inception in 1970. These games are an important celebration of sport and culture for youth from the circumpolar region. We are once again proud to send a team to this event.

Team NWT will join athletes and cultural...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to recognize Yvette Gonzales, executive director for the NWT Association of Communities. She is up there somewhere.

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(Translation) Thank you. As Christmas is approaching, I would like to wish everyone in my constituency and fellow Members and Mr. Speaker a very Merry Christmas. I would say thank you, Merry Christmas and thank you very much.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Grand Chief Joe Rabesca. I believe he’s in the gallery. Also Chief Eddie Paul Rabesca from the Dogrib Rae Band and Mr. Dan Marion, representing Dogrib Nations Group of Companies and Ernest Smith and his wife Christine Smith. I believe they are in the gallery. Also, councillor or former councillor Noel Bishop is also in the gallery. Oh, I can’t forget her, my wife, Audrey Zoe, is in the gallery.

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Mr. Speaker, I can’t see up there to see if I missed anybody. Thank you very much.

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Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my constituents of Behchoko, Gameti, Wekweti and Wha Ti for electing me as your MLA. I would like to thank them. As I stand here today I will represent you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

When I went into your communities, you heard what I had to say. The things that I promised to work on, I will work on them for you for the next four years. Not only that, but when I campaigned in the communities, I had mentioned that my door will always be open and that will be the same as I promised.

Mr. Speaker, not only...