Joe Handley

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated in my sessional statement, our government intends to operate on the principles of inclusion and partnership. We intend to bring all major decisions to the regular Members, mostly through the committees, and also to work in partnership with other governments. That's the reason we're planning the Circle of Northern Leaders meeting later this year, as I announced. But inclusion, partnership, consensus, I think, are cornerstones for our type of government and we intend to do everything to adhere to that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring the House up to date on the serious fire that occurred at the Fort McPherson power plant on January 19th and the steps that are being taken to restore power as quickly as possible while ensuring a high level of safety is maintained.

A fire began in the Fort McPherson power plant early in the morning of January 19th causing severe damage. The corporation and its insurers are still assessing the damage and whether any of the equipment can be salvaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the fire marshal. Fortunately, no injuries were incurred.

The...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are well into 2004 and already busy on a number of fronts. As this is our first time back in this House since the Christmas holidays, I would like to take the opportunity to wish the Members of the Assembly and all people of the NWT a happy New Year and best wishes for 2004.

I look forward to the coming year with enthusiasm and optimism. We will have significant challenges to face, but I sense a strong will amongst all Members of this Legislative Assembly to roll up our sleeves and get to work as a team on behalf of the people of the Northwest...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have an emergency statement.

This morning in Ottawa, the Honourable Paul Martin officially took the reins as the 21st Prime Minister of Canada.

On behalf of the 15th Legislative Assembly and the people of the Northwest Territories, I would like to publicly congratulate the Prime Minister as he assumes his new responsibilities.

With the appointment of his new Cabinet this morning, Prime Minister Martin has provided a new outlook and fresh approach that I believe will be reflected in a new and vibrant relationship between the Northwest Territories and Ottawa.

I was pleased...

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, December 15, 2003, I will move that Bill 1, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2003-2004, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, want to congratulate you on your election as Speaker. The words that you spoke today, the directions that you’ve given us will be taken very seriously and we certainly look forward to working under your guidance. I’d also like to welcome all the returning Members and a special welcome and congratulations to the new Members of this House.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all the people of Weledeh for their unanimous support for me to represent them for another four years, at least. I want to have a special thank you to my campaign committee and all of the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to first recognize my wife Theresa. I hope she continues to recognize me.

---Laughter

I would also like to recognize Mayor Gordon Van Tighem from the city of Yellowknife and also all the deputy ministers who are sitting here nervously today.

---Laughter

Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize all the other people who work behind the scenes who keep our government functioning well, particularly board members and board chairpersons. I see Andy Wong from the Workers’ Compensation Board; Reanna Erasmus, a constituent and chairperson of the Yellowknife school...