Joe Handley

Mr. Speaker, our government and aboriginal governments have been talking about devolution for more than 17 years. We don’t want to be seeing that process just continuing on for another four years under our watch. We want to see some process made on that. So would I consider any other alternative? I like the trilateral model. That’s the way to do business: government to government to government. But if there is not an interest in pursuing devolution by the federal government or by any other partners, then we have to look at some other model. Right now I’m optimistic that the federal government...

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of DIAND was going to be in Yellowknife this week, but other priorities got in the way so he has postponed. I don’t have a date yet of when I’ll be able to meet with him. If it’s not soon, then I intend to talk with him by phone. Mr. Speaker, as well, there is a possibility of a First Ministers meeting in Ottawa next week, and if there is I certainly intend to be there and intend to raise this issue with the Prime Minister at that time. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, yes, we will. I listened very carefully in Hay River last week. I listened very carefully to the Member’s statement today. If there’s other information, I welcome that as well. Thank you.

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...