Michael Miltenberger

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the interviewing question was precipitated around the issue of the Stanton board and an update in terms of what was happening with the Stanton board that dissolved prior to the end of the 14th Assembly. A decision was made to leave it empty for the life of the 14th Assembly, because it was anticipated there would be a broad review of governance of boards and agencies at the start of the 15th Assembly. I was asked what the status was; I indicated that the plan was still the same, that there was no plan to change the current arrangement where we have a CEO...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we’ve been engaged in a process now for some months in terms of setting up a separate, standalone Sahtu authority to deal with health and social services. We’re currently in a state of transition, separating from Inuvik. There have been, as my colleagues indicated, a number of unfortunate deaths in the Sahtu, and the staff in the communities have been under a lot of pressure to deal with them.

The Member, as well, has been very persistent in terms of requesting that I come into the region and meet with the community leaders and we, in fact, intend to do that...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, clearly as a legislature we have not come to grips with the specific plans of action for a lot of these broad areas. I indicated to Ms. MacDougall that in fact it was an issue before the legislature and we were still in relatively early days and we hadn't come to any decision on how we wanted to proceed on reviewing that issue, but the intent was to address this issue hopefully in the coming months. So regardless of what approach is taken, clearly it will come before this House. It will be at the direction and understanding of this House how we're going...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this Legislative Assembly is that my best and rather exclusive body and I would like to congratulate all of my colleagues who have been sent here by their constituents to represent their interests over the next four years. The last four days have shown me that I believe we’re off to a very good start and we have the makings of a very productive Assembly.

I would like, as well, to congratulate, Mr. Speaker, yourself, Premier Handley, Cabinet colleagues and all those who have been put into positions of trust and responsibility as committee Chairs, Caucus...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is an opportunity that comes every four years. I would like to recognize my wife, Jeri Miltenberger.

---Applause

As well from Thebacha, Ms. Bea Campbell, president of the NWT seniors.

---Applause

Last, but certainly not least, Mr. Rob Tordiff, president of the Northwest Territories Metis Nation.

---Applause