Paul Delorey

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. Before we begin today, I would like to draw your attention to the Canadian flags that are on your desk, marking National Flag of Canada Day.

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February 15th was declared National Flag of Canada Day in 1996. We commemorate the day in 1965, when the first red and white maple leaf designed flag flew proudly over Parliament Hill.

I quote the words of the Honourable Maurice Bourget, Speaker of the Senate, on that occasion:

“The flag is a symbol of the nation’s unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada...

Good afternoon, colleagues. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. Before we go to the orders of the day, a special welcome to all our guests in the Chamber today. I’d like to especially recognize a former Member of the House, the Senator for the Western Arctic, Nick Sibbeston, with us in the House today.

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I’d also like to recognize our Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, George Tuccaro, who is in the Chamber as well.

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Good afternoon, colleagues. It is a pleasure to welcome you back as we resume the Fifth Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly. I would like to take this opportunity, belatedly, but most sincerely, to publicly extend my best wishes to you, my colleagues in this House, and to all the residents of the Northwest Territories for a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Today is Groundhog Day. My note said I was supposed to pause here for laughter, but...

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However, right across the country it looks like the groundhog will not see his shadow today. As you know, this means we are in for an early...

Good afternoon, colleagues, Welcome back to the Chamber, I’d like to welcome our guests in the gallery today. In particular, colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the presence of a former Member of this House, a former Minister, a former Speaker, a former Commissioner...

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...and just when we thought he’d done it all, he has now been given the distinction of an Honourary Canadian Naval Captain. Welcome, Mr. Tony Whitford.

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Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. I welcome our guests in the gallery today. I take a moment to recognize a very special guest in the gallery, my lovely wife, Davida, is here visiting us today.

Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bob McLeod.

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber.

Colleagues, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and commend one of our own at the Legislative Assembly.

Security supervisor Ray Jahner was honoured recently by the Yellowknife Association for Community Living for his commitment and support for persons with disabilities in the workplace.

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Mr. Jahner’s helpful and friendly attitude was noted and much appreciated by the members of the Skills Training and Community Inclusion Program, whose work brings them regularly to the Assembly.

Mr Jahner is taking a two-month leave...

Good afternoon, colleagues. I want to take this opportunity to welcome you all back to the Chamber after our summer recess. I hope that you return committed and eager to continue our work for the people of the Northwest Territories.

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Commissioner Tuccaro was sworn into office on May 28, 2010, and one of his first official duties was to accompany me on a Speaker’s Mace Tour. Everywhere we went, it was evident that the Commissioner was well known, well liked, and well respected. Again, on behalf of all Members, I wish the Commissioner much success in his new position and we look forward...

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. Before we begin the business of the day, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge a special day for one of our Members. It happens to be the birthday of the Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Robert Hawkins.

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Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the Chamber. Welcome to our guests in the gallery today.

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