Robert Villeneuve

Sorry, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, January 22nd, 2004, I will move the following motion: NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that the rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended by rescinding Rule 85(2) and substituting the following:

(2)

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight shall;

Review issues which have government-wide implications, including the overview of the budget and fiscal framework;

Review multi-year business plans, budgets and those of the department of the Executive, including the Executive...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to extend my best wishes for the new year to all the Members of this House, my constituents, the people of the NWT and especially my family. Mr. Speaker, as the honourable Member for Weledeh, our Premier indicated earlier that trust is a key component to making this government a productive partner in building a strong working relationship with other northern and aboriginal governments. As this government embarks on developing these new agreements with other governments, I can assure all the Members of this 15th Assembly that I will be at the forefront...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to take this moment to recognize a very prominent leader in the Tu Nedhe region, our Chief Archie Catholique from Lutselk’e.

---Applause

Also another very prominent leader from the Tu Nedhe, our Dene National Chief Noeline Villebrun.

---Applause

I just want to say thanks to all the other leaders who couldn’t make it here today and the rest of the constituents who were unable to make it here today.

---Applause

I seek unanimous consent to finish off my three words.

---Laughter

Thank you. Again, Mr. Speaker, just to finish off, I just want to wish everybody in the gallery, especially my constituents, the Legislative Assembly Members and staff and the NWT residents a very Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate you, too, on your appointment as the Speaker of the House. I would also like to thank and congratulate the Premier-elect, Mr. Joe Handley and his new Cabinet. I'm sure they will do a good job in the next four years and I'm looking forward to working with them all.

I would like to acknowledge the fine performance of the Detah Drummers and the St. Pat's Choir.

I would like to start off by thanking all my constituents, my campaign team for the good job that they did, and especially my family for instilling the confidence and trust and having...