Richard Edjericon

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our fiscal situation is worsening. The economy is going faster is not going fast enough, and several disasters has put further strains on our finances yet small communities across the North are facing severe problems relating to housing, housing repairs, infrastructure, and services they require, serious investment, economic investment, social progress, fiscal constraints are competing priorities this government must balance. My questions is to the Minister of Finance.

Can the Minister of Finance provide an update on the deficit and debt position of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the grand chief of the Tlicho region, Mr. Jackson Lafferty. Mahsi and welcome.

And an old friend of mine, Tony Whitford. I seen him at Tim Hortons coffee shop. It's always good to see you.

And former colleague as well, Rocky Simpson Senior. Mahsi.

And the mayor from Inuvik as well, Clarence wood. Thank you.

I seek unanimous consent.

Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Her passing hits Fort Resolution very hard. Her colleagues together all fondly recall how much brighter she made her workplace every day. Her family will never forget her big hugs, warm greetings, her laughter and joyful smile. She was an inspiration for all that knew her. The memories of her incredibly caring personality will live on forever. She will be deeply missed, and I wish all the best for her family and friends as they grieve her loss. May she rest in peace. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, today as we begin our sessions, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the victims of the devastating plane crash that took the lives of six extraordinary people last month in Fort Smith. They were taken from their loved ones too soon, in a sudden accident that has shaken the Northwest Territories to its very core. That flight to Diavik was carrying some of the North's best and brightest. Many on board had their whole lives ahead of them. They all had so much love to give, and they were not ready to say goodbye. Their passing impacts everyone across the North in many...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Rocky Sr. and his wife Bette Lyons. And also want to recognize William Greenland. He's also in the healing and trauma field. I want to say welcome. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to say congratulations to you as Speaker. In the early days we used to play hockey when we were young and good looking, now we're just good looking.

Also I want to say congratulations to the newly elected Premier R.J. Simpson, and Minister Wawzonek, Minister Cleveland, Minister Kuptana, Minister Semmler, and Minister MacDonald. And I want to say congratulations to all my colleagues, MLAs. I look forward to working with you.

I would like to thank all my constituents, my family, my friends, to represent you as the Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh MLA for the 20th...

Thank you.

I'm speaking to the motion.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know if I could top that. Thank you very much for that, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, thank you. No, I'm just thinking, you know, I've been in Aboriginal politics most of my life. I was on the other side of the table fighting the fights in the trenches for our people. On July 25th, 1900, my great grandfather signed a treaty along with Chief Drygeese, Chief Snuff for Treaty 8. And Mary Rose Sundberg that's here, she's the descendant of Chief Drygeese. And that's why they call this area Chief Drygeese Territory. And so I just want to reflect a little bit...