Shane Thompson

Colleagues, on September 17th, 2024, Wallace Larry Watson, also known as Wally, passed away here in Yellowknife. Wally was born on April 7th, 1954, in Calgary.

Wally had a life-long love of music and was involved in many music related activities everywhere he lived beginning with participation in his high school choir. He loved playing his guitar and was particularly fond of 70's music. He was frequently in the chorus for the Victoria Operatic Society's productions.

Wally was raised in Victoria, where he met Teresa, his love of his life. Shortly after their marriage in June 1980, they moved to...

Please be seated. I'd like to thank Mary Jane Cazon for the opening prayer and reflections.

Colleagues, before I go into our day session, I have to do something that happens every February 10th. I get to embarrass two of my daughters, Debra and Nancy, who were born at actually 9:24 and 9:25 at night, but. We're a little bit early so I'd like to wish them a very happy birthday as well Edna and Deb Stipdonk, friends of mine.

Good morning, colleagues. On October 3rd, 2024, God called home one of his angels Marie Lou Pineda Leguerrier. She passed away at her home in Fort Smith surrounded by her husband, family, and friends. Marie was born on April 17th, 1957, in the Philippines.

I first met her at the Northern Lights Special Care Home in Fort Smith when I went to visit some of the residents and some of her colleagues. I observed this lady walking fast but once she got to where she needed to be, especially with the elders, she became so patient and worked only at their speed and ability. She treated them with the...

Yes.

Good afternoon, Colleagues. Rose Betthale-Reid was born at Macahish Lake, also known as Sandy Lake, on May 25th, 1954, to William and Germainie Betthale. With great sadness, she passed away on January 9th, 2025. For those who knew this lady, she wore many hats. Some would describe her as someone who fought for those less fortunate. Others, she was an interpreter that helped elders. Others, she was the person that would get on the stage to sing or make people laugh even if it was at her own expense. She loved it and didn't care.

I got to know her just before I became an MLA; however, I heard...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On my left is Glen Rutland, clerk of the Legislative Assembly. On my right -- and I apologize if I say his last name wrong -- Alex Mulooki, acting deputy clerk, Member and precinct services.

Yes, I do. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to present the 2025-2026 Main Estimates for the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly.

The proposed budget for the 2025-2026 is an expenditure of $25.446 million, revenue of $15,000 and infrastructure investments of $500,000. The budget of $25.446 million reflects a decrease of $1.5 million. The operations expenditure of $25.446 million, reflects a decrease of $1.5 million (6 percent) compared to the 2024-2025 Budget.

This reduction is primarily attributed to the total decrease of $1.98 million in pension contributions which includes a shift to...

Please be seated. I'd like to thank Marc Casaway for doing the blessing today.

Colleagues, last session, I spoke about a startup Basketball Program in Fort Liard. Today, I would like to add to the story.

Corbin Wilson is a 17-year-old Fort Liard student who was selected to play on the Basketball NWT team that travelled to the Nationals tournament held in Toronto in August. This is quite an accomplishment for Corbin who started to play basketball regularly less than a year ago. He was one of a group of boys who began playing on the Fort Liard outside court and with one hoop back in the summer of 2023. The boys evolved into the Fort Liard Warriors, Fort Liard's first...

Colleagues, a resident of Fort Simpson, David Berman, has a family heirloom being donated to the children of Liidli Kue Elementary School. David's mother, Carole Berman, purchased a 1974 Yamaha grand piano nearly 45 years ago. She always enjoyed playing the piano and recounting that her and her four sisters studied music from a very young age in Winnipeg, as her parents believed that creative arts were just as important as academics.

As she matured and started a family of her own, she purchased her prized possession and began teaching piano. This gave her a chance to earn a little money while...