Colleagues, it is that time of year where I get to celebrate the grade 12 graduation of students from Liidlii Kue Regional High School in Fort Simpson and Echo Dene School in Fort Liard. It is a time we get honour not just the academic achievements of these remarkable young individuals but also the resilience and determination they have demonstrated throughout their educational journeys. This milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and personal growth, and it is a momentous occasion for the entire community.

Graduation is more than just a ceremony; it is a rite of...

Colleagues, today, I would like to recognize an individual that received the Life Member Award (formerly called the Honorary Life Member) from the NWTRPA this past October. This award is not something given out annually but recognizes a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the recreation and parks field, who has significantly served the NWT Recreation and Parks, and is nearing or has reached the end of their career in the recreation and parks field. This past October, it was given to Colin MacPherson.

I have had the pleasure of working with him when he took the recreation...

Colleagues, you just heard me give a statement about a friend of mine. He's up here in the -- sorry, I'm getting a little emotional here. I'd like to recognize Colin MacPherson as well as my friends and colleagues Damon Crosmann, Alicia Korol, Alison Brown, Conan Donahue, as well as the deputy minister Gary Brennan and, you know, my former MSA but he was also the executive director of the recreation and parks. Welcome to our Assembly.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member from Hay River South.

Please be seated. Thank you, colleagues. Before we start, I'd like to recognize a very important person to this 19th Assembly, Ms. Caroline Cochrane; Rory, the other half of, so. So Shalene Woodward, Meredith Wilson -- okay, I am going to try this again -- Angela Gzowski and her partner Jeremy Bird. I would like to thank you very much for being here today and giving me the honour to recognize you. Welcome to the Legislative Assembly.

Colleagues, this past December, I had the opportunity to chat with Jonathan Antoine about his recent trip to Los Angeles. He explained that they were able to announce the debut of the short documentary Hunting in the Deh Cho, directed by himself at the prestigious LA Skins Film Festival on November 24th at 12 p.m. This significant event took place at the iconic Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

He explained that this remarkable experience would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the festival organizers, and sincere gratitude is owed to them for selecting this...

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

Colleagues, Fort Simpson is fortunate to have participants in sports programs step up and new coaches developing athletes. These youth are stepping up, volunteering their time, and giving back to younger kids so they can learn new motor skills, have opportunities, build relationship skills, and travel. They are great role models for the younger generation as they are leaders and supports for these athletes. They prepare coaching plans, run practices, give feedback, fundraise, organize travel and accommodation, enter competitions, and spend hours supporting the kids they coach. They exemplify...

Colleagues, on Monday my Member's statements will be about three amazing young ladies from Fort Simpson who are giving back to their community. Today I would like to talk about a couple of other amazing people from the community of Fort Liard.

Roslyn Firth and her husband returned to the community to help the hamlet of Fort Liard. Roslyn took on the role of helping run the community's recreation and youth department. One of her main goals were to help train a local person to take over. I am proud to say as of April 1st, 2025, Holly Fantasque is the manager of recreation and youth programs for...

Thank you very much, Suzie Napayok. Please be seated.

Colleagues, before we get going here, I want to talk to a couple things. One, when we're asking questions, short preamble. Second and third questions, to the point. Ministers, short and precise answers, please. So we can all work together for the people of the Northwest Territories. So thank you.

Member from Hay River South.

Colleagues, on May 1st I had the opportunity to preside over the 2025 Youth Parliament. I have to say it was a great to witness these young people be MLAs. Today, I have the pleasure of sharing the Member from the Nahendeh, Payton Bennet, statement.

I am speaking to you today about the inadequacies I have seen regarding facilities, access to training, and insufficient space in our smaller communities compared to the bigger centers like Yellowknife, Hay River, Inuvik, and Fort Smith.

Today I'm speaking for youth athletes. I've done a variety of sports that are available throughout the different...