Debates of January 20, 2004 (day 1)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the passing of Dennie Lennie of Inuvik. Dennie was a highly respected northerner, a person who contributed to the development of the Northwest Territories in many ways.

Dennie was an active member of the NWT business community as the owner of Arctic Esso in Inuvik.

Dennie was very active in the Inuvialuit organizations where he served in a variety of capacities. For the past 10 years, Dennie served as chair and chief executive officer of the Inuvialuit Development Corporation, one of the most successful aboriginal business corporations in Canada. He also served on the boards of a number of IDC investments including NorTerra Inc. and Akita Equtak Ltd., where his thoughtful advice and wisdom was greatly appreciated.

Dennie’s knowledge and experience was widely recognized throughout the territory and he was often asked to contribute to panels and boards focused on the development of the NWT economy. Dennie served as a member of the GNWT Economic Development Strategy Panel, the Business Credit Corporation and most recently as co-chair of the Economic Development Advisory Group.

Mr. Speaker, Dennie also contributed in many ways within his home community of Inuvik where he has served in a variety of important positions including town councillor, deputy mayor and as chair of the Inuvik Community Corporation.

Dennie’s quiet manner, his sharp intellect and his passion for business gained the respect and devotion of staff and those with whom he worked and associated.

Finally and most importantly, Mr. Speaker, Dennie was a loving husband to his wife Barb and his children Jolene, Allison, Dayna and Isaac. On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I ask all Members to join me in extending our sympathies to Barb and her family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.