Debates of March 8, 2005 (day 51)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With today being International Women’s Day, I would like to recognize all women across the NWT for the contributions they make to their communities. Many times, some volunteers are needed. Women are the first to sign up. Without them, many programs would not be up and running. We have to recognize mothers who try to raise their children to make good choices in life; daughters who grow up too fast and are getting married; and grandmothers who, in many cases, end up raising their grandchildren and are the backbone in many families. Women who are in the public service should also be recognized and can serve as role models for all young women. Women like Sharon Firth with her Olympic experience, and Bertha Allen, an Inuvialuit elder, both will be recipients of the Aboriginal Achievement Awards. Ruth Wright, who is a constituent of mine, was just given a Wise Woman Award today and should also be recognized. We have two Members in the Assembly, Mrs. Jane Groenewegen and Ms. Sandy Lee, who are both Members of this Assembly…

---Applause

…and represent their constituents with such passion that many in Cabinet would rather face a man that is six-foot-eight and 300 pounds.

---Laughter

Finally, Mr. Speaker, we must not forget the wives of the NWT. Many of us here have wives who must look after the home in our absence. Sometimes they must feel like they have another child with the way we act.

---Laughter

I would like to extend our appreciation to all of the women of the NWT for all that they do to make our lives better. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause