Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to offer my congratulations to the successful candidates in Monday’s municipal election in Hay River. I look forward to working closely with Mayor-elect Andrew Cassidy and councillors Brad Mapes, Kandis Jameson, Keith Dohey, Donna Lee Jungkind, Vince McKay, Roger Candow, Jason Coakwell and Michael Maher. While Mayor Cassidy and councillors McKay and Maher bring the wisdom of municipal experience to this group, others bring fresh ideas and new perspectives.
We have the voice for youth in Councillor Dohey, a fourth-generation Hay Riverite, and might I say that Mr. Dohey was six years old when I first got elected and he was interested in politics even back then. I predict we will see him in this House someday.
We also have a very active retired person, Councillor Candow, who will have less time for the golf course now. We have two women councillors: Councillor Jungkind and Councillor Jameson. We have two public servants: Councillor Maher and Councillor McKay. We have two business managers in Councillor Jungkind and Councillor Coakwell and two business owners in Councillor Jameson and Councillor Mapes. So you see we have a very diverse group representing Hay River.
I wish this dynamic group every success in becoming an effective team and tackling major issues, such as Hay River’s aging infrastructure and our sputtering economy, with the full confidence of our community. The new council can count on my support and assistance.
Hay River also elected its district education authority on Monday. The DEA makes important and often difficult decisions on planning, operations and staffing our community schools. Congratulations to DEA members Kirk Carston, Melanie Carter, Terence Courtoreille, Kandis Jameson, Melvin Larocque and Louise Schuman, all of whom were elected by acclamation. I’d like to thank them for stepping forward to serve.
I would also like to say a sincere thank you to all of the candidates who ran for municipal office in Hay River and throughout the Northwest Territories, including those who weren’t elected. It’s never easy putting your name forward for public office. Campaigning takes time, money, support and very patient family and friends. It takes courage, sacrifice and commitment. Everyone who ran successfully or not in being elected, contributed to the democratic process and to the public debate on important issues in our communities and they all have my deepest respect and gratitude.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
