Please be seated. Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly, good afternoon. This marks the last opportunity for me to address this House as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. My term will come to an end on May 10. It is with profound gratitude and deep respect that I say thank you for your kind support and encouraging words throughout my term. It has been the best six years of my working life to serve the people of the Northwest Territories in this capacity. There have been many highlights and exciting events during my time here, and they will remain as lifelong memories. Thank you to my Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Gerry Kisoun of Inuvik, and my able assistant, Ms. Phila Fyten. My thanks also to my current aide-de-camps, Captain Melanie Parker, here today, and to Captain Jeffrey Knight who accompanied me to official events. To members of the Joint Task Force North Transport Section, thank you for transporting us safely and always on time. Once again, the North has said farewell to many well-known and long-time Northerners who have passed on. My sincere condolences go to their family and friends.
Now, as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to assent to the following bills:
Bill 1, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act;
Bill 2, Supplementary Appropriation Act, (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2015-2016;
Bill 3, Supplementary Appropriation Act, (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2015-2016; and
Bill 4, Interim Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2016-2017.
Thank you. Merci beaucoup. Masi cho. Quyanainni. Koana.
---Applause
Masi, colleagues. Before we adjourn today, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the Pages who were here who have helped us over the past few weeks. It's truly a pleasure to have these young people in our Chambers. I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Members to say good luck to Team NWT as they participate in next week's Arctic Winter Games in Greenland. We wish you well as you take part in celebration of sports and culture from northern regions across the world. To all who are participating, including athletes, coaches, assistants, and our cultural ambassadors, thank you for your hard work. We wish you safe travels and best of luck. At this time, I personally would like to wish my girl, my daughter, Sahara Lafferty, best of luck with your soccer and also, have fun, my girl.
And to you my colleagues, I wish you safe travels to all your regions, your communities, returning to your family members and also your friends and community members. It is a special time in the North as the days get longer and warmer. I hope you get to spend some of time in your outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and also enjoying the spring carnivals that will be taking place across our great territory. I look forward to seeing you all back in the Chamber in May. Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.
