Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we begin the final calendar year of our term, I'd like to start this session by first welcoming back all my colleagues into this chamber. It's good to be back after a winter break and holiday season. I hope all Members and staff of the Assembly had a good and restful holiday with their loved ones.
Mr. Speaker, for my first statement, I want to share a positive story about a Thebacha constituent who was recently appointed into a very prestigious new career opportunity. On January 12th, 2023, the federal government appointed Mr. Ernie Daniels to the board of the Bank of Canada.
Ernie is a member of the Salt River First Nation and will serve a threeyear term on the 12member board of directors. Ernie has over 35 years of senior financial management experience, including serving as president and CEO of the First Nations Finance Authority for ten years, which is a First Nations-governed nonprofit financial institution. In addition, Mr. Speaker, according to a spokesperson from the Bank of Canada, Ernie, to the best of my knowledge, is the very first ever First Nations person to join the bank's board. And as someone who has known Ernie all his life and have worked with him many times over the years, I can attest that he is a very driven, bright, and dedicated individual. I know he will excel as a director with the Bank of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, this appointment is not only a milestone for Indigenous people, but it respects the significant occasion for all of Canada. On behalf of the constituents of Thebacha and the people of the NWT, I want to congratulate Mr. Ernie Daniels on his achievement of being appointed to the board of directors on the Bank of Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Members' statements. Member for Hay River South.
