Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Bill 15, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act, No. 3, be read for the third time.
Thank you, Mr. Bouchard. Bill 15 has had third reading.
---Carried
Colleagues, today concludes our Third Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly. Before we conclude, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our Pages we have had here over the last few weeks, our Pages that work so hard for us to help us do our business here in the House. They were from Lutselk’e, Fort Smith, Inuvik Boot Lake, Hay River Reserve, Fort McPherson, Hay River and Yellowknife.
---Applause
Thank you must go to the teachers and supervisors, chaperones and the Assembly staff that assist the Page Program. Without our Sergeant-at-Arms, this program would not be possible. Thank you for your hard work.
---Applause
I’d like to remind the Members that November 11th is fast approaching. I know there will be services and memorials throughout the NWT. So wherever you are on Remembrance Day, please take the opportunity to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and are continuing to serve in our Canadian Armed Forces.
I know that the Members are staying here in the capital for the next few days to finish up work here before returning home. I know that it’s going to be a good time to get home. I also know that Members are returning for scheduled committee meetings in both December and January. Our constituency work does not end here today.
However, since we will not meet in the Chamber again until next year, I’d like to be the first to wish all Members of the Northwest Territories happy holidays.
---Applause
Have a happy holiday season and safe travels whenever you return to your constituents and, most importantly, to your families. I look forward to seeing you back in the Chamber in the New Year.
Mr. Clerk, will you ascertain if the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable George Tuccaro, is prepared to enter the Chamber to assent to bills and prorogue the Third Session of the 17th Assembly.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, good afternoon.
I would like to invite the Premier of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Robert R. McLeod, to join me in presenting the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal to two Members of the Legislative Assembly.
The Honourable J. Michael Miltenberger and Mrs. Jane Groenewegen, please come forward to the front of the Chamber. I now invite the Speaker to read the citation.
The Honourable J. Michael Miltenberger, MLA for Thebacha, and Mrs. Jane Groenewegen, MLA for Hay River South, have both served the people of the North as elected officials with great dedication and they continue to demonstrate leadership and extraordinary commitment to advance the programs and services for the people of their communities, their regions and the Northwest Territories.
They are currently the longest-serving Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, as both were elected in October of 1995. Their re-election to the 17th Legislative Assembly marks their fifth consecutive term, and once completed, they will join former Members Tom Butters and Ludy Pudluk as the only Members to have served a fifth consecutive term in the history of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.
The Honourable J. Michael Miltenberger is currently the Minister of Finance, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation, and Government House Leader. During the 16th Assembly he served as Deputy Premier, Government House Leader, Minister of Finance, chair of the Financial Management Board, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities, Minister responsible for Homelessness, and the Minister responsible for Seniors. During his time in the Legislature, he has served in a number of other portfolios as well. Mr. Miltenberger also stood as chair of the Financial Management Board and has led various committees over the years.
Mrs. Jane Groenewegen is currently the Deputy Speaker of the 17th Legislative Assembly. In addition to her work as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, she has served previously as Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister responsible for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities, as well as the Minister responsible for the Status of Women. During the 15th Assembly she also served as the Deputy Speaker.
