Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we have heard from all Members of this Legislative Assembly, including yourself, many stories and the history of Mr. Whitford throughout the Northwest Territories. Indeed on the trips I have been at and he has been a part of, he seems to always know someone in the crowd. That has always impressed me with that ability to speak to people and touch their lives.
There are so many stories. Mr. Miltenberger leaned over to me as we listened. He said, “For all of the stories we have heard and as many of us have heard around this table, he really must be 150 years old or something like that to have done and achieved all that he has done in the Northwest Territories.” But we know he is much younger than that. In fact, his many walks, at times he would be walking out to the airport terminal and back just to stay fit and trim so that as he came into this Assembly to assent to bills, he would do so looking fit and trim as our Commissioner.
There is so much more, I think, one can say. There are so many more people in the Northwest Territories I am sure that would express their gratitude to Mr. Whitford. I would like to thank all of the Members of this Assembly for saying all the things that they have and put them on record for the history of the Northwest Territories. This is one of the, as we have heard from a Member, rare times that all Members of the Legislative Assembly have talked so positively about one individual. I would like to thank the Members for that.
To further mark the record of the history of the Northwest Territories and the history that Mr. Whitford has played in this, I request a recorded vote.
---Applause
Good afternoon. I am very pleased and honoured to be a part of these proceedings in my role as Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.
As Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to assent to the following bills:
Bill 1, An Act to Amend the Veterinary Profession Act
Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Dental Auxiliaries Act
Bill 3, Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act, 2010
Bill 5, Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupations Certification Act
Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Elections and Plebiscites Act
Bill 10, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2010-2011
Bill 11, Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2010-2011
Thank you, mahsi cho, merci beaucoup, quanami.
---Applause
Colleagues, I would like to extend the appreciation of the House to the Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, Ms. Margaret Thom. It was a pleasure having her in the House and we thank her for assisting us today.
As we leave here today, colleagues, I know you’re all looking forward to finding some time this summer to attend and participate in summer assemblies, continue your work for and with your constituents and spend this all-too-short season with family and friends. As we all know, the work of the Members does not end when this House adjourns. However, I urge you all to make time to connect with those you love and enjoy the special short time in the North.
A perfect opportunity to do this is on June 21st, when Canadians all across the country are invited to celebrate National Aboriginal Day. This is an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding achievements and to celebrate the diverse cultures of our aboriginal, Metis and Inuit citizens. We are fortunate to celebrate this special day chosen to coincide with the summer solstice in a land where the sun will shine on those achievements long after it sets in other parts of the country.
Following on the heels of National Aboriginal Day is Canada Day. Please try to take the time to acknowledge and celebrate our special northern heritage and our country. We have so much to be proud of and thankful for.
I would like to take this time to thank the Pages who we have had in this House during this sitting.
---Applause
I extend appreciation of the Assembly to all the Pages who have assisted us during this sitting of the Assembly.
