Thank you. Colleagues, before we close today, I would like to take this opportunity to express collective condolences to families, friends and colleagues of the RCMP officers that lost their lives or were injured in the line of duty last night in the city of Moncton. It is truly a senseless tragedy. Our hearts are heavy. We pray for Moncton.
Although this has been a relatively brief sitting of our Assembly, we have accomplished a great deal in the time available to us. You have considered and adopted seven bills, two of them dealing with supplementary appropriations; considered four committee reports; debated six motions; and referred five new bills to standing committees for further consideration during this summer and fall.
As we leave the Chamber today, it is looking like it is a very busy summer for all Members of the Assembly. There is much work to be done: reconnecting with our constituents, attending summer assemblies, travelling throughout our constituencies and beyond and maintaining a healthy life and work balance.
Despite this hectic schedule, I do encourage you all to take the time to celebrate two very special events coming up: National Aboriginal Day on June 21st and Canada Day on July 1st. As I have mentioned before, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate both the outstanding achievements of our citizens and the diverse culture of the Northwest Territories and our special place in Canada.
As Members are well aware, we recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of this beautiful building that we call home. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you and all residents of the NWT to join us as we continue the celebrations to mark this historic occasion. We will be formally acknowledging the first recipients of the Legislative Assembly scholarship tomorrow. The scholarship was designed to support and encourage our students to pursue their academic interest in government and politics. It gives me great pleasure to share the names of our first two scholarship recipients. Please join me in congratulating Trisa Ngo and Tunchai Redvers on their notable accomplishment. We wish you continued success in your studies.
The 20th anniversary events will conclude in the fall when we unveil new building and capital site signage, upgrades to the Waterfront Park and the burial of the time capsule to help mark this important point in our history.
I also wish to note that earlier today I was pleased to receive a commemorative plaque from the NWT Legislative Assembly Building Society on the occasion of the building’s 20th anniversary. The plaque recognizes the service and considerable contributions of the directors of the society from its beginning in 1990 until its dissolution in 2013. It will be displayed outside of the building in a suitable location.
I also wish to acknowledge that this is likely the last day in the House for our acting Clerk, Ms. Colette Langlois. She has served us with great distinction. This institution, its Members and the people of the North have greatly benefited from her steady hand and stewardship. Thank you, Ms. Langlois.
And, of course, I cannot close without a thank you to the Pages who have assisted us during this session. We have had students from Ecole St. Joseph School in Yellowknife, Inualthuyak School in Sachs Harbour and Alexis Arrowmaker School in Wekweeti. Thank you to all our Pages.
