Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Monfwi, that Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Speaker: SOME HON. MEMBERS

Question.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 16 has had third reading. Third reading of bills. Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Anthony J. Whitford, is prepared to enter the Chamber to give assent to bills?

Tony Whitford

Kam Lake

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Premier, Members of the Legislative Assembly, it is my privilege and my pleasure to be back here among you today. I know that you have all been busy in session this past week as we will see by the number of bills passed and the lively debate recorded.

With the onset of the high school graduations, I look forward to joining you at some of those at assemblies and other community events this summer as the invitations and time allows.

In the first week of May past, I have watched and participated in the Youth Parliament and must say how impressed I was with the calibre of our future parliamentarians.

---Applause

The Youth Parliament is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn first hand how our government works. Having lived all of my life in the North, it is encouraging to see our youth provided with these learning opportunities at such an early age. I would like to compliment the Legislative Assembly for continuing this important role-playing exercise. I look forward to participating again next year.

This year marks the 40th year since the territorial government moved from Ottawa to the North. I am amazed to have seen such change in our lifetime. I am proud to have been part of that evolution of government in the North. I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the many people, the many men and women, who have worked before us, for their foresight and their commitment to bringing government home to people of the North.

Now, as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to assent to the following bills:

Bill 1, An Act to Amend the Partnership Act;

Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Condominium Act;

Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Legal Services Act;

Bill 4, Northwest Territories Hydro Corporation Act;

Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act;

Bill 8, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 2007-2008; and

Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act.

Now, as we leave this House to return to our home communities for the summer, I want to wish you safe travels and a busy time until we meet again in August. Thank you, mahsi cho, quanami. That’s it.

---Applause

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Please be seated. Colleagues, before we adjourn today, I would like to take this opportunity to commend you all for the work you have done and that you have accomplished in this short period of time. I would also like to thank the Pages who have been with us this last week.

---Applause

We have had students from the Diamond Jenness High School in Hay River, Mackenzie Mountain School in Norman Wells, Moose Kerr School in Aklavik and Chief Julius School in Fort McPherson.

---Applause

We certainly appreciate the work that they all do for us. It is looking like a very busy summer for all Members as we prepare for the last sitting of the 15th Assembly. Cabinet continues the work of government, committees are preparing to meet and travel throughout the Territories with upcoming legislation, and we will all use this time to continue to work diligently for our constituents. I hope we do it with as much vigor as was displayed in the Chamber this afternoon.

---Applause

Next week, I will be bringing the Mace of the Northwest Territories to the Princess Alexander School in Hay River and to Deninu School in Fort Resolution.

---Applause

The Honourable Premier, Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Clerk and the Sergeant-at-Arms, will be joining me to deliver the Speaker’s educational Outreach Program. This program is aimed at NWT youth living in communities outside of Yellowknife and focussed on educating and motivating youth to learn about the role of the Legislative Assembly and its elected officials. It is also intended to create greater awareness among northerners. The Mace will also be on display at the Royal Canadian Legion in Hay River and at the Antoine Beaulieu Memorial Hall in Fort Resolution. We are preparing to bring this program to your community in the future.

I urge Members to carve out a little time in your busy schedules to spend with your families and friends during the short summer season, enjoying the upcoming Victoria Day holiday and taking part in the festivities surrounding National Aboriginal Day and Canada Day.

We have much to celebrate in our great territory and our great country. I wish you all good judgement as you continue with your work and safe travels throughout the territory this summer and I look forward to meeting you again in this House in August.

---Applause