Debates of June 8, 2006 (day 8)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Frame Lake, that Bill 2, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 1, 2006-2007, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question.

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

---Carried

Bill 2 has had third reading. Third reading of bills. Before I go on to orders of the day, Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if His Honour, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, is prepared to enter the Chamber to give assent to bills? Before we bring the Commissioner in, Members, I would like to draw your attention that his Honour is having his 65th birthday on Sunday.

---Singing of Happy Birthday

---Applause

Please be seated. I see the rules of the House have changed a bit here.

---Laughter

I wonder what item on the agenda that would have been. Thank you very much. It’s certainly an honour to become a senior on Sunday. I shall be officially a senior.

---Applause

And now back to work. Monsieur le president, madams et monsieurs les deputes, madams et monsieur, et amis.

Even though it’s a short time since I last met with you, many notable things have happened. I welcomed royalty to Canada on your behalf and I am looking forward to a very special guest visiting us here in the North.

This past weekend, I have had the pleasure and the honour of representing you in Calgary and in Edmonton during the visit of Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex. Their Royal Highnesses were in Calgary and Edmonton celebrating with young Canadians who received the Duke of Edinburgh Award. I was especially proud to be in their company at the ceremony as two northerners were presented with their distinguished medals. Greg Reardon of Fort Providence and Scottie Monteith of Iqaluit were awarded the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Medal. As well, bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards medals were presented to other members. We were also invited to a reception and gave a first-class presentation to Their Royal Highnesses about their home community.

As you know, the Duke of Edinburgh Award is a self-development program available to all young people. It equips them with life skills to make a difference for themselves, their communities and their country. The program works to develop self-esteem, self-reliance and leadership in young Canadians by encouraging and awarding their accomplishments. It is not easily won, but takes dedication, commitment and lots and lots of hard work. On behalf of all northerners, I would like to commend and to congratulate Greg, Scottie and Trevor on their excellent achievements.

---Applause

You have made your families, your friends, your communities and, indeed, all northerners, very proud.

I mentioned earlier that I was looking forward to welcoming a special guest to the North. I am very pleased to inform you that Their Excellencies the Governor General of Canada Michaelle Jean and her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond will conduct their first visit to the Northwest Territories this month. Their five-day visit will include Yellowknife, Fort Simpson and the Nahanni National Park. The Governor General will be here to celebrate National Aboriginal Day and to have discussions with women's groups, youth and the aboriginal community. I am sure you will look forward to warmly welcoming Their Excellencies to our territory as I do.