Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, earlier today, the Government of the Northwest Territories announced the recipients of the Order of the NWT for 2022, and among the names listed includes a very special Fort Smith constituent. And that person is Paul Kaeser Sr. II.
For those who don't know, the Order of the NWT recognizes people who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled in any endeavour benefitting the people of the NWT or elsewhere. This is the highest honour awarded to NWT residents.
Madam Speaker, Paul Kaeser and the entire Kaeser family have lived in Fort Smith for decades. In fact, they had roots in the community since the 1930s. The Kaeser family is well known and a respected family in Fort Smith who have had a familyowned business there for many years. Kaeser's Store, as it is known, is a grocery and a retail store that has been operated in Fort Smith since 1947. Over the years, their business has been owned and operated by multiple generations of the Kaeser family members, and their store has truly become a cornerstone of the community of Fort Smith.
Madam Speaker, I have also known Paul, or Paulie as most locals know him, for my entire life while living in Fort Smith. Paulie is a kind, loving and caring individual who is extremely devoted to the wellbeing of Fort Smith. Paulie is a very communityminded person who has helped to foster community development by always contributing to local events and causes through the years. He also is an avid sports fan, especially for curling. In his younger years, he was always active playing curling and baseball, and he continues to be very supportive of all sporting organizations and events in our communities.
Madam Speaker, it's always a pleasure when I get a chance to visit with Paulie because he always gives me great honest feedback on how to improve and maintain our community. I could not think of a person as deserving as Paulie Kaeser to receive the Order of the NWT. I know that all residents of Fort Smith will be supportive and proud in Paulie receiving this honourable recognition. On behalf of the constituents of Thebacha, I want to congratulate Paulie Kaeser for being selected for the Order of the NWT. Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Lastly, Madam Speaker, at this time I'd like to take the moment to congratulate the newly elected clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Glen Rutland. As chair of caucus, I'll be working closely with Mr. Rutland on various Assembly matters and I look forward to working with him in his new role. Similarly, I'd also like to wish our present and outgoing clerk Mr. Tim Mercer a happy and enjoyable retirement. I am sure he has other aspirations and interests in life so I wish him well with whatever he does next. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you, Member. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
