Yellowknife, N.W.T.  -The current session of the Legislative Assembly is now over after three weeks of sitting.

The big-ticket item this session was the budget and it was passed yesterday after days of committee meetings inside the House.

Premier Bob McLeod said the budget was an important step to creating strong communities and will provide benefits for everyone in the NWT.

"The budget we have reviewed and improved will give our government the money to start making that vision a reality for all the people of the Northwest Territories," he said.

That means the $1.411 billion budgeted will become a reality and once all the money is spent, it's expected the budget will provide a $74 million surplus.

McLeod said the budget will support several areas of the territory, including early childhood development, easing the burden of electricity rates and environmental initiatives.

"It supports our environment with money for renewable energy, for negotiating trans-boundary water agreements and the development of a sustainable land use framework," he said.

The assembly will re-convene for the fourth session after the summer break.

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