Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, during the last Assembly, when the Premier was absent from the House travelling to another jurisdiction -- in most cases, a good cause -- ordinary Members would question the Cabinet to see who was the acting Premier. Most Members from the old Assembly will remember there were times when no one would know who was the leader of the pack. Mr. Chairman, I think there is a need for the Premier, in this particular Assembly. I don't like to prejudge the possible outcome. There is a very strong possibility that the Premier may be chosen from the Western Caucus. I would like to make it very clear that it hasn't come to a vote yet and I don't like to sound like I am picking someone. I am not.

However, I think we should look at the possibility of having the Deputy Premier coming from the East, if the Premier is chosen from the West and vice versa. There are many times in this House when no one seemed to know who the leader of the government when the Premier was travelling. I know that the travelling demands on the Premier are very great and I know it will remain practically the same, in order to ensure the interests of the people of the NWT are heard from other jurisdictions.

If the Premier is chosen from the West, the Deputy Premier should be appointed from the East. Thank you.