Mr. Chairman, I'll speak first in my first language.
(translation) Mr. Chairman, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Morin on his election as Premier, and commit my full support to him whether I should be selected to join Cabinet or stay as an ordinary MLA. I would also want to congratulate Jane for her admirable performance yesterday during the question period. Also, I would like to thank Jim Antoine for nominating me for the important position of being a Minister in the government. Also, I would like to begin by thanking the people of Baffin South who have put me here in this Assembly.
I was very happy when I realized on election night that I had won the confidence of the people. I will work very hard to show respect for the trust they have placed in me. The election campaign was a very emotional experience for me because my dear mother was very ill at the time. Although she passed away shortly after the election, I knew that she was very proud of me and it gives me great strength. I also want to thank my father who was a Member of this Legislative Assembly, and he had helped me out a lot, and also my wife Dorothy, and also her family for the support they have always given me. (translation ends)
Mr. Chairman, however, I've learned a great deal training in Arctic College in the area of renewable resources and then working in many communities in both the East and the West. I've also worked as a staff person, as many of you know, here with MLAs, committees and the Nunavut Caucus. Whether it was researching issues of the day for Nunavut MLAs or helping them to formulate statements and questions, working for over five years in this Legislature was a very positive experience which I thoroughly enjoyed and learned from. Travelling throughout the Territories with special committees of this House taught me a great deal of the concerns that people in the communities have.
I have attended community consultations with the Special Committee on Northern Economy, with the Special Committee on Languages and also the Special Committee on Health and Social Services. I recently worked as an alcohol and drug counsellor in my home community of Lake Harbour.
In my election campaign, I promised my constituents that I would serve them as a sober, responsible leader. I want to be a good role model for our youth in everything I do in this Assembly.
My constituents are excited about the establishment of Nunavut. They are looking forward to a government closer to home; a government which will give them more say in how they are governed. During this Assembly, many important decisions will be made as we move towards implementing Nunavut and the new western territory in 1999. This is a time when the people of the North most need leaders who are responsible and fair. As we face the difficult decisions moving toward the division of the Territories, our people also want us to be able to compromise rather than fight. I think this is an ongoing theme and I'm happy about that.
Even as we plan for new governments in the North, we must tackle the grievous social problems which are crippling our families and our communities: suicide, family violence, sexual and alcohol abuse, drug abuse and many others. We must have healthy communities if we are to be prepared for the new challenges of self-government in Nunavut. I am committed to dealing with these social issues as a priority in our new government. I believe that we can confront these issues through the community wellness approach, healing workshops, alcohol and drug treatment, improved education, self- awareness and self-esteem.
Our people are also crippled with a very high cost of living and serious shortage of affordable housing. Our young people are expecting to find new job opportunities after they have finished school. These are pressing issues I believe that our government must focus on as priorities. I am well aware of the financial pressures which our new government will face; greater pressures than ever before. I know that we will have to spend less than before. However, I believe it will be a challenge but we'll be able to find ways to do more with less. Whatever we do, we must act so as not to hurt the little people: the ordinary folks who are struggling to live and survive in our communities.
If I should be given the honour of being elected by my fellow MLAs for Cabinet, I promise that I will be approachable, open and honest. I promise that as a Member of Cabinet I will be a team player, loyal to the leader and respectful of the decisions we make. I am willing to work hard to be an effective Minister.
Honestly, Mr. Chairman, if I'm not elected to Cabinet, you can still count on me to give my full support to the new Cabinet and to my fellow MLAs. Thank you.
---Applause