(Translation) Thank you. I would like to speak in my language, as I feel that some of my constituents may be watching this. I would like to thank all of my constituents for supporting me and giving me unanimous support in this election. I feel that I have done a good job for them in the past, so I have had support from them on election night. It was quite evident. I would like to thank my wife, as well as my children. For as long as we have been married, she has been there to support me through good times and hard times. She has always been a strength to me. A lot of things that I find difficult I discuss with her and she gives me sound advice. My children have always been supportive of me and ask me a lot of questions about my work. Why am I absent from home for so long? But they are still supportive of me and I would like to thank them for that. (Translation ends)

I want to congratulate all of you on your election. Since we have gathered here last week, I must tell you that I have been incredibly impressed with the performance of all of you; in the manner in which you have conducted yourself; the way that you have asked questions; and, the way that you have made your positions and views so clear. I think I especially have to acknowledge the incredible positive approach that all of you bring to your work. The energy is positive, the approach is fresh and I must tell you that it is very uplifting to be a part of this new Legislature.

My statement is going to be about the reason why I am involved in this work. When I was 24, I first started to realize that the people of the Northwest Territories, particularly the Inuit and the aboriginal people of the West, were developing a vision about what their future should be for themselves. The vision for Nunavut and the vision for Denendeh for better government and for a better future for the people of the western part of the Northwest Territories was what drew me into political life. Since I was 24, almost half of my life, I have spent pursuing these dreams. There has been no part of it that has been easy, but I must say that I am proud today to feel a part of the people who have pursued the realization of Nunavut. I am committing to continue working over the next three and a half years to make sure that Nunavut becomes a reality. I think it is going to be a tough job to make it happen in the way that we plan. It is going to be difficult to follow through with the commitments that we have made. I think we are very close to making those dreams a reality.

Here in the West, it is still my commitment and my vision to see the creation of a government in which all people, aboriginal and non-aboriginal people, feel comfortable and a part of; a government that all people will feel ownership of. Those are the things that have compelled me in my public life since 1974.

There is the vision that there should be two territories, and that will happen in three and a half years. I will work to keep that on schedule. I will support those people who are best at creating jobs and knowing how to make money. I will support those people in their work and make sure that we have two strong economic bases to develop our future from. I will continue working with all people to make sure that those of us and those of you who are best equipped to work at the community level to help people realize how we can make our communities stronger, how we can make our people healthier and how we create a more positive future for our children, then we support one another in the pursuit of that as well.

As a Minister, I have served for eight years. I have had a great variety of portfolios. I want to mention that in the last four years, I have made a commitment to support the new Ministers, people like Silas Amgna'naaq, Tony Whitford and James Arvaluk. I know that they needed support and I made a commitment and made a great effort to make sure they had the best chance possible to make the best of the opportunities that they were presented with.

In the last four years, following my election in which Nellie Cournoyea was elected as Premier, the same day I committed my support to her. It has been four years of my strong, unwavering support to the Premier. I am very proud of the fact that for four years I have been there for her. It has been my pleasure to serve in that role. I thank those of you who have encouraged me and asked me to consider running for Premier. However, I believe at this time the role that I feel most comfortable with, considering my family and the work that has to be done, in supporting the visions we have and we are so close to reaching, is to serve as a Minister, and to serve in support of a strong Cabinet and support the Premier, who is willing to work hard and work on behalf of all people of the Territories.

Again, I want to thank you for the support you have given me. I am committed to working hard, as I have the last eight years. I am committed to being effective in my work. It isn't much use putting in long, long hours if you aren't going to produce results. It is also important to be able to know how to pull off a job and how to do it well. I am committed to continue travelling. I have done it for the last eight years. I have an extensive record of my travel commitments. I am prepared to continue to do it for the next three and a half years. As all of you have started to realize, I am very straightforward and very honest. I have demonstrated that to you during the last week and a half, for those of you who didn't know me before.

Sometimes it is a bit harsh and sometimes it is a little unsettling, but you always know exactly where I come from and where I stand on the issues.

I want to thank you for the nomination, Mr. Barnabas, and I hope that the rest of you show some confidence in the work that I am prepared to do again for you. Thank you.

---Applause