Mr. Chairman, my clock is still ticking from the last one. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Members of the 13th Legislative Assembly, thank you for the nomination for Cabinet position. I would also like to take. this opportunity to give you a brief outline of my political and practical experience that I hope will persuade you to cast your vote in my favour.
I believe I have graduated with amaster's degree in the wildlife harvesting field as a professional hunter and trapper. This type of degree cannot come from any institution or professor, other than mother nature herself. I believe that the following information I am about to give you will confirm that I also hold a master's degree with regard to the cold, hard facts of life.
My political experience is extensive. In the early 1970s, served a short term as executive director for the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada in Ottawa and later as vice-president of ITC. During the same time, I was vice president of COPE, the early Inuvialuit land claim organization. I served a number of terms intheTuktoyaktuk Hunters' and Trappers' Association, both as chairman and board member. Ialso served as chairman of the NWT Game Council during 1974 to 1978. This council was formed for the purpose of creating a new Wildlife Act, which is still in existence today. While serving as chairman of this council, 1 gained experience working with national and international law enforcement agencies governing national parks and the taking of migratory birds and marine mammals.
These previous experiences and positions, as well as my experience as a successful Inuvialuit whaler, contributed tomy appointment in the late 1970s by the federal Fisheries Minister to represent all Inuit on the Fisheries and Oceans; Whales and Whaling Advisory Council. This council dealt with the taking of whales on a national level during the controversial whale- harvesting days.
All these positions and appointments gave me firsthand knowledge and experience of the issues affecting people who work and depend on the land. My terms as a municipal councillor and two terms as mayor of Tuktoyaktuk have provided me with extensive knowledge of the issues that have faced and will continue to face community residents and municipal councils.
My years served as SAO have enhanced this knowledge and have given me extensive insight into the policies governing the fiscal operations of MACA. A three-year term as chief commissioner of the Inuvialuit Land Administration Commission has given me extensive knowledge of the oil and gas industry and the federal regulations that apply.
I believe that my recommendations to IRC allowed the Inuvialuit to reach a successful concession with Esso Resources Canada, which governs Esso's operations on Inuvialuit lands today.
If appointed to Cabinet, this experience would serve to provide me with insight into the issues governing the negotiations applicable to the northern accord. Through my years of experience on the DEW line and the construction of local community airports and roads, I obtained a journeyman s ticket as a heavy equipment operator. Later, I gained extensive experience while working on winter roads, major airports and highways. This knowledge was further complemented by my experience in the marine sector of the transportation industry. After serving as deck hand aboard my own crew boats, I obtained a 40-ton master's ticket. I believe that this practical experience will benefit me now in reaching Cabinet decisions applicable to the Transportation portfolio.
Resulting from all these various experiences, I believe that I have the knowledge and capability to serve this government as a Member of Cabinet. Furthermore, my current position on both the Nunavut Caucus and the Western Caucus suggest that I can act as a mediator on issues that would tend to divide this consensus government. No doubt, my constituents will be affected by decisions applicable to both territories. Therefore, I feel a Cabinet decision for Nunakput is imperative to ensure that both the territories are equally represented.
As a Member of both caucuses, I will strive to maintain a fair and equal balance of government funding and programs for both territories. However, I am reminded by my people back home to keep in mind one point of great importance to them. Although a new western constitution must be tabled before division arrives, these talks must not proceed indefinitely and at the expense of those in need. A western constitution tabled in this House would hold great political value. Tabled at the family kitchen, this has no nutritional value.
I will be keeping this important thought in mind in future, while considering funding for ongoing constitutional talks. This message I have been receiving is to spend less on talks and more on job creation; programs which will assist my people and other people in the Territories from becoming wards of the government.
If I were elected to Executive Council, I would strive to work in harmony with the Premier-elect and other Cabinet Members. As an ordinary MLA, I will continue to work in consensus with other Members. As I have a little time left, Mr. Chairman, I would suggest we would hold and observe a minute of silence for the old style of doing things and look forward to a new style of doing things. Thank you.
---Applause