Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, for all northerners these are challenging times as we move to create two new territories. Over the last three years I have had an opportunity to work with every MLA in this House to the benefit of all our residents. I can go into a bit of my past and how I came to arrive here in this Assembly, but I believe the Members here who are going to select a new Cabinet Minister have seen the qualities in people already and, hopefully, that will lead to their decision.
I would be proud to be a member of a team creating a new Western Territory, while at the same time assisting our Nunavut neighbours in creating their own territory. I look forward to working with Cabinet colleagues and ensuring the division process is as seamless as possible.
Over this period of time that I have represented the community of Inuvik in this Assembly, I believe that I have demonstrated that I am a hard worker, that I am a team player, that I have no axes to grind and that my word is good. I feel I have the integrity to carry on with the Cabinet position.
Mr. Chairman, just over three years ago, when we were electing our Cabinet, I chose not to run because at that time I did not feel that I had the needed experience. Instead, I chose to concentrate on what I knew best and that was community issues. I believe I have shown that to be correct over the years. However, Mr. Chairman, after the three years of working in the Assembly as an Ordinary Member and as a Member of the Social Programs Committee, I feel I have acquired the needed experience to help complete the transition to two new territories at a Cabinet level.
As Chairman of Western Coalition, I have always strived to work cooperatively with the GNWT and our Nunavut partners to create a smooth transition to two new territories, while at the same time working to establish an economically viable new Western Territory. In many ways, the Western Coalition provides an example of what can be achieved when political, aboriginal, business and community leaders work together towards the common goal of creating a strong new territory. From my time as Chairman of the Western Coalition, I have gained a good understanding of the challenges of division and how these issues impact on the people we serve.
While division is an important issue, it will come to pass. We must, however, look forward and look to the future and see how we can take advantages of the opportunities that are presented to us. Economic development, Mr. Chairman, especially in the resource sector, must be taken advantage of. If elected to Cabinet, I would work hard to promote economic development in all regions.
As many of you may note, I have not pursued knocking on doors and going the traditional route of seeking your support before we have come into this arena. I have not operated that way in previous ways of doing things and I do not feel that it is time to change my method of doing things. I feel that my experience and those who have worked with me at this time will know that I stand here and you can look on or work together and know if you support me or not.
I think you all know me well and know that I am approachable. I am understanding and hard-working and, if elected to Cabinet, I will work hard to bring stability to government as we enter the final phase of creating two new territories.
While I live in the west and work hard to create a new, viable Western Territory, I also recognize that Nunavut will be our neighbour and, at times, an important ally. I am prepared to work with Nunavut on the future issues of common interest.
Mr. Chairman, we have all been through difficult times. We have all tried to work for our constituencies. The work effort that I put into protecting my constituency I would carry forward to working with Cabinet as a team player in trying to ensure that the people can look forward to a stable and open and honest government. I look forward to your support and I wish all the other Members that have entered into this much success. Thank you.
--Applause