Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to start by thanking my colleague and co-chair of the main Caucus, Mr. Ningark, for nominating me. I would like to also thank the Honourable Jim Antoine and the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi for having the fortitude and courage to put their names forward this morning and to give the people of the Northwest Territories a clear choice for Premier.
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Mr. Chairman, in selecting a new Minister, I believe there are key issues facing the government that we should focus on. This Assembly and Cabinet, have to address two fundamental issues, the need for stability and the need for leadership from all Cabinet Ministers and the Premier.
As we consider who should be the next Minister, we need to select someone who can provide leadership as part of an effective Cabinet. We also need to select someone who will provide stability in the remaining months of this government, because, Mr. Chairman, after what the Assembly has just been through, stability is an important factor in many ways. Stability so that the Assembly can effectively do its job. Stability for the public service. Stability for the people of the Northwest Territories, so they know the government is focused on working for them in a compassionate and committed way. Stability so our southern partners in government and business are reminded that we are effective and full partners in all our joint endeavours. Mr. Chairman, people, governments, business and capital are very nervous at signs of instability. We must demonstrate clearly that we have dealt with this issue and that we are a responsible and effective government. We need to continue with the efforts to ensure government is accountable, transparent and credible with high standards of integrity and conduct. We need to ensure the programs and services continue for all our residents.
Mr. Chairman, just to make a side note, this being the 50th anniversary of the International Declaration of Human Rights, that we get caught up in the business of the day here, that we have to step back and remember the people that we serve. An issue or fact that we must never forget, the trials and tribulations that they face and that it is our responsibility to help them deal with. We need to follow through and ensure that the lessons we have recently learned will be put into effect through the motion that was passed in this House. In the time remaining, it is time to carry through on issues and initiatives already under way and deal with as many issues on our agenda as possible to get to division on time and on budget. Each of us has many new ideas for the two new territories being created. In 1999 and beyond, we lay out a vision for the western government, a basic blueprint, that includes some of these ideas, if it be the will of the new Legislature.
Mr. Chairman, as much as we want to move on new ideas, we cannot forget the fact of stability and the need to provide stability through division to make sure we maintain the existing level of programs and services and complete as many of the initiatives and issues we now have before us. We have an advantage in choosing a new Minister this time, compared to when we first got here, for the most part, strangers to each other. We now know who we are working with. We have been working together for three years and know a lot about how we do our jobs.
Mr. Chairman, rather than citing my qualifications, I would like to instead provide a possible check list of things to look for in a potential Minister. Do they have the work ethic which will allow them to deal with the volume of work in the Minister's office? Can they bring people together on issues? Have they put forward effective suggestions for dealing with the program and policy issues? Do they have a demonstrated ability to work with all their colleagues in the Assembly? Have they demonstrated leadership characteristics in interaction with our partners outside of government?
Mr. Chairman, we need to have a Cabinet that can quickly work together to deal with the critical issues remaining prior to division. With such a short time left in this Assembly, we should be focusing on stability and leadership and not necessarily on trying to readjust the political balance or trying to set a whole new direction.
Mr. Chairman, over the last three years, I believe I have demonstrated the leadership qualities that would make up a good Minister and I would appreciate the support of all my colleagues when it comes to a vote. Thank you very much.
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