Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Before we proceed to the next presenter, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize in the gallery a former Member of the Legislative Assembly and former Speaker of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, Mr. Bob MacQuarrie.

-- Applause

The next presenter will be from the riding of Yellowknife Frame Lake, Mr. Charles Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to extend my congratulations to you on your selection as Speaker-elect, and to the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi on his selection as Premier. I would like to say I have worked with Mr. Kakfwi over the last four years and I am prepared to work closely with him in the future, if I am selected to be on Cabinet.

I would also like to thank the honourable Vince Steen for nominating me. And I would like to take a moment to thank the people of my constituency for their trust and support. I would like to thank those who helped on my campaign, my family and friends for their support and for the confidence they have shown in sending me back to this House. It is truly an honour to serve in this Legislative Assembly.

As newly elected Members of the 14^th Assembly, we have our work cut out for us as we start a new page in the North's history. Over the past week or so as we have started to meet, I have listened to Members. We have told each other about our communities, and the goals and aspirations of our constituents. As a group, I think we bring a lot of talent to the table and I sense a willingness to work together to make the North a better place for all.

The key reason I am running for Cabinet is this: I want to help move the Northwest Territories towards greater self-sufficiency. As it says under the vision in the Agenda for the New North, I believe passionately that the Northwest Territories should be a strong, unified Territory, taking its place in the federation and contributing to the prosperity of Canada. I am prepared to take a leadership position in moving things along. I want to ensure that our government works with aboriginal organizations to make significant progress on governance issues. We need to settle claims and take meaningful steps forward on self- government implementation. I am not tied to one set of ideas or to one set of advisors. I am ready to look for the compromises that make the best sense for all. And I listen. You have to really hear the arguments to know where the compromise might lie.

I like the consensus style of government because it allows us to make good choices without being bound to one school of thought. I want to continue the work that I was part of in the last government, to work with the familiar faces around the table as well as the new, to achieve the goal of a prosperous North, a goal that is within our reach.

We are sitting on huge deposits of minerals, oil and gas, the means to a more prosperous and self-sufficient North lying in the ground in our own backyard. But, as you all know, Northerners benefit very little from development of those resources under the current formula financing agreement with the federal government. We get no royalties. Of any new taxes that we receive from corporate taxes or personal income tax,

we only get to keep 20 cents on the dollar. That is not much encouragement for development. We must restructure our fiscal relationship with Canada.

In December, I told federal Finance Minister Paul Martin that I thought we could show him a plan where we would put more money into the hands of Northerners, and very shortly into the pockets of Canada as well. He said he was prepared to listen. With my colleagues in the previous government, Mr. Antoine and Mr. Kakfwi, I met and talked with aboriginal organizations, community leaders, chambers of commerce, and anyone else who would listen about our fiscal outlook and the need to discuss sharing control of resources and revenues. For us to get the federal government to the table, Northerners have to build a consensus first.

I believe many stakeholders are willing to come together to start discussions to try and build that consensus. I think I have helped stimulate the discussion about revenue sharing over the past nine months. I know the players, they know me. My experience can be an important asset to help continue this process.

As I said, we need new revenues to invest in programs and services that will improve the quality of life for Northerners. To me, education is the best form of economic development. Educated people have more opportunities, they are healthier and they are more productive. We need to invest in education and training now so Northerners are ready to take on the jobs that will be created in the resource sector, in secondary industry, tourism and the service sector. The number of workers we import from the south when we have such high levels of unemployment has always been a big frustration to me. The pace of economic development must be tied to when we have jobs and trained people to take those jobs.

We need more money in health care, not only to care for the sick and injured, but also to invest in programs and services that will help prevent those conditions in the first place. An investment now will save millions, not just in dollars but it will save an awful lot of suffering.

We need more money to help small business get up and running. Our small business sector helps create much-needed jobs and keeps local economies going. We need more money to provide economic opportunities and jobs across the North. We need money to invest in infrastructure. For example, why should Northerners not be part owners of a gas pipeline and reap the benefits for years to come?

We talked about the need to improve roads that we have and the need to build new ones. We need new revenues to make these dreams come true. These are just a few examples of where I see priorities for investing new revenues.

As a Minister in the last government I spent a lot of time working on the Agenda for a New North, and then discussing it in conjunction with our fiscal outlook. I think it gives us a good starting point to develop our own vision, but the key parts are right. There are strong linkages between new revenues, for instance, and getting governance right. It must be a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories to work diligently with aboriginal organizations and the federal government to settle land claims, and to conclude self-government negotiations. This government must examine its evolving role in northern governments. How can we best serve the needs of the Territory? How can we best continue to develop and mature? There are important economic reasons to find ways to work together. For instance, bank and investor confidence and willingness to invest in northern business depends to a large degree on the stability of government.

I helped develop a vision that was brought forward by the 13^th Assembly, and I am ready to get to work with the Members here building and developing a vision for the 14^th Assembly. I believe that stability in the Assembly and the government is a must if we are to get on with the work that lies ahead.

We cannot forget that no matter what we are working on as Minister or as Members, we must go out of our way to give the public every reason to believe we will make the right choices. I know the importance of working together in the Assembly to achieve consensus. I know the importance of sharing information and listening to my colleagues. I have had an open- door policy during the previous two terms that I served as a Member, and you have my commitment that will continue. I have always been available to meet with Members. You have my commitment that will not change.

There have been more then a few times in the past eight years when there have been as many different ideas about where we should go on any particular issue as there have been MLAs. I often took a strong position and fought for it. However, I also worked hard to find the compromise that made the most sense. I remain committed to the ideal that a member of the Executive Council must be a team player. You fight for your point of view, but when consensus is reached you fight just as hard to achieve that consensus decision.

Cabinet Members have to represent all people of the Northwest Territories. I travel a lot throughout the North. While traveling, I spend time listening to and talking with people. I know first hand that we have a broad range of cultures and lifestyles in our Territory.

Life in smaller communities is different from life in the regional centres or the capital city. But we have many common interests, such as education for our young people, decent housing for our families, and a good quality of life for us all. We also take great pride in those things where we differ, those things that make us unique. And I respect that.

I hope that you will take a look at the job I did as a Minister, when deciding whether to support me. I have held a number of portfolios. I have worked hard and I am proud of what I have accomplished. I have put a lot of effort into getting new jobs and more training for Northerners. I worked hard for benefits for families. But most importantly I worked hard for a strong future for all residents.

I work hard to know my departments. I commit to you here that I will make it a practice to ensure that I do my very best to answer your questions when asked. I have done very well in the last Assembly in answering questions in this House. And I pledge to make sure I know my stuff well enough to continue that over the next four years.

Mr. Chair and Members, in spite of the challenges, I look forward to the next four years. I think we have tremendous potential. I say let us move forward. I would like to ask all the Members for their support for Cabinet. Thank you very much.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Before we move on to the next presenter I would like to take this opportunity to recognize in our gallery the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Member of Parliament.

-- Applause

At this time I would like to call upon the Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Jane Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Congratulations on your election as the Speaker of this House. I know you will do a wonderful job. Congratulations to the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi who is the new Premier-elect for the Northwest Territories.

I would like to thank my colleague from Range Lake, Ms. Sandy Lee, for nominating me here today. I would also like to thank my brother John, and my sister, Janet, for being here in the gallery.

It is indeed an honour and a privilege to be around this table this afternoon with the newly elected Members of the 14^th Legislative Assembly of the new Northwest Territories. I would like to thank the constituents of Hay River South for the confidence and support they demonstrated in acclaiming me as their MLA.

I am filled with optimism and anticipation of the days and years that lie ahead. Although we have some ominous challenges, I see them as opportunities. Opportunities to shape the future of our Territory for the benefit of all our people. I am encouraged by the caliber of the Members that were elected from the various communities and regions. This is a new mandate, a new term and a new North.

Today, I am asking my colleagues to consider what we want the Cabinet of this new Legislature to look like. As our Territory is diverse, I believe we should have diverse representation in our Executive Council. I strongly support the aspect of regional representation, which will be guaranteed in the new convention of two-two-two, as it has become known.

I have chosen to devote my remarks today primarily to my vision of what leadership in this government should encompass and how what I might bring to the role of Cabinet Minister could contribute to achieving that vision.

I have 25 years of tenure in the North. During that 25 years, I have been involved in a broad array of activities, from participation in municipal government and chambers of commerce to constitutional forums. I have served on boards ranging from the Youth Justice Committee to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. My involvement in business has ranged from day care services to real estate development. I can say that I have had the good fortune of enjoying every new challenge I have embarked on, and I have realized a good measure of success in whatever I have put my mind and energies to.

I have a strong work ethic and sense of purpose. But I have always found the most satisfying and rewarding part of any job is the people factor. I have traveled from one end of our Territory to the other, and I never cease to be intrigued by the people of the North. They are the people we represent in this government. I submit the future well-being, security, aspirations, health and welfare of these people should always be foremost in our minds and on our agendas.

I believe I have proven my commitment to keeping this the people's government through my efforts in the previous Assembly, to bring accountability and openness to the government. That is a principle I will continue to uphold.

I have been an Ordinary Member for four years, so I have experienced first hand how Ordinary Members should and should not be treated. I would treat all Ordinary Members and the issues they would bring to me with respect and concern.

I am approachable and open-minded. When it comes to setting and achieving goals, I think some people could attest to the fact that I am painfully persistent and determined.

I have accomplished many things in the past, undaunted by great odds. And these are some of the attributes and skills that I can put to work for you in achieving your goals and results.

I am project, task and action-oriented, so whether that task is wrestling federal infrastructure funds from the federal government for capital projects, such as a bridge over the Mackenzie River, or whether it is finding funding to train and compensate our foster parents adequately, I am up to the task.

Over the past four years, unfortunately, I have also observed the results of Cabinet Ministers undermining each other's efforts with personal agendas. It is to the detriment of progress and stability and ultimately negatively impacts our constituents. Realistically not every attribute can be found in one person and that is why it is important the Cabinet you select works together as a team, capitalizing on the strength and experience of each Member.

I am excited about the prospect of harnessing the potential of a cohesive team under the leadership of a seasoned, strong and highly principled government leader. And I believe that is what we have elected here today. And Steve is seasoned, which is just a polite way of saying old.

-- Laughter

No, he is only 49, I am just kidding.

I would support the collective initiatives of this Assembly and support the individuals who are tasked with providing leadership in each of the departments or areas. I would be looking to the more experienced Members and the new Members alike, for guidance and feedback on my performance and the specific areas in which I could provide leadership.

I aspire to an open government based on inclusion, which fosters harmony and unity where no one would need feel disenfranchised. When I talk about inclusion I am talking about inclusion of people from all walks of life. Young and old, male and female, urban and rural, aboriginal and non-aboriginal. Inclusion of the elected leaders in this House as well as leaders elected to aboriginal community governments. I would uphold the principle of balance and fairness to all Northerners and all regions of our Territory.

I want to be part of a government in which the people can have confidence and pride. A government where aboriginal governments can expect and will receive support for their claims and agreements they have in place.

I know some of you have reserved your support until you have had a chance to hear our presentations today. There is a secret ballot process and there is a reason for that. These are such important choices we are making here. The question is what are you prepared to do to make sure this is as capable and representative a Cabinet as possible?

In a phrase coined by our Speaker-elect, when faced with all the choices each of us has to make this week, I would like to leave you with his words of encouragement when he was speaking to us earlier this week. He said, “Just do whatever you believe is the right thing”. I ask you to do that today. I ask you for your support. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The next presenter on my list will be the Member for Weledeh, Mr. Joe Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I too would like to offer my congratulations to you on your selection as Speaker and to Mr. Kakfwi, our new Premier-elect. I would like to also thank Mr. Jim Antoine, the Member for Nahendeh, for nominating me.

I would like to say first that I have thought very long and hard before making the decision to seek a Cabinet position. I also consulted extensively with my constituents in Weledeh. I am pleased to tell you I have strong support from my constituency and from all areas including Yellowknife, Dettah, N'Dilo and the Ingraham Trail.

I first would like to tell you a little about myself. My professional background is as an educator. I have both graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Saskatchewan. In fact, I was the first aboriginal graduate from the Indian and Northern Education Program at that university. Thankfully, a lot of our northern aboriginal students have continued to go to that university and to others, and now form a strong core of teachers here in the North.

I have worked as an educator both in Canada and overseas. Before becoming a deputy minister with our government I was a superintendent of schools. I have been a deputy minister in the Northwest Territories for the past 14 years. I have had responsibility for a number of departments including Education, Renewable Resources, Housing, Transportation and Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. And I can tell you as a deputy minister, it is different on this side.

We are still dealing with the same issues. I am proud of my work record and achievements in each of the portfolios I was in and I am eager to contribute my experience and my ability to get things done in my new role as MLA for Weledeh and hopefully, as a member of the next Cabinet.

I believe in the Northwest Territories. My family lives here, my grandchildren live here. I think we have a very exciting and potentially prosperous future ahead of us. But we have to manage it right for the people today and for generations to come. We have the potential here to ensure that everybody has a decent lifestyle. But first we have to get our own house in order. We can only achieve this by working together.

We need to make progress in getting our system of government right. Our relationship with the federal government and with aboriginal governments is crucial. I believe as a critical first step this government must do everything it can where appropriate to facilitate the settlement of land claims, treaty entitlements and self-government provisions.

Until we achieve this, discussions on constitution, economic development priorities, resource revenue sharing and even rights of priority for training and employment will be difficult to resolve. Overcoming our social health and education challenges will be practically impossible without a new formula for resource revenue sharing. I think a renegotiated financing agreement with the federal government goes in that same package.

At the same time, as we are resolving outstanding land claims and aboriginal rights in facilitating the implementation of the existing claims, we need to continue on with negotiations with the federal government. We need to be creative in how we do this, of how we can open the doors for more input, then from just the 19 of us in this Chamber. We need more private sector input. We need more aboriginal input in that process.

While mining, gas and oil development will be the greatest contribution to our GDP, it is likely that most of our people in the Northwest Territories will be employed directly or indirectly in the renewable resources sectors.

I believe in non-renewable resource development because it can create much wealth and jobs. But at some point it runs out. I believe our long-term future is in the renewable resource sector. I am a strong advocate of the tourism industry. I do not believe our traditional economies are dead, as some people might have us believe. But we need to be more creative on how to modernize them to make them viable.

I will work hard to ensure we have a balance between the various sectors making up a good, healthy diversified economy, which will hopefully alleviate the situation we have now, where we have many boom and bust cycles. But I want to do this while ensuring jobs and benefits for all Northerners.

As was noted in the various briefings we had over the past few days, we have a population in the Northwest Territories that faces challenges on all fronts, especially in terms of education, health and social needs. Unless we can help overcome these challenges, economic development of jobs will not be a reality for a lot of people.

Preventable health and social problems are creating environments to dedicate too large a share of our available financial and human resources to managing this need. I believe in zero tolerance for violence and the need for legislation to enforce this principle. I believe in the necessity of investing more resources in prevention initiatives as the most practical way to cut down the costs resulting from abuse of alcohol and drugs and resulting human tragedies.

Politically, we have a unique form of consensus government. I will do everything to make it work effectively. Some of my views on Cabinet are: we need Cabinet Members to hear what we

say in the Legislative Assembly, and are able to include MLAs in planning and in the implementation of these priorities. We also need a Cabinet which can report back with good, tangible results. Cabinet Members need experience and expertise, but most of all a capacity to communicate openly with all Members and with the various committees we establish. We are not selected to Cabinet simply to push on with government in our own way, but we are expected to show leadership and be decisive when it is necessary. We need a Cabinet that is above challenge on ethical issues and on accusations of wrongdoing and favoritism. Cabinet has to be open and consultative if consensus government is really going to work. While it may be necessary at times to change spending plans, this should be communicated to the MLAs immediately.

I want to make our government work for the benefit of the people we represent. I have a lot of experience; I have a good record of getting the right things done on a timely basis. I have always lived by a responsible code of ethics. I am a team player, I listen and respect views, and I am honest with people. What you see is what you get.

I assure you I will not forget the people we represent. People in all of our constituencies have concerns, problems, challenges, aspirations, hopes and needs. We cannot let a day or even an hour go by without remembering they are the reason we are here. I believe government can make a difference, and government can, as people expect, get things done. We have unprecedented challenges in front of us, and on all fronts: financial, constitutional, economic and social. We cannot delay any of them. I am prepared to roll up my sleeves and put in the hours and commitment to getting on with the task. I look forward to your support in my quest for a position on Cabinet. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. I will call now to the Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. David Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. At this time, Mr. Chair, I would like to congratulate you on your role as Speaker, and also I would like to congratulate the newly elected Premier, Mr. Kakfwi. And to all the other Members of the House, I look forward to serving with you and working with you for the next four years. I have had the privilege of serving in the capacity of regional politics, territorial politics and now here in the House, for some 15-odd years.

But I will have to say the toughest time I have served in any capacity for the public was the last four years during the 13^th Assembly. We had to make some crucial decisions on some very demanding choices with limited funds. I have learned that it is now time to turn the wagon around and head to more prosperous grounds.

We now have an opportunity to go from having to make the tough decisions with division, with bringing down a $150 million deficit to where we are now having an opportunity to see the potential we have in the Western Territory.

In saying that, Mr. Chair, I would like to assure every Member here that I am open, honest, and willing to speak for the people of the North, the people I represent in the Mackenzie Delta. I grew up in a small community, and I have seen the problems and the concerns those people have.

Most people consider family as immediate family, those people around you. But in the aboriginal community, a family is a community of people. I think when you come to issues and problems that you hear from the community, it affects everyone within that community; whether it is a death in the family, a problem with alcohol and drugs, or the effects that we have seen of boom-bust scenarios.

In the Mackenzie Delta, it has been over 20 years since we had the prospect of having a major industry sitting on our doorstep go bust. And I think it is now time to change that philosophy with the energy of this new Legislature and the people in this House, to work along with the aboriginal groups, the oil and gas companies, the mining companies, and most importantly improving the lives of the people we serve.

I have had the opportunity in the last four years to be known as a person that speaks for the little people, because in my heart I feel the pain, the suffering and injustices of those people out there who cannot speak for themselves.

I have the experience and privilege of serving in several capacities in the Northwest Territories for the last 15 years, from working with the people within the communities to being a member of the band council. From being a member of settlement council to the hamlet council. I was also elected to the Mackenzie Delta Regional Council with leaders such as Johnny Charlie and Freddie Greenland.

I think it is those types of experiences that made me who I am today, and I will continue to serve those people that have given me that privilege.

I have faced many challenges. I have served with the Dene/Metis claims process for seven or eight years as a regional land claims negotiator. I served on the executive of the Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories as the vice-president. Yes, we have gone through some troubled times through the negotiations of the agreement in principle for the Dene/Metis, and then to see negotiations lapse at the final stage of conclusion of the Dene/Metis claim. But I believe what has happened has happened for a reason. I believe it has made the people of the North more dependent and more resilient as individuals, and a group of individuals, to be able to do the things we are now doing in the North.

I went on to serve as a senior negotiator with the Gwich'in to settle that land claim. And after concluding those negotiations and having that agreement finalized, I had the privilege of serving as a senior negotiator of the Sahtu claim. That claim is now concluded and the process of self-government has started.

It is awfully difficult to put yourself in the shoes of people in the communities. For those people who do not understand aboriginal politics, the biggest shoe we have to fill in any community is a leader, a chief. They are the ones that face the issues day in and day out. They are the ones who receive the phone calls, they are the ones that have to call the RCMP, and they are the ones that have to call the nursing station when people feel they want to be heard.

I think that it is time we took the energy in this room and put the people in Cabinet that will serve for the benefit of all people in the North. We have the opportunity to move forth and ensure we do the best job we can. I, for one, would like to see the process change from the dependency of government to independence of people.

We have a chance to move forth with the economic opportunities that are on the horizon. I am privileged to have served in the capacity at the community level, the regional level and the territorial level, and now in this Legislature, to serve the people of the Mackenzie Delta and the Northwest Territories. But I feel everyone here in this room all have special interests and special commitments we have made to serve people. I for one will continue to do that regardless, of the capacity where I find myself.

In closing, I would ensure all Members here that I will continue to be up front, honest, and state vocally or otherwise the issues that I feel critical, important, and where direction has to be taken. I am a team player; I have always been a team player. When I feel that one person's opinion may have some merit, I will listen to that opinion. And when I feel strong enough that initiative has to be taken, I will go with initiative where I see the most positive results at the end.

So with that, I would like to state I wish for the support of the Members here to nominate and select me to Cabinet. I believe I have done a duty to the North, and I will continue to perform that duty by serving the people of the North in all aspects and in all the relationships that we have here by building a government that is strong and vocal. I will stand up for all people in the North. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. We are 60 percent through the presentations. Is it the pleasure of the Committee to continue with the remaining four, or take a short pause?

--Interjection

Continue on? Thank you. Before we go to our next presenter, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize in the gallery a former Member of the Legislative Assembly, a Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Roy Erasmus.

-- Applause

Our next speaker will be the Member for Thebacha, Mr. Michael Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would first like to start, as well, by congratulating you on your selection to the high office of Speaker. I would also like to extend my congratulations to my colleague, Mr. Kakfwi, on his election as Premier. I know he will do the job that is necessary.

As we start a new century and new Territory, we are in a time of transition politically, socially and economically. It is critical and important for us as a new Assembly to try to do everything in our power to maintain programs and services at the community level, while at the same time deal with the finances and identify new revenues. We also have to ensure that we

foster from the start a very strong, co-operative, working relationship with the aboriginal governments, as we have to work together on issues of resource sharing, settlement of claims and self-government. What we do now is going to set the foundation for the Legislatures to come and the public government that is going to evolve in the new century.

We are the first MLAs in the new Northwest Territories. We have all just come through an arduous, long election process. We have all received a strong mandate from our people to represent everyone in our ridings: the elders and youth, men and women, aboriginal and non-aboriginal. We bring that mandate here with us to the Assembly.

We now have to pick the best possible people for the job to help us at this critical juncture in our history. It is on that basis that I stand here today as a candidate for the office of Cabinet. As a candidate and someone who will also be selecting the Ministers, I believe there are certain qualities that are important in the people being selected, which I believe I share.

We need those that will demonstrate leadership. Whether we can achieve a vision of a strong and healthy Northwest Territories will depend on the leadership we show. As individual MLAs, as a collective Assembly, through the Premier and Cabinet, we are in a process selecting as well, how we work as an Assembly with the other territorial leaders. I believe the public is looking for strong, cooperative leadership. Leadership that is willing to make tough decisions, but at the same time, take the extra steps necessary to protect those programs that are critical to our communities.

I believe I have demonstrated those qualities of leadership, both as an ordinary MLA and as a Member of Cabinet. In the nine months I have been on Cabinet, I have taken steps to try to address the problems dealing with education. I have traveled to the communities to talk to the DEAs, DECs, community leaders, the people, and the students. We have put out a strategic plan that very clearly identifies the priorities we have to deal with in the next five years with education, pupil-to- teacher ratio and special needs. I have also made sure that I keep all the Members fully aware of what is happening in this process.

We need those with a clear vision of what has to be done. I for one have six key areas I think are very critical to us. The first one, as we have all talked about in the last few days, is the need to start the process to renegotiate our tax window so that we no longer have to spend or pay back 80 cents of every dollar to the federal government at a time when we do not have money for the programs that are so essential to all of us.

In the mid-term, we have to actively and aggressively pursue the resource sharing arrangement with the aboriginal governments and the federal government working together cooperatively. The door is open. Minister Nault has said so.

We also have to fully support land claims settlements and self- government talks at the same time supporting the role for a strong, central public government. Settlement of claims will provide tremendous certainty and economic potential for all Northerners.

As a government and Legislature, we have to push for better integration and improved coordination of programs and services so that we can maintain the service levels in the communities. It is clear that much more can be done, both at the headquarters level and at the community level. We have to make the best possible use of existing resources.

A critical area often overlooked in the broad political discussion is the fundamental role of family and strong communities. The family, Mr. Chair, is the foundation of our Territory and of our society. It is where children learn who they are, where they are from, their values, their culture and their heritage. We have to make efforts to, in fact, enhance and support the family so we can give birth to healthy children who are brought up in a strong family environment and are able to go to school and learn. If we do not, we will never have enough money for special needs. There are many self-inflicted problems, FAS, FAE, tobacco, as we have heard. Those are all preventable and we have to focus on working with families and communities so that we can, in fact, move forward as a strong Territory. We very clearly need an economic strategy to go hand in hand with the other strategies we have, with education, with health. As was indicated earlier, the best form of economic development is a strong education, but we also have to fit that into the tremendous development that now faces us.

We need someone who is approachable, open and accountable. I have an open door policy. I have made a practice of it since I have been here. I have pushed throughout the last Assembly for greater public access to committee meetings. I believe we have to step out as MLAs and Cabinet Members and committee members to the communities to let the people see once again what this government can do.

We need someone who understands the need for balance in addressing the needs of all Northerners. We have diverse needs in our communities - small, remote communities, medium-sized communities, and Yellowknife. In my time as Minister, I have traveled to 25 of the communities to visit with the schools and the DECs and DEAs. I am much more aware now of those critical needs.

We need someone who is a team player. Cabinet Members have to work together. They have to be open to positive feedback from each other.

As a Cabinet, we have to strengthen our ability to do broad, strategic planning. Equally critical is going to be the very strong need for an open, pro-active relationship with the committees and Cabinet, to work together to resolve the many critical issues that face us.

We also have to take this approach into the Assembly and beyond with the leaders and communities as we deal with the many issues before us. We also have to have an active functioning strategic relationship with our Member of Parliament and our new Senator. They can be tremendous assets and we should make better use of the skills and abilities they bring to the table.

We need somebody with the background and experience. I spent the last four years in the Assembly, the last year on Cabinet. I have been chair of Caucus, chair of Western Caucus, vice-chair of the Social Programs and also the Government Operations Committee. I have been mayor. I have been town councilor. I have been on the NWTAM, as well as chair of the South Slave Regional Council. Plus, I have extensive government experience at the superintendent and management level. And I bring those skills with me.

We need someone who is open to new ideas and is flexible on how we achieve our collective vision. I do not believe in a "one size fits all" for this Assembly, or that the current system is perfect. We have to be open to new ideas from Members and the communities. We have to be prepared to be creative in how we achieve the solutions, because we have to work together to do this.

We need someone with a sound work ethic who is prepared to put in the time. I believe I have demonstrated that work ethic in the last four years.

We need someone who is prepared to make the tough decisions necessary in a careful, measured, consultative way, in order for us to move on as an Assembly and as a government.

In closing, Mr. Chair, I would just like to reiterate the very critical nature of this Assembly, the tremendous responsibility and stewardship we are expected to provide to the people of the Northwest Territories, and the need to practice the politics of cooperation, a fundamental principle that I have brought to the office of MLA when I first was elected to the 13^th Assembly, in which I bring to this, the 14^th Assembly. I believe I have the qualities, the personal experience and the demonstrated abilities. I look forward to the outcome of this particular election. I ask if you would consider supporting me for Cabinet for the 14t^h Assembly. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Our next presenter will be the Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Jake Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to pass on my congratulations to you and Mr. Kakfwi for the election to these very important positions.

I would also like to thank Mr. Krutko for nominating me and for having the confidence that I can serve this government as a Cabinet Minister. I am, of course, very grateful to my constituents for voting me back into office and also, of course, to my family and friends for being so supportive.

I see a very exciting time for us here in this Territory in the future. Yes, we have some problems to overcome, some very big challenges that will face us in the next couple of years, but I believe that if we set those challenges in the right direction, four years from now we will have moved this government into a position that can make this Territory a wonderful place for our residents to live and a very, very good place for them to be.

All of us, Mr. Chair, have assets, skills and experiences to bring to the table. Over the years, I have had some wonderful experiences myself. In my younger life, I was a public servant for this very government. I spent 10 years working partially for the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and later for the Government of the Northwest Territories when it was in its formative years. During this time, I gained valuable insight into our land and people, and have a great appreciation for the background from which we all come.

Following my career as a civil servant, I was a businessman for almost 20 years in the publishing business. I published newspapers and magazines and most recently, I was the owner of Above and Beyond magazine. My businesses taught me how to manage money, how to direct people and how to work with the public. Four years ago, I was fortunate enough to be elected to this Legislative Assembly. During my time here, I gained a good understanding in the process of our government.

I served as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Management and later as a member of the Management Services Board. And, of course, for a three-year period, I was chair of the Ordinary Members' Caucus. Having been an Ordinary Member has given me a great deal of appreciation for what Members go through and what needs to be done. I also appreciate the objectives that they have to serve their constituents. I believe the combination of having been a public servant, a businessman, and some experience now as a politician are assets that can contribute positively and productively to this government.

For me, being a Cabinet Minister is all about leadership. What are the skills of a leader, you might ask, that I consider are important? Integrity, honesty and openness, the ability to work diligently and effectively, an ability to be flexible, to listen to other people's viewpoints.

Cabinet Ministers must be able to relate to a wide spectrum of people across the North but also relate with leaders on other stages in the south and elsewhere. Cabinet Ministers must be respected by their peers and perceptive enough to be approachable by all people. Ministers' roles should never be such that his or her service to the Ordinary Members is lost. I believe I can fulfill those ideals.

We are facing many challenges here in the Northwest Territories at this time. The demand on social programs is increasing and our economy is struggling to keep up. It is our job to find ways to do things better with fewer resources while at the same time continue to provide the good, quality service that we have always provided. It is my view that we must be very specific with what we need to achieve over the next four years. To me, the issues are related to economic development, governance and the social net. And the issues of these areas must be tackled in concert with each other. They are all interrelated.

It is vitally important that we recognize the need for creating jobs for our people here in the Territories. The mining, oil and gas sector are the one industry that can kick start that employment possibility for a large number of jobs immediately. But, as we all know, we have our challenges there. Tremendous challenges. And these challenges centre around the need for our people to have their land claims settled to their satisfaction and improving the regulatory hurtles that companies face in order to set up shop here. We must make our Territory a friendlier environment to attract industries.

The Government of the Northwest Territories must support the communities in their desires for economic development of their regions. We must provide the support to those people that have development taking place there. We can also improve job creation for our people through the value added industries. We have made good inroads in the diamond industry. We need to do that in other sections - the oil and gas and the forestry. Wherever we can, we must capitalize on that. We need to continue to lobby the federal government and work with our aboriginal groups and governments to gain control over resources.

We also need to concentrate on improving the other industries here in the Territories: the tourism, forestry, arts and crafts, manufacturing, and the fisheries industries. Economic development must happen in a climate of good governments. We need trustworthy political leadership. We need to improve civil service morale and restore their security of position, because our employees need confidence in themselves once again.

Our political leaders need to lead by example. The values we adhere to send a powerful message to our people and to our communities. These values are important, such as honesty, integrity, and dedication of service.

Tackling of economic and governance problems must happen in conjunction with addressing the social challenges that are before us; and they are many.

For example, alcohol-related crimes and social problems cost this government tens of millions of dollars, perhaps more, each year. The human suffering for those people is even greater. Our youth must be equipped with knowledge and skills, and the opportunity receive a good, basic education, to go to relevant colleges and apprenticeship programs. As a Territory, we need to work together on all of these challenges.

We also need to improve the relationship amongst all our western communities. We need the unity and harmony that is so important for us to develop as a Territory.

In closing, Mr. Chair, let me state that I do not shy away from a challenge. I do not shy away from the issues when tough decisions need to be made. I may not necessarily agree with my Cabinet colleagues or my other colleagues if I am in Cabinet, but I certainly will put my viewpoints forward. I believe a different viewpoint is quite healthy.

I offer you my skills and my commitment to making a positive contribution to you and the people of the Northwest Territories, and I am asking you for your support for a Cabinet position. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Our next presenter will be the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Floyd Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I too would like to congratulate you on being chosen as Speaker-elect, and congratulate Mr. Kakfwi for a job well done.

Many of you have heard me for quite some time this morning and this afternoon responding to questions and so on. I think I will say just a little bit more in the area of what I stand for and who I am. I came here at the 13^th Assembly with an open mind. As I said, I had my back to the wall, eyes and ears open. I was told I would get an education of a lifetime. And I must say, the 13^th Assembly has brought me more wisdom over the years: how to deal with people, issues, and how to take on challenges. And I hope to be able to bring that forward in the 14^th Assembly in whatever role I will be given.

I think we have an opportunity here to make a difference for the people of the Northwest Territories by working together. I will be committed to the cause of making life better for our residents in the communities.

If we are going to make a difference, as I said many times this morning and this afternoon, it will be as a team. We heard earlier that we will have our disagreements, but at the end of the day we have to get on with business. That is what I am here to do, to get on with business in order to make a difference in the lives of all the people whether they are employed, children, elders, and unemployed. We have to represent them all fairly and equally.

I believe I have shown that ability in the last Assembly, and I hope to be able to continue that in whatever role I will be serving in this 14^th Assembly. I look forward with apprehension, but knowing there is opportunity. If we take advantage of the opportunity, the changes that will come about will be more productive than just reacting as past governments and we have. We have to take the challenges and the calculated risk of making a difference. I think we can do that. We have good people around the table, and the challenges out there are huge. As my friend from Thebacha would say, they are absolutely huge. But I think we can make that difference.

We can improve the lives of the residents of the Northwest Territories. We can improve our communication with all the other groups in the Northwest Territories, and I think we can make better inroads with Ottawa. If we take the challenge and look at the changes that need to happen, we can all make a difference. That is what I came to do in the 13^th Assembly. And as I spoke to people during the campaign of this election, we are going to face some difficult times. If we are willing to accept that tough decisions have to be made, at the end of the day we can will have positive outcomes.

So I look forward to working with you all in the 14^th Assembly. I hope that I have your support as a Member of Cabinet for the 14^th Assembly. And I think as a team we have started out on a good foot and we need to continue to build. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Our final presenter will be the Member for Nunakput, Mr. Vince Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I congratulate you on your election, and Mr. Kakfwi. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger, for his nomination. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the voters back home for giving me this opportunity to represent them again, and to possibly serve on Cabinet again.

Mr. Chair, along with everyone else, I too agree that we have very large challenges facing us, such as trying to improve our health and social services, our education, and our general economic situations across the Northwest Territories. We have our priorities that we have to work together to identify in the next days or the next few weeks.

However, I believe of all the priorities we have to face, the most serious one is to try to vest control of resources from the federal government so that can assist us to address our fiscal situation. If we can do this, we then have the capabilities to improve our health and social services programs and education programs as well. We would also have the capability to improve our transportation infrastructure, community infrastructures, and provide jobs and opportunities for our residents.

Mr. Chair, I think the aboriginal groups have indicated they are willing to share the resources with this government and with the federal government. But more importantly, they have also indicated they are willing to share. In some cases, they have indicated they want to take over the programs and services that we are currently delivering to them on behalf of the federal government.

I believe we should not be a roadblock to them obtaining this opportunity from the federal government. We should support them. This can be done either through partnership groups, partnership governments, or it can be done simply by passing the responsibilities back to the federal government so they in turn could pass it on to the aboriginal groups through their self- government agreements. Mr. Chair, I believe these people are capable of doing this, and it would help to relieve some of the strain we have on our fiscal situation.

This is one of the prime reasons I have chosen to again run for territorial council and put myself available to Cabinet. I believe I could support this type of movement on behalf of this government, and it would go a long way to working out a better working relationship with the aboriginal groups.

Mr. Chair, I am letting my name stand for a position on the Executive Council because I believe I have proven that I have the potential and capability to serve the 14^th Assembly over the next four years. During the last 10 months, I have gained valuable leadership experience as a Minister. While serving as Minister of Transportation, MACA and DPW, I have followed through on the mandate of the three departments to ensure the business plans as approved by the 13^th Assembly were implemented to the extent possible with available resources. This included keeping capital projects on schedule by working with affected client departments, or with other stakeholders in the communities. In my capacity as Minister, I have met with and lobbied federal, provincial and territorial politicians and officials to encourage the future development of our transportation and community infrastructure, including the national and territorial highway systems. I have made myself and my department officials accessible to other Ministers and to the Members. When there was a requirement to address issues and concerns, I insured my department was available either directly to the public or through MLAs.

As I have done in the past, I am committed to work towards achieving the goals and objectives we set as Members of the 14^th Legislative Assembly, and I am prepared to work with other Members of Cabinet and with the new Premier-elect, Mr. Kakfwi.

I have a personal style of management that includes an open- door policy for Ordinary Members and Cabinet Ministers, a strong integrity with commitment for accountability to both the Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Premier and the public, and the making of practical and fair decisions using logic and common sense.

I believe I have carried out my share of the Executive Council's workload in an efficient manner over the last seven months. I also believe that I am a strong team player who obtained the

respect and cooperation of other Ministers, the Ordinary Members, and my department officials and staff. I hope to be given the opportunity and mandate by you to continue my role as a Cabinet Minister of the 14^th Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

-- Applause

I would like to thank all of the candidates for adhering to the time limits for their presentations. In a moment, we will be ready for voting. Members are now asked to vote. You will proceed to the Clerk's table to receive three ballots: one for the northern candidate, one for the Yellowknife candidates, and one for the southern candidates. You will please proceed to the voting booth to mark your ballots, and then place them in the ballot box located in the front of the Clerk's table.

--Voting commences

Now that all of the Members have voted, I will now proceed to vote myself.

-- Voting commences

I declare the voting process is closed. The ballot box will be taken to the Clerk's office where the ballots will be counted. The bell will ring for five minutes to bring the Members back in once the results are determined. Now we shall take a break until the call of the bell.

-- Break

The Committee will reconvene. Colleagues, it is my duty to announce that you have elected two individuals to represent each of the Yellowknife and southern constituencies. However, as per the procedures, the names of those individuals will not be announced until all representatives have been determined.

Therefore, it is my duty to announce that there is a need for a second ballot in the northern region. The nominees for the second ballot are Mr. Roger Allen, Mr. Floyd Roland, and Mr. Vince Steen.

Before we proceed to vote, are there any nominees from this ballot wishing to withdraw their names at this time?

There having been no withdrawals, the ballots are available as before. Please proceed to come forward to pick up your ballots, mark your choices and drop them in the ballot box in front of the Clerk's desk.

-- Voting commences