At this time, I would like to take the opportunity on behalf of the Committee to thank all of the people who have taken the time to come to the Legislative Assembly and witness this very important process underway.

The next step for Members is to vote for the two candidates. I now ask the Members of the Committee to proceed to the Clerk's table where they will receive a ballot. From there, proceed to the voting booths to mark your ballot, then place the ballots in the box located in the front.

-- Voting commences

I declare the voting process is now closed. The ballot box will be sealed and taken to the Clerk's office where the ballots are to be counted. The bell will ring for five minutes to bring the Members back once the results are determined. We will now take a break.

-- Break

--Ringing of the bells

Welcome back, Members. I declare that you have elected the honourable Member for the Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi, to be your Premier-elect.

-- Applause

The Chair would like to recognize Mr. Kakfwi to say a few words, if he chooses. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, first of all, to my mother if she is listening. I hope she is not so worried anymore. She does not involve herself in politics. She always wonders why we do the things we do, why we put ourselves through so much stress and pressure, subjecting ourselves to the public. She wished everyday that I would not be a part of this life. I always tell her that I want to serve, that is the life I choose, and I want her to know that.

So Marie, if she is listening, let her know I am okay. To my children, thank you very much for your support. Members, regardless of whether you supported me or not I will be working with you and working for your constituents. It is a fantastic future that we have. We have enormous difficulties, but we will work together as a team. With a strong commitment we can enjoy our work and see some results. We can really develop a better future and better lives for our people and ourselves. Thank you. Mahsi.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Congratulations. Before we proceed to item 9, we will take a short recess and return at the sound of the bell.

-- Break

Welcome back. Item 9 on our agenda will be the election of Ministers. I just want to remind you that the information you will need to consider is in the pink copies for your reference.

Before I call the next item, I would like to take a moment to recognize in our gallery Chief Peter Liske from the Dettah Band and Clem Paul, North Slave Metis Alliance and Chief Rick Edjericon from the Ndilo Band.

-- Applause

I would also like to recognize, on behalf of Mr. Krutko, Ms. Pat Thomas.

-- Laughter

Item 9, the election of Ministers. Are there any nominations for the Cabinet positions? The Chair recognizes the Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Mr. Chair, I wish to nominate Mr. Jim Antoine, the Member for Nahendeh, for a position on Cabinet.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Antoine, do you accept the nomination?

Any further nominations? The Chair recognizes the Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wish to nominate Mr. Vince Steen, the Member for Nunakput, for a position on Cabinet.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Mr. Steen, do you accept the nomination?

Yes, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

Are there any further nominations? The Chair recognizes the Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Mr. Handley, do you accept the nomination?

I accept the nomination.

Thank you. Are there any further nominations? The Chair recognizes the Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wish to nominate Jake Ootes, the Member for Yellowknife Centre, for a position on Cabinet.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Mr. Ootes, do you accept the nomination?

I accept, Mr. Chair.

The Chair recognizes the Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.