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