Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first I would like to thank my family, my wife, Dianne, and my kids, the Tlicho constituents, the Tlicho leadership and the four communities for allowing me to represent them for another term as their MLA. You have made the right choice.

Today marks a special day for the 16th Assembly. We are here

to select not only the new Government of the Northwest Territories, but also an accountable and a responsible government that will seek and make changes according to northern communities' needs as it should be. I, for one, Mr. Speaker, would like to be part of that change. I am here today to express my interest in becoming a Cabinet member for the 16th Assembly. It is truly an honour to be among you, this

distinctive dynamic group of MLAs here that is focussing on making changes for the betterment of the Northwest Territories as a whole.

During the 15th Assembly, I witnessed how the previous

government operated. I had opportunity also to serve as Accountability and Oversight committee chairperson; the leader of the opposition, you might say. I witnessed the previous government operating in a manner that could only keep the status quo. This do-not-rock-the-boat kind of attitude in dealing with government operations squelches any new initiative and potential opportunities. Creative thinking should not feel like walking on glass. We need to start thinking outside the box to best meet the needs of all of our constituents and all of the Northwest Territories. I see changes coming with this new government. I see a government that is a progressive and truly accountable public government. The people of the North deserve a government that will listen to them, take their directions to the next level, a government that is not afraid of changes. This government will find innovative ways to partner with industry to provide training and resources such as all- weather roads that will benefit both the business sector and the communities impacted.

I see this government taking new strides in education. I see it revitalizing the Literacy Strategy. I see it promoting languages and cultures that make the NWT rich. I see this government tackling our social issues head on, dedicating itself to resolving problems with housing and finding new ways to engage in our youth through programming and recreation. I see this government working closely with community governments, industries, ensuring true partnerships and meeting our goals.

It is time we start listening to the people of the North. This new government needs to be more visible in the communities. We, all of us here, need to see firsthand all of the issues and concerns smaller communities are faced with on a daily basis. No more of this making decisions directly from headquarters without the understanding and witnessing the root causes of the problems at hand. We need to be out there talking to the people that we are accountable to. Talking to our people is a necessary part of effective governance throughout the year. This also allows for valuable input from community members and better understanding between public and government and vice versa.

Community elders are asking to know their government, to know who they are dealing with and to know who is making the decisions that are affecting the every aspect of their lives. They want to meet the Ministers and deputy ministers of the departments. Our elders are leaders in their own right, having ensured the survival of their people, their land and their culture. They deserve to be treated with respect. The newly elected Cabinet should also be visiting the 33 communities on a frequent basis as they represent the departments that are responsible for day to day operations.

Last year I had the opportunity of having the Premier, three Ministers, deputy ministers and a few government staff to go on a skidoo journey throughout the Tlicho region. We want them to understand how our ancestors travelled the area, survived

on the land at the same time and the same land that we journeyed on. That same summer, Mr. Speaker, we did a canoe journey to the community of Behchoko for the Tlicho Annual Dene Nation Assembly. The parties involved were the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, Ministers, Member of Parliament and MLAs. I see this as a beginning of building on positive working relations with the communities and local governments.

We need a government that will be proactive as opposed to being reactive. The last government seemed to act to issues or problems that arose. We need to set standards according to the communities’ needs. We need to be involved with them at all levels. Community visits is one small step forward towards this bigger understanding, better communication and, ultimately, better governance. We need to recognize and finalize all outstanding land claims and self-government issues in order to move forward as a united one northern voice.

We have successfully completed several claims to date and can utilize their expertise and services which has been offered by parties. The Tlicho Government, for example, is currently working collaboratively with the Akaitcho Nation on supporting them, offering their expertise and experiences for them to finalize their claim. Once we complete all claims here in the North, we will be united as one and more powerful than our current status in terms of negotiation with Ottawa. We have currently signed off four out of seven aboriginal governments to complete the resource revenue sharing and devolution talks with Ottawa. This leaves out the three biggest aboriginal governments, the Tlicho, Akaitcho and Dehcho. By ignoring these nations, we must re-evaluate the current agreement with all parties and develop a plan of action to involve all parties so our voice will be stronger. Ottawa promised only late last night their commitments to settling land claims. This government will hold them to their words and will not back down. Once this is done, Ottawa must listen to the people of the North and finalize the negotiation once and for all.

Mr. Speaker, my vision as a representative of Tlicho people, a Member of this government, the 16th Assembly, is a

government that is transparent, accountable and open to the hearing of the needs of the people of the North. It is a government that will not stand simply for the status quo, a government that is creative, innovative, a government that is committed to following through with its promises, a government that shows results. It is a government that will show Ottawa the importance of the Northwest Territories to this country as a whole. Mahsi cho.

---Applause