Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since today is the beginning of a new session, I think it is only appropriate that I rise to speak as others have done about the new beginning that the people of the eastern Arctic have embarked upon and the creation and establishment of Nunavut. Earlier this year, after the people of the Northwest Territories voted "yes" to the boundary for division of the Northwest Territories, I rose in this House to speak about the need for this government to re-evaluate the way its departments, boards and agencies deliver programs and planning for the creation of Nunavut. Today, just one week after the Inuit of Nunavut voted to ratify their land claim agreement with the federal government, I would like to speak once again about the important decisions that must be made in this House in planning for the eventual creation of Nunavut. It is readily apparent that the people have spoken with a full voice on this matter. They have accepted the historic land claim agreement with Canada and the establishment of a new territory with a public form of government to be known as Nunavut. It is our job and the job of the government to work in good faith with the matters leading to division. To that end it is important that the issues that face this government, such as the decentralization of government structures and the devolution of authority to regional and municipal governments, take place as quickly as possible. There should be no further excuses or delays in fully implementing these policies. I want to ensure that the individual departments of this government take note of this important decision. This decision should be the single most important factor that all departments take into account when making future decisions on program delivery and operational and capital planning.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to quote an old proverb that says "from small beginnings come great things." I would like to congratulate all the people of Nunavut on their own small beginning. Thank you.