Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Inuvik's municipal elections were held in October. The voters elected a new mayor and almost a totally new council; only one incumbent councillor was re-elected. This election is similar to national trends and to other recent elections and votes which were held, which I think gave politicians a clear message to either change the way in which they behave and the way in which they deal with issues, or be replaced. The public is not happy with the status quo.
The new town council has begun its work with vigour and has developed an open door policy of working with the community, the government and the aboriginal organizations. The new council also recognizes that Inuvik is the regional centre and must cater to and be responsive to the needs of the surrounding communities.
I would like to congratulate all the elected Members of the Inuvik Town Council, especially the mayor elect, Mr. Paul Komaromi. I would also like to congratulate the newly elected Members of the community education council and the new chairperson, Mr. Lloyd Binder. With strong leadership and by working together, Inuvik can become a model community, representative of its multicultural base. The Inuvik Town Council will be aggressive in proposing to this government initiatives for decentralization and for more control over local decision-making. I, for one, will be supporting and assisting the council in seeking, through special initiatives and projects, greater autonomy for Inuvik and region. Mahsi.