Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the new Legislative Assembly building, a beautiful model which is displayed in the foyer outside. Mr. Speaker, as you know, and all of you know, I have been a staunch supporter of this project since its inception, although not quite for the purpose it was designed for. My original idea for this building was a sort of a "Club Leg" for the people of Whale Cove and other small communities. When the building is not being used, we could fly all the people in from the communities and they could have a nice three-week vacation in the building. They would have running water, hot showers and a nice little lake in the back to go hunting and fishing. I hosted the Mayor of Whale Cove in the capital this week, and he seemed quite receptive to the idea. However, the Minister of Finance convinced me that we just could not afford to fly all these people in, given the current travel restrictions. I must say, Mr. Speaker, I concur with the Minister's wise counsel on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I then got to thinking about a way we could turn this sucker into a sure-fired money-maker, and I think I have come up with the answer. I would note that this suggestion fits right in with the work of the standing committee on finance, of which I am chairman. In the fall and winter, we could continue to use the building for sessions, committee meetings and the like, but in the spring and in the summer we could convert the building into a four star resort and gambling casino. If the Members take a close look at the model and plans for this building, they would see that conversion could be done for a minimum of expense. There are already enough rooms to accommodate 200, and the chairmen and committee rooms can serve nicely as games rooms. If you look closely at the Clerk's table, it is already shaped like a blackjack table.
--- Laughter
In the model, there is already a Porche parked outside. Instead of Bally's Resort and Casino I propose we call it "Ballantyne's Resort and Casino". In my plan, Mr. Speaker, we could have the best of two worlds; the seat of government for the NWT and a sure-fired money-maker. You know, after 10 or 15 years, we might even pay for it. Mr. Speaker, thank God it is Friday!
--- Laughter
--- Applause