Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as most Members in this House are parents, they will be aware that when young children miss out on something special, there is nothing more touching than the look on their face.
When confronted with the tender sight of a sad little child, most adults will try to ignore the disappointment for a while, but sooner or later, most of us break down and give in.
I myself have five children and I know that when a child really and truly longs for something, the child usually ends up getting what he or she wants.
I guess you could say that the disappointments of childhood are sometimes no different from the hurt feelings we experience as politicians.
As a Member of this House since 1983, I must admit, Mr. Speaker, that I have sat here with a glum look on my face for more than my share of the time.
I always thought, however, that these feelings of disappointment were only experienced by ordinary Members.
I feel compelled to make this Member's statement today, Mr. Speaker, because it appears that one of the Ministers has joined the ordinary Members' world of trampled dreams.
I am referring to the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe. Look at him, Mr. Speaker. Is he not charming?
---Laughter
I know that the honourable Member has watched silently and hopefully on occasions when, during their visits to Deh Cho, his Cabinet colleagues have been welcomed with a gift of the world famous moose hair pictures produced by traditional artists in my region.
The look of longing and disappointment on his face when he has watched them hanging up their art work has been enough to break my poor heart.
---Laughter
But, seriously, Mr. Speaker, I admire and respect the Minister for the position he has gained in this House. It has been my privilege to work with him, first as an ordinary Member, and now in his capacity as a Minister.
He has always been quite receptive to my requests and problems. That is not to say that he's done more for my constituency than others. I believe he has treated my constituency ...