Thank you, Madam Speaker. Many of us in this legislature have had the opportunity to be involved in local municipal politics, prior to our election as Members of this Assembly. This grassroots level of representation is critical in the proper delivery of programs and services to our residents. Our local councils address and identify the immediate needs which are, more often than not, passed on to us for our attention.
I, personally, have enjoyed the three terms I served as councillor and one term as mayor on the Cambridge Bay hamlet council. I know it gave me considerable experience and awareness of the issues and how to address them.
Yesterday was election day in non-tax-based municipalities in the Northwest Territories. On behalf of all my constituents, I wish to congratulate all the mayors and councillors elected or re-elected in the NWT to represent their people. In particular, I wish to congratulate the councillors-elect in Coppermine: Mr. Jimmy Ross Meyok; Mr. Frank Ipakohak; Mr. Ron Tologanak; Mr. Sam Kikpak; Mr. Alec Taptuna; and, Mr. Red Pedersen.
I also wish to congratulate the councillors-elect in Cambridge Bay: Mr. Bob Aknavigak, Ms. Leona Aglukkaq, Mr. Carson Gillis; and, Mrs. Annie Kasoni. Finally, I wish to congratulate the mayor-elect of Cambridge Bay, Mr. Larry Aknavigak, who won the closest mayoralty race in the history of Cambridge Bay, by a vote of 109 to 106.
I wish them all the success possible during their terms of office, and look forward to working with them for the remainder of my term in this Assembly.
Finally, on behalf of my constituents and I, I would like to wish a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season to all residents of the Northwest Territories.
---Applause