Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to say a few words of appreciation for the support and confidence that was given to me by the Members of this House in electing me to Cabinet yesterday. I realize now that I will be a part of the government, and I will work hard to be fair and equal and to have an open-door policy. But I will keep in mind, always, that I was elected here by the people of Baffin South, and I commit to them my promise that I will still work hard for them and that I will be open to them when they want to come to me to express their concerns.

Mr. Speaker, in listening to your comments this afternoon, I want to say that I appreciate very much the leadership you're showing, and your words about conduct were very wise. I promise also that I will try to live by them as much as possible.

We do have some tough choices ahead, especially having to do with keeping our financial house in order. I hope I'll be up to the task and I'll be looking forward to the advice and support of other MLAs.

I want to again commit my support and loyalty to Mr. Morin on his leadership. I received a lot of calls yesterday asking if he would do well. I did say to everyone who asked me that I know he will be fair, that he will treat everyone equally and that he will make an excellent Premier. I also said that I would work for him to the best of my ability.

With that, thank you very much for your words this afternoon. I look forward to working with everyone. Thank you.

---Applause