Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what I infer from the arguments for an early election is that new players are required to deal with the current issues of the day: the formula financing negotiations, the mineral accord and other fiscal issues. I would like to suggest, Mr. Speaker, that if we don't have an early election, as suggested by the amendment, and we continue on, we will be relying on John Pollard who knows Paul Martin, on John Todd who knows Ron Irwin, and on Nellie Cournoyea who knows Jean Chretien, rather than on new players we don't know who will take some time to get up to speed.

Mr. Speaker, I think there's a downside to calling an early election this spring and the downside is we will have new players to deal with the formula financing negotiations, new players to deal with the northern mineral accord, and a new government to respond to the Nunavut Implementation Commission report in March. I feel much more comfortable that we will have a chance of resolving these critical issues based on the tremendous work that has been placed on dealing with them over the past three years. So, I think I agree that we should look at the interests of the people of the Northwest Territories. I don't know if the best interests of the people of the Northwest Territories are served by a sudden and surprising change of players. I agree we're dealing with critical issues. I don't know if it's time to change the coach, the quarterback and your key linebackers when you're coming up to the Grey Cup, Mr. Speaker.

One final comment. The Member for Thebacha referred to the by-election in Aivilik as being an expense that will be incurred if we don't have an early election. Mr. Speaker, I understand that the mayors of the three communities have advised the Premier that they will await the next election, that they're content to be represented through the good offices of the neighbouring MLA, the Honourable John Todd. So I'm not sure that this is a problem affecting that riding.

Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, the Member referred to the law respecting elections, requiring the Commissioner to issue a writ. I believe the Commissioner is required to issue a writ when a seat is declared vacant, but the law is not clear as to when that writ shall spell out an election. The writ could spell out a general election for the fall or a general election earlier.

So I don't think we need to get the issue of the seat in Aivilik mixed up in dealing with this amendment.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I think this would be a sudden surprising unexpected development that would impede the resolution of some very critical issues, rather than enhance the resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.