Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are faced with two difficult jobs which must be done at the same time and that must not be allowed to destroy each other. We are on a direct and rapidly moving journey to the division of the Northwest Territories into two territories. We are also, by our own legislation, bound to reduce this government's deficit so that these two territories will start with a balanced budget.
Mr. Speaker, either of these two jobs are very large and difficult to accomplish alone, to deal with both at the same time is more than doubly so. It is easy to believe that dividing something is to break it, to damage it and to make something worse. Our job, Mr. Speaker, is to show the people that we are creating new things that are, at least, as valuable as the ones they replace. We need to the wisdom of Solomon, who make experience in deciding about the division of assets, and we need the patience, the determination and open honesty to our aboriginal brothers if we are to complete both of these jobs successfully. I welcome the Premier's recognition of division as the number one priority for this government. We must ensure that the division process does not become a poor relative of the budget reduction process. We must make sure that the cutting of the budget is an open and fair process, clearly understood and accepted by the people of the Northwest Territories.
I see that we are counting the days of the division publicly. In the great hall outside of this chamber, this week, marks the beginning of the final journey to the destination. We are in a unique situation of being passengers and pilots at the same time. I would like to wish us all a safe and satisfying trip. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause