If Members will permit, I would like to make a few comments, in my own language, before we all leave here in the next few days to go home to our families and communities. As you know, I am not the oldest Member in years, but here in the House, I do have the honour of being the longest-serving Member.
--- Applause
I was first elected many, many years ago in the general election of 1983.
(Translation) At that time, I came into what was then the 10th Legislative Assembly with a dream to change the world and the way we do things. I had a vision that I would make a difference and would not be like all the other Members. I would open the doors to make the Assembly more culturally relevant to the people it is supposed to serve. I think, as I look around the Chamber today, after 13 years of service in this Assembly, a lot has changed; mostly for the better, but some things still need a little work.
When you elected me as your Speaker, I looked around this Chamber in November last year and saw many much younger, eager faces and of course, several returning Members who looked as young as ever. As a newly elected Assembly, we faced many difficult issues that even the more experienced Members could not have imagined. I see now that, after the first seven months of this Assembly, some of you are looking a little bit tired, and a little bit older, yet as eager as ever to do the best you can for our people. Even I have developed a bit of grey in my hair.
I feet that you all have come a long way in developing a new system of doing business in this House and its committees, especially in establishing a new relationship with the Premier and Ministers. (Translation ends) I would, however, like to make a brief comment on the conduct of business in the House. Members have learned the rules as you have gone along and, for the most part, have understood the reasons for our rules and why we must have them to assist with the orderly and efficient conduct of business. I do note, however, that the use of unanimous consent to complete Members' statements must be a record. In order to curb this trend, I will be issuing you each a stop watch so over the summer you can time yourself talking to the animals in the wilderness...
--- Applause
... as you get ready for the fall session.
On a more serious note, being a Member of the Legislative Assembly takes its toll on our families. We are away from home for long periods of time and we sometimes forget that day-to-day life goes on outside this building. As many of you have expressed, on a number of occasions in the House -and particularly our friend from Inuvik who I note has not said 'hello" to his family for some time -without the understanding, support and love from our families, I don't think that we would be able to carry on. I am sure you will all agree that they deserve our heartfelt thanks.
--- Applause
I know we will not be recessing until tomorrow, but I just wanted to take the opportunity to wish you all a safe journey home and wherever your travels take you over the summer, I hope you come back refreshed in October to once again take up the many challenges facing us as the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi cho.
--- Applause
Orders of the day, item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.