Thank you. Good afternoon, Members. Welcome back. It is appropriate that as we start a New Year that we consider the many challenges we face as the last Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. As we enter our second year in the term of the 13th Assembly, we need to put the past behind us and move into this new year with hope, trust and a sharing of our common concerns, so that we can leave a legacy for our people and for the leaders of tomorrow.

I know we all want to do our best to achieve our goals, and although we may have differing opinions on issues, which is understandable, I know that we will discuss them in an atmosphere of mutual respect for each other's views. I am sure that each of you would like to move forward to complete some of the issues we have to resolve and to face head on the many more challenges in the coming year.

On a different note, I would like to offer not only my personal regrets but, I am sure that of all Members, on the unfortunate accident of the Member for Tu Nedhe, our Premier, The Honourable Don Morin. I would like to note that until he is back on his feet, so to speak, that I have given permission for the Premier to change seats with the Minister of Health and Social Services and Justice. Perhaps that seat may prove helpful from the health point of view, but I would not say there is any justice in it.

However, in conversation with the Premier, he advised me that despite his temporary disposition, he will still be able to keep on his toes with issues. Mr. Premier, we hope you have a speedy recovery. In addition, I have also given permission for the Premier to remain seated during formal sittings of the House if he finds he is unable to stand and respond to questions.

I look forward to the session ahead and to Members' continued cooperation with not only the Speaker but, with the Deputy Speaker and Chairs of Committee of the Whole, and each other as we all try to ensure free flowing debate of the important issues ahead.