Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, October 16th is the anniversary of the election of the Members of the 13th Assembly. Two years ago today we anxiously waited as the results of the polls came in. The lucky 13th Assembly, as I often refer to us, has been consumed with the three D's, deficit, downsizing and division.
Twenty-four, for the most part, strangers to each other came together to undertake the task of governing with the leadership of a few more experienced Members that we elected as the Ministers to our Cabinet. After two years, I can categorically state, that there is little that could adequately prepare you for the barrage of personal and professional adjustments required to fit into this role. There is no shortcut to learning the rules, becoming comfortable with the setting, gaining confidence, and forming the relationships necessary to perform this job. Varying agendas and styles surface as the issues come and go. Some Members engage in the collegial goings on in the halls, offices and meeting rooms of the Legislature, while others spent time strengthening their connection to their constituents by phone, fax, e-mail and, in the case of Mr. Picco, even the Internet. It is truly a balancing act.
I have appreciated the advice and encouragement of some of the veterans who have been around for a while, while we grapple where to focus our energies. One such piece of advice came early on and I think of it often. During an adjustment phase, in the momentary spell of feeling sorry for myself and pining for my former life when I enjoyed a degree of comfort, respect and knowledge of what the heck I was doing, this rather unsympathetic, experienced colleague bluntly informed me, "the Government of the Northwest Territories is not about you".
You know, this is so true. The Government of the Northwest Territories is all about our constituents, the people of the Northwest Territories and specifically about the people who sent us here to represent them. When we forget that, we have lost it. How we effect the financial resources, programs, services and policies of this government in a way which most positively effects our communities and constituents, is exactly the benchmark of leadership.
Although some days I wish I had a magic wand to change things, to hurry things along, to make other Members see priorities from my perspective; as I said earlier, there are no shortcuts. We bring what we can to the discussion. Regardless of future elections or the challenges ahead, for the next two years; I will do my best to represent the interests of my constituents and the people of the Northwest Territories, and I will proudly extend my hand and say, my name is Jane Groenewegen and I am the MLA for Hay River. Thank you.
--Applause