Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on October 20th, electors went to the polls to vote for the mayors and councils of Iqaluit, Fort Smith, Hay River, Fort Simpson, Norman Wells and Yellowknife. Voter turn out in these municipal elections ranged from 40 percent to over 74 percent of eligible voters.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Members to join me in congratulating the new and the re-elected members of councils. As I have stated before in this House, the responsibilities of local authorities is expanding. The term of the new councils promises to be one of great challenge and change from municipal governments. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs provides many training opportunities which can prove useful to the new councils. For example, we provide training for community works management and community counsellor orientation. These training programs are offered to municipal councils on a request basis. In the past, many Members of council have found these to be of significant benefit in their new positions. I hope many more will make use of these opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank all those candidates who served on the councils this past term for their efforts and hard work and wish you all the best in the future endeavours. Thank you.