Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the vote yesterday is another step on the road towards the creation of Nunavut. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who exercised their democratic right and voted. We will have to now move on to the larger issues of division. The delay in the appointment of the interim commissioner and now the federal election will, and has, slowed down the Nunavut creation process. It means that all parties, the NTI, the GNWT, the federal government and the interim commissioner, will have to roll up their sleeves to make sure that division occurs on time and with the proper logistics in place to make it a success.
Some of the other Legislative Assemblies of the GNWT were accused of paying lip service to the implementation of the Nunavut final agreement. I think that our lead Ministers like Deputy Premier Goo Arlooktoo, have shown that this government is committed to the process for the creation of both new territories. Mr. Speaker, Article 23 and Article 24 of the Nunavut final agreement are two of the principle clauses that will help the Nunavut government achieve parity within a public government that will reflect the Nunavut population and I support that. We will have to have separate formula financing agreements in place. It is imperative that the gross expenditure base for both new territories is equitable and sustaining. Several pieces of the neighbouring legislation have to be passed as well as amendments to the Nunavut Act. Later today, I will be asking the Minister of Finance about the funding arrangements for both new territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause