Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when I came to this legislative building approximately 18 months ago, there were many issues my constituents wanted me to address. One of these issues was preparation for division. There was a feeling that Nunavut was well on its way with a clear vision and lots of support from the federal and the territorial governments. People did not think the west was getting equal treatment. They told me they were worried that the west would not be properly represented when it came time to divide the pie. The hot topic was assets and liabilities. Over the past year, I have looked at the assets and liabilities and reviewed the papers prepared by the government. Like most MLAs, I do not see major concerns in this area. Most of the assets and liabilities are quite straightforward as to how they should be divided. It is very clear how they should be divided, with the exception of a couple or three items.
People then told me they were worried about material changes between the two territories. Again, I have looked at this and it is not going to be a big deal, Mr. Speaker. The Members of the Legislative Assembly have spent the last week reviewing the initial division costings of the two new governments. We were prepared for some significant differences in opinion between eastern and western Members, but it never happened. There are not many trouble spots, just more technical details. I am convinced that there are not very many areas where east and west will have major differences. There is not a big fight coming, Mr. Speaker. What we do have is a lot of work to do to get people and programs in place in both territories by April 1, 1999.
I am aware of the fears of some western residents about division and what it will mean. One of the things that I have done with the support of my colleagues in the Western Caucus of the Assembly is to become involved with the Western Coalition. This group is working hard, yes very hard, Mr. Speaker, and it is focused with working with other parties to make division happen as smoothly as possible. Mr. Speaker, there is lots being done to prepare for division both east and west. If we can stay focused and not get sidetracked by unnecessary tangents, we will be ready. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause