Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I also today would like to rise and congratulate Mr. Antoine and Mr. Roland on their election yesterday. I concurred with the view that it would be good to have regional representation in the Beaufort-Delta, it was under-represented, however Mr. Roland,

forgive me for saying that I had kind of wished Vince Steen on the Cabinet, instead of you. I thought that would be a nice little Christmas present for the Cabinet because I know Mr. Steen tends to put them all on edge and that always warms my heart.

Mr. Speaker, as the Christmas season is approaching, I like the rest of you, will be returning to my constituency and I am looking forward to that. My little girl is there. She has got the tree up but not decorated and is anxiously awaiting Mom's return so if Mr. Antoine and Mr. Roland can get the ferry back in the water, I will be making my way home here in the next few days.

Mr. Speaker, as I return home, I reflect on the fact that in Hay River I have a beautiful home; I have a beautiful family; I represent a riding which has tremendous potential and a long history of stability and prosperity. I also recognize that for many of the communities in the north and for many people, this Christmas season does not bring those kinds of happiness. I think we need to always be very cognizant and aware of those we represent who have many needs and many challenges. As their representatives, I believe we must have them always in our minds.

Mr. Speaker, back not so many years ago, I sat on a CBC forum on the subject of division along with John Amagoalik, Ken Harper and Francois Paulette. Francois Paulette and I argued against division of the Northwest Territories, but I have to say that over the last three years, working with our Inuit and Nunavut colleagues, I have come to appreciate their aspirations and their goals. It is also incumbent on us to wish them Godspeed and good luck with all of their endeavours after division on April 1st, 1999. As Mr. Todd said, there are certain Members that you do bond with and I would like to pay special tribute to a Nunavut colleague, who has been especially close to me over the last three years, and I wish him all the best. That is Mr. Edward Picco. Thank you.

--Applause