Good morning again, Mr. Speaker, and honoured colleagues. I am proud to be standing here as your Premier-elect. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Floyd Roland on being selected as our new Cabinet Member. I wish to announce that Mr. Roland will assume responsibility for the Department of Public Works and Services and the Department of Transportation.
Today we begin the 7th Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly. This is the final session before the creation of two new territories on April 1, 1999.
Members of this House can look back with pride on what has been accomplished since the election in 1995: - we have a balanced budget, - we have strengthened our voice at the national level, - we have moved greater control over programs and services to communities and regions, - we have made significant progress on the implementation of division; and, - we are negotiating aboriginal rights agreements in virtually al regions in the western NWT.
We are nearing the end of our time together. In only four months the map of Canada will change forever with the creation of two new territories.
We have made great progress in the work that needs to be done by April 1st, but there are still important tasks ahead of us. Just as the new Government of Nunavut will be busy establishing itself next year, those of us who remain in the west will have to adjust to our new role.
Recent events have distracted us somewhat from our work and created some bad feelings between Members. It is time to put that aside and move on. As I have said before, northerners expect honesty, accountability and stability from their government. Together, we can restore public confidence and get back to the issues that affect the daily lives and the future of the people who chose us to be here. Our constituents are counting on us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause