Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would as well like to start off by offering my congratulations to the Premier-elect, Mr. Antoine, and Minister-elect, Mr. Roland, my stalwart companion for this past three years. There is going to be a big hole on this side of the House as he clops across to the other side. I look forward to seeing him eyeball to eyeball instead of his handsome left profile.
Mr. Speaker, this truly has been a gruelling session for us and I think there are others, like myself, who feel like I am running on fumes here. It is time to go back to our families and our homes and recharge our batteries, so to speak. This will be our last opportunity as an Assembly that started together way back in 1995, I believe, to wish each other all the best of the season and especially to my Nunavut colleagues, that we will not be sharing this opportunity again. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my colleagues all the best of the season, especially my Nunavut colleagues who are not only going to be travelling home for Christmas, but shortly thereafter, out to the hustings and I wish all those that have chosen to put their case back to the people in 40-below weather, the best of luck. If we are all returned to these offices down the road, I am sure we will be getting together to discuss common issues.
Our Assembly has dealt with, Mr. Speaker, clearly some very difficult issues but I am confident that we have the strength and the resilience to learn from the critical lessons that we have experienced and that we will move ahead, that we will improve and progress. and that the people of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut will be the better for all our efforts at the end of the day. To all my constituents and all the people of the Northwest Territories as it now exists, I wish them all the best of the season, a safe holiday and nothing but health and prosperity in the coming year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause