Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. Mr. Speaker, on November 26, 1998, Mr. Morin resigned as Premier of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Arlooktoo as the Deputy Premier, assumed the role of Acting Premier. The Caucus of this government, Mr. Speaker, met and decided to hold a leadership committee on Thursday, December 10, 1998, to elect a new Premier for the Northwest Territories. I believe, Mr. Speaker, that the process for this election will be a somewhat shorter exercise than it has been the last time around. Last time we elected a Premier, the public and the MLAs had an opportunity to hear about the vision of the candidates that wish to put their name forward for Premier. Mr. Speaker, the public and MLAs have had the opportunity for the past three years to know what the leadership vision is of potential candidates for Premier this time around. To date no MLAs have publicly declared their intention to run for the position as Premier of the Northwest Territories. I would like to call on any Member, Mr. Speaker, who wishes to put their name forward for Premier of the Northwest Territories to do so before next Monday. By doing so, Mr. Speaker, the public and Members of this House will have the opportunity to receive feedback from other MLAs and from the public that we represent and we can be advised accordingly. Mr. Speaker, I would not issue it as a threat, but if no one has declared by Monday that they wish to seek the position of leadership, I may be forced to do so myself.

--Laughter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.