Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, as well, would like to take this opportunity to pass on my fond hopes and wishes. I would first like to congratulate Mr. Hamilton. The one adjective that was not used today out of all the ones that were used was Cardinal Richelieu. I always see him as being the power behind the throne whose whisper in the ears, and the mouth of the Minister or the Speaker opens, as he gives his words of wisdom that are translated. It is indicated by Mr. Ootes that he has never seen him lose patience. Obviously you have not hung around with him as much as I have.

--Laughter

After a hundred MLAs it is a wonder that he is not a patient in a hospital somewhere, so my congratulations. To my Nunavut colleagues, as they move to the historic start of their new territory, I wish them nothing but the best. The soon to be honourable Mr. Levi Barnabas, Speaker of the first Nunavut Assembly and the drawer of all the cartoons of Miltenbergers and Milten cheese burgers that he used to send me to remind me of my name. Mr. Picco, once the bane of Cabinet, soon to be the brain of the eastern Cabinet. Mr. O'Brien, who tried to take the Fort Smith runway and move it to his riding. Mr. Ningark, affectionately known as Brother John, who shared social programs with me in the last three and a half years. Mr. Arlooktoo, who I know, like the phoenix, is going to rise again here in the east, it is just a matter of time. Mrs. Thompson, who would send appropriate notes at the right time, who is a lady of extreme passion and conviction. Of course, Mr. Ng and Mr. Todd. Mr. Ng, who I taught to golf and who is the master of the non-answer. Mr. Todd, who liked to have us for coffee, we could never get a word in edgewise, we would have to listen to him.

I wish you all the best, and I know you are going to have challenging times, as are we. Different challenges, but equally important. It has been an honour. This has been a historic Assembly for us all, and like my colleagues from the west I think there has been many friendships here that will endure long past your departure. It has been a pleasure and an honour working with you all, and I wish you all Godspeed and the wind, may it always be at your back. Thank you.

--Applause