Member's Statement 59-13(7): Acknowledgement Of Support From Family, Friends And Colleagues

In the Legislative Assembly on March 25th, 1999. See this topic in context.

Member's Statement 59-13(7): Acknowledgement Of Support From Family, Friends And Colleagues
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 124

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the people of Pelly Bay, Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, and most of all my wife and my family for supporting me for over nine years. Mr. Speaker, a number of Members here always address me by calling me Brother John. Mr. Speaker, having said Brother John, I think it was almost like spending nine and a half years in a seminary. So thereby, I think I would call Mr. Hamilton, Father Superior.

--Laughter

Mr. Speaker, I really enjoyed having to work for the people of Natilikmiot. Having to learn from senior Members of the Legislature and having to associate with people from the western Arctic, especially my Dene friends from this area. Although I have nayed some of my Dene friends, but you know there are times when one has to say no, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to thank Mr. Kakfwi, who the people of Natilikmiot called a cool guy. When he stands up, people tell me back home, he will pass for about ten minutes before he replies and another 20 minutes to respond to questions.

--Laughter

Mr. Speaker, I also would like to thank Mr. Morin, one of my very best friends from the area. Mr. Morin is a man that will keep his word. When I first became a Member, Mr. Morin and other Members from the western Arctic wanted to meet with me and discuss some of the issues of the day, Mr. Speaker. I was a new Member, I decided not to support that group. When I walked out of the room I thought I lost their friendship. Within ten minutes he came over to me, he said, Mr. Ningark, you are one of my very close friends. Ever since we have been very close friends. I also would like to thank my best friend, Mr. Steen from Nunakput. He has bought me many dinners in the past.

--Laughter

I think I owe him a couple of dinners. When he comes to Nunavut, I will endeavour to pay for his dinner even though I will be unemployed. Mr. Speaker, again I would like to thank the people. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Member's Statement 59-13(7): Acknowledgement Of Support From Family, Friends And Colleagues
Item 3: Members' Statements

March 24th, 1999

Page 124

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Natilikmiot is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Ningark, you have unanimous consent.

Member's Statement 59-13(7): Acknowledgement Of Support From Family, Friends And Colleagues
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 124

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Members. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to thank the staff of the Legislature, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Inch and Mr. Schauerte. My constituency assistant, Patricia Attungala, and I think we have to remember one very special staff member and that is Betty Low, I think we should acknowledge her. Thank you.

--Applause

Member's Statement 59-13(7): Acknowledgement Of Support From Family, Friends And Colleagues
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 124

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.