Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to congratulate you on being elected to your new position. I think you are going to do a great job. I think everybody in this room and in the gallery knows you are the natural choice, so it is nice to see you in that position.

I would also like to extend my congratulations to our new Premier-elect, Mr. Stephen Kakfwi and his new Cabinet. Mr. Kakfwi, I believe you truly are the man for the job and I am excited about working with you.

I have to thank all of the constituents of Yellowknife South for placing their trust and faith in me. It is an important responsibility that I have, and it is something I will not take lightly. I will work hard to do the best I can for you and work to the best of my ability.

There is one thing I would like to say. I was very encouraged to hear Mr. Kakfwi's words the other day when he mentioned we will make education a priority in the coming years. I know we cannot get into specifics, but I would like to encourage our government today to get back to the table with the NWTTA and work out a solution.

I know we are all aware of the tight fiscal situation we are facing, but I think we have to view education as an investment. Our negotiations with the NWTTA should be looked at as an investment in our children and our future. Thank you very much.

-- Applause