Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to congratulate you on your appointment and also congratulate the Premier-elect, Mr. Kakfwi, and my colleagues on Cabinet. I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all of the people of Weledeh who have elected me.

I will continue to consult and seek support from those people as we go through the tremendous challenges in front of us over the next four years. I also want to thank my wife Theresa who is here, and my family. I urge Theresa to be a little less sensitive as people say nasty things about me over the next four years, because I am sure they will. I appreciate the continuing support and the support she has shown me in the past, as I made the decision to run and have gone through the process.

My late father always told me as I was growing up and trying to seek my way in life, to believe in myself and no matter what job I ended up with, to do it the best I can. I approach this job over the next years with that same advice he gave me.

Mr. Speaker, over the past few weeks I have come to know my 18 colleagues in this House very well. I am proud to be a colleague with you. I think we have a tremendous group of MLAs here. I have a lot to learn and I am sure you will find ways of teaching me. I think we can do the job. I am confident that as a result of our efforts, the Northwest Territories is going to be a more unified, healthier, better place to live. Hopefully a wealthier place as well.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause