Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the horizon is starting to peer over the 14th term of the Legislative Assembly and we must get down to business. Our residents need to know if there are going to be any major changes. For example, what will the Northwest Territories look like or be after the term of the 14th Assembly?

Since December 6th, the people of the Northwest Territories have waited, first to hear who was elected to Cabinet and then to see what priorities we would set for our residents and ourselves. Mr. Speaker, it is important, more than that, it is imperative that we inform the people of the Northwest Territories as to what they can expect from their government. For example, many non-government organizations that provide services to the public on our behalf are already putting their budgets together for the upcoming year. People need to know if there is going to be more or less money for housing or social programs. Contractors will need to know if they can begin preparing for the upcoming building season.

Mr. Speaker, the news may not be good, but it is needed so that our residents can prepare themselves or adjust to what will be the realities of what we are faced with. I do not believe that we can afford to put off telling people what we are faced with as Members of the 14th Assembly. In fact it is our responsibility to inform our residents of what the future may hold. I say this, Mr. Speaker, not to create fear in the public but to allow more information to be brought into the public domain.

I believe that by being up front and open, we will show the people of our Territory that we have indeed started out on a path to a more open and honest government. At the appropriate time, I will question the Minister responsible for Finance. In closing, Mr. Speaker, as I did in the tradition of the 13th Assembly, I would like to send greetings back to my wife and children. Thank you.

-- Applause