Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today is a very important day in that the Members of the House will be making a decision on Bill 17. This involves renaming my electoral district by amending the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act.

This name change is an important step marking the government's recognition of our different regions. It is also significant that it is being given a Dogrib name. This is in keeping with the aboriginal name changes that have occurred throughout the Territory for both electoral areas and communities.

Since being elected as the MLA for the North Slave region in December 1999, I have been deeply concerned with the lack of coordination between government departments. I have brought these concerns with the budget process forward in the House, in committee meetings and I have shared them with my colleagues and the chiefs for my region.

In July, the chiefs responded to these concerns by forwarding a band council resolution supporting the renaming of our area to Monfwi. Renaming the North Slave region Monfwi is a fundamental shift that will help to ensure our region is recognized fairly in the budget process. It will provide for a better understanding of local issues and needs. It will also make government expenditures much clearer and it will allow me to work more effectively for my constituents. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.