Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as this is our last time in this House together as Members of the 14th Legislative Assembly, and seeing as Thanksgiving is this coming weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to give well-deserved recognition and thanks to various individuals.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by giving thanks to our youth. We are blessed in Hay River with having some fine examples of youth excelling in their chosen endeavors. One fine example of this, Mr. Speaker, are the three young people from Hay River who recently participated in an extremely intensive Canadian Forces program called the aboriginal entry program.
Mr. Speaker, the three youths are Robert Lafleur, Brandon Starcevic and Angel Asels. Brandon has been accepted into the Canadian Navy and Robert has been accepted into the Canadian Army. Both Robert and Brandon are currently in the throes of their 10-week basic training program before they commence a three-year tour with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Mr. Speaker, I am a strong supporter of seeing our youths succeed. Therefore, I would like to recognize and thank them for their commitment and dedication and wish them continued success.
As all 19 Members of this House are aware, Mr. Speaker, our four-year terms of office are an arduous process and we couldn't possibly accomplish what we do without the tremendous support of our beloved families. Mr. Speaker, our family's constant support is what keeps us going. As I do in every day of my life, I would like to give enormous thanks this time to my wife, Davida; my daughters, Michelle, Monique and Katrina; and my son, D'Arcy.
Mr. Speaker, also at this time, I would like to thank and recognize a very special young lady who has been an enormous help to me over the past four years: my constituency assistant, Ms. Debra Mageean. She has been extremely dedicated to my office and has been a strong link between my constituents and myself, especially when I've been away on government business.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by saying that I have thoroughly enjoyed my four-year term of office here representing the interests of my constituents of Hay River North. I give thanks every day for their continued support and I look forward for the next month or so being in very close contact with all my constituents. Hopefully I will be here to represent them for another four years, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause