Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to congratulate all the Members on their election to this House and welcome those who have come back and offer a special welcome to those who are new. I'd also like to congratulate you on your selection as Speaker. I know that you'll be fair and impartial as you facilitate our work. I must say that, as the longest serving Member, it was an honour to work with one of the newest Members to drag you into your new Chair.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank a great crew of volunteers who helped me get re-elected. They really were dedicated, coming out evenings, no matter the temperature and the wind, with me to knock on doors, or to staff the office and work the phones. Some came in nearly every day. I'd especially like to thank Kirby Marshall, who headed up the team as my campaign marshal. Campaign manager. Kirby Marshall, campaign manager.
---Laughter
He marshaled the campaign well. I'd also like to thank my family: my wife Eileen, for supporting me in my decision to run, and our young son Tyler, for giving up all the time we otherwise would have spent with him. Apparently Eileen got pretty good at tying up hockey skates, which is something he thought only I could do up until this campaign.
I'd also like to thank Mr. David Wind, who ran against me. He made sure the voters in Frame Lake had a choice and he ran a good, strong, issues-based campaign.
Finally, I'd like to thank my constituents for the trust and confidence that they have shown in me by sending me back to this House. I will do my best to honour that trust by working hard not only for my constituents, but for all of us in the Northwest Territories.
Thanks, too, to my colleagues for your trust in electing me to Cabinet. I think we have tremendous potential here over the next four years and look forward to working with all Members in this House as we move forward to realize that potential. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause