May I thank all of my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I believe we can all work together in this success and build a great North that we can all be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, I grew up in Fort Simpson. I've danced in the friendship circle. I came to high school here in Yellowknife and I lived at Akaitcho Hall. I've been a Yellowknife city councillor and now I have a great source of pride being able to say I'm a father, a husband and now an MLA for Yellowknife Centre. My dreams are coming true and I believe I have many years of my journey still to continue, but I thank the many people who have helped me and brought me this far.

Mr. Speaker, I have a lot of life experience and I believe in community and family values and I hope that will be a significant asset in this leadership circle with all our friends here today.

Mr. Speaker, before I close my statement I just want to especially recognize once more, I'll start off first by saying I'd like to say adieu to the former Member of Yellowknife Centre, Jake Ootes. I don't see him here today. I did look. I want to thank him for his many years of service. Once again, I want to thank my constituents of Yellowknife Centre for the privilege of being here and, again I want to stress, many thanks to my wife Susan, and my son McKinley, who I love very much. Thank you.

---Applause