Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm going to begin by trying to slow down after some of my constituents told me to, which means to speak slower so I can become more audible. Mr. Speaker, they also gave me a very strong philosophical statement by saying to take pride in being a good MLA, which I hope I will be able to do in this 15th Assembly.
Recognizing that statement, Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of my campaign team. If there has ever been a book written about how to campaign and how to organize a campaign it can be done by a very valuable family member of mine, my sister Gloria, who lead and followed up with all the necessary work that required me to be re-elected to the 15th Assembly.
Also, I have committed to making a statement to a friend and colleague, Mr. Vince Sharp, who went way beyond the call of duty to get voters out to the voting polls. Also, my nephew, Kurt.
Mr. Speaker, I, too, like every Member of this Assembly, will be bringing forward a mandate. The mandate was drafted and articulated by my riding of Inuvik Twin Lakes that foresees the progression towards our goals and ambitions and where we should be looking forward to future governments.
I won't be extending my time too long because I think we have other official duties to carry through, but in conclusion I want to congratulate all the Members who have been elected, re-elected or acclaimed to this Assembly. As well, to you, Mr. Speaker, I convey my personal congratulations on behalf of my riding, as well as to the Premier-acclaimed and the new elected Cabinet. I look forward to working with yourself because we all have a duty to perform in this Assembly, whether it's as a Cabinet Minister or as a regular MLA. So I look forward to being able to work with the Members over the next four years.
Before I conclude, very special people in my life who I need to acknowledge for their dedication and support: my wife Dodie, Rolland, Jessica and Vanessa who bear the absence of myself on many occasions; my mother and father, who are getting elderly; as well as my young nephew who watches TV every day, and Liam who are watching tonight -- it's from Uncle, hello. Thank you so much.
---Applause