Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The sessional statement that the Premier read this afternoon was a fine inventory of the accomplishments of the 15th Assembly so far. I am proud of these accomplishments, too, Mr. Speaker, but I think at this very critical point in the Northwest Territories development I want to say that I am frustrated that the truly essential goals that we need as a people and territory, resource revenue sharing, territorial formula financing and devolution continue to elude us. These are achievements, Mr. Speaker, that are long overdue as millions of dollars in resource taxation and royalties will not enter the communities and the programs of this government and the communities and aboriginal governments, but flow entirely into Ottawa's coffers.
Mr. Speaker, in his statement, the Premier told us that the number one priority is pursuing a new territorial financing agreement with Ottawa. He said we are pleased with the commitment of the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Flaherty to move forward. On devolution and resource revenue sharing, the Premier says we are optimistic and an agreement-in-principle with the federal government and aboriginal governments can be achieved in the life of this Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, in July, the Prime Minister visited us in the hall just next door to us here and said some pretty impressive things. He said it is time we begin to hear the call of the new North, a North that is stronger, more prosperous and liberated from the paternalistic policies of the past. That is why I am here today, he said, Mr. Speaker, to begin championing your cause in Ottawa and across Canada, because I believe now at last the North's time has arrived.
Mr. Speaker, the message cannot be overstated that northerners expect no less than what the Prime Minister told us, but we have heard for years and decades the same lofty goals, commitments and optimism of politicians everywhere. It is time, Mr. Speaker, for us all to go beyond the speechifying and the rhetoric. It is time for results. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause