Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to extend condolences to all those across the NWT who have lost loved ones in the past year. Our prayers are with you.
Mr. Speaker, the leadership of the Northwest Territories is at an important time in our history. Decisions we make, Mr. Speaker, within the next few years will affect future generations, our children, our grandchildren. Decisions we make, Mr. Speaker, are like trying to find a resource revenue sharing deal to negotiate. We have to negotiate with Ottawa for our own wealth.
Mr. Speaker, as I speak, $30,000 will leave the Northwest Territories. The leadership has been trying to advance this and it will only work, Mr. Speaker, if everyone gets on board. We should take offence to something being taken out of our neighbour's yard, Mr. Speaker. If I had $100 for every time I heard the Prime Minister quoted as saying the North should be the primary beneficiaries of our own wealth, I would be a wealthy man right now and I wouldn't need a resource revenue sharing deal.
Mr. Speaker, we have decisions like management of the caribou population across the Northwest Territories. For generations the caribou has taken care of our families; they've fed us and clothed us and now it's our turn to return the favour. We have to do this, Mr. Speaker, so our children and grandchildren won't have to be raised on pork chops.
Mr. Speaker, at the recent summit in Inuvik, they came up with some recommendations and we look forward to seeing these recommendations being put into action. Mr. Speaker, we have many important decisions that we have to make as a 15th Assembly, not only as a 15th Assembly but as a leadership of the Northwest Territories. We have to make these decisions wisely and with the best interest of the future generations in mind.
This will go a long way, Mr. Speaker, towards addressing the legacy of not only this Assembly but the entire leadership across the Northwest Territories. Thank you.
----Applause