Thank you, Ms. Lee. Before I go to the mover of the motion, colleagues, I’m going to break with tradition just a bit. As Speaker, I have never spoken to a motion before the House or stated my support for one. I hope Members will forgive me for saying that this motion has my full support.

---Applause

With your indulgence, colleagues, I would like to read into the record a message from Her Excellency Governor General Michaelle Jean.

It reads:

Dear Mr. Whitford: I was very pleased that we were able to meet at a recent Conference of Lieutenant Governors and Commissioners in Vancouver, which took place just prior to your retirement. Your trademark Metis vest has been a reminder over the years of your welcome presence at these meetings!

Your tenure as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories was certainly the crowning point of a career marked by public service and testifies to your strong sense of dedication to Canada and to the North. Whether as a Cabinet Minister, as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or as a Marriage Commissioner, you always undertook your responsibilities with great commitment and enthusiasm. Your warm camaraderie and passionate devotion to encouraging community development will long be remembered by all those whom you served in various capacities over the years.

I know that my colleagues at Rideau Hall join me in wishing you every happiness and success in the future. Yours sincerely, Michaelle Jean.

---Applause

With that, I will go to the mover of the motion for some closing remarks. Mr. Premier Roland.