Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Over the last eight years I have spoken often and determinedly on many issues, but today I will speak on the very reason I am here: the people of Nahendeh.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve my constituents and I thank them for the confidence they have shown in returning me for a second term. I believe I have carried out my duties to them with energy, commitment, and dedication, and that I have worked hard to bring their issues to the attention of Ministers and this House, and that I have responded promptly to their inquiries and requests for assistance.

This October I will be asking the voters of Nahendeh for a third mandate, and should I be re-elected, I want to assure them that I will continue to be reliable, approachable, and to work hard on their behalf using my experience that I have gained as MLA for the last eight years.

We have won many improvements to our community services and infrastructure, but there’s still a long way to go. We need schools in Trout Lake and Nahanni Butte. Our highways, with their bathtub-sized potholes, need attention. Better housing with an appeal system. Better delivery of our health care. I hope to be back here this October to continue these battles on behalf of the Nahendeh people.

I wish Mr. Premier, Floyd Roland; and Mr. Speaker, Paul Delorey; and MLA David Krutko their best in retirement from public life. They have done well to serve their constituents and the people of the NWT. It was indeed an honour to serve with them in this Legislature.

I would also like to thank my children, Candace, Diedra, and Keone, for their love and support to me as a father and understanding the work as an MLA has sacrifices for a personal life.

I would also like to thank my constituency assistant, Pearl Norwegian, whose support I am very grateful for.

Also to all my family and friends, mahsi cho.