Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What a session, and it's not over yet. Our second budget, devolution, big infrastructure bucks, Boundaries Commission... It's kept us busy and consumed our energy and attention. As we reach the pause button and time permits, it may be time to sit back and consider things in a bit more depth.

It's two out of two. Regular MLAs, through considerable solidarity and belief in priorities, modified the proposed budget once again. True, the modification is slight at half a percent of the budget, but as we all know, the dollars actually available for new initiatives are modest. What to make of this? Is this system working? Again, for context, Regular MLAs supported 99.5 percent of the budget. Debates were extensive, there was much back and forth, decisions were made. This sounds to me like a reasonable and responsible compromise and a good basis to go forward on.

Due to the good work of our Premier and his very capable negotiating team, and that of the 16^th, we now embark on the heavy work of implementing devolution. Many still wonder if the GNWT has the maturity for the task, but who wouldn't want the power? As I've asked before, will we really bring the people along with us as we embark on this new focus? To some degree the response to the latter question will answer the first. If we have the confidence and maturity to do meaningful consultation and engagement on the Devolution Agreement and a plan for its implementation, things bode well.

The Inuvik-Tuk highway attracted vigorous debate, and decisions were made that will influence the availability of infrastructure dollars for priority projects for years to come. Regardless of positions, everyone had in mind the best outcome for the people of the region and of the Northwest Territories. Time will tell the wisdom we had.

The Boundaries Commission ends its mandate soon. Their critical work in upholding the principles of democracy will only be exceeded by this Assembly when we discuss their report.

With the super-storm of high oil prices, climate changes, and a permanently depressed global economy related to the first two factors, we, as every jurisdiction, must adapt to new realities. Doing the same thing harder will no longer serve. Our stable population, our high economic activity, our hugely disparate incomes provide both opportunity and challenge. As we move forward I will be looking for signs that I can be optimistic in my expectations.