Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, good afternoon.

I look forward to attending the 2014 Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks, Alaska, next week. I am already so proud of our Team NWT athletes and coaches in how they have performed during their trials to qualify for the Games, and in how I know they will conduct themselves with good sportsmanship as representatives and ambassadors for the Northwest Territories.

I would like to wish good luck to all of our athletes as they compete at the Arctic Winter Games. I will be one of their best cheerleaders.

We are embarking on an exciting and challenging time in the history of the Northwest Territories with the transfer of power and authorities from the Government of Canada to our own territorial government. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of many people, for the past several years, who have contributed to this historic achievement. We look forward to the fruits of your labour.