Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Congratulations on your appointment. I notice that we’re the hold-overs from the 15th, so you and I have to be wise now.
I want to thank the residents of Inuvik Twin Lakes, the constituents who came out to vote. There was a lot of them who came out to vote and support me for the last four terms I’ve been here. Their vote is much appreciated. I have always thought I was reflective of the community and I tried to bring that into this Chamber.
I want to thank the hardworking supporters we had. A lot of us couldn’t get into the position that we’re in today without a good support team and good people who believe in you. They go to the wall for you. I would start naming them all, but then I’d forget someone and they may not support me next time, so I’m not going to go there.
Lastly and most importantly, and as Members have said before me, without the support of your family, we aren’t able to do this. It’s extremely difficult. We come in here and they hear a lot of talk out there. We’ve developed fairly thick skin and they still take a lot of things personally, but we believe in what we’re doing, so they believe in what we’re doing. They continue to support us.
When I started here I had my three children, my future son-in-law, my wife, Judy, and there are 12 of us now. I have five grandchildren and the family just keeps growing. I’m doing my part to grow the Northwest Territories. So I want to thank the family for their unconditional support. It’s much appreciated.
Of course, I want to thank Judy. She’s been a huge supporter of mine for the last 36 years in everything I’ve done. I appreciate that support and I appreciate the support of my colleagues yesterday as we went through the process. I hope I represent you well. I hope I represent the Northwest Territories well, and I appreciate your confidence in me. I will not let you down. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.