Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, this is a very special motion, and a very genuine motion for the clerk before us. It is a very special day, as well, in terms of celebrating and acknowledging the work, commitments, dedication, sacrifice from one of our own, Mr. Doug Schauerte, here at the House. He has committed himself and dedicated himself not only to what goes on in this House, but to Members, past and present, as well as residents of the Northwest Territories. He has been a mentor and a role model, not only to Members of the Legislative Assembly, but among his staff and his peers. I have seen this over the last six years being an elected Member of this House personally.
When I first got elected into the 17th Legislative Assembly, Doug was a very strong mentor and motivator to the Fab Five at the time -- the five of us who came in -- and showed us how things work in this House, encouraged us, and motivated us to be the best MLAs that we could be. He gave us direction. He gave us guidance, advice, and process that we could use to make the best decisions for residents of the Northwest Territories.
As the chair of Standing Committee of Social Programs, and as a Member of Government Operations in the 17th Assembly, as Members who were around knew, we had a very heavy schedule and agenda, and as the leader that Doug was, he stepped up to the plate. He jumped in when he knew that his clerk staff needed assistance and researchers needed assistance. He did not complain about it once. He came on the road with us. We had some pretty heavy bills that we had to take a look at, and we got them done. We got three big, significant bills done in the last year of the 17th Assembly which was pretty heavy, and we were not sure if we were going to be able to do it, but under his guidance and his commitment and the sacrifice that he made, we were able to do it for the people of the Northwest Territories.
Doug, when you are gone, there are definitely big shoes to fill, and a lot of experience and knowledge goes along with you. On behalf of Members, past and present, mahsi cho, quyanainni, merci beaucoup, and thank you. I hope you get to spend some quality time with your family in Saskatchewan. Mahsi.
---Applause