Colleagues, I would like to extend the appreciation of this House to the Commissioner, Margaret M. Thom. It was a pleasure to have you in the House today. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the Pages who have worked with us over the last few weeks, assisted us, and contributed to the success of our fall sitting, and to thank obviously the interpreters who have been here since day one, each and every day. We appreciate your hard work and also your dedication.
Colleagues, as we leave the Chamber today, many of us will be returning to our home, our communities, and our constituencies to spend time with our family and friends. As we all know, our profession is one that demands a lot of us in terms of our time and also energy. Please do take the time to dedicate your time and focus, your energy, on those that matter most, your family and your loved ones. Although we will not sit again until the new year, we have a great deal of work ahead of us with the upcoming business plan reviews, review of the legislation, preparation for the upcoming budget session, and ongoing work of government, committees, and also each and every one of us as Members.
Colleagues, this marks the end of an era for our Assembly, 2017. This is the last day in the Chamber for our deputy clerk, Doug Schauerte, prior to his retirement. Doug will always be welcome to join us at the table in his new role as the honorary officer of the Legislative Assembly.
Doug began his public service career at the Legislative Assembly in 1985 as a committee researcher. By 1995, he had moved up the ranks to deputy clerk, a position he has held for more than two decades. Throughout his career, Doug has served this institution, our Legislative Assembly, all Members, and committees with dedication and professionalism. He has developed a wealth of knowledge that is second to none. He has eagerly shared his knowledge with Members, with staff, and anybody who is interested in this institution or our form of consensus government. Please join me in thanking Doug for his service to the Legislative Assembly and wishing him a great and well-deserved retirement.
---Applause
Congratulations, Doug, and thank you for a job well done. Masi for everything you have done for us. Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.