I will now call Committee of the Whole to order. Committee, before we begin with our committee business, I would like to continue our farewell tribute to our deputy clerk, Mr. Doug Schauerte. As we know, Doug is retiring after 31 years, and as the chair of Committee of the Whole, I would like to personally thank him for his guidance over the past two years. The first formal meeting I ever chaired was on the floor of this House, and so needless to say, I have relied heavily on him, and I greatly appreciate his support. Likewise, Doug had his hands full as the clerk for the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning, of which eight of the 11 Members were newly elected this Assembly, and I can't imagine it was an easy experience to manage such an inexperienced group, and I apologize to the people of the territory if we have hastened Mr. Schauerte's decision to retire.
---Laughter
Over his career, Doug has proven his loyalty, discretion, and durability to each Assembly. Through it all, he has provided sage advice to Members and to other staff. Sometimes he calls this "running through the dance steps." These dances have been a constant since the time when sessions were held in a Yellowknife hotel and the occasional community gymnasium, and as our Assembly made history during the monumental dividing of the Northwest Territories to create the new territory of Nunavut.
Doug's departure signifies a truly irreplaceable loss of knowledge about the history and workings of the Legislative Assembly. It has been a pleasure and honour to work with you. Please join me in congratulating Doug on his retirement and in thanking him for his many and enduring contributions to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.
---Applause
What is the wish of committee? Mr. Testart.