Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did give a long retirement speech back in march, but I think I want to use this two minutes and 23 seconds left to thank the constituents of Inuvik Twin Lakes for allowing me to be their representative. I hope that I've represented them well. I hope I've conducted myself well in this Assembly. I know we've had our differences, but I would expect nothing less. Some of my biggest debates, arguments if you want to call them, were with people who I consider friends of mine, and that's what we do. So you're doing your job, I'm doing mine, but at the end of the day I hope we decided what's best for the people of the Northwest Territories.

To prospective candidates and those who are running again, bring that attitude when you go hit the campaign trail. Don't just tell them that you're going to do something for them; show them that you're going to do something for them. You may even last 15 years; and I think that's been one of my trademarks. I'd like to believe that is faith that allowed me to come down and work on their behalf.

We've been thanking a lot of people today, and I think I should, as well. Tim Mercer and the Legislative Assembly staff, thank you. I always recall our first conversation --I won't tell you exactly how it went -- back in 2004, but I've always appreciated you and your counsel, so thank you.

Thank you to the staff that I've had over the years. I've had the privilege of having good people. If you surround yourself with good people, that allows you to do yourself better. My current executive secretary, Rachel, up in the gallery. Mr. Ralph Collinson, who has been with me for my whole 11 years as a Minister. He provided me with a lot of good counsel. I bug him a lot, but he knows. You started out as an employee; I consider you a friend, now, and remember I said that at Christmastime.

I've had the opportunity to work with a number of deputies over the years, from Jeff and Mike and Willard, Tom Williams. I'm going to give him the "C" now, because he's the captain. In this Assembly, I've had Erin, Kelly, Joe Dragon, David Stewart; I actually remembered his name. A lot of you don't realize that I was at a meeting with David Stewart one time; I'm going to go a little over, so I should seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consent granted

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. I was a little worried there for a second that it might not happen. I was at a meeting with David; I don't know if he's up here, but he's probably listening. I was sitting there and I was introducing my staff, and for the life of me I forgot his name. He was sitting right here, and I'm thinking, "I should know his name." So I don't know if committee realizes, a lot times we come before committee. Whenever I introduce David Stewart, him and I, we have a little smile; that's where that story comes from.

Colleagues, it's been an experience with all of you. Like I said before, we haven't always agreed on everything, but I would expect nothing less. You're doing your job, and you do it well, and I have nothing but respect for those who put their name forward, because we do put ourselves out there for criticism. We are criticized, but we take that criticism because we believe in what we're doing and we have to continue.

Lastly, and most importantly, Mr. Speaker, I need to thank my family. I've been fortunate; you've only had to tolerate me for 14, 15 years; some of you just four years. My wife Judy has had to tolerate me for 40 years. We just celebrated our 40^th anniversary in July, so she's had to tolerate me for a long time. I appreciate the support that she gives me, and as I have said so many times, and I am sure that you all have heard about my grandchildren too many times, but one more time: I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with them. Thank you.

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a feeling that this is going to go on a while. I want to recognize the returning officers for Hay River, Ms. Marny Twigge and Ms. Heather Coakwell, who do great work as returning officers, but also do a lot of other stuff in the community as well. I want to thank them for, not just this work, but everything that they do. Then my constituency assistant, who hates being recognized, but it's the last day, so I am going to do it: Ms. Anne Peters. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my constituent, Grace Martin, who will be a returning officer for the Mackenzie Delta. I know that she will do a great job. Also, our Chief Electoral Officer, Nicole Latour, and all your staff. Mahsi.

Daniel McNeely Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize the Chief Electoral Officer and staff, Nicole Latour, and the Sahtu returning officer, Michael Erb, and also recognize my former CA and my current CA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Cory Vanthuyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to recognize four constituents from the riding of Yellowknife North. Earlier today, providing our prayer song, was the Member and former Premier, Stephen Kakfwi. I also want to recognize and welcome Andy Young, a former fellow city councillor when I was on City Council, and the returning officer now is Amanda Mallon. We also have in the House today the constituency assistant to Frame Lake and Yellowknife Centre, Craig Yeo. Thank you, and welcome. Thank you for being here.