Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The plan is to have interim appropriation in place about or before the end of March and the year 2000-2001 budget in place by the end of June. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the best assurance I can give is to simply repeat or remind the Members of the commitments that the Minister of DIAND made when he was here. He spoke very forcefully about his belief in devolution and his commitment to get on with that process. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the Northwest Territories, we are blessed with tremendous resources and, I think, a fantastic environment. We have to protect that. At the same time, we also need to maintain an investment climate that is going to give us the economic activities that we need in order to overcome the difficulties we face right now.

On the Diavik project, our government has participated totally and completely all the way through the comprehensive study review process. We have taken the lead on the socio-economic agreement, which was settled. We have participated in the environmental agreement negotiations, which are ongoing. We are attending the Prospectors Development Association Meeting in Toronto next week where the Deputy Premier will make a presentation with regard to our investment climate. I will be attending an International Ministers of Mines Meeting with the same message.

We are continuing with a lot of the messages that are aimed at ensuring we have a good investment climate and have the confidence of people around the world. And I believe we still do, in spite of these tough points. I think we are still a good place internationally to have money invested.

In terms of control over it, Mr. Speaker, I think it is much better to govern ourselves than to be governed by somebody else. I think when we see our northern governments in charge, responsible and accountable for development, then you will see development happening at a pace and in a way that Northerners want it to happen. I believe as we make steps in devolution, then we should be able to make a lot of headway on improving our image around the world as a good place to invest. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I can assure you that the Department of Finance is working on a number of options for us. We have given assurance that we will not hit that wall. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, the situation has not changed. We are still in a situation where we have to manage our resources very well. It is true that if everything else continues, if we continue spending as we have, the projection is the same. If we do not have any new revenues, then we will have a difficult situation to face some months from now. I cannot confirm that it will be 18 months or whenever. Mr. Speaker, we are optimistic that over the next few weeks and months, that plans and options we are working on will give us some direction that will lead us out of this situation. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, to my knowledge, that situation has not changed. We still are in the same situation we were a month ago. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a resident of Weledeh and former Member, Minister and Speaker of this House, Mr. Michael Ballantyne.

-- Applause

Although not yet a resident of Weledeh, I would also like to recognize Mr. Jake Epp, a former federal Member of Parliament and a Minister.

-- Applause

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize all of those hard-working deputy ministers who are spending their afternoon here. Thank you.

-- Laughter

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to congratulate you on your appointment and also congratulate the Premier-elect, Mr. Kakfwi, and my colleagues on Cabinet. I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all of the people of Weledeh who have elected me.

I will continue to consult and seek support from those people as we go through the tremendous challenges in front of us over the next four years. I also want to thank my wife Theresa who is here, and my family. I urge Theresa to be a little less sensitive as people say nasty things about me over the next four years, because I am sure they will. I appreciate the continuing support and the support she has shown me in the past, as I made the decision to run and have gone through the process.

My late father always told me as I was growing up and trying to seek my way in life, to believe in myself and no matter what job I ended up with, to do it the best I can. I approach this job over the next years with that same advice he gave me.

Mr. Speaker, over the past few weeks I have come to know my 18 colleagues in this House very well. I am proud to be a colleague with you. I think we have a tremendous group of MLAs here. I have a lot to learn and I am sure you will find ways of teaching me. I think we can do the job. I am confident that as a result of our efforts, the Northwest Territories is going to be a more unified, healthier, better place to live. Hopefully a wealthier place as well.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause