Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Members. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to thank the staff of the Legislature, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Inch and Mr. Schauerte. My constituency assistant, Patricia Attungala, and I think we have to remember one very special staff member and that is Betty Low, I think we should acknowledge her. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the people of Pelly Bay, Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, and most of all my wife and my family for supporting me for over nine years. Mr. Speaker, a number of Members here always address me by calling me Brother John. Mr. Speaker, having said Brother John, I think it was almost like spending nine and a half years in a seminary. So thereby, I think I would call Mr. Hamilton, Father Superior.

--Laughter

Mr. Speaker, I really enjoyed having to work for the people of Natilikmiot. Having to learn from senior Members of the Legislature and having to associate with people from the western Arctic, especially my Dene friends from this area. Although I have nayed some of my Dene friends, but you know there are times when one has to say no, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to thank Mr. Kakfwi, who the people of Natilikmiot called a cool guy. When he stands up, people tell me back home, he will pass for about ten minutes before he replies and another 20 minutes to respond to questions.

--Laughter

Mr. Speaker, I also would like to thank Mr. Morin, one of my very best friends from the area. Mr. Morin is a man that will keep his word. When I first became a Member, Mr. Morin and other Members from the western Arctic wanted to meet with me and discuss some of the issues of the day, Mr. Speaker. I was a new Member, I decided not to support that group. When I walked out of the room I thought I lost their friendship. Within ten minutes he came over to me, he said, Mr. Ningark, you are one of my very close friends. Ever since we have been very close friends. I also would like to thank my best friend, Mr. Steen from Nunakput. He has bought me many dinners in the past.

--Laughter

I think I owe him a couple of dinners. When he comes to Nunavut, I will endeavour to pay for his dinner even though I will be unemployed. Mr. Speaker, again I would like to thank the people. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the committee has been considering Bill 9, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 5, 1998-99; Bill 7, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 1999; Bill 10, Forgiveness of Debts Act, 1998-99; Bill 11, Write-off of Assets Act, 1998-99; Bill 12, Write-off of Debts Act, 1998-99; and would like to report that Bills 9, 7, 10, 11 and 12 are ready for third reading. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the committee of the whole be concurred with. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the honourable Minister for a positive response. My supplementary question, is the government continuing to monitor the quality of gasoline in Gjoa Haven? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Public Works and Services. Mr. Speaker, I have received a letter from the Mayor of Gjoa Haven and copies of other letters from other government officials. The letter was written to the government official in Cambridge Bay by the Mayor of Gjoa Haven. The letter that I received is in regards to bad, contaminated or poor quality gasoline in Gjoa Haven supplied by this government. I do not need to go into detail because the Minister has received the same letter. My question to the honourable Minister is, Mr. Speaker, what has the government done to deal with this matter at this point in time? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to recognize a number of people in the gallery, returning officers during Nunavut's first election. We have, bear with me, if I misread your names here, from Akulliq, Ms. Sarah Kidlapik; Amittuq; Ms. Catherine Piugattuk; Cambridge Bay, Ms. Jean Kaniak; Iqaluit Center, Ms. Annie Nooshoota; Iqaluit East, Ms. Meakie Pudlat; Iqaluit West, Ms. Wende Halonen; Kugluktuk, Ms. Agnes Allen; Nanulik, Ms. Liveena Kudluk; Nattilik, Ms. Nee Porter; Pangnirtung, Mr. Bill Kilabuk; Quttiktuq, Mr. Dan Leaman; Rankin Inlet North, Ms. Sandy Kusugak; Rankin Inlet South-Whale Cove, Ms. Elizabeth Dunkerley; South Baffin, Ms. Nina Manning Toonoo; Tunnuniq, Mr. Silas Takawgak; Uqqummiut, Mr. Peter Iqalukjuak; Nunavut Elections Office - Iqaluit, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Joshie Teemotee Mitsima; Administration Assistant, Ms. Kooyoo Nooshoota; Deputy Chief Electoral Officer of the NWT, Mr. Speaker, Glen McLean; and finally, Mr. Speaker, Coordinator of Training and Information, Mr. Brian Armstrong.

--Applause

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I have to excuse myself from this meeting. My boss is coming and I have to be at the airport to meet her. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to recognize in the public gallery a friend, former member of the territorial council, long time president of the Arctic Coop Limited, Bill Lyall.

--Applause

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, 16 new Members were elected during the Nunavut election. I congratulate all the candidates and I also recognize the Nunavut elected candidates during the first election of Nunavut. I will not say all their names because there are too many of them, and I do not have enough time. I am also very glad that they have had elections in Nunavut and have elected people who are capable to work, and different races and responsibilities is quite obvious. As of April 1, 1999, for the four coming years, the Members who will be in that term I am glad that they will continue with their work. It is obvious that Nunavut will be looked after quite well, but I am saying that the Nunavut people will be represented by their own people.

Also the challenges that we face in our language in Inuktitut, that it will be put forth and they will be able to speak both in English and also I am sure in French who will be also learning in this class. We will be leaving you behind in the Western Caucus so I thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

--Applause