Then we can't forget our friend from Iqaluit, Ed "Hard Luck Bay" Picco who seemed to spend more time being nursed than playing, but he too made his contribution.

So I think all in all, Mr. Speaker, the Assembly acquitted itself well and we've set ourselves a high standard to maintain next year. As the Premier said, this year he intends to practise and stick to it. So when he gets his chance, he will be big. Thank you.

--- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just rise briefly to acknowledge a somewhat happier event than has been addressed so far in the House, and that's the huge victory of the MLA Sharks.

The score was 10-3. In one game, we made up for four years' scoring losses.

Prior to the game, I used to hear people snickering behind their hands when they talked about the MLA Sharks, saying they're not sharks they're more like guppies. Now we can hold our heads high because we have finally proven that we are capable of wearing the shirt.

We have things like the Premier's incredible break-away, that if he would have just had another 30 seconds he would have got to the not and maybe even got a shot. We had intense levels of activity. We had this huge collision between Floyd "The Train" Roland and poor, small Don Avison who doesn't remember much of the game or Friday after that collision.

--- Laughter

Then we had some tremendous scoring heroes who came out of nowhere like Roy "Huff And Puff" Erasmus who is now Roy "The Trigger Man" Erasmus, with a hat trick; an amazing contribution to the effort.

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was going to suggest if there are no further comments, we report progress for today on this item.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would initially like to indicate my support for the Premier's comments. I think they demonstrate the leadership role we have been talking about in this House since we were first elected. I agree fully as well that we do need a change to the compensation package for MLAs, including the pensions. To me, the single biggest issue is the pension fund. I support the change recommended in this commission's report. I also recommend the changes that will simplify the system that we now have. It will make it more transparent and easier to understand.

By my very basic math, we spend, including our pensions, $3.3 million approximately every year. So if we can restructure the pension plan, as has been recommended, where we acknowledge the responsibility to the Members who have paid into the current program and come up with a transition plan to accommodate Members who are part-way through their term and don't have six years, there is almost $1 million projected savings, which I think is very significant.

The fundamental message is we have to be showing the people that we are going to take a cut equal to or greater than what we are asking all our employees and non

government people to take that are funded by the government.

With those basic comments, Mr. Chairman, I agree with the need for change and I agree that we have to deal with this issue by March before we leave here next week, so we can get past this issue, send the message that has to be sent, and start dealing with the other issues before us. We don't want to spend an overly long period of time on this issue. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My supplementary to the Minister: Is it the anticipation that if MACA will be the lead department, then the superintendent of MACA in the region will be the lead superintendent with a coordinating function among other departments, as well?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister responsible for the Executive. Now that regional and area directors are going to become extinct as a species, I was wondering if the Minister could indicate to the House what arrangements have been made to provide an executive function in the regions so that there is coordination of government activity and that when people in the communities have questions, that they have one window that they can go to to have their concerns addressed and so that there isn't a fragmentation of service with departments going off every which way. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of FMBS. I was wondering if the Minister could tell this House when the final report on the affirmative action policy will be tabled in the Assembly so that we can see the recommendations and discuss what course of action we should be taking as an Assembly. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last night, I went to my first-ever practice with the now-famous MLA Sharks, the perennial cellar-dwellers in the annual competition with the media. The practice was a very inspiring one. Unfortunately, there were a few absences. The honourable Don "I Am In shape" Morin wasn't there, but we look forward to seeing him there on Friday. The honourable Ed "Hard Luck Bay" Picco was also absent.

--- Laughter

The honourable Levi "Eat My Dust" Barnabas was absent as well. However, the people who were there had a very high energy level and lots of enthusiasm. As for the skill level, let's just say we all tried really hard.

There was an example of intensity of play last night. The honourable Sam "Lumberjack" Gargan had a small collision with Kelvin "Pretty Boy" Ng.

--- Laughter

The result being, Kelvin bravely soldiered on for the rest of the practice with blood dripping down his chin, inspiring us to greater effort and maybe making him realize he should invest in a face mask.

Jim "Elbows" Antoine was there flying about as well, letting everyone know that he was there and ready to play. I can't forget my colleague Roy "Huff And Puff" Erasmus...

--- Laughter

... with his helmet from the 1960s...

--- Laughter

... dribbling foam down his face as he skated valiantly up and down the ice.

--- Laughter

The Member for Hay River, Jane Groenewegen, was there as well giving us all support, especially in the dressing room when she came to watch us all undress.

--- Laughter

Then there was the late David Krutko, our goalie, who showed up once the practice was over.

--- Laughter

I am just grateful that we have, as usual, a very strong staff to support us in our efforts and a coach like Mr. Hamilton. I am confident that tomorrow we will acquit ourselves well. Thank you.

---Applause