Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories for the riding of Inuvik Twin Lakes, I would like to extend my sympathies to the family of Mr. Stanley "Goo Goo" Tyrell, who passed away after a short battle with cancer.

Mr. Tyrell was a prominent and well-respected elder from Aklavik who spent his entire life working with his people. He was very instrumental as a carpenter, having spent his early adult life building up many of Inuvik's existing buildings, such as the Mackenzie and Eskimo Inn hotels.

Mr. Tyrell leaves to mourn his sisters, Rose Larocque, Dolly McLeod, and Florence Carpenter, his son Wally and his wife Jeannie, wife Jane, life-long friend Ida and granddaughters Tammy and Annie Tyrell. He also leaves in mourning his many nieces and nephews and his well-regarded friends throughout the Mackenzie Delta and the surrounding communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the presence of my executive assistant, Tom Williams' mother, Agnes and sister, Susan, who are here to watch the afternoon's proceedings. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate you on your election as the Speaker. I would like to congratulate the Premier-elect, Mr. Stephen Kakfwi, who I will join in Cabinet.

I would like to recognize a student I went to school with, who is here in the gallery, and most importantly, I would like to thank my parents and my family for their support. There is a very important gentleman who lays in Stanton Regional Hospital with terminal cancer, my uncle Stan "Goo-Goo" Tyrell. He has played a great role in my life, and I think he should be well recognized for encouraging me to work harder and be competitive.

As I said many times over, if it was not for the people of Inuvik Twin Lakes I would not be here today. Their fine effort, hard work and dedication to shared beliefs led me to put my name forward for election. I would like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to them.

There are other people who are very influential in our thoughts and beliefs in running for the 14th Legislative Assembly and I would like to recognize them, even though they are not here today. Gord and Lori from Northern Alberta. My wife, Dorothy, who is investing her time going to school in Fort Smith. There are many others who I will not be able to name today, but I would like to publicly state that I appreciate their continued support.

I do not have much more to add, Mr. Speaker, but I would just like to say that I am pleased to be here. It gives me great privilege to be standing here in front of you making this short thank you speech. Thank you very much.

-- Applause