Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m very grateful and humbled to have been elected to my third term. The feedback and support I received from my constituents during the campaigning was invigorating. I thank them deeply for their kindness and encouragement. The wonderful people of Nahendeh reminded me why we do this job, and I am sure that my colleagues had similar experiences in their ridings. We must remember what we heard and learn as we get down to business.

It is true that I would have very much liked to serve as Premier or in Cabinet. I profoundly thank all Members and constituents who supported...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. …(inaudible)…constituent in the gallery. I apologize if I missed anybody else. Ms. Veronica Grossetete from Fort Simpson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That concludes the Report of the Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on Transition Matters. Therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that Committee Report 9-16(6) be received and adopted.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Over the last eight years I have spoken often and determinedly on many issues, but today I will speak on the very reason I am here: the people of Nahendeh.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve my constituents and I thank them for the confidence they have shown in returning me for a second term. I believe I have carried out my duties to them with energy, commitment, and dedication, and that I have worked hard to bring their issues to the attention of Ministers and this House, and that I have responded promptly to their inquiries and requests for assistance.

This...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to provide its report on transition matters and commends it to the House.

Over the course of the 16th Assembly the Standing Committee on Government Operations has conducted a number of reviews and made a number of recommendations to government. In many instances the government has agreed with our recommendations and made commitments for which it has not yet fulfilled. The committee is also anticipating government responses to our most recent reports during the August 2011 sitting, which will be the final time...

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]

The change in season reminds us how important it is to secure an adequate, affordable, suitable home. Hundreds of Northerners depend on our public housing system for this shelter. It is a constant source of challenge for our governments. These challenges are frequently debated in this House by MLAs.

I believe that the Northwest Territories would be better served if the Housing Corporation became a department of our territorial government. As a department, the Housing Corporation would prepare full government business plans and have the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move this motion forward with the support of my colleague, the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe. It speaks to a possible solution towards working with our Aboriginal claimant groups as we examine the devolution question for the Northwest Territories.

The devolution for the Northwest Territories has to be agreed to by all people and the whole North must support it. That’s the content of the motion.

Devolution should be the way that people want it, Mr. Speaker. The way that they can get their voice is by being together. I’ve always said, over the years, that communication...

I’m pleased that the Minister is willing to at least sit down, engage in discussion, and, he’s right, there may be some possibility if there is some inventory around. I’m not sure what size of tower is needed but, once again, if the Minister would follow up with his officials, make contact with NorthwesTel to see how we can make this a reality for the safe travelling of the public in Fort Simpson and travellers flying into Fort Simpson.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask the Minister of Transportation some questions and he will be pleased to know it won’t be on Highway No. 7.

The travellers that go to Fort Simpson and stop at the airport and do have cell phones have approached me to see if there is a way we can extend the cell phone service from Fort Simpson out to the airport. The residents have raised that with me as a safety concern for medevacs, et cetera. It’s going to require an expenditure -- I’ve done some research on it -- up to about $200,000. I’d like to ask the Minister if his department is willing...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to thank Members and Mr. Premier for the stimulating debate that we’ve had over this motion.

Like I originally said, it’s a new idea. I didn’t have too much time to develop it and work it in this Assembly. We’re in the dying days of our government. At the same time the perception of our Aboriginal governments out there is that they weren’t involved, they weren’t able to participate, and that’s all they’re asking for, is to be involved, to participate in our government as we move forward with the AIP negotiations, as well as to understand the agreement...