Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In our Assembly, we rely on Pages for much of the efficiency we achieve, such as it is, in the conduct of our business. They deliver copies of motions and statements, and they make sure we have fresh water always available. But, Mr. Speaker, probably the most important function for Pages in our Assembly is carrying notes between Members in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I doubt the public has any idea how much is done by way of notes between Members while we are in session. When we are at work here in the House, decorum requires we spend most of our time in our seats. So we use notes to conduct business, and, Mr. Speaker, though none of us would admit to authoring one, like conversations, not all of our notes would stand to public reading very well. I was reminded of that at the last session when I asked a Page what she thought of the job. She said she really enjoyed it but was surprised at how many notes were passed between Members. She went on to tell me that when her teacher saw a note being passed in class, she would take it and then read it in front of the whole class.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure I speak for all Members here when I thank you for not taking a similar approach.

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, our Page Program is a tremendous way to expose young northerners to how our consensus government system works. Most jurisdictions use older students than we do. I suspect those who are interested in the job in the South are already politically aware. Here in the Northwest Territories, we get young people in often before they even think of politics and, most importantly, before the cynicism that has become prevalent about the political process is entrenched in our minds.

Mr. Speaker, from talking to Pages after they have worked here, I know that many have had their eyes opened to politics as a possibility for their future. I have been surprised by how many young people have told me that, after being a Page, they were fascinated by what we do here and even how they thought politics might be in their future. Some have come back as youth parliamentarians. It is a good program.

On a more personal note, Mr. Speaker, I have been pleased for the past couple of days that our son, Tyler, could be a Page in this House.

---Applause

It has given him an opportunity to see some of my job and for him to gain perspective around politics. He has come to understand that when people discuss issues, their disagreeing with one another doesn’t mean that they really dislike each other, just that they have different points of view.

I am also pleased that it has given him an opportunity to experience our schedule, to help him understand…Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent

Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable colleagues. I am also pleased that it has given Tyler an opportunity to experience our schedule and help him understand why I have missed so many of his hockey and little league baseball games and parent/teacher meetings over the years.

As I am moving on to other pursuits, not retiring, as was reported in the newspaper, I expect to make more of those events. I know that Tyler looks forward to me being able to get to more of his games, but I am not sure he is looking forward to me being around more to make sure that his homework is done every night.

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all of the Pages for their work in this House. It is a great program, and I hope that subsequent assemblies continue the program. Thank you.

---Applause