Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will change gears a bit and take this opportunity to speak of what is new in Nahendeh this year and the support that we need. I am happy to announce that I am a new grandfather.

---Applause

I would like to announce that my son Keone and his spouse, Theresa Black, had a baby boy January 6th named Kayleb. I would also express my excitement for the many other babies in Nahendeh that were born recently. In Fort Simpson, Sharon Mandeville and Jeff Hardisty had a boy named Seth. Lisa Lafferty and Michael Tetso had a girl named Jacie. Trudy and Dennis Nelner had a girl named Olivia. Priscilla in Wrigley had a girl named Elizabeth. Wendy in Wrigley had a boy named Hunter. Delores and George in Wrigley had a boy named Orrin. Brenda and Floyd in Wrigley had a girl named Fiona. Sharon and Trapper Joe in Trout Lake had a boy named Eden. In Nahanni Butte, Joan and Jim Paul had a boy named Gerry.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, today the government released the budget and I would like to take this opportunity to express the continued importance of funding for day care services facilities and staffing. It is critical for this government to recognize the important day care facilities when in communities, and all communities and all intergovernmental day care initiatives, and be more proactive and creative to address day care concerns. When families and residents are not able to participate in the workforce, their personal and financial freedom is seriously limited.

With that, Mr. Speaker, these new children and those who come rely on our decisions to create their future. Mahsi cho.

---Applause