Debates of May 19, 2011 (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of the Mackenzie Delta, people of the Northwest Territories, for the privilege of serving them for 16 years as their MLA, as a Member of this Legislative Assembly, with the support of our elders, community leaders, our youth, and more importantly, the community membership, my constituency assistants, Sue Ellen Wilson, Liz Wright, Eugene Pascal, and my family and children. In 16 years, Mr. Speaker, a lot of work and effort and a lot of great people I had an opportunity to work with and serve in this Legislative Assembly from the 13th Assembly to today.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Legislative Assembly and all the departments in the Government of the Northwest Territories that I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years.

I would like to also announce today that I will not be running in the fall election, for health reasons and for the stress of working in a fish bowl for 16 years...

---Laughter

...and spending more time with my family and friends. Also the important elements of dealing with those issues that I feel quite strongly about, especially fighting for the little people out there, people are struggling, and more importantly, to work for the important issues for the people of the Northwest Territories, the Mackenzie Delta and to ensure that we are treating our people fairly throughout the Northwest Territories.

I want to give an opportunity to the Mackenzie Delta riding and individuals who may want to put their names forward, ample time so that they can do so.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank yourself, your staff and Members of the 16th Assembly for the opportunity of serving with you. Mahsi cho.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.