Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this morning I had the opportunity to sit on a panel at CBC to consider the performance of our Premier for his first year in office. The short amount of time did not provide enough time to share all the thoughts I had on this matter.
Last night at the Aboriginal Sport Circle Gala former NHL coach and player Ted Nolan gave the keynote address. A theme he presented from his years of working on or with a team is that we have to learn to win with what we have.
We have a team here. We have chosen our captain, our linesmen, but we have to work with other players that the northern constituents chose to represent them. We have to trust the judgment of those we represent, that they chose us on the basis of our experience, skills and traits they saw and respected. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. We all have our supporters and detractors. But for better or worse, Mr. Speaker, this is the talent pool that we have to work with, right here in this room.
I personally have a philosophy of giving credit where credit is due and to use my voice in this role to try to capture the questions and sentiments of the people and the public. In my role as a Regular Member I look for the passion and strength of all Members so that we can be the best we can be. We all have a window of opportunity to effect positive change for the community’s region and the communities we represent.
Although I was only able to give the Premier a C grade for his first year in office, I know my assessment could be enhanced by leadership that respects the value and contribution of all Members, including mine. For my part, I will continue to ask questions, offer comment and opinion and, if accepted by the Premier, bring my input to bear for the benefit of advancing our agenda and his agenda for Northerners.
There is room for improvement on all of our parts. Let’s, as Mr. Nolan said, learn to win with what we’ve got and respect all members of the team.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
