Mr. Speaker, on Monday decades of dreams became a reality for the people of Nunavut when they held elections for the first government of Canada's newest territory. In this historic vote, they elected 19 MLAs who will govern this territory being created from the eastern part of Canada's Northwest Territories. This starts on April 1. Throughout Nunavut people gathered to watch the election results as the polls closed in each of the three distinct time zones.
The new legislative assembly is the achievement of Inuit and non-Inuit people working together. It will help Inuit become full partners within Confederation and to take charge of their own destiny. This government, which is representative of the northern population as a whole, will be accountable to the people of Nunavut.
On behalf of Canadians, especially those in London West, my constituency in southern Canada, I extend congratulations to the newly elected MLAs, to those who stood as worthy candidates in the election and to the people of Nunavut. Well done. Welcome.