Mr. Speaker, on April 1, 1999, as Canadians celebrated the birth of our third territory, Nunavut, 19 newly elected members sat for the first time in the Nunavut Legislative Assembly.
Today those members resume their seats to begin the business of governing the new territory. As Nunavut takes its place in the Canadian federation our colleagues in government have many challenges and opportunities ahead of them.
With a fast growing population to represent, spread across two million square kilometres, their priorities include addressing social and housing problems, employment opportunities, health and education concerns. These members have an incredible opportunity to shape the direction of their territory, creating a brighter future for their constituents.
Allow me to send our territorial colleagues best wishes on their first day of business in the legislative assembly. May they govern wisely and govern well.