New Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Larry Doke gave thanks to the former Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA for his work in the legislature during his inaugural address Dec. 7.
Doke thanked Michael Chisholm for his eight years of service to the constituency.
"I got to know Michael in my capacity of a councillor for my home community of the resort village of Metinota," said Doke. "I was asked to oversee a Canada infrastructure program to construct a new lagoon for Meota, the RM of Meota, and the resort village of Metinota. I approached both Michael and our federal Member of Parliament. They encouraged us to make an application for funding, and today we are proud to have the lagoon built and in operation. The people of Cut Knife-Turtleford constituency are grateful for the work done by Michael Chisholm, and on their behalf I would like to thank him."
Doke's inaugural address in the legislature that afterrnoon was in response to the speech from the throne brought down Dec. 5.
Like the inaugural speeches by other new MLAs, Doke had thanked his family, his campaign team, and many others. Doke thanked his wife Valerie, and his supporters and volunteers during the long campaign.
Among the people he also thanked were the doctors, nurses and staff at Battlefords Union Hospital "for their caring, compassion and professionalism " during a bout of ill health during the campaign. He was in the ICU for a week, and then ordered to bed rest for another week, he noted in his remarks.
Doke talked about the uniqueness of the Cut Knife-Turtleford constituency, with its agriculture and oil and gas investments, and its provincial and regional parks. He noted both Cut Knife and Edam would be celebrating centennials in 2012.
He also made reference to the seven First Nations reserves within the riding, and noted the historical significance of the area by pointing to the work of one of the historic First Nation, Chief Poundmaker, and the artistic contributions of one of his descendants, Allen Sapp.
"Today, Chief Poundmaker's attempt to make a life better for his people is remembered. I congratulate the First Nations people who continue to want to make their life better for their people. I'm also pleased to know that our schools are now teaching students about treaties and the culture of First Nations people," said Doke.
In closing Doke voiced support for the throne speech and against a New Democrat amendment that was opposing it. He added he was "humbled" by the office and pledged to be a public servant the constituents could be proud of.
"Mr. Speaker, I have adopted the quote 'listen to learn, not to respond' in my business career and everyday life. I will bring this quality to the House and to the constituency of Cut Knife-Turtleford," Doke concluded.
