Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past Friday night I had the pleasure, with my colleague from Hay River North and Minister Ramsay, to present some Queen’s Jubilee celebration medals in Hay River. I’d just like to quickly note some of the folks who received that recognition, and also say that Hay River has many, many wonderful volunteers and wonderful citizens, and we did get a chance to recognize a few.
Pat Bobinski. For the last 40 years, community volunteer, sport builder in cross-country skiing, biathlon and snowshowing, who has been recognized by many as an inspirational coach and mentor to elite athletes in the NWT, including our own Olympian Brendan Green.
His Workship Mayor Andrew Cassidy, recently nominated for this prestigious award by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Mayor Cassidy is an accomplished community leader who makes exemplary efforts to make Hay River a great place, and he has a very strong interest in agriculture and healthy lifestyles as well.
Darm Crook – many of you will remember that name – started the union movement in the North as a steward in the early ‘70s and held a variety of progressively more senior regional and local union positions in the UNW, capping his career with a 12-year run as its president from 1985 to 1996. Under his leadership the GNWT greatly extended its reach, organizing workers in towns, hamlets, housing authorities, mines and hospitals across the NWT. Mr. Crook, when he received this award, made comment that it was great as union leader to get recognition at a Chamber of Commerce event.
Mr. Paul Delorey, well known to everyone here, served the people of the North with much distinction and dedication and commitment as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Hay River North. Mr. Delorey was elected in 1999. During his term as MLA, he served seven years as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. He retired from politics in 2011 and has an extensive history of volunteering in our community.
Brendan Green, biathlete who was born and raised in Hay River, NWT. He’s a product of Hay River’s Ski Club Nordic Program and was introduced to the sport by his coach, Pat Bobinski. Brendan now ranks among some of the greatest athletes ever from the Northwest Territories.
Vicki Latour has made a significant contribution to Hay River and the North in general. She’s had a successful career in journalism spanning over 20 years, and owned and operated a local newspaper and publishing company, co-founder and 20-year co-president of the Hay River Museum Society.
Wilson Claude McBryan, better known as Buffalo Joe, as he’s affectionately known around the world, is a vital and key member of the North’s aviation family. In 1970 he founded Buffalo Airways.
Mr. Speaker, could I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement, please?
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you so much. In 1970, Joe founded Buffalo Airways, a truly family business, and Joe is known for his vast collection of vintage airplanes and cars, and is the careful and dedicated custodian of an aviation era from World War II.
Ross Potter. Mr. Potter was honourably nominated by the NWT Fire Chiefs Association. Ross Potter is emergency services in Hay River. He’s been with the Hay River Fire Department for over 35 years and is now Hay River’s full-time fire chief.
Lastly, we recognize Jill Taylor, a supporter, mentor and advocate for youth at risk, helping each achieve their truest potential. For many years now she’s been the driving force behind the Hay River Interagency Group, a team of community representatives from many organizations dedicated to helping build a stronger and healthier community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Member for Range Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
