Debates of February 9, 2005 (day 32)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My Member’s statement today will cover a number of congratulatory greetings and condolences. Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome and congratulate Mr. Robert McLeod, MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes, for his recent by-election victory held in Inuvik. I am confident that Mr. McLeod will represent his constituents well and I look forward to working with him during the 15th Legislative Assembly.

The Members may recall in the fall of 2004 there were four individuals considered lost during a hunting trip. An extensive search was conducted, but to no avail. The families recently held memorial services for their loved ones in November and January. I would like to express my appreciation to many companies, businesses and search and rescue teams in their efforts in locating these four individuals. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.

Mr. Speaker, the residents of Tuktoyaktuk recently lost a well-respected elder, Mr. Noah Felix, who passed away peacefully in December. I was fortunate to visit with Mr. Felix at the Stanton Territorial Hospital before I returned to Tuktoyaktuk. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with Agnes Felix and family.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, on a brighter note, I would like to take this time to congratulate two individuals in my riding of Nunakput. First, I would like to congratulate Mr. Randy Omingmak of Holman who has completed his second year apprentice in housing maintenance and to Mr. Desmond Gruben who has completed his second and third year in housing maintenance and has received his journeyman housing certificate. I was fortunate to be in Tuktoyaktuk to present the certificate to Mr. Gruben. Mr. Gruben is presently working with the Tuktoyaktuk Housing Association. Mr. Speaker, I understand the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment will be recognizing these two individuals, as well as many other individuals in the Great Hall of the Legislature on Thursday, February 10, 2005. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause