Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I would like to speak today about the important role of community firefighters and fire departments. Not only are firefighters our friends and neighbours, they are also essential volunteers who contribute to the public health and safety of our communities.

Firefighters are held in high esteem for the dangerous work they do on our behalf. Because of recent events in Yellowknife, where two community firefighters lost their lives, we all have an increased awareness of the risks firefighters take to protect us and our loved ones.

To recognize the essential work done by community fire departments and firefighters, every year the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs sponsors the NWT Fire Service Merit Awards. As part of the nomination process, communities in each of the five regions are asked to nominate one person from the fire department in their community as a candidate for this award. Communities are also asked to nominate their local fire departments based on their improvement in community-based fire protection services.

A selection committee comprised of representatives from communities and Northwest Territories fire services review the nominations and select one person from each region for the award. The committee also selects one individual from this same list of five regional nominees who is recognized as the overall outstanding individual in the Northwest Territories.

The committee then selects one fire department from among the nominations. That fire department is then recognized as the most improved in the Northwest Territories.

The Fire Service Merit Awards give communities the opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the dedicated people who give so generously of their time. Nominations for the awards close on June 30th and I encourage all residents of the Northwest Territories to submit a nomination form and take an active role in thanking the brave firefighters and fire departments that help to keep our communities safe.

In addition to encouraging the residents of the Northwest Territories to submit a nomination form for the Fire Service Merit Awards, I would also encourage residents to volunteer with their community fire department. Depending on the community, the time commitment required from individuals is not large, but the benefit to individuals and to the community is invaluable. Madam Speaker, firefighters are the first line of defence when fire threatens our communities. Notably, local residents who volunteer their time to keep their communities safe deserve our respect and thanks. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause