Debates of March 4, 2005 (day 49)

Statements

Member’s Statement On Origin Of Hockey In Deline

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, on behalf of the Sahtu region, want to send our condolences to the families of the RCMP members who were killed; especially when in our small communities they become like family members.

I would like to do my Member's statement, Mr. Speaker. I want to say that today is an historical day for hockey in the Northwest Territories. In 1825, Sir John Franklin wrote in his journal about hockey being played on Great Bear Lake. Mr. Speaker, do we know that the birthplace of one of our past-time sports, hockey, was played in Deline on the largest hockey rink in Canada?

Mr. Speaker, what is this government doing or planning to do to recognize the historical significance in Canadian hockey? We in the Sahtu, especially in Deline, are looking for support for tourism. Why hasn’t this government laced up its skates and teamed up with the community of Deline to be recognized as an historical spot in Canada?

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, we need our government to be on our side, to get in the game with the Sahtu people of the Northwest Territories and to get out there with the rest of Canada and hit the facts hard. Hockey Night in Canada began in Deline in 1825 under the moonlight, stars and northern lights of Great Bear Lake. Mr. Speaker, the community of Deline is celebrating this historical event by hosting a weekend of fun and strengthening their friendships through planned events this weekend. Mr. Speaker, the community of Deline has future stars in many sports and we must get on the same side and have our top three lines from this government to tic-tac-toe through the game and score the big goal for the Northwest Territories in hockey.

Mr. Speaker, I believe I have witnessed the fancy stick handling by the Ministers during the last few weeks on that side, and I believe that that skill could be used in an effort to utilize in the rightful place to call Hockey Night in Canada at Great Bear Lake. Mahsi cho.

---Applause