Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, about one in eight northerners live with some form of disability. Many of these people enjoy healthy, independent lives within our communities and make a valuable contribution to society through work, volunteer activities and family life. People with disabilities have the right to access service and facilities, but many are faced with physical barriers. There are stereotypes of what people with disabilities can do effectively and safely. Policies are developed without considering their needs. Treating everyone the same is not always fair. People with disabilities are entitled to expect some accommodations to be made when required to allow them to participate in community life.

Mr. Speaker, in our constituency, the Hay River Committee for Persons with Disabilities was formed approximately four years ago. They have become a referral point in a resource centre for people with disabilities. They now have an office set up and are hoping to have staff by the end of November. As soon as a staff person is hired, work will begin on assessing the priorities for people with disabilities and setting up programs to assist in areas of employment, independent living, information and support for families. They will increase their lobbying for better sidewalks and entrance to public buildings, and particularly the entrance to the medical clinic which right now is not a barrier-free building in Hay River.

Today, I would like to congratulate this committee on their achievements to date. In particular, I would like to recognize the outstanding voluntary service of a person who has been a strengthened force behind this committee, Mrs. Lillian Crook. Lillian has had a strong impact within the community. She shares her experience and knowledge to raise recognition and awareness about the difficulties that disabled persons face in their daily life. So, Mr. Speaker, thank you to Lillian Crook of the Hay River Committee for Persons with Disabilities for the work that they are doing on behalf of others.

Later today, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs as to the long-outstanding and long-ongoing discussion over tax relief for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause