Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First off, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome back my friends and colleagues to the House. I look forward to this session and working with you all to continue moving the NWT forward.
This August marked one year without any evacuations for the community -- well, evacuations and emergencies for the community of Hay River. We are one year evacuation free. It's been a while since we could say that. Hay River, like no other community in the North, has experienced troubling events. But my community is resilient, and we will continue to move forward. We are still addressing issues that affect Hay River and its economy. Record low water levels have impacted both the fishing industry and shipping industry. The Hay River rail line remains uncertain as CN has decided not to rebuild the line after the 2023 fire. As the MLA for Hay River South, I will continue to urge CN to invest in rebuilding this line to reduce the costs to the residents of the North as this is pocket change for them. The community continues to rebuild from the 2022 flood and the 2023 fire, and the summer of full work for the contractors have had the opportunity for them to do lots of work this summer. This past year has also seen a return to normalcy and fun in Hay River, with some of our annual events such as the Polar Pond Hockey, the NWT Track and Field Championships, our Lobster Do, and Hay Days, just to name a few. Additionally, other organizations held events like the July 1st celebrations and National Indigenous Peoples Day. Events like these, along with other events in our community, is what makes our community and the volunteers that do it help make our community what it is today.
As we move through the year and the fall approaches, the town is alive with the return of school, winter sports, and our arena is packed again. This vibrancy is part of what makes Hay River so lively and active. In fact, Hay River won the Canada's Most Active Community in 2024. We received the $100,000 grand prize to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. Mr. Speaker, I'll ask for unanimous consent to continue my Member's statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you. I had this timed, but I'm a little slow with it. Hay River had more than 40 organizations participate in the challenge, recording 197 events, programs, and activities that provided opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to get active. From a seniors' lift-and-learn program, mushroom picking, kayaking, golf, walking clubs, and the school-bike-bus programs. These were fun ways that residents were able to get active, and I don't think my epic athletic abilities made this list.
Member from Hay River South, your time is up. Thank you, Member from Hay River South. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
