Richard Edjericon

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Premier. 1978, when the satellite came down, it was a year later that another Russian satellite that came down I can't remember where it was in I think it was in South America, in and around that area. You know, and it happened not just once but twice. And it's I think we need to you know, the Prime Minister of Canada really needs to take ownership of this and listen to what the people are saying here in the Northwest Territories. Listen to what my constituents are saying here in our riding. And, you know, it's the evidence are there. The proof is...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement earlier, I brought this up again because I wanted to follow up as to what was happening in regards to Kosmos 954. You know, the chief was here earlier, Chief James Marlowe. I had breakfast with him the other morning, and we were talking about it again. And, you know, when this thing happened back in 1978, when it came down, you know, we used to have a vibrant little community in Fort Reliance, and along the corridor into Lutselk'e, Fort Resolution, and the town of Hay River, in that area, the corridor, where the satellite came down. And, you...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is with heavy heart and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you in this House today. On May 29th, earlier this year, I spoke passionately about the pressing issue faced by the people of Tu NedheWiilideh and all those who live in the Mackenzie River Basin, and I called for a public inquiry into the crash of Kosmos 954, as well for the immediate action to address the ongoing environmental and health concerns that plague our communities. Today I rise to seek answers and accountability from our government.

I appreciate the attention and support...

Thank you.

I'm speaking to the motion.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know if I could top that. Thank you very much for that, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, thank you. No, I'm just thinking, you know, I've been in Aboriginal politics most of my life. I was on the other side of the table fighting the fights in the trenches for our people. On July 25th, 1900, my great grandfather signed a treaty along with Chief Drygeese, Chief Snuff for Treaty 8. And Mary Rose Sundberg that's here, she's the descendant of Chief Drygeese. And that's why they call this area Chief Drygeese Territory. And so I just want to reflect a little bit...

It's our last day; we can't keep it short. Anyway, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, you know, when I was chairman for the impact review board, I chaired the Giant Mine Remediation Project. And, you know, that was a really big file for us and the impacts of that, the arsenic trioxide and, you know, even it was said that arsenic was underground. There's 237,000 tonnes of that, equivalent to seven and a half storey buildings in Yellowknife. But anyway, they called it the boogie man during the public hearings. And, you know, when we were going through that process, we brought expert people...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I was in my community tour in Fort Resolution about two weeks ago, I had a chance to meet with an elder, Angus Beaulieu. And when I was meeting with him and his wife, we were talking about this Kosmos 954, and he talked about, you know, when that satellite came across, there were debris found on his house and in that area as well. But he had a dog that some of this debris fell on, and it wasn't too long that when the dog would start limping and walking and eventually passed as a result of that debris that was found.

Mr. Speaker, has the Premier had any discussions...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to recognize my beautiful wife Elina Edjericon. She's here today and I didn't know she was going to be here, so I just want to recognize her. And I want to say I love you, my wife. I'm also I want to recognize the former MLA Steve Norn, who is also here. Welcome. And your daughters, Cynea and Deliah. Also, I want to recognize former chief Eddie Sangris as well and his wife Beatrice and family. I want to say welcome. Also the newly elected chief for Lutselk'e is Chief James Marlowe. I want to say welcome, mahsi. And I also want to I see at the back Manuel and...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just want to thank Caitlin Cleveland for putting this Private Member's bill forward. And I agree with my colleagues, the issue of dental hygienists in the communities are needed. And I come from small communities and, you know, it's welcome. This should have been done a long time ago. And, and so, Mr. Chairman, I just want to say that I will be supporting this bill. Thank you.