Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning the Minister of Health, Tom Beaulieu, started his statement, “It is a priority of this government that children get the best possible start in life so that they can reach their full potential.” I’d like to recognize some of those people that help that.
We all know that many youth throughout the winter travel throughout the North to compete in many different sports: hockey, soccer, swimming, basketball, figure skating, hand games, and many others, including skiing. I’d like to recognize all those parents, grandparents and coaches that have been on the road for most of the winter taking these youth to different tournaments and events. Without that, these events would not take place and these youth would not have more potential to become successful in life.
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to be in the arenas watching a lot of senior men’s hockey, and I’m glad the Huskies are doing pretty good. In my opportunity to speak in the arenas, I’ve seen lots of people from different communities in Hay River as well as when I was in Yellowknife. There were lots of people travelling in. I’d ask them what they’re doing in Yellowknife: we’re here for basketball; we’re here for hockey.
I think, in the process of raising these children in the North, we need to thank those people that get involved in their development. I was speaking with one of my friends. Out of the last six weeks, he’s been home for only one week of those six. They’ve been on the road for five weeks. As I’ve indicated, I’d like to acknowledge those hardworking parents, and coaches, and grandparents who help these youth in the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, Mr. Bouchard. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
