Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had an opportunity to travel back home on October 8th for the official opening of the Aurora Campus facility in Inuvik. I was joined by Commissioner Hansen; Ministers Dent and Krutko; the president of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Mr. Fred Carmichael; and a representative of the Inuvialuit, Mr. Eddie Dillon.

Mr. Speaker, in these types of events and facilities that are opened up, we must recognize the hard work and contribution of a lot of individuals. There are far too many to mention at this time, but for sure one of the key players in making sure this went along, and kept reminding members from the Beaufort-Delta that it was an important facility that needed to continue to stay on track, was Ms. Miki O’Kane and the staff of the campus, as well, for making the shift a good one.

Mr. Speaker, it’s an important facility and is recognized as such just by seeing how many people came to the turnout. It was a full house. Elders, students, businesspeople and government workers were there to see that this was an important event and open to continue with the education of adult learning. We were reminded that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still go back and gain more experience and education and go forward with that.

I just wanted to recognize that from the community end, it was a good event, a good time and it was good to see the atmosphere that was created by opening this facility. We were also put on notice, Mr. Speaker, by Mr. Carmichael that the student residence is the next issue that the community intends to bring to the table and push as they see it as an important part of this facility.

Congratulations to the campus and their new environment, the new building, and thanks to all those who turned out and made it a success. Again, thanks to our government for meeting with the community and addressing the needs of that community and region. Thank you.

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