Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to welcome Mr. Jackson Lafferty here as the Member for Monfwi. It’s wonderful to be up to full complement on this side of the House because we need all the help we can get to stay ahead of our friends on the other side of the House.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, October 9th to 15th, 2005, is National Fire Prevention Week. I would like to take this time to acknowledge those who contribute their time and energy to help promote fire safety and fire prevention in our communities. To that end, I particularly would like to thank the courageous and dedicated efforts of the firefighters in our community of Hay River.

The Hay River Fire Department is a volunteer fire department and that in and of itself reveals the absolute dedication of these men and women to make and keep our community safe. Mr. Speaker, we are constantly reminded of the daily heroics of firefighters, whether in Hay River, any part of this territory or even worldwide, in being ready and prepared to help, in risking their lives all in the interest of protecting the public.

Not only do the Hay River volunteers serve their own community, they also provide ambulance services to a very large area on the highway extending to Fort Providence, Fort Resolution, Fort Smith and the Alberta border. The GNWT funds $25,000 per year for this service and that does not even cover the costs of operating the ambulances. The age of both Hay River ambulances is also a critical issue when we are talking about adequate services in a life and death situation. The two ambulances they presently have are a 1986 and a 1995 model, and these need to be replaced. Given the large area that these ambulances serve, I think it’s unrealistic to expect the Town of Hay River to provide this service with support of only $25,000 per year.

There are also liability issues that need to be addressed, and a more appropriate level of financial support for these services might assist Hay River in realizing their desire for a full-time, paid fire chief. I would urge this government, Health and Social Services, MACA and Transportation to take a serious look at whether we are properly supporting our volunteer crews by providing them with adequate resources and equipment to do their jobs.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again ask all Members of this Assembly to keep in mind the commitment and dedication of all of our firefighters who keep our community safe during this National Fire Prevention Week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause