Debates of February 10, 2006 (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I first met Father Pochat, who was an oblate priest back in the early ‘60s when I had the good fortune to go to Grandin College. At that time, he was instrumental…He ran the program. As I went through that program, so did may esteemed northerners whom we all know: former Premiers Kakfwi, Sibbeston, Antoine; former Member of Parliament, Ethel Blondin-Andrew. There are hundreds of people who have gone on to very productive careers: chiefs; businesspeople; good, strong government leaders; our secretary to Cabinet. He was tremendously instrumental in the lives of many young people. When he left Grandin, he moved to the Tlicho region where he has been since that time and has devoted his life to the people of the Tlicho. He is fluently trilingual; French, English and the Tlicho language. He has now become an esteemed elder in our society in the North.

The reason I am taking the time to mention this today is I just got the good news yesterday that he has been recognized and will be honoured with the Order of Canada in the coming weeks and will be inducted as an officer to the Order of Canada. I would just like to take this opportunity to recognize that very great achievement and recognition for all his lifetime of work for the people of the North. I would ask that we take time to honour that achievement today. It’s a great one. It’s good for him and it reflects the lifetime he has devoted to all of us. Thank you.

---Applause