Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to use my Member’s statement today to comment on a recent experience: the opportunity I had to travel to Vancouver to represent the NWT last Friday, NWT Day at the Olympics, and to take in the marvellous Olympic atmosphere in that city over the weekend.
A couple of weeks ago I stated that the money expended by our government for participation in the Olympics has been money well spent. Now, more than ever, I believe that to be correct. Friday morning, attending MLAs were given a tour of our Northern House and, as Members have heard before, it’s an impressive venue. The quality of the exhibits is top notch and the layout, the artistic quality, just works. Several times as we wandered around Northern House I found myself thinking this is home. This feels like home, it looks like home.
Northern House represents the NWT very well. Visitors get a good sense of our Territory. I have to give huge credit to those whose vision developed Northern House, to those who had the courage to think beyond the ordinary to build Northern House into the striking venue that it is. I have to add that I think government would do well to think the same way on many occasions.
Capping off a very vibrant day of activities was the NWT Day performance at B.C. Place prior to the medal ceremonies that night. Titled The Drum: The Heartbeat of the North, it was a real treat for those of us who were there to see it live. I found it to be a varied, passionate, professional performance; an excellent showcase for our home-grown northern talent and culture. I want to congratulate all the participants in the medal ceremonies show on their quality work and on putting on a great show.
While I was in Vancouver I found the city to be a bit of a zoo. There were quite literally thousands of people roaming the streets at all hours of the day and half the night. It seemed rather like one big happy party, a celebration of Canada and our athletes. I’ve never seen so many red Canada shirts in one place at one time. At any sporting event when Team Canada was competing, there was nothing but a sea of red. I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder to be Canadian and seeing the pride in everyone around me made me proud.
After I arrived home yesterday people kept asking me about the trip. How was it, they say. I can only answer, it was great. Truly enjoyable, if tiring, but a chance to take in a unique event, a chance we don’t all get and I’m grateful for my chance.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.
My thanks go to the GNWT staff who set up all the details for my trip. My thanks go to VANOC, the Olympic Committee, for hosting us so well, for welcoming and pampering us as they did. I hope that I and the NWT will get the chance to return the favour sometime in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
