Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The role of volunteers in our communities is critical. Every day countless volunteers contribute to local schools, health centres, recreation programs, fire departments and cultural projects. In addition to formal volunteer roles, many individuals also help a sick neighbour, counsel a troubled youth, or share and pass on important cultural knowledge to others. Most of these volunteers work away quietly, knowing that their only compensation, if they think of compensation at all, will be a heartfelt thank you and the personal knowledge that they have helped make things a little better for their community.
Each year the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs recognizes the important work carried out by volunteers through the Northwest Territories Outstanding Volunteer Awards Program. Now in its 20th year, the program has received nominations for nearly 700 individuals and groups since it was first launched in 1991. While we all know that these individuals and groups nominated represent only a small portion of the many thousands who contribute, the awards program is still an important way of bringing attention to volunteers.
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the 2010 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Award winners are:
Ms. Cheryl Hval of Fort Smith in the Individual Category;
Ms. Ruby Trudel of Yellowknife in the Elder Category;
Mr. Brian Nitsiza of Whati in the Youth Category; and
Victim Services Volunteers of Yellowknife in the Group Category.
These award winners are being recognized at a special luncheon during the Northwest Territories Association of Communities Annual General Meeting in Hay River on May 14th. Each one of the volunteer award recipients contribute in a significant way to their communities and to the North as a whole.
On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories I want to thank them and all volunteers for their contributions, for the role they play in making our communities strong, healthy and sustainable.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.
