Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to provide Members with details on the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Torch Relay.
The ancient Olympic flame has been transported from its home in Greece and lit for the first time on Canadian soil since the winter of 1988 when the games were held in Calgary, Alberta.
It began its 45,000 kilometre Canadian journey in Victoria, British Columbia, and today makes its journey north to Inuvik, home to some of our greatest athletes and former Olympians.
On November 5th, the torch will arrive in Yellowknife from Nunavut. In keeping with time-honoured traditions, it will be welcomed by the Dene peoples of Dettah and Ndilo before making its journey past the Legislative Assembly to Yellowknife City Hall for an Olympic torch ceremony.
I am sure that the national and international media accompanying the torch will be dazzled by our hospitality, our incredible artists, our talented performers and the dedicated Inuit and Dene Games athletes that will help celebrate this special occasion.
I wish to extend my gratitude to the Town of Inuvik, the communities of Dettah and Ndilo, and the City of Yellowknife for their hard work and dedication in supporting this historical event.
As well, I commend the many volunteers and staff that helped to prepare for the relay and I congratulate those residents who will receive the honour of carrying the Olympic torch and excitement of the games along with it.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to invite my colleagues and residents to join me at the relay celebrations tomorrow in Yellowknife and to be a part of this historic moment in Canadian history. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Lafferty.
