Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the 2016 Relay for Life kicked off in the Northwest Territories last Friday, June 10th. What is Relay for Life? Whether you are cheering on survivors, walking the track, passing the baton to your teammates, or joining in the exciting activities, Relay for Life is more than just a cancer walk, Mr. Speaker. It’s a journey. Relay for Life is supporting everyone in your life who has been affected by cancer. Mr. Speaker, I’m very proud to announce that one of my communities in the Mackenzie Delta riding, Fort McPherson participated in this very important event. I want to add that Fort McPherson was the only community besides Yellowknife and Hay River to have registered teams. The two teams registered with a total of 31 participants, Mr. Speaker. During this 12-hour walk which began at 7:00 in the evening until 7:00 in the morning, a total of nine cancer survivors came out and participated in the historic walk. Throughout the night, an average of one hundred community supporters joined the walkers, giving them strength to complete another lap. To go the distance, to make a difference for their families and friends with cancer. The organizer for this event in Fort McPherson was Janice Wolchuk. The 13-year cancer survivor and our grade three and four teacher at Chief Julius School. She introduced this event to her community and for sure this will be an annual event that Fort McPherson will participate in. Along with Janice, many of our local teachers helped raise awareness and contributed to fundraising efforts. The staff at the Charles Koe building in Fort McPherson also contributed. Alexander Neyando helped coordinate the event and assisted Janice with logistics. Congratulations to the registered teams from Yellowknife and Hay River for giving hope, strength, and courage to all cancer survivors… Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, colleagues. And especially for inspiring our small communities to participate. Mr. Speaker, our community of Fort McPherson raised a total of $11,649.95. Thank you. Please join me in congratulating the community of Fort McPherson on a job well done. Mahsi cho.
