Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about cancer. On May 27, 2016, Donald Beaulieu passed away from cancer in Fort Resolution. Donald was a good ball player, hockey player, dog musher, and an overall sports enthusiast. Mr. Speaker, Donald was the first person that I knew in the Northwest Territories that was hired at the Pine Point Mine so that he could be part of the men's hockey team. Mr. Speaker, Donald was born in Fort Resolution November 15, 1949. So he was still young enough to be active with the people that played sports in the community. He was considered to be the number one fan by the local ball team. Donald will be sadly missed by his spouse Carol Collins and his children. When he became sick many people came up to me and asked me how Donald was doing. Donald had many friends across the Northwest Territories, including our Premier.
In Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh many people pass away from cancer. The incidence of cancer in the riding I represent is very high. In the past, the people of Fort Resolution always feared the cancer death because of the high rates. The Department of Health and Social Services indicated most cancer deaths are due to lifestyle; however, the people blame the mine that operated across the Fort Resolution Bay from 1961 to 1987. Mr. Speaker, that mine was never fully cleaned up. The Department of Health and Social services has a Cancer Strategy, and the people would like to know how the strategy is being carried out; if any actions have been identified within the strategy. The community of Fort Resolution has always had significant concerns about the high rates of cancer in their community. Also, many people from Fort Resolution have worked at that mine. Donald Beaulieu is an example of that person. He grew up in Fort Resolution as a child and worked in Pine Point and returned to Fort Resolution. Mr. Speaker, can I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Sorry, Mr. Speaker, I had advised everyone that we were going to try to keep it to two and a half minutes but I spoke in the Aboriginal language and I assumed that I was getting an extra 30 seconds. Mr. Speaker, it appears that health professionals cannot make a connection between the cancer rates and Fort Resolution and the Pine Point Mine. However, local people have always said the two must be linked. Health experts continue to blame lifestyle choices in Fort Resolution. Local people say there is something in the water that diminishes their abilities to fight cancer. The people of the communities want to know what the overall plans are to prevent cancer in the communities. Later on today, I'll have questions for the Minister on the Cancer Strategy. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Deh Cho.
