Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I have the honour of saying ‘thank you’ to a resident who is retiring. Mike Canney started working at the Fort Simpson warehouse on April 4th, 1986, with the federal government as a casual. The following year, he started work with the Department of Renewable Resources as a seasonal store person. In 1991, he was asked to fill in as the regional store person and eventually he was hired full time in that position. The position has been renamed as a material management officer.
He has always spoke highly of his employment with the department and how his supervisors treated him and his colleagues. When asked about what he thought was the biggest improvement since he began, he would say it was the safety and wellbeing of all employees. Safety is greatly improved, and the managers have made him feel that his efforts are appreciated and respected. When asked about his future goals he said it, with a smile, helping my real boss operate the Lady Slipper Lodge, formerly Mackenzie Rest Inn, and helping raise their granddaughter. If given the opportunity, he hopes to get out on their boat more often and maybe get a few rounds of golf in.
I would like to share a few words from his colleagues from the regional office.
Mike will be missed here at compound, yes, but not just for what the things he did related to the fire season but for all the little things. He's always made sure the compound is secure, locking the doors and the gates. Safety was his priority. You could see him shovel away the snow and remove the ice during the winter months. You could see him dig out the snow from the sliding gates early in the morning. He helped us purchase and maintain all their mobile equipment. He made sure the fuel supply was tested and ready for each fire season. Most importantly, he's a great guy with a lot of patience, practical knowledge and experience, and had a few funny stories to tell. Good luck and all the best in your retirement Mike, you will be sorely missed around the shop.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to say, use Mike's words: "It's been my pleasure to work for this organization for all these years and will miss the comradery and the challenge of the position. Thank you to the entire GNWT, for the opportunity to serve all those years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
