If I may, Mr. Speaker, today I would like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Shorty Brown of Yellowknife and publicly express our gratitude for his outstanding efforts in conceiving, implementing, and successfully completing "Project Arctic Ice Skates."
Mr. Brown and many others began the crusade to provide every child in the Northwest Territories with a pair of hockey skates in November, 1990. At the time, Mr. Brown, who has over 45 years of personal involvement in ice hockey in the Northwest Territories, observed that over the past few years opportunities to participate have grown rapidly as ice rinks have been completed in many of our communities, but that many young people were prevented from fully using these facilities because they did not have equipment.
Through Mr. Brown's efforts, Mr. Speaker, this is no longer the case today. I am pleased to report that Shorty Brown and his many tireless volunteers have reached their goal of providing over 4800 pairs of new and used skates and more than eight tons of hockey equipment to our youth throughout the Northwest Territories.
It is this type of vision and ambition, Mr. Speaker, that makes the Northwest Territories the special place it is to live and raise a family. Volunteers like Mr. Brown serve our youth, our communities, and our Territories unselfishly and tirelessly.
Nothing short of the highest praise is due to Shorty Brown and his group of volunteers for "Project Arctic Ice Skates." Mr. Speaker, I am sure Members will join me in offering Mr. Brown, and the host of volunteers and companies who worked with him, our grateful appreciation for "Project Arctic Ice Skates." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause