Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for the Yellowknife Air Cadets Squadron 825 in their efforts to acquire a surplus aircraft through the federal government. The particular plane, an RCMP DHC3 Otter, was the last one to serve in the North.

Mr. Speaker, I myself obtained a pilot's licence through the air cadets and thus realize the importance of this acquisition to Squadron 825. The aircraft will be used by the air cadets primarily for the purposes of flight and maintenance training. The air cadets squadron will have care, custody and control of the aircraft, and will maintain it at no extra cost to the community. If the acquisition is a successful one, the NWT Sport Parachuting Association and the Civilian Air Search and Rescue Association will also benefit from, and enjoy use of, this aircraft.

Mr. Speaker, local organizations like Air Squadron 825, the NWT Sport Parachuting Association and the Civilian Air Search and Rescue Association are involved in introducing new members to flight training and increasing the level of skill development among their current members. These local groups are in need of greater accessibility to aircraft in order to fulfill the mandate of their organizations. The acquisition of this aircraft will go a long way toward serving their training needs. Presently the Government of the Northwest Territories, through the Department of Education, is placing an intergovernmental bid for the aircraft with the federal ministry of Supply and Services. Financing of this aircraft will be raised partially by the sale of a painting of the RCMP Otter, which is now being completed. Limited edition prints of this painting will also help to raise money within the community.

This RCMP Otter is the last one to be retired and spent much of its service time in the North. It is fitting then, Mr. Speaker, that our local air cadets should be the beneficiaries of this surplus aircraft. Appropriately, Squadron 825 has also announced that the aircraft will be donated to the aviation gallery at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre when it is no longer airworthy.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the acquisition of the RCMP Otter will be of great benefit to Air Cadet Squadron 825 and other local organizations. I sincerely hope that the air cadets, with the support of the Department of Education, are successful in their acquisition bid for the aircraft. Thank you.