Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, fresh from attending an International Symposium on Democracy. Therefore the word and concept of democracy sticks in my mind. Mr. Speaker, I am not going to give a report on the symposium, which the honourable Speaker also attended. This report will be given at a later date. However, I wish to relate some of the things which I learned that are going to happen in Inuvik in mid-October, and are probably going to happen in many other communities in the north. Mr. Speaker, the dictionary defines democracy as "a government that is run by the people who live under it. Under a democracy, the people rule either by direct vote or indirectly through the election of certain representatives to government."

Mr. Speaker, the municipal elections in Inuvik will be held in mid-October. I am pleased to state that the process of democracy is alive and well, as indicated by the number of candidates who put their names forth to run for Mayor and town council. Mr. Speaker, there are four candidates for mayor, and 16 candidates vying for eight councillor positions. This is impressive and probably indicates that people are concerned, and wish to participate in the governing of their municipal affairs.

This is very healthy, and I wish the best of luck to all of the candidates. I also have a bit of advice to the voters of Inuvik. On election day exercise your democratic right, and get out and vote. Mahsi Cho.