Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest sympathies for the families, and friends, of the men who died tragically last Friday in a blast at Giant Mine. I am sure I speak for all Yellowknifers, Mr. Speaker, when I say that our hearts go out to those who are left to wonder how something so terrible could happen to ones they love.

Mr. Speaker, this sort of thing really hits us all. Chris Neil, Josef Pandev, David Vodnoski, Shane Riggs, Vern Fullowka and Norman Hourie, were all our neighbours from Yellowknife. Robert Rowsell, Malcolm Sawler, and Arnold Russell were from outside the N.W.T., and our hearts go out to their families, as well.

Mr. Speaker, this is a time for grieving, not for accusations and fighting. I urge all Yellowknifers to put aside their differences and come to the aid and comfort of those families who have been left to mourn. It is impossible to understand the apparently senseless act of violence which took these nine lives. No sane person can comprehend how something like this can happen, but we must not be quick to accuse and point fingers. We must give the people who are responsible for investigating this tragedy the time and cooperation they need to find out all the details of what happened. Mr. Speaker, today, let us remember those who have died, and those who have been left behind to grieve.

Thank you.