Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of all the ordinary Members of the Legislative
Assembly, to express our heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the nine men who died last Friday, as a result of an underground explosion at Royal Oak Mines.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Norman Hourie, Josef Pandev, Chris Neil, David Vodnoski, Shane Riggs, and Vern Fullowka, all of Yellowknife; Arnold Russell of New Brunswick; and Malcolm Sawler and Robert Rowsell of Ontario. Moments like these, and times like these, draw and tug upon each of our emotions and, as leaders, we ask for your help and the help of the people of the north, and Yellowknife, in particular, in dealing with these most difficult of all times.
We ask that the people of Yellowknife, and throughout the Northwest Territories, come to the aid and support of the people who have tragically lost fathers, husbands, brothers and sons. Mr. Speaker, I can say to you that we have all asked in our prayers that the Creator watch over and guide this community and all of the families during these most trying days.
Mr. Speaker, I can say to the families, the friends, and the people of Yellowknife, that all of our constituents, and all other Members in this House, mourn with you and share in the loss of your loved ones. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.