Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past few days following the blizzard we had last week, we have been enjoying some very balmy weather here. Some of the areas of the territories west of us have even been above freezing for quite a while. I think records will indicate that we had a very fine fall and perhaps records set for mildness during November.
But, while some of us are enjoying this mild and early winter, others are not. At this time, it is very critical for the formation of ice. This ice is used by many of our northern people as a means of transportation, such as roads to resources for trappers and hunters. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, we lose people to thin ice accidents.
Last year, the constituents of Tu Nedhe were saddened by the loss of two trappers from Lutsel K'e, on Nonacho Lake. This year already, we have had the deaths of two young people here in Yellowknife from Dettah. They went through the ice across the lake. Although there were heroic efforts to save one of them, two perished. On the Hoarfrost River, within the last couple of weeks, Kristen and Dave Olsen, who have a cabin out there and live out there year round, both went through the ice. Miraculously, Mr. Speaker, both escaped, wet and cold. Fortunately, they were close to their cabin, only a couple of miles away. But, their dog teams -- two teams totalling 20 dogs -- all drowned and they lost all their equipment.
Right here on Frame Lake -- just outside of our door -- earlier this year, I saw snowmobilers running on ice that had just formed the night before. Two days later there was no ice there. The conditions were very questionable. The message I'm trying to convey to people, Mr. Speaker, is that although we have ice and winter to enjoy, we must use extreme caution at this time of the year. I can't convey that message too strongly, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.