Mr. Speaker, as some of the Members will recall, last week I had the opportunity to experience visual impairment, by wearing a pair of special glasses that would simulate low visibility, out in the main hall of our Legislative Assembly. These glasses did, indeed, limit my vision and my ability to move around freely and comfortably, even safely. The experience was scary, but fortunately for me, it was only a simulated demonstration. For over 150 people here in the Northwest Territories, the experience is real and lasting. The effects do not go away simply by removing glasses or, for that matter, even putting them on. Perhaps a slight improvement can be made by wearing special prescription glasses, but there is nothing like one's own good eyesight. My challenge lasted only a few short minutes. To the visually impaired, it is a daily challenge, perhaps for the rest of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I believe what the Canadian National Institute for the Blind was trying to make us aware of is, that new buildings must be constructed with consideration for those whose normal activities are in some way impaired by illness or by accident. Here, we have sheet glass walls, protruding landings, doors with automatic closing devices and very light-coloured handles. Mr. Crow, a former Member, would have had a very difficult time here, even with his white cane.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the CNIB for giving me an opportunity to become more aware of the effects of visual impairment, and for the services they are providing to the people of the north who need their services. Mr. Speaker, there are about 150 known blind or visually impaired persons in the NWT who are using CNIB services. There are about another 200 who have not yet been contacted. The message here is, be aware and take care.