Thank you, Madam Speaker. I, too, have just returned from a very moving, emotional visit to my constituency, following the tragedy we learned of earlier last week. Although I came to Iqaluit with the idea of comforting those who lost loved ones, I ended up being comforted by the strength and faith of those families. They all expressed their enormous gratitude for the support they've received from all over the Northwest Territories, and Madam Speaker, that outpouring of support was overwhelming.
People came from Keewatin, from all over Baffin, from the south, and other parts of the territories to be there and offer support for those left behind. I want to especially convey my thanks to my fellow MLAs, Mr. Kenoayoak Pudlat from the neighbouring constituency of Baffin South, the Honourable Rebecca Mike, from the neighbouring constituency of Baffin Central, who also represented the Cabinet, and Mr. Titus Allooloo, MLA for Amittuq, who was also representing the Nunavut Caucus. I know that their taking the time to come to Iqaluit while the Legislature was still in session meant a great deal to the families of the deceased. To all those who came and to all who sent messages, food and other contributions, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks on behalf of my constituents.
I would also like to make special mention of the incredible effort of the Baffin region emergency response committee and rescue coordination centre in Halifax. They spared no effort. Many people put in many long hours on an incredible search effort. For example, immediately following the distress call from down the bay, two vessels which had been winterized and were already beached, were fuelled, had their electronic gears installed again, stores were open for food, a welding crew was assembled to prepare a skid for launching in the rough water, bulldozers were donated, a fuel truck arrived, all so that the Rhonjalee could be launched by 1:00 am. Crew members on the rescue vessels in gale force winds also went through extremely difficult times. Their efforts were critical in saving the two young men.
Plans are already well under way to establish a memorial for those who have been lost and a fund has been established at the Royal Bank in Iqaluit to help the families.
I would request a few moments more to conclude my statement, Madam Speaker.