Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good afternoon. Madam Speaker, I have just returned from Iqaluit where I, along with several MLAs from the Baffin region, attended a memorial service for eight men who lost their lives in a tragic boating accident in Frobisher Bay last week.
Madam Speaker, it was a time of great sorrow as we joined with families and friends in mourning the loss of their individuals. As with any tragedy, Madam Speaker, there is also a brighter side that can be seen through the sadness and sense of loss. During this past week, the entire region was touched by an incredible sense of unity; as people searched together, played together, rejoiced together and mourned together.
This ability of Inuit to bind together in good times and in troubled times has been what has allowed us to survive as people for many generations. I hope this tradition continues well into the future. The ability to work together, especially to deal with difficult issues.
I would like to thank the people of Iqaluit for their comfort and generosity during my stay. I would like to thank the people from all over the Baffin region who came to Iqaluit to support families and friends of eight hunters. I would also like to thank the people from Ivujivik, Northern Quebec, who came to help as well. I would also like to thank those who could not physically be there, but who offered their prayers and support.
Madam Speaker, although the search has ended and the memorial service is concluded, I would encourage the people of Nunavut, Ivujivik and the entire NWT to continue to support the families of those hunters, since the healing process has just begun. Thank you.