(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to inform the House of a search and rescue that recently took place in my constituency, specifically, Igloolik. (Translation ends)
On February 27, 1994, Eric Nutarareak and David Irquittug left to go hunting and planned to return home the next day. When the two hunters had not arrived by March 1, the community became concerned and organized a search of the area where the two men were thought to be hunting. Ground search parties sent from Igloolik and Hall Beach, however, did not have success.
On March 3, the air search people provided the use of their twin otter aircraft with local spotters. The community also received assistance from the GNWT through the community organized search for missing persons policy. The extensive and intensive search continued for the next five days.
Madam Speaker, I'm very happy to report that on the evening of Monday, March 7, 1994, the two hunters were found alive and were airlifted from the site the next morning. After the medical examination, Eric Nutarareak was released while David Irquittug of Hall Beach was medevaced to the Baffin Regional Hospital in Iqaluit with severe frostbitten feet. I'm informed that Mr. Irquittug is in good spirits although he may be required to receive further medical treatment for some time to come.
I would very much like to thank the residents of Igloolik and Hall Beach, the RCMP, and the emergency measures office of the Department of MACA in Iqaluit for coordinating their efforts which resulted in the successful conclusion of this search and rescue operation. Thank you.
---Applause