Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my congratulations to two Northwest Territories curling teams which will be representing the Yukon and Northwest Territories at the Canadian junior Pepsi curling championships in Truro, Nova Scotia.
---Applause
Madam Speaker, on Saturday, March 19 and throughout the following week, these teams will be curling against other provincial champions. The Canadian champions will be decided next Saturday on March 26. These champions will represent Canada at the world junior curling championships in Bulgaria some time in April.
Madam Speaker, I have a lot of personal interest in this Canadian national event because three of my children will be participating.
---Applause
My son, Kevin, is the skip of the junior men's team and he is supported by his brother Jamie, and Mark and Kevin Whitehead. George Gibson is the coach of this team. Tara Hamer is skipping the junior women's team and she is supported by my daughter Kerry, who will be playing third. The team also includes Kim Barraclough and Sheena Yakeleya. This team is coached by Ernie Comerford.
Madam Speaker, history will be made at these junior nationals because I believe it is the first time that three curlers from one family are going to be participating in this event. So at this time I would like to advise this House and my constituents in Inuvik that I will be away from March 17 to March 25. My wife and I will be in Truro, will be cheering loudly and providing support to these curlers. So please join me in congratulating these Northwest Territories champions and wishing them well next week. Mahsi.
---Applause