Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was very happy to attend the official opening of the new Tununirusuq Arena in Arctic Bay on December 1st. It was a very happy event.

I would like to thank our former MLA, Ludy Pudluk, for his hard work and dedication to getting this project completed. The new arena is also a credit to our former mayor, Juda Taqtu, and the council of the hamlet of Arctic Bay.

(Translation) I would also like to thank the Honourable Manitok Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, who sent a message which I was happy to deliver on her behalf and a plaque which I was pleased to present to the community. I very much appreciate the Minister's efforts to extend her congratulations to Arctic Bay, since I know that she had only just been appointed when the arena was opened. (Translation ends)

The new arena was full of Arctic Bay residents when it was officially opened. It was very exciting when everybody went out on the new ice to skate together and enjoy the new facility. There were even people who went out on the ice who had never skated before. I want to also make special mention to thank Mr. Shorty Brown of Yellowknife, whose generous program provided skates for many people who would not otherwise have been able to skate.

I am pleased that the arena is already well used and has a busy schedule. I know that wonderful new facility will be enjoyed by Arctic Bay residents and will also be very beneficial to our youth who now have a much-needed place for healthy recreation and are grateful.