Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS, in 1949 the then deputy minister of the Department of Mines and Resources, Dr. Hugh Keenleyside invited A Y Jackson to do some sketches in Yellowknife, Port Radium and the surrounding countryside;

AND WHEREAS, with the assistance of Eldorado Mining and Refining Limited, A Y Jackson was able to return to the north to undertake his works;

AND WHEREAS, in subsequent years, A Y Jackson also travelled the barrenlands to outside Coppermine and around Great Bear River, Hunter Bay and Dease Inlet;

AND WHEREAS, at the opening of the exhibition of A Y Jackson's paintings on October 22, 1953 held at the Art Gallery of Toronto, the then Governor General, the Right Honourable Vincent Massey said: "You will recall he was one of four to form that group of artists which, during a spirited chapter in the history of Canadian art, taught Canadians to perceive the peculiar beauty of their own country. Alex Jackson is not only a great Canadian painter, he is a great Canadian, and a legendary figure in the Canadian scene."

AND WHEREAS, Eldorado Mining were happy to have made a contribution to the works of this great Canadian painter, the company's board of directors was pleased to support the collection known as the Eldorado Collection to find a new home in the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS, this new Legislative Assembly building could provide a permanent home so that the public can experience the A Y Jackson legacy and enjoy this truly northern asset;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that this Legislative Assembly request the Premier and the Executive Council that immediate arrangements be made to transfer, on permanent loan, the entire government's collection of A Y Jackson's paintings and sketches for permanent display in the Legislative Assembly building.