The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Good afternoon. I hope Members had a good weekend. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Silas Arngna'naaq will be absent from the House today to tour the Trap Research Facility in Vegreville, Alberta. The Honourable John Todd's return from lqaluit has been delayed and he will also be absent from the House today. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Koe.

Fred Koe Inuvik

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge a recipient of the Commissioner's award. On Friday evening in Inuvik, the Commissioner was in Inuvik and presented Mr. Edward Lenny with the Commissioner's award for public service at the highest level. Mr. Lenny is a resident of the Mackenzie Delta area and currently lives in Inuvik. He's a businessman. The award was given to him for his contributions to the development of cultural traditions in the western Arctic. He's very instrumental in developing the traditional Inuvialuit games, northern games as we call them. He's been involved in this for many, many years. He's also very involved in organizing traditional feasts and dances and any other events that happen in the region.

Today, there was a press release issued from the Commissioner's office. The award was presented to him on Friday night and I would like to congratulate Mr. Lenny on receiving the award and take this opportunity to acknowledge his accomplishments. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Lewis.

Brian Lewis Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Friday was a big day for MLAs and I've written a poem about the efforts of Members on the ice on that day. I'm sure that, although it's Monday and this is lighthearted, I'd be forgiven by my constituents and I don't think they would be urged to recall me for using my two and a half minutes on this statement:

On Friday, all Members know, we battled again our ancient foe, Our Sharks lined up at centre ice against those timid media mice.

In minutes it was four to one, we had those rodents on the run, Slick to pass, quick on the puck, the lead was due to skill, not luck.

But just as often in this House, Mighty Man becomes Minnie Mouse, The lead was slowly washed away by what was called the secret play.

'What secret play?" asked Speaker Sam, I see nothing weird from where I am." I see nothing at all," said Tough Guy Fred, "In fact, for a minute, I thought I was dead."

"That goes for me too," said defenceman Morin, "that sweat was a drop, but now she's just pouring." "What killed me," said Allooloo in distress, "Was that weird player in the purple dress."

"I think I know," said Kelvin Ng, "exactly how we lost our sting, the media's using all the stuff we leak so they haven't made us mad this week."

"I'm fitness strong," said gentleman Jim, "but after period two, I sure felt grim." "Me too," said Silas from Kivallivik, "I felt good at the start, but I soon fell sick."

When Kakfwi arrived, the score was tied, but no Shark felt his fish was fried, With Stephen on the Shark attack, we thought we'd soon get that lead back. 766With moves like Gretzky and a wicked shot,

we heard he was a demon in the slot,

But had all this been a media plan,

to make us believe he was Superman?

What if Mario gave him kryptonite,

to make us lose our will to fight?

And so we came to sudden death,

the Sharks to a player without a breath.

Breathless they stood as the women began,

the shootout, with Stephen, our only man.

It was Marty Brown who broke the tie,

the media won and we wondered why.

Then Hamilton revealed the secret trick:

"The media always make you guys sick."

---Laughter

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Lewis. item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

John Ningark Natilikmiot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognizes that the citizens of Canada have a right to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province in Canada. The mobility rights guarantee that one is able to move to any province or territory from any other without hindrance and look for work there, Mr. Speaker. Mobility rights also give all Canadian citizens and permanent residents the right to live and seek employment anywhere in Canada, Mr. Speaker. We are grateful for all the rights and privileges in the country that we enjoy every day in our lives.

Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, there are a few Canadians who are not able to enjoy such freedoms and privileges to move and seek employment in the country. For one thing, Mr. Speaker, the high cost of gasoline in our country, especially in the remote communities of the NWT, limit the people who make their livelihood from the land, by hunting and also, Mr. Speaker, the industry has been ruined by other people who we call animal rights activists. Mr. Speaker, if we talk about equality in the country, then we should make the price of gasoline equal throughout the country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Ms. Mike.

Rebecca Mike Baffin Central

Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. It is with pleasure that I stand to let the House know that I have a constituent here, Vera Evic from Pangnirtung, who will be a Page until Friday. I don't see her here, but Julie Alikatuktuk is also a Page. Both of these students are from grade 10 and were chosen by their class to come here to work for us this week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.

An Hon. Member

Hear, hear.

---Applause