Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will be speaking today about fire fighting, but that of a different nature than what Mr. Picco is referring to. Mr. Speaker, this week has been designated as a time to acknowledge the bravery and dedication of all fire fighters across the country. Mr. Speaker, in the past I have had the opportunity of serving the volunteer fire fighting crews in both Tuktoyaktuk and Arviat. Mr. Speaker, this first hand experience gives me a realistic view of the hard work and dedication that fire fighting demands. Mr. Speaker, Johnny Sewoee is the Fire Chief of my own community of Arviat. He has a voluntary crew of twenty fire fighters who may at any given time be asked to risk their lives to keep the Hamlet of Arviat safe from fire. Driving a sixteen year old fire truck, Mr. Speaker, Johnny and his crew carry out practice runs every two weeks in the winter and once a week during the summer months. This practice session ensures that the crew keeps up-to-date on modern fire fighting techniques and keeps them always prepared in case of emergency.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the actual fire fighting practices, the firemen pay regular visits to the local schools, teach our children about fire fighting, fire safety measures. The children are taught how to escape safely from their homes if they are caught on fire, and also, if their schools should be endangered by fire.

Mr. Speaker, in my other community of Baker Lake, Mr. Titus Alooq has been the fire chief for a number of years and leads a crew of fifteen volunteer firemen. Mr. Speaker, approximately two years ago, Baker Lake experienced a major fire where two staff houses caught fire within twenty minutes of each other. With only one fire truck at their disposal, and despite the brave efforts of the crew in sub-zero temperatures, the crew were only able to salvage one of the homes.

It is because of instances like this, Mr. Speaker, and the regular time-consuming training that they do, I am proud to acknowledge all the fire fighters, especially those dedicated to voluntary crews in Arviat and Baker Lake. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude and, far too often, they are taken for granted. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause