Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday at the beginning the Legislative Assembly we were welcomed back again and I take this opportunity to extend that greeting to my fellow members in the House.
Mr. Speaker, I have some sad news to announce. News of the tragedies that have come upon us within my constituency of Amittuq since April 16 to September 11.
Within this timeframe there have been 13 deaths. In Pond Inlet, 7 people died, one being a suicide from an overdose, another drowned, and 5 more died from health reasons.
In Igloolik there were 3 suicides. Another person died from health reasons and a small child of 2 years old died after being seriously burned.
In Hall Beach another small child, who just turned 5, died while under the care of a dentist on April 11, 1996.
Mr. Speaker, although I have details of each of these deaths, it would be too lengthy to speak on them within this statement.
Recently there was another death on September 16, the former MLA James Arvaluk's, Mother Apphia Awa.
These deaths have caused a great deal of sadness. There is some consolation in the fact that the relatives of the deceased were able to come together for funeral arrangements with help from family and friends, and at times, strangers who helped to help out.
At this time when there is no more financial assistance from the government for compassionate leave, it is good to see community people helping one another in need of support that results in the healing of their emotional wounds.
Mr. Speaker, I will be detailing the reports as I receive the developments concerning a burning accident of a small child that happened more recently in order to clarify the situation in the hamlet involved. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.