Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Monday, September 30, I had the privilege of attending the opening of the new fire hall in Fort Providence along with the Honourable Sam Gargan. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the community for their warm hospitality throughout my visit. I would also like to recognize the hard work of the teachers and parents. I say this because I was very impressed by the behaviour of the students who attended the ceremony. We did not even need microphones to speak because they were so well- behaved. As an educator, I know that children learn to behave best when teachers and parents work together.

At the opening, Chief Jimmy Thom recognized all the members of the community who worked together to make the project work. Mr. Speaker, we can learn from this project because it is an excellent example of community empowerment. The fire hall was built by local contractors with local labour. The building was enhanced through local funding. The Hamlet and the Band cooperated throughout the planning and construction of the building.

I was also fortunate to attend the naming of the joint Hamlet and Band office. Mr. Speaker, as you know, the office was named after Chief Paul Lafoin. Chief Lafoin was the Chief in Providence when Treaty negotiations occurred in the 1920's. He had a vision that his people would work together to make a safe and better world for future generations and that they would take control of their future. Mr. Speaker that is community empowerment!

In closing Mr. Speaker, I was very impressed by your community. It can stand as a model for communities throughout Canada.

Thank you.

---Applause